Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel Review

From its prime location in the heart of South Beach, the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel offers an authentic taste of Miami, complemented by the comfort of modern amenities and thoughtful little luxuries for guests to indulge in. With their unique blend of Art Deco design, vibrant artwork, and lush greenery, guests are enveloped in their own tropical oasis, just a stone’s throw away from the lively action of Miami.

Guests can enjoy an intimate boutique experience with attentive, personalised services, where warm smiles await and are coupled with refreshing cocktails made by expert mixologists.

Background and Concept 

Embodying the essence of South Beach, the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel has a rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Originally built in the 1940s, the iconic property has been thoughtfully restored to preserve its classic Art Deco architecture, while incorporating modern design and amenities to ensure that comfort and style remain a priority. 

The hotel’s concept centres around creating a warm, inclusive environment where guests can socialise, connect, and relax in comfort. Embracing the lively culture of Miami, they offer personalised services and luxurious amenities alongside the authentic charm of their surroundings. Guests are guaranteed a memorable stay at this beautiful, welcoming hotel.

Location 

Just steps away from the sandy shores of South Beach, the Kimpton Surfcomber Miami is ideally situated for guests seeking a blend of luxury, relaxing surroundings, and vibrant culture and nightlife. With a plethora of trendy bars, clubs, and lounges just around the corner, guests can easily immerse themselves in the local culture and social scene. South Beach is a culinary hotspot, offering a wide range of choices, from gourmet restaurants to casually chic beachside eateries. 

The Social Club

This cool and trendy spot in South Beach was by far our favourite place to start the day off right, with delicious al fresco pancakes and mimosas served with a side of people-watching on the iconic Collins Avenue.

Their authentic food is inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean mixed with the spirit of Miami. The small sharing plates of wonderful food are the real highlight here, as well as the chef’s modern twists on classic dishes, such as the 7 Seas Benedict. Whether you’re looking for a cosy dinner, soul-nourishing comfort foods, or a breakfast to start the day off well, The Social Club is truly the go-to spot of South Beach.

High Tide Beach Bar and Grill

Offering a feast for the senses as well as the stomach, High Tide Beach Bar and Grill is an explosion of vibrant colours, from their yellow rockers to the pastel pink parasols and patterned cushions. Guests can soak in the sun, with the soft sand underfoot and a DJ set playing in the background, while they tuck into a delicious, refreshing lunch and indulge in indulgent desserts. Our personal standout dishes were the Nachos Riviera and Fried Oreos – these definitely put my native deep-fried Mars bars to shame.

Guest Rooms and Suites 

Boasting 186 elegantly designed rooms and suites, the hotel meticulously creates an oasis of comfort and luxury. For guests seeking the ultimate indulgent experience, the speciality suites feature spacious terraces providing a serene outdoor space with breathtaking views of South Beach.

Each of the rooms reflects the calming aesthetics of the area, with a perfect harmony of vibrant tones and the cool pastels characteristic of South Beach Miami. Their recent renovation has seamlessly blended cool, classic tones and muted tropical accents with subtle hints of Art Deco, enhancing the charm of the rooms and creating the perfect chic sanctuary.

Every room is thoughtfully equipped with luxurious pillow-top beds and beautiful crisp linens, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. Guests are treated to the indulgent, high-quality Atelier Bloem bath products, offering a personal, spa-like experience. For those travelling with a holistic approach, yoga mats are conveniently placed in every room, allowing guests to embrace tranquillity and wellness throughout their stay.

Our Room

The Art Deco details and soothing, beach-inspired colours of our Kimpton Surfcomber King Oceanfront Terrace room created a cosy retreat for our Miami getaway. The private terrace offered stunning views of the pool and the beautiful blue ocean. The loungers and comfy seating area were perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. Watching the sun dip below the horizon with a cold glass of wine was truly a taste of paradise. 

Other Facilities 

Spa 

Guests can relax in the poolside spa cabana, where K’alma offers a tropical oasis that can transport them anywhere, but the serene surroundings make it easy to stay grounded in the present moment. Miami’s local culture inspires the treatments and therapies K’alma offers, with a signature menu to choose from. Their signature coffee-infusion treatments utilise locally sourced coffee for its antioxidant properties, leaving the skin feeling refreshed.  

Daily Enrichment 

The daily calendar of enriching and energising activities available through their DAYLIFE programme means there is never room for boredom at the hotel. The packed schedule of engaging activities includes yoga, stretch and movement classes, pool games, and much more. If you’re personally more enriched from indulging than in activities, then the beach bar offers an extensive cocktail menu for you to indulge in a delicious and refreshing drink.

High-Tech Fitness Centre 

Workout routines don’t need to lapse while you’re away, as the 24-hour fitness centre is equipped with the latest technology, from Peloton to Lululemon Studio. You can keep the workout going with the coolest, sleek equipment, perfectly fitting the location itself.

