EAST HOTEL

MIAMI, FLORIDA

September 2016

Hotels in Miami....a very complicated topic. It has honestly not been easy for me to find one-of-a-king hotels I wish to promote in Miami, even though I’ve been living here for 9 years. That was until EAST came along. Yes, it may be massive and located right in the chaotic, yet NYC-looking, area of Brickell but there’s something about EAST that makes me go back there without hesitation, and with a huge smile on my face, every single time. Maybe it’s the Zen design, or the mandala shaped ceramics on the floor, or the Bali looking rooftop (Sugar), or the fact that it was blessed by monks prior to opening, or the vegan food options in their menu at Quinto, or the welcoming attitude and kindness of its staff (especially Ku. Such a sweet, proactive and detailed-oriented soul! Plus, her smile is freaking contagious!), or the pet-friendliness of the hotel, or the combination of it all! EAST is honestly setting the bar high for hotels in Miami by mixing the service excellence of a boutique hotel and the luxurious lifestyle of a well-known members-only club. Another incredible plus of EAST is their approach on eco-friendly practices. Besides installing "Eco switches" that turn every light off automatically, the AC also turns off the minute you open the balcony's door! Also, the vanity kit EAST offers to each guest comes in cotton bag rather than a plastic one, and each bath product is from Appelles; a cruelty-free (no animal testing) Australian luxury beauty brand free from parabens, mineral oils, and animal ingredients! Doesn't get more naturally beautiful than that!

If you're thinking of visiting EAST, here are a few of my recommendations:

-Order the Quinoa-flax-almond milk bowl for breakfast

-Go crazy on your coffee/tea. They have almond milk!

-Try the Roasted veggies & Quinoa Salad at Quinto. For my vegetarians: you can also order a yummy veggie risotto!

-Enjoy Quinto's $45 brunch on Sundays. HUGE grilled veggies and fruit bar.

-Try Sugar's (rooftop) Tofu dish and veggie sushi roll. My faves!

-Take your furry baby with you!!! She/he will get even more pampered than you will! Food and water bowls with their name, bed, and toys. Doggie heaven!

-Don't forget to take a selfie in the elevator. It's like a peek straight into the universe. Mind-blowing!