Pros

  • Two swimming pools on 16th-floor terrace
  • Guest rooms with neutral decor have balconies and spacious bathrooms
  • Exhale Spa has variety of treatments and fitness classes
  • Upscale Area 31 seafood restaurant
  • Live music five nights a week at Lilt Lounge
  • Free daily wine hour and morning coffee in lobby
  • Free Wi-Fi for Karma Rewards members (free to join)
  • Trendy, upscale Zuma Japanese restaurant on-site
  • Great downtown location near shops and restaurants
  • Marina with dock for boats
  • Extremely pet-friendly
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Cons

  • Minor wear and tear in guest rooms
  • Metal pool chairs are not very comfortable
  • Valet service is slow and entrance is often congested
  • 20-minute cab ride to South Beach
  • Noise from pool and nearby construction can be heard from some rooms
  • Pricey valet parking only
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Bottom Line

Opened in 2009 by the Kimpton hotel group, EPIC is a luxurious Downtown hotel that attracts business professionals and leisure travelers who want to be removed from the South Beach scene. All guests will likely appreciate the two 16th-floor pools, spa facilities, daily wine hour, and upscale dining options. The 411 guests rooms sport comfortable beds, spacious bathrooms, and balconies with excellent Biscayne Bay or city views, but furniture is showing some wear. For a similar stay, compare rates with the nearby Conrad Miami or Intercontinental.

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Oyster Hotel Review

Kimpton EPIC Hotel

Scene

A mix of leisure and business guests, and a bustling, trendy atmosphere

Once guests make it through the often congested entryway lined with fancy cars, they'll enter the large lobby decorated with interesting art -- crystal-encrusted buddhas, a colorful Mona Lisa mosaic, and pink purse sculpture melting over an ice cream cone -- and a gold, tiered light fixture. Next to the concierge, the front desk has a goldfish bowl, showcasing the Kimpton amenity of providing a pet goldfish for those who want a companion during their stay. As with all Kimptons, the hotel is extremely pet-friendly, so expect to see some furry guests too. 

The lobby is typically bustling, particularly during the nightly free wine hour. The trendy Zuma Japanese restaurant and Lilt Lounge, which hosts live music, are both on the first floor and draw locals as well as guests. The hotel also has its own marina where expensive boats and yachts are docked. Saturdays the 16th-floor pool area features a live DJ and the crowd is often lively, so guests wanting a peaceful retreat may be disappointed. Guest rooms overlooking the pools will also be subjected to noise because of this. 

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Location

Downtown convenience, with great views of Biscayne Bay and surrounding neighborhoods

By day this part of the city is bustling with business, and by night there are some restaurants and bars within a few minutes of the hotel. A Whole Foods grocery store is also a two-minute walk away. At night the skyscrapers light up with a tropical range of pinks, yellows, blues, and greens. But for all the shine, there's very little life on the streets. Most destinations outside of business meeting locations will require driving.

Still, if you have a car -- or flag down a cab -- you'll quickly realize that the neighborhood makes up for in convenience what it lacks in character. The Epic is in the heart of Downtown, but also on its very tip. Right on the water, the hotel is a five-minute drive north of classy Brickell Key and bohemian Coconut Grove. It's directly adjacent to the more residential Coral Gables and 20 minutes (at the most) from SoBe and the beach (though parking here can be a nightmare). These neighborhoods can all be surveyed from the Epic's 16th-floor terrace, as can the manatees in the channel below. Miami International Airport is a 16-minute drive away. Valet parking is available for a fee ($40 a night during our visit, typical for the area), but guests should know that as the Epic also houses condos, the entrance is often congested and it can take up to 20 minutes to get your car. 

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Rooms

Comfy beds, spacious bathrooms, and furnished balconies, but some wear and tear on furnishings

Guest rooms and suites start on the 18th floor and go all the way up to the 30th; this means every room is guaranteed to have a breathtaking view of either the waters of Biscayne Bay or the looming Downtown towers. There are several room types, from the 475-square-foot City View Premier Room (with two double beds or one king-size) to the 700-square-foot Junior Suite (with pull-out sleeper sofas) to the 950-square-foot One Bedroom Suite. Finally, the top two floors are reserved for Club Level Rooms, allowing guests to enjoy a private lounge, a separate concierge, and various other goodies.

Rooms are pleasant if a bit corporate, decorated in an understated color scheme of white, beige, and brown. All rooms have a comfy bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, large flat-screen TV, stocked minibar, iHome iPod dock, in-room safe, and furnished balcony. Bathrooms are spacious, either with walk-in glass showers, or both a shower and soaking tub; a hairdryer, Exhale-brand toiletries, scale, robes, and a yoga mat are also provided. Some of the furnishings are in need of repair, like the peeling desk chairs.

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Features

Two outdoor pools; upscale spa; two fine-dining restaurants and popular lounge; and business facilities 

Since the EPIC hotel isn't along the beach, most activity occurs around the 16th-floor swimming pools. Pool service is provided and cabanas are available for rent, though they're scarce on features. There are a few cool woven basket daybeds for guests, but the regular metal lounge chairs aren't very comfortable and could use an upgrade. DJs perform here on Saturdays. Other spots for relaxing are the Exhale Spa and fitness center, which have a variety of treatments and classes. A handful of PUBLIC bikes can also be borrowed.

Also on the 16th floor is the upscale seafood restaurant Area 31. Open for all three meals, the restaurant receives mostly positive reviews and has both indoor and outdoor seating next to the pool area. On the first floor, Zuma is a trendy, expensive Japanese restaurant that is popular with guests and locals alike. Lilt Lounge is a fun, swanky bar that has live music five nights a week and outdoor seating along the water. Room service is available 24 hours.

