It’s astonishing how much fear a global pandemic puts back into travel. An emergency brings me to Miami in the summertime. Booking a stay at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay during COVID-19 makes me wonder how much will be different and whether anything at all will be the same. It turns out to be a mix of both.
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Arriving at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay during COVID-19
To begin, at the time of my visit, there is no valet parking, just the self-serve sort. That isn’t a problem because there’s an onsite garage. The bellman carries one of my bags to the front desk and deposits it.
Entering the lobby of the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay during COVID-19, I am struck by how quiet the place is—there is little traffic even getting here, few cars in the garage, and the open space in the hotel is fairly empty and very quiet.
I am greeted by receptionists wearing masks behind plexiglass. This is where I begin to understand how difficult understanding anyone speaking through a mask and then a barrier is. Check-in is speedy and essentially contactless. I probably could have gone completely contactless with my Marriott Bonvoy app, but I am a creature of tradition—especially when there is not exactly a line to wait on. Markings on the floor indicate to guests how far apart they should stand. This is not at all an issue during my stay—at most, I see a few guests in the lobby at any given time.
The walk to the elevator—following the arrows guiding foot traffic that isn’t there—is eerily quiet. Seeing ads in the elevator for restaurants that are closed during my visit is a bit depressing. All that is available to me during my stay is an onsite snack bar where I can get all sorts of bottled water and some munchies.
Guestrooms at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay
My room offers a bit of bliss—up on the 31st floor, I have a great view of both Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami from my wall of windows and my little balcony, for which I am so very grateful. The room is what I expect of a Marriott, but perhaps a touch cleaner. There’s no extraneous reading material or unnecessary items one guest to another would be inclined to touch. I do scrutinize the remote for the TV, and it looks pretty clean to me. I am grateful there’s an empty mini-refrigerator (so long, mini-bars!) for all of the bottled water I am about to purchase from the snack bar in the lobby.
What’s different about my hotel stay now: there is no maid service during my visit. Indeed, I do not even hear or see any cleaning staff up on the guest floor during my time there. I suppose if I really need fresh towels or more toilet paper, I can call the front desk for assistance.
Sun and Fun at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay
The outdoor pool and hot tub are open during my stay, and I am the only one on the entire terrace and also in the hot tub. The outdoor bar is closed. I feel like I am the only guest at the entire place.
If you visit, remember to check current restrictions, if any, on travelers from your area to Miami.
What’s Attractive to Bashful Adventurers
This seems like a great moment to visit the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay during COVID-19 if you are in need of a bit of solitude.
A room with a balcony and a view of Biscayne Bay is well worth the price. There’s big sky in Miami and Key Biscayne, and artists, photographers, and just about everyone will love the rolling clouds and changing skyscape.
I have no problem remaining socially distant from other guests during my stay.
Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, 1633 North Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL 33132
—Lori Tripoli
Lori Tripoli is the editor and publisher of Bashful Adventurer. Based in the New York City vicinity, she writes about travel for a variety of publications. Contact Lori at loritripoli @ bashfuladventurer.com.
Planning a trip to Miami, FL during the coronavirus pandemic?
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