Pros
- Central South Beach locale
- Friendly, accommodating staff
- Beach across the street
- Free breakfast and happy hour
- Pool in lovely tropical courtyard
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Stunning vintage lobby
- Access to sister hotel next door
- Free Wi-Fi
Cons
- Small rooms with drab decor
- Noise from other rooms and neighboring hotel
- No ocean views
- No fitness center
- Lobby periodically invaded by tour groups
Bottom Line
The 80-room Essex House Hotel is a bastion of Art Deco architecture and decor — so much so that groups of tourists regularly tramp through the lobby on guided tours. And that's not the only hubbub that disrupts this so-called "oasis of calm." The party at the adjacent Clevelander often continues into the wee hours, and the noise keeps some guests awake. On the plus side, there's a tiny pool in a lush, tropical courtyard, a feature that many South Beach hotels lack. Generous freebies include a basic continental breakfast, happy hour cocktails, and fresh towels to use at the beach across the street. Considering the location in the heart of South Beach, this hotel is a terrific value.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Amenities
- Cribs
- Internet
- Jacuzzi
- Pool
Scene
Vintage memorabilia surrounded by a jazzy, earth-toned decor
Inside the painstakingly restored lobby, it's easy to feel as if you've been transported back to the hotel's first go-round in 1938. The earth-tone color palette and jazzy fabrics on boxy club chairs blend with original details such as the speckled terrazzo tile floors and hexagonal windows. Original, quirky details include an immense mural depicting the Florida Everglades above a curved marble fireplace and several chrome replicas of spaceships and propeller planes. The hotel also displays works from prior Art Basel exhibitions and rotates its own pieces periodically.
Location
Located in the heart of South Beach, near array of tourist sights
Essex House is located on Collins Avenue in the heart of South Beach. The famed Ocean Drive is one block away and The Clevelander, where guests enjoy priority access to amenities including the rooftop bar, is within a two-minute walk. There are also dozens of shops and restaurants within walking distance along Collins and Ocean Drive. Miami International Airport is about 20 minutes away by car under ideal traffic conditions, while reaching the area’s convention center takes less than a 10-minute drive.
Rooms
Modern (if slightly drab) decor, with some complaints of noise; higher-tier bathrooms are well-apppointed
Standard rooms are a bit cramped, while higher-tier rooms and suites offer considerably more space. All are decorated in a muddy combination of pea green and brown that make strike some as a bit cheerless, but furnishings are modern; all in all, the rooms are still among the nicest for the price in South Beach. Guests have complained of thin walls, with noise easily heard from the corridor and other rooms. Standard bathrooms are nicely renovated in vintage style, with marble walls and pedestal sinks. However, there's little room to stash toiletries. Larger suite baths have ample storage space and jetted tubs.
Features
Lots of welcome extras, including free breakfast and happy hour; an on-site Asian-Fusion eatery offers additional cuisine
The hotel has a lobby bar with outdoor seating that doubles as the breakfast room, where free morning meals are served daily for guests. There's also Zen Sai, an on-site Asian-Fusion restaurant and lounge that's open for dinner. Each afternoon there’s free lemonade in the Essex House lobby and an evening happy hour with wine, beer, and snacks.
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Bogus Photo of the Week: The Essex House Hotel
Last week, we showed you what clever cropping can do. This week, we show you how hotels Photoshop out unsightly objects. We think The Essex House Hotel in South Beach, Miami is a great value — but we’re not big fans of their Photoshopped marketing photos. Both the hotel exterior photo and the pool photo…
Things You Should Know About Essex House
Also Known As
- Essex Hotel Miami Beach
- Essex Miami Beach
- Essex House Hotel South Beach
- Essex House
Room Types
- Standard Room
- Suite
- Superior Room
Address
1001 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, Florida 33139-5011, United States
Phone
(305) 534-2700
Website
Scene
Vintage memorabilia surrounded by a jazzy, earth-toned decor
Inside the painstakingly restored lobby, it's easy to feel as if you've been transported back to the hotel's first go-round in 1938. The earth-tone color palette and jazzy fabrics on boxy club chairs blend with original details such as the speckled terrazzo tile floors and hexagonal windows. Original, quirky details include an immense mural depicting the Florida Everglades above a curved marble fireplace and several chrome replicas of spaceships and propeller planes. The hotel also displays works from prior Art Basel exhibitions and rotates its own pieces periodically.
Location
Located in the heart of South Beach, near array of tourist sights
Essex House is located on Collins Avenue in the heart of South Beach. The famed Ocean Drive is one block away and The Clevelander, where guests enjoy priority access to amenities including the rooftop bar, is within a two-minute walk. There are also dozens of shops and restaurants within walking distance along Collins and Ocean Drive. Miami International Airport is about 20 minutes away by car under ideal traffic conditions, while reaching the area’s convention center takes less than a 10-minute drive.
Rooms
Modern (if slightly drab) decor, with some complaints of noise; higher-tier bathrooms are well-apppointed
Standard rooms are a bit cramped, while higher-tier rooms and suites offer considerably more space. All are decorated in a muddy combination of pea green and brown that make strike some as a bit cheerless, but furnishings are modern; all in all, the rooms are still among the nicest for the price in South Beach. Guests have complained of thin walls, with noise easily heard from the corridor and other rooms. Standard bathrooms are nicely renovated in vintage style, with marble walls and pedestal sinks. However, there's little room to stash toiletries. Larger suite baths have ample storage space and jetted tubs.
Features
Lots of welcome extras, including free breakfast and happy hour; an on-site Asian-Fusion eatery offers additional cuisine
The hotel has a lobby bar with outdoor seating that doubles as the breakfast room, where free morning meals are served daily for guests. There's also Zen Sai, an on-site Asian-Fusion restaurant and lounge that's open for dinner. Each afternoon there’s free lemonade in the Essex House lobby and an evening happy hour with wine, beer, and snacks.
Hotel & Amenities Photos
Best Rates
Amenities
-
Air Conditioner
-
Babysitting Services
-
Balcony / Terrace / Patio
-
Basic Television
-
Beach
-
Business Center
-
Cable
-
Concierge
-
Cribs
-
Dry Cleaning
-
Free Breakfast
-
Internet
-
Jacuzzi
-
Kids Allowed
-
Laundry
-
Meeting / Conference Rooms
-
Pool
-
Poolside Drink Service
-
Rental Car Service Desk Onsite
-
Room Service
-
Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space
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.