Welcome to Miami indeed. The view from the terrace off our room on the 16th floor of the Mandarin Oriental, which is on Brickell Key, a small triangle separated from the main city by a short bridge walk. We’re eating fresh fruit that was left for us (see below).

Some of the standard amenities. We were spoiled and it was wonderful. I miss the spa’s eucalyptus steam room. When we checked out, we were asked if we wanted bottled water for the road. Yes? Then room temperature or cold?

Our room, including a three-door-wide glass span. This time of year it runs just shy of $600 a night. We stayed in this luxury hotel because I’d won a three-night stay in a contest, as well as couples massage, dinner at La Mar and airfare.

The bathroom (with toilet in a separate room). It was open over the bathtub to the bedroom so you could see the TV or skyline if you wished, or pull a blind for privacy.

Daytime view from our terrace, where we spent a good bit of time hanging out barefoot in hotel bathrobes. In Biscayne Bay below, we saw bull sharks and rays.

Waterfront food and beverage service overlooking the bridge to Virginia Key. Further around to the left on the mainland was a port for shipping and cruise ships.

The hotel’s beach. No swimming there, because of the boat traffic all around the key, but there were a pool and hot tub nearby. If you didn’t grab a towel on your way past the cabanas they were stored in, an attendant would be over offering one and asking if you wanted it spread on the chair.