MARRIOTT VACATION CLUB PULSE-SOUTH BEACH: Marriott Destinations Club Owners Will Be Lucky To Stay At This Exclusive Vacation Club

By Danny R. Johnson – Entertainment/Travel News Editor

THE BASICS AND LOCATION

The backdrop of hundreds of music videos and movies over the decades, Miami may come to mind when one thinks of South Beach, but this Miami neighborhood is no longer just a party destination for the rich and sun worshippers. These days, art aficionados and architecture devotees’ alike travel to South Beach to enjoy the rich history of this Art Deco district. But those hoping to get down like it is Spring Break of 1998 needn’t worry, the area’s title as one of the nation’s nightclub capitals remains intact. And the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse-South Beach, located at 1410 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida, is at the center of all the action!

Marriott Vacation Club Destinations Owners who are lucky enough to occupy one of the 49 luxuriously appointed suites, are in for a host of delightful surprises. The five-story property is set in the heart of South Beach which caters mostly to baby boomers, singles, couples, and young Millenniums. Marriott Vacation Club South Beach is an upscale facility that provides owners and their guests with the flexibility to enjoy a high-quality vacation experience, but I would highly recommend families may want to leave their small kids at home because South Beach is truly a place for adults who are serious socialites.

Things Not to Miss in South Beach: Sunbathing – it is a beach after all; Exploring the shops on the Española Way; Renting a Deco Bike to explore the area; Between the old world and the new, merely walking down South Beach’s Lincoln road is a delight for architectural buffs. Don’t miss the new 1111 building and the classic Art Deco Colony theater; Golf – The reason most of the Northeast’s “snowbirds” retire to Florida for the winter months; The Performing Arts –The New World Symphony at The New World Center of Performing Arts and Miami City Ballet are just a few places where you can soak in some culture; Partying – make sure your name is on the list at one of the many exclusive velvet-roped hotel clubs; and the Miami calendar highlights varies throughout the year – Art Basel in December and the Brazilian Film Festival of Miami in August.

THE ROOM

The Marriott Vacation Club Pulse (MVCP)-South Beach provide guests with spacious living areas equipped with a large 52 inch flat screen TV, and suites and studios feature kitchenettes with a mini-refrigerator, sink, and a microwave (which happens to be one of the best buy built in microwaves in 2020). Because there are hundreds of restaurants within walking distance and adjacent to the building, you’ll find something to satisfy your distinctive and picky taste buds.

Our over-sized guest studio room featured decorations that reflect the heart of South Beach. The soft aqua blue painted walls blended beautifully with the vibrant paintings that embraced the spirit and culture of the area. The bathroom is radiantly appointed with beautiful marble tiles of black and beige running parallel to each other to create a calming and sensual tranquility. The room’s luxuriously styled master King bed was so comfortable you literally have to force yourself to get out of it each morning. With elegant touches like warm and rich blue and white beautifully decorated curtains and accessories, is a picture-perfect views of the ocean and the bustling crowd below. No matter which room style you choose, count on the utmost in comfort and discretion.

BEACH EQUIPMENT

One of the unique services and amenities MVCP-South Beach provides to its guest is the complimentary “Beach Cart.” This cart has on it a beach umbrella, towels, and a lounge chair, all ready to be pushed to the beach which is only 300 feet from the hotel’s front door. All you need is your beach clothes and plenty of sunscreen lotion.

THE FOOD

When the hotel says it offers a world of culinary delights, sun soaked streets, ocean beaches, and a vibrant night life, they are not kidding. Even though MVCP-South Beach does not have a signature restaurant operated by the Marriott Corporation, it does however have the “Havana 1957 Restaurant.” The restaurant is located in the same building as the hotel and it serves the flavors of traditional Cuban cuisine with the enhancement and sophistication of Havana in 1957.

Havana 1957 Restaurant & Bar is as Cuban as Cuban can get, and the cuisine here is wonderful. Outside of the wonderful atmosphere of Havana 1957, the breakfast at Havana 1957 is to die for. Don’t miss out on their Desayuno Cubano, which contains three eggs any style, and your choice of meat, served Cuban style. And for dinner, do their Palomilla a la Planacha, which is Cuban steak cooked on the grill and topped with onions and parsley. Cooked to perfection and loaded with the flavors of Havana! Website located at havana1957.com/espanola-way

For those who want a more superior and formal gourmet dining experience, there are dozens of restaurants to choose from. But there is one you must go to before you leave South Beach.

A Fish Called Avalon is a time-honored seafood tradition in Miami Beach that stands as an enchanting oasis. The restaurant is perfect for romantic dinners, family affairs, or nights out on the town. Located in the iconic Avalon Hotel on Ocean Drive, “A Fish Called Avalon” offers authentic, sophisticated South Beach experience. For over two decades, diners have enjoyed the Art Decco setting and creative menu. Executive Chef Kal Abdalla has created a seafood dominated menu with tropical influences, using the very best local, seasonal ingredients and daily delivered seafood. The restaurant offers prime and dry-aged steaks, organic chicken, and vegetarian friendly options, each with a perfect complement from the extensive award-winning wine list. Website located at www.afishcalledavalon.com

BOTTOM LINE

The best time to visit South Beach is during the spring – from March to May – with temperatures in the high 70’s and low 80’s during the day. As Florida is a retirement destination prices can be high in the winter months, so visiting over the holidays is best avoided if you want to keep your budget in check. As the most southern tip of Florida, Miami enjoys a sub-tropical climate throughout the year. However, hurricane season runs from June through November, so you are almost guaranteed some afternoon showers or tropical downpours if you visit at this time of year. During the summer, the temperature peters out at about 90 degrees but with high levels of humidity. Those in South Beach for Art Basel in December will enjoy some winter sun with temperatures in the high 70’s. The selling points of MVCP Pulse-South Beach extend to the professional and talented staff under the leadership of its General Manager, Drake Smith. Special kudos to team members Kayla, James, George, Britney, JC, and Nan, for providing superb customer service and exemplifying “The Marriott Way.”

For more information on MVCP-South Beach, you can visit www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/miamv-marriott-vacation-club-pulse-south-beach