Esmé Hotel Miami Beach - Site Visit

Located in South Beach, this little boutique gem is just a few blocks from Ocean Drive and the beach. Espanola Way, a café-lined pedestrian-only street, runs along the side of the Esmé property. You’re steps away from restaurants, bars and shops.

About

Opened in 2021, the property formerly served as a colony for artists and outcasts in the 20s. One of the buildings is even rumored to have been a former hideaway and an underground gambling operation for Al Capone.

The building’s history is reflected in its new design, a Spanish-Mediterranean influence with a retro, moody vibe. The property includes the main building; Esmé Village, with 145 rooms and a separate standalone building and Casa Matanza, with 42 rooms. The Esmé also boasts a roof-top pool with a sundeck, a roof-top bar and multiple on-site restaurants and bars.

Rooms

Esmé Village rooms and suites feature pink and green jewel-toned hues with a more feminine quality, while the Casa Matazana rooms and suites are designed with a darker, moodier palette of red, green or yellow.

The standard king rooms are quite cozy. Each consists of a King bed, wardrobe and private bathroom with a walk-in shower. Some balcony king rooms have a private Juliet balcony overlooking the paseos or Espanola Way. I also viewed the Matazana Suite, which has a private living room with a balcony. The decor was quite eclectic, with a mix of prints and textures. All of the rooms contain a single bed, but for families, there are a few connecting rooms available in Casa Matazana.

Other amenities

Up on the roof, guests have access to a pool with a sundeck surrounded by daybeds for lounging and a roof-top bar for cocktails and small bites. The hotel also provides complimentary beach access just a short walk away, with chairs and towels.

In addition to the roof-top bar, on-site dining includes: El Salon, a lounge with a speak-easy vibe; The Drexel, a Mediterranean restaurant; Sushi | Bar, an Omakase restaurant and Tropezon, with tapas on the menu.

There is no gym on site, but the hotel does provide passes for a nearby gym and complimentary bicycles are available for use.

Some highlights 

It has such a vibe and feels special, but it won’t hurt your wallet. 

The location is fantastic. The proximity of restaurants, bars and the beach mean guests do not have to travel very far to be entertained. 

Rooftop pool, with views of the beach — say less! We wish we had more time to take advantage of the pool deck. 

The staff were super attentive and friendly.

I’d recommend Esmé for bachelorette / bachelor parties, or for couples looking for something special at a beautiful price. It was perfect for our less-than-24-hour stopover in Miami.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Miami. In need of further inspiration? Check out Sharon Iannone’s guide, 10 Things to Do in Miami After a Cruise.