Above: “The Cathedral” lobby at the Faena Hotel

In general, I prefer low-key, smaller hotels, tranquil and secluded places that possess traditional virtues and are indifferent to the dictates of fashion. But every so often I find myself admiring a place that in most respects is the opposite of my customary template. Not long ago, I stayed at the glitzy Baccarat Hotel in Manhattan and was unexpectedly impressed. And on a previous visit to Florida, I was surprised greatly to enjoy my visit to the flamboyant Acqualina, resort in Sunny Isles Beach, near Fort Lauderdale. Now it is the turn of the new Faena Hotel in Miami Beach.

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Above: “The Cathedral” lobby at the Faena Hotel

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