Miami Getaway

Recently we took the Brightline high speed train from Orlando to Miami. 

Below is our Miami itinerary. To see the full experience following this itinerary watch our Brightline Youtube episode linked above. 

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Where to Stay

Once our train arrived in Miami, we walked a few blocks to our hotel. We ended up booking at the Elser Hotel for a few reasons, first it was only a few blocks from the Brightline Station in downtown Miami, second we saw that it had some amazing amenities and third, we were able to get a good deal on it when we booked through Plannin.

The check-in process was a little slow as there was quite a line when we arrived; however, the wait was worth it. After the staff showed us how to use the destination elevators, we were off to our room. We were quite impressed to find a full kitchen, in unit washer and dryer as well as a great view of Miami. Then it was time to check out the amenities, which included a two level gym, a roof top pool, bar and restaurant - as well as access to a beach club. While overall we were very happy with our stay, there are a few things you will want to know before booking - there is an amenity fee per night as well as a parking fee. We were very glad to NOT have a car with us during this trip as the parking fee would have set us back $75.

Happy Hour

After checking in and checking out all of the amenities we were getting hungry. We decided to stop in at the onsite restaurant as we heard they were running Happy Hour specials. Skylar really liked the Negroni he ordered, and we both enjoyed their oysters as an appetizer before heading to our dinner spot. 

Dinner at a Hidden Gem

We ended up walking a few blocks further to a restaurant that many say is a hidden gem. It is easy to walk right past it and not know it's there. The Bali Cafe is an Indonesian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and a menu full of authentic dishes. Many items we couldn't pronounce but the waitress was so patient and answered all of our questions to help us decide what to order. Our meals were so flavorful, filled with seasonings and spices that we aren't familiar with. We both decided that the Bali Cafe is our go to spot for when we visit downtown Miami. We would recommend it for those who already enjoy Indonesian food, or those wishing to try it!

After dinner we decided we needed some exercise so we walk around the Bayfront Park for a bit and made it all the way down to the water fountain, before calling it a night. 

Breakfast & Coffee Nearby

We started our morning at a place known for their empanadas. It was only a block away from the Elser and was worth the quick walk. We loved the variety of empanadas that they offered and they even came "branded" so we knew what was inside each one. We also have to mention the coffee, the flavor was robust and had a nutty flavor which we both very much enjoyed. 

Time for the Beach

After brunch we checked out of the Elser and hopped into an Uber to go to the beach. The Elser does offer luggage storage so we were able to leave it onsite while we went to the beach club. Our stay at the Elser got us complimentary loungers and an umbrella at the Marriott Stanton South Beach. The seaweed was pretty heavy during our visit, but we walked south to South Pointe Beach and found crystal clear water. 

Back to the Brightline Station

After our beach excursion we picked up our bags at the Elser and headed back to the Brightline Station. Since we had booked Premium tickets back to Orlando, that meant we would access the Premium Lounge with complimentary food and drinks up to 2 hours before our train departed. The lounge was very peaceful and offered an array of snacks that cater to both sweet and savory palettes, including meat and cheese trays, salads, and delightful desserts to enjoy. We could pour our own draft beer, sip on wine, or enjoy non-alcoholic options—all in a peaceful setting with great views of downtown Miami. 

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