EAST, Miami – The Cool Urban Luxury Hotel In Florida’s Magic City

As we approach the season of love, our attention turns to romantic destinations.
Well, what city could be more seductive than Miami?  This vibrant metropolis is a stimulating nexus of creativity and style with a generous mix of cultural flair from the Americas and Caribbean. When it comes to where to stay, then it’s EAST, Miami – the Brickell City Center property that immerses guests in the positive energy of this remarkable city.

A stay at EAST, Miami is to experience the new urban pulse of Miami. Just over 15 minutes from the airport, is the sparkling leisure and business hub of Brickell City Center, writes Andrew Forbes (The Luxury Editor).

Miami is well known for its Latin influences, its colourful Cuban neighbourhoods, the street art of Wynwood, and the iconic vintage style of Miami Beach. Yet Miami is a constantly evolving city, driven by the creativity of its ever-growing population. Brickell City Centre and EAST, Miami is at the epicentre of this ongoing renaissance.

The Neighbourhood

The Brickell City Centre complex continues to grow. It mixes luxury condominium towers, offices, and a sophisticated, high-end shopping centre. The neighbourhood has become a vibrant area with independent boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, and artsy places. So, as a guest you’re assured a lively local scene on your doorstep.

The Hotel

This unmistakably contemporary high-rise hotel has a very special ambience. It effortlessly blends modern aesthetics with South American flair and Asian zen. The interiors have been created in collaboration with masters in the art of Fueg Shui, and it’s undeniable that the public and guest spaces have an elegant, harmonious ambience.

The Welcome

I arrived from the airport in my rental car and was immediately met by the friendly valet who took my car to be parked and arranged for my bags to be taken to my room.

This lobby is one-half café and bar and the other check-in – divided by a huge Asian-inspired sculptural installation. During the day the lobby bar is a coffee shop, then by night the backdrop of the space changes to a smart cocktail bar.

Opposite is check-in. A traditional front desk remains, but the experience from then on is innovative and engaging – from the intelligent elevators that whisk you to the dizzying heights of the guest floors and nightclub, to the smart design features found in the guest rooms.

The Guest Rooms

My corner suite was a knock-out space, with wow-factor views. Set against the luxurious style, were thoughtful sustainable features like the filtered drinking water tap in the bathroom.

The floor-to-ceiling windows offered seductive city skyline views. If you choose a room with a balcony, even better. A morning coffee taking in a view of the bay is pretty much the best way to start the day. Expect a thoughtful welcome amenity – I had some handmade cookies.

All the features are there; lots of wardrobe and storage space (including drawers deep enough to put away your carry-on case), a table for working or reading, a fabulous King-size bed and a well-appointed bathroom.

There are over 350 guest rooms, and some 7 categories. Expect cool wall art, and ingenious interior design features.

These are smart, sexy, urban rooms that make you feel connected to the city.

The Pool & Deck

The expansive Pool & Deck area offers a designer oasis with a sub-tropical favour, in the heart of the city.

The Restaurant

EAST, Miami remains a firm favourite in the city’s culinary scene thanks to Quinta de Huella. Found on the hotel’s lower level, this Uruguayan restaurant is a homage to the famous seaside South American Parador La Huella. The restaurant has stood the test of time, in a city where restaurants can come and go in a season. Here it’s all about the authentic open-fire parrilla and wood-fired oven – and top-quality produce.

The restaurant echoes the original’s coastal location with a chic chiringuito aesthetic, and notable art by Pittaluga including a striking drawing, one of the last works he completed.

There’s a rustic chic dining room (also open for breakfast), but the real joy is to dine on the terrace.

In the evening, thanks to Miami’s glorious ‘winter’ climate, it’s seductive just to sit out under the pergola, enjoying rich bold Uruguayan wine like Garzon, and flavoursome dishes including grilled octopus, and local snapper.

The hotel’s Tea Room is a discreet and elegant cocktail lounge, with a private members, speakeasy feel – hidden behind an unmarked black door.

The Nightlife

Make the most of the evening, by heading up to the hotel’s award-winning, celebrated rooftop terrace ‘Sugar’. It remains one of Miami’s most stylish night spots – a vibrant urban garden and bar on the 40^th floor.

It truly captures the spirit of modern Miami and one of the reasons why this is our favourite urban hotel in Miami and is included in our guide to the best hotels in Miami.