When I want a serious break, to mix things up, and have it all be easy and not break the bank I opt for a staycation. Some of the best I’ve had have been in Miami Beach in summer when it’s quiet, relaxed, and the price is right. Happily there’s a new hotel staycation option that I tried at the oceanfront four story Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel in South Beach’s Art Deco District. With only 186 rooms and five suites spread out over what used to be two Art Deco hotels that were combined, it offers a low key and friendly ambiance but, surprisingly also has quite, and I mean quite a program one usually only finds in large resort hotels. This includes an original variety of activities, special happenings and amenities for all ages; pool-side cabanaspa treatments; fitness center; a large swimming pool with cabanas; private beach access and a very talented chef. They also offer pool day and beach passes if you don’t want to overnight. Look for the link at the end of the post.
Built in 1948, the Surfcomber was added in 1979 to the National Register of Historic Places for preservation of Miami Beach. It later became part of Kimpton Hotels and the InterContinental Hotel Group. The hotel and guest rooms and five suites, some with spacious terraces, are bright, fresh, and modern, with some art déco touches and the use of natural materials and fabrics. A full rooms, public areas, and meetings and events spaces renovation was completed in 2022.
No surprise, most guests spend their days at their large swimming pool with its cabanas, or the beach, which is just across a path from the hotel. Conveniently, most activities happen at the adjacent Beach at High Tidewhich also has an outdoor restaurant where the serious culinary action happens, and a bar. Spa treatments are in cabanas aligning the pool. As I mentioned earlier, it’s all easy.
On 17th and Collins Avenue, it’s within walking distance of Lincoln Road Mall, the New World Symphony, Miami City Ballet, Miami Beach Botanical Garden, Bass Museum of Art, the Wolfsonian Museum and more. A nearby drive is the public Miami Beach Golf Club. Bikes are offered complimentary.
Part of a media overnight, what they called a “sleepover”, we sampled the cuisine of Executive Chef Gastón Javier, whose mantra is “Real Food, Bold Flavors and complimenting textures. His inspiration comes from refining his craft with stints everywhere from Lima and Catalonia to Bariloche and New York including apprenticeships with Michelin-Star chefs including Chef Ferran Adrià in Spain and Chef Gastón Acurio in Peru.
Chef Gaston treated us to a four course gourmet experience with well curated wine pairings. Everything was delicious and beautifully presented, some dishes like the dry aged 1855 spinalis with serious showmanship. Plan on spending about $150 for dinner for two plus tax and tip. The hotel’s signature restaurant, The Social Club, offering breakfast, brunch, dinner and happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
In summer there’s special programming and offerings from day to evening, what they call Summer at Surf. What caught my attention are the special holiday-themed celebrations and events in June, July and August like the Copa America Dinner Parties, Surf’s Movie Nights, National Coloring Book and Dog Day festivities (dogs are welcome).
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The Kimpton Surfcomber is very family friendly, offering connecting rooms, and activities like KidzKonnect: Game Night Galore on Fridays, with entertainment for children while adults enjoy a lively evening with a Live DJ and $10 martinis.
They also offer a “Bedtime Bliss Menu,” a clever and original themed evening room service menu I loved, inspired by childhood favorites. There’s The Bedtime Story (for kids): Milk and cookies presented in a rolling cart with a small library of classic children’s books; The Romantic (for couples): wine bottle and cheese board, plus a curated playlist of 90’s slow jams. And The Night Owl (for nightlife enthusiasts): nostalgia-themed candies such as pop rocks, sugar sticks, air heads, and board games such as Monopoly, life, sorry, clue, uno and more.
To top it all off they launched “The Betrayers: Miami Edition Package,” inspired by Peacock’s hit reality show, The Traitors. This multi-day gaming experience allows you and up to nine friends to immerse yourselves in a thrilling, Traitors-inspired adventure with private round-table meetings, a secluded Traitors Turret, and a dedicated game host. Priced from $4,000 (excluding rooms) for a 2-3 night stay, the package includes exclusive access to meeting spaces, daily challenges, props, welcome champagne, and enticing prizes such as free night stays and IHG points. A single-day version is also available, ensuring an action-packed experience filled with deceit and excitement. To book, email sales@surfcomber.com.
In summer room rates at the Kimpton Surfcomber start at $250 a night plus tax. Valet parking for overnight with validation is $19. There’s also a municipal parking garage a few blocks away.
If you want to spend a day at their pool or beach, they offer day passes. For more information, click here.
The Kimpton Surfcomber, 1717 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, www.surfcomber.com
