Review: Esmé Miami Beach

Why book?

A funky boutique hotel with Jazz Age roots and a neo-Spanish-Mediterranean vibe, there’s excellent food and drink here and a lovely rooftop pool and lounge.

Set the scene

The first new hotel to grace South Beach’s storied Española Way in decade, the enchanting Esme Miami Beach is all about the boutique hotel charms. Rather than replicate the easy, breezy, sand-in-your-toes style of South Beach’s grand dames, this restored enclave (which comprises eight buildings connected by charming paseos) offers a well-placed base from which to explore South Beach. You know you’re in for a unique experience as soon as you walk in the door; the lobby is outfitted with thick crimson carpeting, Moroccan-style benches and accents of brass and dark green, setting the tone for the Moorish influence on decor throughout the property. The rooftop pool is small-but-striking (and not really made for anything other than dipping) but it’s a perfect spot for catching sun under the connected peach and white striped daybeds that line the deck.

The backstory

Opened in 2021 after a $40 million renovation by Infinity Hospitality Group, the boutique hotel comprises eight buildings, some of which date back to the 1920s and have history as a bohemian artist colony and the go-to hangout for gangsters like Al Capone. A fusion of classic Spanish-Mediterranean revival architecture and modern hospitality, the hotel strives to impress with personalized service, good dining outlets and lots of character.

The rooms

Each of the 145 rooms are uniquely designed with Spanish and Latin influences like gothic flowered wallpaper, leopard print curtains, cream-colored bedspreads, dark wood furniture and bathrooms tiled in pale pink. The basic rooms in the main building (called “Village” rooms) tend to be on the smaller side and dimly lit, so best to upgrade to a suite (which are located in Casa Matanza, slightly further down the street) for extra seating areas, mini-fridges and private balconies overlooking Española Way.

Food and drink

While there are plenty of options for dining around South Beach, the outlets owned and operated by the hotel are each unique and excellent in their own way. The rooftop bar serves an all-day menu of salads, avocado toasts and poke bowls amidst a backdrop of maroon banquettes and pale blue terra cotta tiles. El Salon is the intimate speakeasy-style bar where top notch cocktails are served, while further down the street The Drexel, from the team behind Miami’s Mandolin restaurant serves Mediterranean food. Tropzeon is an Andalusian gin and tapas restaurant from Randy Alonso and Chris Hudnall, the duo behind Miami’s beloved neighborhood bar, Lost Boy Dry Goods in Downtown. Dishes of cured meat, duck confit paella and pan con tomate are served in a bustling Spanish saloon-style setting.

The spa

The hotel lacks a spa but day spas like Gee Beauty are close by in South Beach.

The neighborhood/area

In addition to being a five-minute walk to the beach, this area of South Beach is known as a hub for nightlife and fine dining, with museums, nightclubs, restaurants and bars all within walking distance. Attractions like the Versace Mansion and Miami Design Preservation League’s Art Deco Walking Tours are also a five-minute walk away.

The service

The hotel's overall vibe is hip, youthful and inviting so the staff comes across as more friendly than experienced. Still, requests are addressed as needed.

For families

Not really. The rooms are on the smaller side and you won’t find much in terms of kid-friendly features. This hotel is best suited for couples or single travelers looking for a unique boutique hotel experience.

Accessibility

Yes

Anything left to mention?

While the hotel is lacking in certain frills—like minimal room service and no gym (although they do partner with a nearby gym and provide free passes)—there are thoughtful touches like complimentary bicycles for guests to use and your stay includes complimentary beach chairs and towels with a vendor on South Beach.