I just got back from a fun family trip to Miami Beach, which I’m currently missing like crazy because it’s freeeeezing in NJ today. Our original hotel plans for Saturday night changed at the last minute, and with an music festival happening in Miami over the weekend, every decent hotel was pricing at over $500 a night. It’s definitely a rut I hate being in, but when life throws these type of situations at you, there’s really no better feeling know that points can save the day!
Once I saw that room rates were way out of my budget, I checked award nights in every program with no avail. Finally, I came across a viable option – 12,000 Starpoints for a night at the Royal Palm. I only had 3,000 Starpoints in my account at the time, so luckily I was able to instantaneously transfer 27,000 of my Marriott points at a 3:1 ratio, so that I’d have enough points for the stay.
While I normally only use my Starpoints for first class flights, this redemption was a good one, getting me a value of over 2 cents per point, considering the pre-tax room rate for the night in s standard room was $450.
The Royal Palm is now part of the Starwood portfolio.
Not only is the Royal Palm in what I consider the most prime location on Miami Beach, on the world-famous Collins avenue (at 15th street) and steps from the beach, the property is loaded with history and still preserves many of its original art-deco design elements from when it was first built in 1939.
Up until two years ago, the Royal Palm belonged to the Wyndham portfolio before joining the Starwood umbrella as a Tribute Portfolio resort. I’ll admit that my expectations were on the lower side, but I was very impressed with my initial impressions of the resort once I walked in.
Inside the lobby of the Royal Palm resort
Glimpse of the lobby bar
My kids really enjoyed stopping by to admire the colorful fish in the lobby
Since I was traveling with my two young children, I requested the first available room with two beds. Unfortunately the room wasn’t ready until after 3pm, but we were able to stow our bags and enjoy the pool and resort amenities until we received a text message stating that our room was set.
As a SPG Gold Elite, I had the option to choose a welcome amenity of 250 points or 2 drink vouchers at check in. I’ll let you guess which option I chose. ;)
Outdoor space leading to the pool
About to put my welcome amenity to good use
Pool area and outdoor restaurant
One thing I really loved was the the pool was heated to the most perfect temperature, the hot-tub was kid friendly, and the beach area had a children’s play area with all kinds of sand toys; everyone was happy!
To try something different, I decided to do a video about my stay. If you watch, you’ll see a glimpse of what my standard room looked like (hint: it was nice). It’s my first time experimenting with video, so feel free to share your thoughts (be gentle, ha)!
Bottom Line
I’m so glad I gave the Royal Palm a shot, and I feel good about my redemption. It really is in a prime, action-packed area, with so many attractions nearby. It’s a great family-friendly points hotel that I’d happily stay at again with my family.
What are your thoughts? Have you had a chance to stay at the Royal Palm now that it’s a Starwood resort? I’m curious to hear how it was previously as a Wyndham, too!
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