Miami Beach’s vibrant energy can be overwhelming for those seeking a bit of R&R. While this bustling coastal town is certainly electric and entertaining—packed with visitors looking for parties, day drinking, and dancing—it’s not always the right vibe for those who need to escape the chaos of everyday life, even if just for a short time.
Luckily, there are hospitality sanctuaries such as the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, which caters to those who enjoy a lively scene but also crave moments of complete calm and tranquility.
The property’s accommodations embrace casual Miami style with nods to tropical decor through pops of turquoise, orange, and blush pink among light woods and wave-inspired patterns. Rooms are no-frills, yet sleek, modern, and, most importantly, clean. Although housekeeping services can be somewhat sporadic, the front desk is always ready to assist with towels, bottled water, or anything else you may need to make your stay more comfortable.
The Surfcomber’s lobby welcomes guests with floor-to-ceiling windows, leading into a lush courtyard that runs between the hotel’s two rows of rooms. While the hotel sits on prime Miami Beach real estate with the option to grab chairs and rent umbrellas, its biggest draw is the fountain-capped pool, which extends toward a sandy alternate entrance leading to High Tide Beach Bar and Grill.
If you prefer not to dine al fresco, the hotel’s main restaurant, The Social Club, is connected to the lobby and features a lively bar. Alternatively, you can sit outdoors to enjoy the sights and sounds of famed Collins Avenue while indulging in Mediterranean delights like lamb carpaccio and lobster-and-scallop ceviche.
The hotel also prides itself on its robust amount of on-site programming. With its expansive backyard garden and pool area, friendly staff host everything from sunset cocktail hours to Super Bowl watch parties. There is always something to do if you choose to partake in social activities, but you’ll never feel pressured and can always find a quiet spot to read, nap, or take in the sun. These outdoor spaces can also be rented for private events.
Miami offers no shortage of lodging options, but if you’re looking for the antithesis to the sterile, oversized resorts frequented by bachelorette parties and partygoers who rage into the early morning, the Surfcomber is the perfect choice.
Top Takeaways
Location: Miami, Florida
Address: 1717 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139
Rating: 4-Star
The Vibe: Channel vacation mode among the sensory overload that is Miami Beach with this respite from one of Florida’s most touristy areas. It’s in the heart of all of the action but offers a place to park by the pool with a mojito in tow and disconnect from the world around you.
Food + Drink: The aforementioned High Tide Beach Bar and Grill, as well as The Social Club, serve food and beverages all day long. There is also a surprisingly robust room service menu for those who want to enjoy the comfort of eating in bed.
Amenities: Valet parking; pool; beach access; gym (under construction); bicycle rentals; spa; laundry service; dog-friendly
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Flashy Miami Beach is a place to see and be seen but the Surfcomber embraces the boutique hotel lifestyle so that you can actually feel rested and rejuvenated.
5 Nearby Attractions: Ocean Drive, Art Deco Historic District, Lummus Park, Jewish Museum of Florida, Española Way
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs?: Rent a bike and explore everything Miami Beach has to offer, from Cuban cafes to galleries featuring local artists. It is one of the best places to people-watch, especially because it draws visitors from all over the world. Be sure to also walk the path that runs along the beach so that you can get a better sense of the diverse number of hotels that range in size, style, and age — there really is a property for every type of budget and personality.
Rooms: 186 guest rooms and suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $152/night during the summer offseason
Closest Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA)
