The Four Seasons

Description:

• Deciding between the hyperluxe Mandarin Oriental and the equally luxe, albeit somewhat museum-like Four Seasons is almost like trying to tell the difference between Eva and Zsa Zsa Gabor. There are some obvious differences and some similarities, but they're kind of subtle. While the architecturally striking Mandarin is located on the semiprivate Brickell Key, the 70-story Four Seasons resembles an office building and is smack in the middle of the business district. The rooms and suites are plush, and, as with the Mandarin, service is paramount. Most rooms overlook Biscayne Bay, and while all rooms are cushy, thanks to the hotel's signature "untucked" beds, the bland decor leaves a lot to be desired, really. The best rooms are the corner suites with views facing both south and east over the water. There are three gorgeous pools spread out on more than 2 acres with cabanas featuring flatscreen TVs, private bars, and iPod docking stations. There's also a phenomenal kids' program and, for chocoholics, an all-you-can-eat chocolate buffet every Friday and Saturday night for $21 per person. Eat that, Mandarin!

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Travel + Leisure 500

•  Best Hotel 2009

CitySearch

•  Business Hotel 2007

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2009
•  Very Highly Recommended 2010