The Vibe
The Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, Miami is a hip spot to base yourself when staying on Miami Beach. The vibe is like stepping into a tropical oasis, with lush plants in every corner of the hotel. The hotel is set in an iconic South Beach Art Deco building that actually reads “The Surfcomber” from 1948. It was acquired by the Kimpton hotel chain in 2011.
Upon entering the hotel, the small front desk is directly ahead, while the lobby seating area is to the right. The lobby is stocked with books, black-and-white surf images, rattan lamps and a glass table that says ‘SURF.’ The entrance to the rooms is tucked away between the front desk and the lobby behind an unassuming velvet curtain. To the left is the hotel’s restaurant, The Social Club, which serves all meals and offers a popular brunch with a DJ and bottomless cocktails.
Between the front desk and the restaurant is the doorway that leads you to the hotel’s stunning outdoor grounds. Between the fiddle leaf figs, palm trees and other tropical plants, you’ll stumble upon the expansive pool surrounded by loungers, lower-and upper-floor cabanas and Solei Beach Club, the hotel’s casual but delicious Mediterranean restaurant. Behind the beach club lies a gate that easily connects guests to Miami Beach’s infamous walking path and the beach, where the hotel has complimentary beach chairs as well.
How I Felt
Lively. It’s hard not to feel bubbly and in a good mood when you’re in a colorful hotel surrounded by sunshine and lots of greenery. I found myself enjoying lounging by the pool with a cocktail in hand, listening to the resident DJ play upbeat tunes. I also constantly felt energized, so I took one of the hotel’s complimentary bicycles for a spin along South Beach’s bike path.
The Digs
The rooms are simple, but I’d say the special parts of the hotel overall would be direct beach access, complimentary beach chairs, complimentary bicycles and complimentary coffee in the morning (even a variety of milk options are offered). I also loved the lavender pillow mist gifted during turndown service.
The Agenda
I enjoyed grabbing the hotel’s complimentary coffee selection in the lobby, then walking to the nearby Blue Lavender Café for breakfast. I came back and lounged by the pool for a while and had the Mezzo Board at Solei Beach Club before taking one of the bikes out for a stroll down Lincoln Avenue and across the bridge, through the Venetian Causeway. I explored different restaurants for dinner each night, with one of my favorites being LT Steakhouse.
The Eats
Both Solei Beach Club and The Social Club have great dining options. The beach club has a more relaxed vibe in an outdoor setting, while The Social Club is primarily indoors, with a few tables outside overlooking Collins Avenue. I loved the Mezzo Board at the beach club while I enjoyed the Shrimp and Lobster Cocktail and Tuna Tartar at The Social Club. Cocktails at both were delicious; the beach club offered more refreshing options while The Social Club offered a variety of unique cocktails.
Why I Would Go Back
For the location. You really can’t beat being on Collins, with beach access and within walking distance of Miami Beach’s best restaurants and all of the beach’s liveliness.
Latifah Al-Hazzà
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