Kimpton’s chic and posh Epic Hotel opens in Miami

I recently stayed at Kimpton’s new EPIC Hotel, which opened in Miami in January 2009. It’s the first in the state of Florida, and the 411-room cosmopolitan refuge is located downtown at the edge of the Miami River and Biscayne Bay. My friend and I booked a room there before departing on a Caribbean cruise; we would have been happy to just stay at the hotel!

The hotel is truly an urban resort. It’s modern, chic, bright and a little Bahamas meets Miami in feel. Located in a sleek, 54-story elliptical-shaped high-rise, its in-room amenities and services include: Italian linens with triple sheeting and throw blankets; LCD flat screen televisions; spa-inspired luxury bath amenities; twice-daily housekeeping service; high-speed wireless internet access; and overnight shoeshine service. I wonder if they do flip-flops?

We dined in the hotel’s Area 31 for a late night meal, and both the cuisine and service were spot-on. The resto specializes in seafood with a Mediterranean influence. Unfortunately, we arrived too late for the nightly hosted wine reception in the lobby from 5-6 PM (offered at all Kimpton properties). There’s complimentary morning coffee and tea in the lobby, along with newspapers. We didn’t have time to enjoy the two outdoor infinity-edge pools, but there’s s even a pool concierge and 10 private cabanas available for rent. Poolside food and beverage service is also offered. Just across the way is Brickel Key, a great two-mile route for walking or jogging. Ask the front desk for a map.

Scheduled to open sometime in the summer of 2009 is the Japanese restaurant Zuma, along with Exhale Spa out of New York City. There will also be the River City Lounge with DJ music and the EPIC Marina (yes, you can arrive by private boat or yacht!). For $100 more, book a room on the Club Level, with its five daily food presentations: Breakfast, Light Fare, Healthy Retreat, Evening Reception and Sweets + Treats.

Who needs to go on a cruise? It’s all right here!

At night the hotel is lit up and resembles a sailing ship
Photo by Sue Frause