Little Havana is the heart of Miami’s Cuban diaspora, bringing authentic, Latin-inspired cuisine, rum bars, art galleries, and music venues to Miami. Further inland than Miami Beach, this area is often overlooked as a getaway destination, even though travelers can spend a long weekend here without ever having to stray from the neighborhood’s main street, Calle Ocho.
Life House, Little Havana is a guava-pink-hued edifice turned boutique hotel. Over the years, the expeditionist former owners filled the mansion with tokens of their travels: furnishings, textiles, and art memorializing their travels through the tropics.
Upon stepping foot inside, travelers will instantly feel as though they’ve been transported to far-flung destinations such as Martinique, Zanzibar, and of course, Cuba. To breathe new life into this lush haven, a curated collection of modern décor by designers Cassina, Hans Wegner, and Jeanneret can be found in the lobby, the rooftop, and each of the guest rooms. Vintage Afro-Cuban ceramics and exotic Caribbean plants are positioned along countertops, shelves, and floors. Custom rattan fixtures suspend from the ceilings.
Each of the 33 guest rooms boasts leather couches, bespoke bed frames, ample natural light, and latherings, courtesy of Le Labo. Aged brass, dark woods, and woven natural rugs stir up wonders of past journeys to the balmy tropics. Sunlight streams through wood-thatched curtains, giving way to views of Little Havana and beyond.
Grab a book from the lobby library and cozy up in one of the hammocks or wicker chairs within the abundant courtyard. Or, take the elevator up to Terras Rooftop, the hotel’s lively rooftop space, to nosh, sip, lounge or dance at any time of day. Bites and cocktails are influenced by the flowers and plants of the former owners’ jungle travels, and are best enjoyed on one of the cushioned chaises amply positioned along the rooftop for sunbathing. In the evenings, Terras opens up to the public for drinks and dancing into the wee hours of the morning, but hotel guests have guaranteed entry.
Those who don’t feel the need to be at the beach, and prioritize pulsating Miami’s Cuabn-tinged culture instead, should look to stay here.
Top Takeaways:
Location: Little Havana, Miami, Florida
The Vibe: A repurposed tropical edifice amidst the culture-throbbing blocks of Miami’s Calle Ocho.
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel?: All guests truly feel like VIPs at Life House, Little Havana. From the friendly yet breezy check-in experience to the spacious rooms, guests have free reign to roam the property yet rarely cross paths with one another, which evokes the feeling that this is really your private home.
Food + Drink: The Terras Rooftop is a haven overlooking the Miami skyline with a bar and restaurant. From day to night, guests can lounge, dine, drink, and dance.
Any Neighborhood Recs? The property is just a stone’s throw from the vibrant thoroughfare Calle Ocho so expect lots of traditional shops & Cuban-style restaurants here. It’s along here that stands Sanpocho, a no-frills eatery serving Colombian coffee, food, and treats.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, bespoke mini fridges, Le Labo bath products, courtyard, library, and rooftop bar
What’s Nearby: Little Havana is a bustling urban area of Miami, filled with some of the city’s best bars, restaurants, parks, and coffee shops. For those interested in spending the day on the beach, a commute via Uber is just a quick 15-minute ride away.
Rooms: There are 33 rooms in total.
Pricing: Rates from $100 per night.
Closest Airport: Miami International Airport
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