That Hotel Life

{The pool deck at The Standard Spa Miami Beach}

{The lobby}

{Outside bungalow #2}

{The Lido Bar & Grill‘s stellar views}

As the daughter of hoteliers, I’m hotel life obsessed. You see, my parents have owned and operated the finest hotel in Victorian Cape May, NJ — the La Mer Beachfront Inn for over 46 years. When my pops bought the place in 1969, it was a 37-room diamond in the rough (Read: a real fixer upper) but with lots of love, blood, sweat and chutzpah, we’ve managed to make it one of the Jersey Shore‘s most luxurious inns. Honestly, to witness its caterpillar-to-butterfly metamorphosis has been one of my life’s greatest gifts because it proves hard works indeed pays off.

With this said, I’ve cleaned our hotel rooms (my Lord, you people can be messy while on vacation!). I’ve worked the front desk. I’ve plunged toilets. I’ve babysat guest’s children. I’ve re-stocked the soda and snack machines. I’ve even scooped doodoo out of the pool (um, GROSS). Growing up in a house behind the hotel afforded me an intimate perspective into the dynamics that go into a property. Suffice it to say that it’s a massive undertaking and only the fittest will survive because it’s a 24/7 business. Mom and dad would literally receive phone calls at all hours of the night and it could be downright exhausting for them.

So when I stay at hotels, I’m always fascinated by the little things: The vibe (people don’t get this — but it’s ALL ABOUT THE GOOD VIBE). The amount of trees on the property. The threadcount of the sheets (1,000-plus, please). The freebie bath goods. The quality of the food on the on-site restaurant. The pool scene. The lobby’s appearance. The fellow guests’ energies. Whether or not the employees are kind.

In Miami, I’ve stayed and see them all in terms of hotels and I always recommend out of towners to stay at The Standard. The ambience is decidedly cool (Read: great vibes). The rooms are so cozy and stylish. The spa and its Turkish hamam are delightfully hedonistic (Meaning I once scampered around topless covered in mint-green mud). And the Lido Bar & Grill offers delicious bites with breathtaking views. I literally crave its fava bean salad (I know, totally random especially since I don’t even like beans but that’s life for you).

Anyhoo, I’m heading back to Cape May for the Fourth of July and will be sure to share my hometown with you. Until then, sit back and relax and soak up these relaxing pics of The Standard.

Photos by Emma Del Rey