The hype
Travelers love the hidden oasis feel and the rooftop pool, but consistency in housekeeping is a recurring gripe.
Kimpton Angler's South Beach Hotel
$266-386/ night
Book this if You want a secluded, grown-up sanctuary that feels like a private villa but is still just two blocks from the South Beach chaos.
Why People Love It
- The 'hotel within a hotel' vibe—historic bungalows for romance, modern tower for views
- Two distinct pools: a rooftop social scene and a hidden, lush courtyard sanctuary
- Kimpton's legendary pet policy (no fees, no size limits) is a huge draw in Miami
Quick Take: It's a split personality property where your experience depends entirely on whether you get a renovated tower room or a 'charming' but slightly worn bungalow.
Reviewed by @jcastrotravels: I’m obsessed with this spot. Having my own private jacuzzi on the balcony was the ultimate luxury—I barely wanted to leave the room! The rooftop pool is gorgeous for sunsets, and the whole place feels so much more intimate and stylish than the big resorts nearby.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'historic' bungalows can feel damp or musty compared to the crisp, modern tower rooms.
- You're traveling with a dog and want zero hassle
- You prefer a quiet pool to read by rather than a DJ-blasting party scene
- You want to be near Ocean Drive but not *on* it
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.8
- Housekeeping: Generally daily and decent, but reports of missed restocking and dusty corners in older rooms.
- Bathroom hygiene: Tower bathrooms are pristine; older villa bathrooms sometimes have cracked tiles or grout issues.
- Maintenance: The New Tower is solid. The historic wing shows its age with peeling paint or slow drains.
- Linens & towels: Frette linens are high quality, crisp, and consistently praised.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells like Kimpton's signature scent (tea/citrus); older rooms can be musty.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Kitchen prep noise (early morning) for rooms near El Patio
- Washington Avenue traffic (if facing the street)
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Social Hour' (free wine) happens daily at 5 PM in the lobby—don't miss it.
- Beach chairs are included in your resort fee, but you have to walk 2 blocks to the beach club to claim them.
- The courtyard pool is often adults-only or at least much quieter than the rooftop.
What to pack
- Earplugs (just in case you get a street-facing room)
- A light sweater for the rooftop bar (it gets breezy at night)
Room Genie
Best picks
- New Tower King Premium (high floor) for light, space, and soaking tubs
- Poolside Bungalow for a private, romantic 'villa' feel (if you don't mind less natural light)
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms near the restaurant/kitchen (noise)
- Standard 'Essential' rooms if you need a view (often face a wall or walkway)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a room in the New Tower on a high floor, away from the elevator. If a Tower room isn't available, please ensure my Bungalow is not adjacent to the El Patio kitchen or service entrance.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it actually on the beach?
No. It is two blocks west of Ocean Drive. You have to walk about 5-7 minutes to hit the sand.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, both the rooftop and courtyard pools are heated year-round.
Can I bring my large dog?
Yes. Kimpton has no size or breed restrictions, and they don't charge a pet fee.
Is there a resort fee?
Yes, expect to pay around $40-46 per night + tax. It covers beach chairs, bikes, and fitness classes.
Is it a party hotel?
Not really. It has a rooftop bar, but the vibe is more 'chill cocktails' than 'thumping bass until 4am'.
Do the rooms have balconies?
Most rooms in the New Tower have spacious balconies. Historic villas often have shared or private patios.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for a 'Mini Me' milk fridge if you're traveling with a baby—they deliver it for free.
- ✨
The free bikes are only for 2 hours; set a timer or you'll get charged $15/hour extra.
- ✨
There are yoga mats in every closet if you want to stretch on your balcony.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'historic' buildings can smell faintly musty due to Miami humidity.
💡The elevator in the older wing is slow and sometimes clunky.
💡You can hear the bass from nearby clubs on Washington Ave from the street-facing balconies on weekends.
💡The 'beach access' is via a partner beach club, not a private hotel strip.
💡Housekeeping can be hit-or-miss with restocking coffee pods.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Kimpton Angler's South Beach Hotel is located and what's nearby.