Concierge Pool Service 

Full poolside service is included in your daily resort fee, which includes chair and bed reservations, pool towels, and attentive service from your pool server, offering refreshments and food from the High Tides Beach Bar. There’s no bed hogging to worry about here with the reservation system, so your only troubles will be choosing which cocktail and snack to try first. Beach chairs and towels are also included in your fee, which is perfect since the beautiful sandy beach is just steps from the hotel.

The Vines Cabanas 

The Kimpton Surfcomber Miami poolside cabanas are nothing short of luxury. Tucked away with stunning views of the ocean and the lively pool scene, each cabana is a masterpiece of comfort, featuring plush seating and lounging areas that allow guests to sink right into their own oasis of comfort and luxury. With attentive food and beverage service, refreshments are readily available. Guests can enjoy a complimentary bottle of champagne in each cabana to start their day off with a toast to the good life!

On our first day in Miami, we indulged in the Jasmine cabana as the perfect way to shake off the travel fatigue and restore ourselves for the rest of the trip. The cabana felt like our own private hideaway, and we felt like royalty, lounging and napping on the lovely L-shaped sofa and sun loungers. Our personal fridge was stocked with refreshments, and we spent hours lounging and savouring delicious treats from High Tides while sampling the expertly crafted cocktails.

USP’s 

• Located on the iconic South Beach, Kimpton Surfcomber serves as a gateway to the beachfront bliss of sun, sand, and Miami’s vibrant nightlife—all just a flip-flop’s throw away.  
• With pastel-hued decor and lush, tropical surroundings, Kimpton Surfcomber channels authentic Miami vibes throughout and offers guests a cosy embrace from Miami itself. It’s the perfect blend of local flavour and laid-back luxury.
• Guests can join in with the daily social hour at Kimpton Surfcomber, where complimentary drinks and light bites offer the keys to a good time. This relaxed setting encourages relaxation, mingling, and toasting to new friendships, because happy hour is meant to be savoured! 
• The hotel embodies the heartbeat of Miami throughout, making it so much more than just a hotel. With the rich local culture at your fingertips—art, music, and culinary delights—you’ll feel more like locals and less like tourists. 
• Take some of the stress out of travelling at Kimpton Surfcomber, as there’s no need to leave behind your beloved four-legged friends. Pets are treated like VIPs (Very Important Pets) with no additional fees, making it a true family vacation. 
• For those looking for a little extra company during their stay, the Kimpton Plant Pals Program offers guests the chance to enjoy a leafy companion. These mood-boosting plants not only enhance the ambience of your room but also provide numerous emotional benefits, reminding us that a touch of greenery can uplift our spirits and create a more inviting atmosphere. 

TLE Top Tips 

• Set your alarm for a sunrise wake-up. It’s your chance to snag a complimentary coffee in the lobby and sip it while watching the sun spill golden hues over the Miami skyline.  
• Don’t forget your sunscreen (and your sense of adventure) when you head to the beach. The shore is just a stone’s throw away, so why not make a splash? Grab a beach towel and soak up the sun. 
• Check out the on-site restaurant for some mouthwatering dishes. From fresh seafood to colourful cocktails, it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen. 
• Join the evening social hour for a chance to mix and mingle with fellow travellers. It’s a great way to swap stories, make new friends, and find a beach buddy for the next day’s adventures. 
• While the hotel is a gem, Miami has so much to offer beyond its walls. Rent a bike and explore Ocean Drive, or take a stroll through the vibrant neighbourhoods of Wynwood and Little Havana. Just don’t forget to stop for a pastelito! 
• The hotel offers a range of daily exercise and activity programs, including yoga on the beach and group fitness classes. You can indulge guilt-free later, knowing you’ve burned off some calories! 
• Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for local recommendations. They know the ins and outs of the city and can point you to some hidden gems that might not make it onto your usual travel list. 
• Lastly, remember that you’re on vacation! Take some time to unwind, enjoy the vibe, and let the Miami magic work its charm on you. 

Final Thoughts 

Staying at Kimpton Surfcomber was the perfect start to our Miami adventure before we boarded our cruise with Explora Journeys. The hotel, situated right on bustling Collins Avenue in South Beach, made us feel completely immersed in the lively energy of the area while also providing a serene space to relax before our busy adventure ahead. 

The incredible staff were truly the highlight of the hotel. They went above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience. We really felt welcomed into the Kimpton community, and we loved all the little perks, especially the complimentary morning coffees, encouraging us to join the early risers and get a headstart on our day.

One of our favourite moments was the daily social hour. It was such a joy to meet other guests and chat with the staff, swapping stories and sharing laughs. It felt like we were building connections that would last beyond our stay. As we headed out, we couldn’t help but feel refreshed and ready for our next adventure and itching to return to the amazing Kimpton Surfcomber.