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Q&As

10 Questions: Ericka Nelson, EPIC Hotel Miami

In our General Manager series, we catch up with heads of hotels for personal stories and insider perspective. This week, we get to know Ericka Nelson of EPIC Hotel Miami.

Q Best hotel room at the property:
A

One of the best parts about EPIC is that you can get a sweeping view of Biscayne Bay as well as the exciting lights of the city. Our ‘16 stack of rooms provides views of both of these. Watch the water during the day and the bright lights in the evening. When savoring that view, you get a full understanding of exactly dynamic of a city Miami really is.
Q The hotel’s most interesting detail, service or historical tidbit:
A

Forgot It, We’ve Got It’ is a staple of our hotel. It allows us to ensure guests have everything at their fingertips that they may have left at home. This includes everything from hair ties and stain remover to phone chargers and flat irons. During Halloween, we expand this list to include everything you may have forgotten for your Halloween spook-tacular, including tails, noses, horns, wings and, of course, fairy dust.
“
One of the best parts about EPIC is that you can get a sweeping view of Biscayne Bay as well as the exciting lights of the city
”
Q Favorite drink at the nearest bar:
A

My current favorite drink is the ‘Miracle on Ice’ in LILT lounge. The cucumber and jalapeno infused ice is a unique approach to changing the dilution of the cocktail. The flavor profile of the cocktail changes as the ice melts; it is like a flavorful journey and a little piece of heaven in the form of a cocktail.
Q Favorite dish at the nearest restaurant:
A

Tuna poke in Area 31. It is the perfect harmony of succulent raw ahi tuna, Japanese furikake spice blend all tossed in a house-made spicy aioli, the dish is served with a sesame thin cracker for an outstanding toasted texture.
Q The neighborhood shop or boutique you love:
A

The Seybold Building is my stress reliever. I love breaking away from the hotel for a few moments to wander around this awesome jewelry center with jewelry of all trades. I don’t always buy, but I love to look.
Q Best touristy activity or outing to do in your city:
A

Airboat rides! Picture this: you are picked up in the heart of a city and within moments you are in the middle of a majestic river of grass — The Everglades. You see animals you wouldn’t have the opportunity to see elsewhere, and you also get a little history lesson that describes how Florida was developed.
Q Best non-touristy activity or outing to do in your city:
A

Walking around the Wynwood neighborhood can be a full day activity if you do it at a Miami pace. I like to start out at Wynwood Diner and load up on their pancakes with a Bloody Mary on the side (okay, maybe it’s two). Then the art starts. Art in Wynwood is not just limited to the fantastic galleries, it’s on the sidewalks, the walls, the signs and the people around you. The pick-me-up is at Miam for a cafecito, Wynwood-Style. Later, it’s the perfect time for a beer — I pop into Boxelder for a one of their many local craft beers.
Q Outside the hotel lobby, what’s your hobby?
A

I am a working mom with two small kids, so that doesn’t allow much time for hobbies, but I love spending time with them and playing in the pool or building castles on the beach.
Q Your last holiday destination:
A

New York City was calling me home again a few months ago. I love walking those streets and eating that food… and getting a little shopping in as well.
Q Your next holiday destination, planned or wished:
A

Mexico! I’m actually leaving in two days to Cancun for seven evenings of sun, fun and of course, tequila!