We recently headed to South Beach to check out the National Hotel, a 137-room and
-suite oceanside property that’s just a 5-minute walk from the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Ideal for corporate or incentive groups with meeting spaces both indoors and alfresco, this adults-only hotel features the area’s longest infinity pool—it’s a whopping 205 ft. long. Lined with palm trees, and situated off the hotel’s back terrace, this eye-popping poolscape offers several spots for events, whether for large groups or more intimate gatherings. The property’s total outdoor space for get-togethers is 25,000 sf, including the hotel’s terrace, and there’s a dedicated 1,300-sf ballroom in addition to the Martini Bar, which provides a stellar homage to the hotel’s Art Deco history.
This iconic South Beach hotel beautifully preserves its 1930s Art Deco design and architectural elements, perfectly marrying it with contemporary elements (the hotel was refreshed in 2021). An onsite standout is the indoor/outdoor Mareva 1939 restaurant, serving Spanish cuisine. Cozying up to Mareva 1939 is the aforementioned Martini Bar, which serves classic cocktails and the restaurant’s full dinner menu.
During our dining experience at Mareva 1939, we enjoyed distinctive and artfully served food and drinks, including a variety of tapas such as grilled artichoke hearts with Jamon Iberico infused with a Manchego & truffle cream, fried Padron peppers, Spanish-style octopus with potato cream and roasted beet carpaccio. Other star starters on the menu are the pan con tomate and Jamon Iberico croquettes. Is your mouth watering yet? Our main entree was one of many paella choices—a scrumptious artichoke and wild mushroom option.
Meat dishes such as braised short ribs and rib eye are also offered. The restaurant is also known for its Sangria, of course, due to its Spanish roots. Our dessert was a magnificent burnt Basque cheesecake, served with blackberry hibiscus compote.
The executive chef really makes the restaurant special as the menu showcases dishes he grew up with in his native Spain, making the culinary experience authentic. The menu at Mareva 1939 (and accompanying Martini Bar cocktails) is available for groups.
For more information, visit nationalhotel.com/events-meetings.
