In years gone by, tourists visiting Miami would book in for the Art Deco resorts of South Beach, but in the last five years, a significant portion of travellers are now staying downtown. That’s all thanks to Swire Properties who have transformed downtown Brickell from literal ashes to a gleaming phoenix. EAST Miami takes pride of place as the beacon of urban chic design and renewal.
Hotel
The hotel could not be more central being next to Brickell City Centre where you get world-class shops like Saks Fifth Avenue. It has just the right balance of being tropical and trendy. Yes, you get the iconic palm trees you would expect to see in Miami, but you also get very modern artwork.
The building itself glistens in the Floridian sunshine and you can’t fail to notice the EAST sign up high when you look for directions back to the hotel in the evening.
The infinity light installation in their lifts is always beguiling every time you return to your boudoir, and they have those ultra-modern lifts where they assign you the lift to go to once you swipe your card by the lift panel.
Room
This isn’t a hotel for those with a fear of heights, as you get floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a spacious balcony for you to enjoy the Brickell skyline or the serene Biscayne Bay area. The most mesmerising views might be watching the local vultures soar across the picture-perfect skyline.
The 5ft bathtub with uninterrupted views of the buzzing city is the eye-catcher in the room, but attention to detail is everything here from luxury bathroom amenities to discreet adult-only products to cater to guests looking for a romantic escape. Coffee stations are concealed behind hidden wall compartments. The hotel generally uses very earthy tones with the occasional splashes of orange to liven up proceedings.
Food and drink
Breakfast is served at the famous Uruguayan import, Quinto La Huella. You get the genuine Latin American vibes with their authentic open-fire parrilla and wood-fired oven, and their continental breakfast buffet does contain plenty of baked items, fruit platters, etc, but the focus is on the meatier offerings from smoked meats to sausages.
However, if you are looking for unrivalled views and feel the Miami buzz, you should secure a table at Sugar on the 40th floor. You feel like you are in a lush tropical oasis but it just so happens to be on the top floor of one of the most famous skyscrapers in Miami. Cocktails are incredibly popular at Sugar. You can get very healthy-sounding ones like Apple-a-day, which contains gin, apple, elderflower liqueur, and ginger juice to special ones celebrating the likes of Chinese New Year. The food offering is Asian tapas-style from signature sushi rolls to healthy-looking poke bowl.
If you want to venture out of the hotel, there is an embarrassment of riches in terms of dining options nearby from options in Mary Brickell Village to Brickell City Centre which caters to all kinds of tastes and budgets.
To do
The central location of EAST Miami makes it an ideal place to explore the city. Lovers of high fashion and trendy artwork should head to the Miami Design District. If you want to experience genuine, gregarious Cuban hospitality then head to Little Havana where you can still see locals rolling Cuban cigars live from the shop window. Bayside is a great area for catching a cruise around the islands or just to walk around their numerous boutique shops and local eateries.
Miami has plenty of museums for your delectation. My recommendations would be to visit Pérez Art Museum Miami and Superblue Miami. The former is akin to Tate Modern but with a stronger focus on Latin American artists whilst the latter is one of the most impressive immersive museums you will come across. It has stunning light-based and digital installations and a jaw-dropping mirrored labyrinth that is guaranteed to bring a smile to children and adults alike.
In a nutshell
Experience one of the most happening cities in the States right now with this centrally-located hotel that offers everything you need at your fingertips. Swire Properties is one name to look out for when you are next considering your luxury hotel bookings.
Factbox
Miami international airport is centrally located in the city of Miami. The best way to get there is using the premium, yet affordable Blacklane private car services.
EAST Miami offers rooms from $259 per night.
Address: 788 Brickell Plaza, Miami, FL 33131, United States
Phone: +1 305-712-7000
Website: easthotels.com
