Trump's America takes a turn for the worst. Myself and my boyfriend had been excited to try Toro Toro for bottomless brunch for his birthday. We walk up to the host and are told that there is "no room in the restaurant" meanwhile we called earlier and we're told Isabella would keep a table for us. Nevertheless, I shrugged it off and agree to the bar, but my boyfriend, whom is celebrating his birthday today, says he'd rather wait for a table inside to get the full experience.
I approach the hostess again and she looks and me and says "You know, let me be honest, we have availability, but you know..." she gestures to herself running her hands up and down her body. Confused, I look at her for a moment, then realize she's telling me "You can't come in because the way you look and what you are wearing"
Let me describe what my BF and I were wearing, a tank top and shorts. In Miami? Who would have thought? We wanted to go to jet skiing after and must maximize our time here avoiding changing. On top of that, we only brought a few quality outfits for DINNER, usually when policies of dress code are upheld.
After speaking to the GM of Toro Toro, Noemi Herrera, I was shocked that she simply apologized with no resolution, just a shrug of the shoulders. In the restaurant, I saw at least two other people with similar outfits as my boyfriend and I, which makes me believe this is simply a racist, or homophobic gesture towards us. Her face was frozen still, like she couldn't be bothered showering me with empty apologizes and no valid solution.
I have worked at some of the most infamous hotels in the world, dress codes aren't a shock to me. But brunch in Miami when it is the mid 70s at 2pm at Intercontinental? I hope people read this, take it seriously and do something about this disgusting brand. We might want to change the name on the hotel out front to Trump Miami.
GM of Intercontinental Miami, Robert Hill, you should be ashamed of yourself for the business you run. I hope the world sees the horrible alignment this brand has made to instill discrimination and appearance to control bottom line and associated target market. You can't fool me, I've worked at one of the most famous hotels in the world, I know your game. And it's time you get called out for it.
The best part - we ate at Toro Toro a few days prior and sat at the bar because we were told the same thing. Ignored it, but the service and food WAS AMAZING! These people can do it up if they dropped their pretentious bullshit. I'm glad I decided not post a review until I experienced brunch. So you're getting it. Thanks Toro Toro, Robert, and Noemi.
I am now sitting in tears, sobbing with my boyfriend because he truly hurt and upset because he felt discriminated against on his birthday, this being the first time he celebrated his birthday due to his upbringing and it's still plague with ignorance, hate, and shallow judgement on our character.
Noemi and Robert, I hope you are proud of yourself. I hope you make budget vs your forecast by not allowing certain target markets in your establishment. I hope your owners are proud of your bigotry. I hope you make your covers today are high considering half of the restaurant was empty. I hope you also study a bit about sustainable tourism and cultural equality because you both clearly need a lesson in discrimination and the political climate of today's America.
Have a great day. SMH. read more