Welcome to the East…. said in the tune of the old Wyclef song of the same name.

With Hurricane Irma looming on the horizon, it’s a little unreal to think back through my mostly sunny weekend in Miami. Having moved away from SoFL a few years ago, when I return to see friends, I pretty much stay on the beach. However, my travel companion insist we try the new EAST hotel in Brickell, the first of its brand in the US. Having hit the bar scene there last summer and it feeling just a wee bit too “Miami” (read skin-tight dresses and 4″ stilettos) I wasn’t in a hurry to stay there. Turns out, I was glad we did.

First of all, the upgrade. Our travel coordinator scored a bay view king room for us which was awesome. Simple in design, but thoughtful in detail and a nice size for a long weekend for two. Plus, those wrap around windows aren’t bad either.

A few design elements like wall designs, pendant lighting, breakfast nook, and tucked away safe were nice touches.

Very comfy bed and festive wall behind.

Only in Miami is the inside of your safe is Hermes orange.

The room had several fun details, including high-tech light control panels throughout, several Native Union products, and cheeky branded EAST takeaways.

My favorite part of the room was the hidden coffee cabinet, again in my favorite orange hue. I need one of these in my kitchen, stat.

The bathroom was large and featured a rainfall shower and a jacuzzi tub with views of Brickell Bay. The toilet closet was also glass. I do not understand this trend in sexy hotels. Get your groove on and then watch your partner pee? Naw, I’m good. Let’s pretend that doesn’t happen instead.

The balcony wrapped around the corner of the building and we spent plenty of time drinking champagne on ours watching yachts on the river and the sunrise over Brickell Bay.

The pool deck was pretty chill and was a mix of Miami ladies in thongs and little kids. The included breakfast was OK in taste, but was a nice touch. And the rooftop bar is beautiful, but busy. Several roped off areas impeded the surround view and with every table reserved, though most empty, it was a little frustrating to find a camp out spot. The location couldn’t be more central for Brickell and it was interesting to walk around the new City Center (though not too much is there), but for having a contract with Uber, none of them could find us. Make sure you allot at least 20 minutes to find your Uber and even then, be prepared to hike down a one way street one way or another.

For the right price, I’d stay at the EAST again, but it still has some big Brickell competition like the W and Epic, old favorites. All in all, any weekend in Miami is a good one, a fun one, and an expensive one. Three days is perfect, but I’m happy to be home.