A Wren Says

Roughly two months ago, I went to Miami, or Aventura to be exact. I stayed at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort and Spa. The place was full of people likely escaping their cold weather at home, people conferencing, and people there just to show off their fancy sports cars. I was there to see another new-to-me hotel.

The property was set up like a small-scale resort. The rooms were divided amongst buildings on the property, linked to together by a walkway and punctuated with lush foliage. There was a water park which I didn’t visit but experienced vicariously through gleeful screams of children having a good time. And beyond what I could see, there were golf courses.

I bided my time at the Starbucks conveniently located on the property until check-in. The site was run by the corporate entity, and luckily that meant not subject to the hotel price gouging. When I got to the room, it was well made, with a sitting area and a king sized bed.

The service there was pretty good. The only issue was when someone else’s golf clubs were delivered to the room. There was bit of effort to alert the staff to the mix-up but it was resolved fairly quickly.

As a deterrent, I noticed they had this sign on the mini bar: Our refreshment centers are fully automated with sensor controls. Removal of items will cause immediate charges to you account after 20 seconds. (I wonder if you should call the front desk to ask about allergy information.) On top of that, you would be charged for putting your personal items in the fridge. That one is less acceptable to me. It was after all still hot though allegedly winter. What would be the workaround for a guest?

The patio was small but inviting. I would have spent more time there overlooking the property if it weren’t for the mosquitos buzzing around me. I did enjoy having such a view to start my lazy morning.

I managed to make my way to the gym that was in a separate building on the property, close to the spa. It seems they split the time for guests of the hotel and members of a fitness club. Classes were offered that were exclusive to club members.

Though it offered a large array of equipment options, the space lacked aesthetics. Yes, you could get your full workout it, but what about your cute gym picture?

One of the key benefits of the property is how close it was to things to do. I was able to walk easily to the Aventura Mall, hop on the exercise trail, and get dinner. It was also a short drive to the beach and many of the Miami hot spots. I was so busy exploring the area that I didn’t get the chance to really explore the property. I know there is so much more that I could have done and seen. I am especially thinking about the onsite water park and spa.

If you are looking to experience the sun and sand of Miami, but a with a more laid back stay, maybe you should consider booking at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort and Spa. Especially, if you love to golf.