PLEASE NOTE: We had meant to post this last evening on Sunday December 14 rather than on Monday December 15.
We were up early to get ready to make our short walk over to the airport terminal that is located just a few hundred feet from the hotel elevator to check-in for our flight. When we got to the ticket counter there was no one ahead of us so check in took just a couple of minutes. TSA Security had very few people as well. Keith has the TSA Pre-Approval for flights on our preferred airline since he is a lifetime member for all of the travel he did. We do still need to the TSA Pre-Approval for the two of us for all other airlines. The one difference this time around was that Keith could keep his shoes on but they wanted the computers put in binds. With very few people in line, we were through security in a blink of an eye.
After making our way through security, we took the airport tram to get to the terminal for our flight. We then went to the Airline Club Lounge
We had a perfect flight. It is called uneventful. We took off on time and arrived to the gate 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled arrival time. We sat in first class and the flight attendants were terrific and the food was better than in the past.
After exiting the airplane, we made our way to the designated luggage carousel and were met by our driver, Jack Smith. We didn't have to wait too long and our luggage was all there. We then made our way to the garage where the SUV was parked. It is the same type of SUV that we were driven in from our home the day before.
We then proceeded from the Miami Airport into Downtown Miami and then over to the Four Seasons Hotel for our seven night stay in Miami. Traffic on Brickell Road can be congested and Jack took us on some backroads so we encountered almost no traffic.
When we got out of the vehicle we recognized three people from the staff who take care of the luggage from several previous visits to this hotel. They have a high retention rate of personnel at this hotel.
We then were checked in by the Front Desk Manager, Daria Rapp who we met last year and who Keith had corresponded with a couple of times. We were very pleased that our room was ready which was not our expectation given that we arrived to the hotel at 12:30 PM. Everything that we had requested was in place including a refrigerator that they added to the room for us.
The room that we will be in for the next week is similar to rooms that we have stayed at the past few years. It has a separate bedroom are and a door to the Living Room area. Keith can wake up early as he normally does and it provides an area for him to read and write while Anne Marie sleeps. We were upgraded to a room that overlooks the bay area and we have wrap around windows as the suite is in the corner of the building with magnificent views to enjoy during our stay.
This is part of the living room area. What is not visible is the refrigerator, the desk and the entrance foyer and second bath room.
This is a view from one set of several bay windows that we have in both rooms.
We then took a walk to have some lunch and we ate at a small French Restaurant called La Provence where we have eaten before. We like it for its salads. Anne Marie had a Caesar Salad and Keith had a Nicoise Salad and this is a photo of Keith's salad.
Afterwards, we took a walk over to a nearby Publix Grocery Store to pick up some water, fruit hand soap and a couple of other items.
This evening we plan to go to one of our favorite restaurants and we will post about that tomorrow. We hope to get a good night's sleep this evening as we were up quite early this morning
We are thrilled to be back to Miami and to begin this wonderful journey.
We would like to end today's Blog with a quote that for us is all about making the most and appreciating each and everyday.
TODAY'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY..............
“There are
only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The
other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein
Keith & Anne Marie
Thank you for the excellent photos of your suite! We were wondering what they really looked like because the FS website photos do not showcase the rooms that well. We will be staying in a similar room in a few months and now we know what the room looks like. Glad you are there safe and sound.
ReplyDeleteKeith,
ReplyDeleteInterested in your Miami restaurant reviews as we spend about a week in Miami every year. We also stay at the Four Seasons because of its location and amenities.
Frank5
Enjoying the blog! Your grandson is adorable!
ReplyDeleteWe are thoroughly enjoying reading your daily blogs -- your writing is personable and informative as well as interesting. Your experience as world travelers in most helpful. We live about 2 hours north of Miami and we have certainly enjoyed fantastic weather -- especially for your delightful walking tours around Miami !! Warmest wishes for a beautiful holiday aboard the Serenity. We look forward to meeting you aboard on May 4. Judy & Larry
ReplyDeleteWe are thoroughly enjoying reading your daily blogs. Your writing is informative and interesting. We look forward to meeting you aboard the Serenity in May. Meanwhile, all the best for a magnificent World Cruise.
ReplyDelete