The Kimpton Surfcomber in Miami is a stylish boutique hotel with a fantastic location just a block away from the famous Ocean Drive and directly opposite the trendy Goodtime Hotel. From the outside, the building exudes Miami charm with its white Art Deco exteriors, surrounded by palm trees, giving it a tropical, laid-back vibe. It’s a mix of classic Deco architecture and a newer addition, featuring a rooftop pool that adds a modern touch to the experience.
Check-In and Room Experience
Check-in was a highlight, with Diamond Elite recognition that led to a lovely upgrade. We were given a spacious duplex suite, which featured a lounge downstairs and a bedroom upstairs. The lounge opened out onto a terrace with a hot tub—a brilliant spot to unwind with a glass of complimentary red wine. While the view from the terrace was limited to lush foliage, it still felt private and quite cool for a city setting.
The room itself was well-appointed, with plenty of space both upstairs and downstairs. The shower room upstairs was convenient, though the shower itself felt a bit old-fashioned and low in pressure—an American-style fixed head that’s seen better days. The bed was a bit on the firm side for my liking, but overall the room provided a comfortable stay.
Dining and Social Vibes
Breakfast at the next-door restaurant was excellent. The Diamond Elite credit was generous enough to cover two hearty American breakfasts, complete with coffees, making it a great way to start the day. The lobby bar was another standout, with a consistently buzzing atmosphere. The cocktails were great, and the service was excellent. With several TVs tuned into the latest Miami Dolphins games, it felt like the perfect spot to soak up the local energy.
Poolside Relaxation
The rooftop pool and surrounding area were well-designed and inviting, but the pool towels left something to be desired. They were frayed and of poor quality, which was a bit of a letdown for such a stylish property. It felt like an oversight given the attention to detail elsewhere.
The Quirky Kimpton Touches
Kimpton’s signature social hour was a bit of a mixed bag. It’s a fun, communal idea that usually adds to the charm of the stay, but at the Surfcomber, it was held on the sidewalk, which felt a bit odd. Sipping wine from a plastic cup on a busy street doesn’t exactly scream boutique luxury, and this detail let the experience down a bit.
Some Negatives
Unfortunately, we also encountered a couple of small service hiccups. One day, our room wasn’t serviced at all, and when we mentioned this to the front desk, they didn’t seem particularly surprised. They simply handed us some fresh towels, which felt like a lacklustre response to the issue. The aforementioned shower pressure and the hard bed were minor inconveniences, but noticeable nonetheless.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Kimpton Surfcomber offers a great blend of Miami charm, excellent location, and a lively atmosphere. Its Art Deco architecture, proximity to Ocean Drive, and buzzing bar scene make it a solid choice for anyone looking to enjoy Miami in style. There are a few areas where the hotel could improve—like updating the showers, providing better pool towels, and refining the social hour experience—but these small drawbacks don’t overshadow the overall experience.
If you’re after a stylish stay with excellent service in a cool Miami spot, the Surfcomber ticks many boxes, especially with the perks offered to Kimpton Diamond Elite members. Just don’t expect perfection, and you’ll likely have a great time.