A business center and several meeting spaces are available as well. Wi-Fi is free for Karma Rewards members, and the loyalty program is free to join. 

See More Features

Things You Should Know About Kimpton EPIC Hotel

Also Known As

  • Epic Hotel Kimpton
  • Epic Hotel
  • EPIC Hotel - a Kimpton Hotel

Room Types

  • Cityview Junior Suite
  • Cityview One Bedroom Suite
  • Cityview Premier Room
  • Club Level Cityview Junior Suite
  • Club Level Cityview Premier Room
  • Club Level Waterview One Bedroom Suite
  • Club Level Waterview Premier Room
  • Tall Room
  • Waterview Junior Suite
  • Waterview One Bedroom Suite
  • Waterview Premier Room

Address

270 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, Florida 33131-2123, United States

Phone

(305) 424-5226

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

Kimpton EPIC Hotel

Scene

A mix of leisure and business guests, and a bustling, trendy atmosphere

Once guests make it through the often congested entryway lined with fancy cars, they'll enter the large lobby decorated with interesting art -- crystal-encrusted buddhas, a colorful Mona Lisa mosaic, and pink purse sculpture melting over an ice cream cone -- and a gold, tiered light fixture. Next to the concierge, the front desk has a goldfish bowl, showcasing the Kimpton amenity of providing a pet goldfish for those who want a companion during their stay. As with all Kimptons, the hotel is extremely pet-friendly, so expect to see some furry guests too. 

The lobby is typically bustling, particularly during the nightly free wine hour. The trendy Zuma Japanese restaurant and Lilt Lounge, which hosts live music, are both on the first floor and draw locals as well as guests. The hotel also has its own marina where expensive boats and yachts are docked. Saturdays the 16th-floor pool area features a live DJ and the crowd is often lively, so guests wanting a peaceful retreat may be disappointed. Guest rooms overlooking the pools will also be subjected to noise because of this. 

See More Scene

Location

Downtown convenience, with great views of Biscayne Bay and surrounding neighborhoods

By day this part of the city is bustling with business, and by night there are some restaurants and bars within a few minutes of the hotel. A Whole Foods grocery store is also a two-minute walk away. At night the skyscrapers light up with a tropical range of pinks, yellows, blues, and greens. But for all the shine, there's very little life on the streets. Most destinations outside of business meeting locations will require driving.

Still, if you have a car -- or flag down a cab -- you'll quickly realize that the neighborhood makes up for in convenience what it lacks in character. The Epic is in the heart of Downtown, but also on its very tip. Right on the water, the hotel is a five-minute drive north of classy Brickell Key and bohemian Coconut Grove. It's directly adjacent to the more residential Coral Gables and 20 minutes (at the most) from SoBe and the beach (though parking here can be a nightmare). These neighborhoods can all be surveyed from the Epic's 16th-floor terrace, as can the manatees in the channel below. Miami International Airport is a 16-minute drive away. Valet parking is available for a fee ($40 a night during our visit, typical for the area), but guests should know that as the Epic also houses condos, the entrance is often congested and it can take up to 20 minutes to get your car. 

See More Location

Rooms

Comfy beds, spacious bathrooms, and furnished balconies, but some wear and tear on furnishings

Guest rooms and suites start on the 18th floor and go all the way up to the 30th; this means every room is guaranteed to have a breathtaking view of either the waters of Biscayne Bay or the looming Downtown towers. There are several room types, from the 475-square-foot City View Premier Room (with two double beds or one king-size) to the 700-square-foot Junior Suite (with pull-out sleeper sofas) to the 950-square-foot One Bedroom Suite. Finally, the top two floors are reserved for Club Level Rooms, allowing guests to enjoy a private lounge, a separate concierge, and various other goodies.

Rooms are pleasant if a bit corporate, decorated in an understated color scheme of white, beige, and brown. All rooms have a comfy bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, large flat-screen TV, stocked minibar, iHome iPod dock, in-room safe, and furnished balcony. Bathrooms are spacious, either with walk-in glass showers, or both a shower and soaking tub; a hairdryer, Exhale-brand toiletries, scale, robes, and a yoga mat are also provided. Some of the furnishings are in need of repair, like the peeling desk chairs.

See More Rooms

Features

Two outdoor pools; upscale spa; two fine-dining restaurants and popular lounge; and business facilities 

Since the EPIC hotel isn't along the beach, most activity occurs around the 16th-floor swimming pools. Pool service is provided and cabanas are available for rent, though they're scarce on features. There are a few cool woven basket daybeds for guests, but the regular metal lounge chairs aren't very comfortable and could use an upgrade. DJs perform here on Saturdays. Other spots for relaxing are the Exhale Spa and fitness center, which have a variety of treatments and classes. A handful of PUBLIC bikes can also be borrowed.

Also on the 16th floor is the upscale seafood restaurant Area 31. Open for all three meals, the restaurant receives mostly positive reviews and has both indoor and outdoor seating next to the pool area. On the first floor, Zuma is a trendy, expensive Japanese restaurant that is popular with guests and locals alike. Lilt Lounge is a fun, swanky bar that has live music five nights a week and outdoor seating along the water. Room service is available 24 hours.

A business center and several meeting spaces are available as well. Wi-Fi is free for Karma Rewards members, and the loyalty program is free to join. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Babysitting Services

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Business Center

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Fitness Center

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pets Allowed

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.