When visiting Miami’s South Beach neighborhood, there’s no better place to soak up the area’s vibrant culture than on Ocean Drive. Perched against the sand and sea, the pastel-colored, Art Deco-clad thoroughfare hosts a wealth of buzzy boutique hotels and notable restaurants that attract travelers to the scene-y area year after year. For a refined stay that places you at the heart of South Beach’s lively spirit, check in to The Gabriel Miami South Beach.
Blueprinted to match its surroundings, the Curio Collection hotel infuses elements of 1940s Art Deco and Cuban modernism. Within the main lobby, pink velvet couches, mint-checkered floors, and turquoise accents dress the interiors. Above the lobby, guests will stumble upon an intimate mezzanine illuminated by nautical porthole windows, allowing natural light to spill in. A teardrop, crystal chandelier hangs prominently over the lobby bar, inviting guests to sip on a sumptuous cocktail.
Spread across the property’s three buildings — Park Central, Imperial, and Heathcote — the 132 guestrooms and suites display a Scandinavian minimalist style combined with coastal-inspired motifs: wicker & rattan headboards, oak wood furnishing, and light blue tropical wallpapers spawn a beachy mood throughout the spacious quarters.
Creating a tranquil retreat amidst Ocean Drive’s buzziness, the oasis pool in the courtyard adjacent to the hotel’s outdoor eatery and bar is enclosed by lush greenery, providing an undoubtedly relaxing environment. While this is an intriguing spot, guests can lounge by the rooftop’s glass-bottom pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and South Beach’s idyllic shoreline. Accented with a punchy-colored abstract mural wall, this rooftop spot is the perfect place to snap an Insta-worthy photo with a befitting beachy backdrop.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, Meet Dalia, is ideal after a long day of catching some much-needed rays. Serving Mediterranean-American-inspired cuisine, the menu highlights a variety of shellfish offerings, comfort food classics, and meat-forward dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (think: Eggs Benedict, Greek Salad, and Cheese Burgers). As for the libations, we recommend the Frozen Piña Colada to get into the Miami spirit.
From its premiere location on Ocean Drive to its sleek rooftop pool allowing for sweeping views of South Beach, The Gabriel Miami South Beach leaves us feeling like we’ve had the full Miami experience.
Top Takeaways
Location: Miami Beach, Florida
Rating: Four-Star
The Vibe: A modern Art Deco-style boutique hotel with tropical allure.
Food + Drink: Meet Dalia is the hotel’s indoor/outdoor Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The grand bar, centered by a teardrop crystal chandelier, invites guests to sip a sumptuous cocktail prior to dining in the outdoor courtyard.
Our Favorite Part of the Hotel: The glass-bottom rooftop pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is as Instagrammable as it gets.
Amenities: Beachfront; Beach access; Outdoor swimming pools; Fitness center; Restaurant; Bar
What’s Nearby? Ocean Drive; Art Deco Historic District; Versace Mansion; Miami Beach; South Pointe Park; Lummus Park Beach
Any personal neighborhood recs? Given the hotel is centrally located on Ocean Drive, there’s a plethora of places to visit on this street alone. For a swanky rooftop lunch, consider popping over to the 1 Hotel South Beach followed by basking in the sun shoreside. If you’ve got a history knack, standing in front of the Versace Mansion is an awe-striking moment. Our official guide to Miami’s South Beach spotlights the best spots to eat, drink, and shop while in the area.
Rooms: 132
Pricing: Rates start at $254/night
Closest Airport: Miami International Aiport (MIA)
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