"Why book? Amongst Miami Beach’s plain old embarrassing wealth of five-stars, this property is far and away the most affordable. Set the scene Joined at the lobby and spa with the Eden Roc next door, this is some high-gloss ‘80s-mod glamor—sky-high ceilings in the lobby lording over a large lounge and retro centerpiece bar, with a glossy mud palette and lots of space for lounging—the onsite Nobu restaurant hosts nightly “Tanoshi hours” (read: happy) from 5 to 7 p.m. with cocktails and bites from their menu. Past the lobby lie the consortium’s constellation of swimming pools (four total, including one Nobu-exclusive, adults-only dip) and, across the bustling boardwalk, a stretch of beach with loungers reserved just for guests. The backstory After a multi-million dollar renovation—slash—landmark restoration of the ‘50s Morris Lapidus Eden Roc property overseen by designer David Rockwell, the hotel officially opened its doors in 2017 arm-in-arm with the still-standing aforementioned property. The usual players at Nobu Hotels are involved here, namely Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and actor Robert De Niro. The rooms Rooms are clean and bright, content to sit back, relax, and let the killer oceanfront views do much of the work where possible; first order of business are massive windows and glass doors leading out onto generous balconies. Inside, Japanese sweets and Nobu sake populate the minibar, while the bathrooms are so capacious and comfortable that it wouldn’t matter what products you found inside (they’re Natura Blissé, and smell amazing.) Food and drink The onsite Nobu is, well, Nobu, and its prices reflect the intersection of quality and fame. Room service is solid, as are the views and most of the food from beach club-style Ocean Social—a casual spot for lunch and dinner with perfect views of the water. The best tables are booths right against the railing, so close to the beach that you can hardly see the boardwalk. I make a game out of trying to get seated at one of these for one of my two lunches and two dinners—despite always having at least two open, the hostess is unfailingly reticent to park me at one of them. And I ask. On the last morning I get my way, albeit because absolutely nobody else is present. The spa If there’s a “thing” here beyond the fabulous lobby and restaurant, it’s the spa. A huge compound at the property’s rear, once again shared with Eden Roc, the spa had me asking, “What is occupying all of that space?” several times before I discovered what it was and why. The Esencia Wellness spa, massive as it is at 22,000-square-feet, contains myriad treatment rooms, a shop, the fitness center, and a hydrotherapy circuit. It’s as perfectly quiet as it is washed in light. A wonderful place to relax and get a massage, as I am lucky enough to do. The neighborhood/area Easy access to the beach on one side and busy traffic on the other—definitely choose the former for your stroll south should you have any shopping to do. The service A bit aloof and hands-off, the service here will nevertheless always get you where you want to be. For families Kids have all they need in the form of three pools and direct beach access. Parents can rest easy knowing that the child-averse can hit the Adults-Only pool to remain unbothered. Accessibility Standard ADA-compliant rooms are available to book, and public spaces are so wide open and ramp-oriented that nobody should have much trouble getting around, save for the sunken lobby bar. Anything left to mention? It's luxury at a relative bargain, with all of the pluses and minuses promised by such a mantle." - Charlie Hobbs
