In Brickell’s booked-and-busy financial district, where glittering high-rises stand tall and buttoned-up finance bros and altheisure-donned young professionals are on a constant march, EAST Miami stands as a high-end home base. Staying there means experiencing the daily hum of Miami’s urban core, then retreating to sleek skyscraper-rooms and a pool deck that’ll almost fool you into thinking you’ve landed in Bali.
With a dark and moody Asian-inspired design, the high-rise hotel and residences defy Miami’s typical coastal blueprint—it’s sexy, in the best way, with cinematic views that paint this city in the best light. Oh, and you can zip down the elevator to a city-chic mall, thanks to its perch atop Brickell City Centre.
Why stay at EAST Miami?
Not everyone that comes to Miami wants to stay on South Beach. For those city-savvy travelers who aim to experience Miami’s big live-work energy, yet still feel like they’re on a vacation—tanning by the pool and sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar—EAST Miami is your move. Plus, if walking is your way of getting to know a city, the hotel is convenient to neighboring downtown Miami’s cultural and entertainment attractions.
You’re also at EAST Miami for the views, with floor-to-ceiling windows that scan the skyline, Biscayne Bay and the Miami River. The hotel’s biggest power move is its location within Brickell City Centre, where you can take the elevator down to the three-story mall to set your credit card on fire at stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and ALO, as well as dine at the plenty of restaurants. With its modern architecture and open-air walkways, you’ll often see shoppers taking selfies in front of the mall’s backdrop of artful skyscrapers.
What are the rooms like at EAST Miami?
Zen dens in the sky. The hotel’s sleek vibe extends to the guest rooms, with warm woods, artistic wall features and wallpaper that keep the rooms from feeling cold and industrial. But even if that were the case, I wouldn’t mind, because who cares when you have a bathtub—like the one in my Bay Plus King room that sat next to a huge window where I could spy on the city below while taking a soak. Also included were thoughtful just-in-case perks like a branded EAST case holding everything from a toothbrush and toothpaste to a vanity kit, and I loved the separate filtered water tap on the bathroom vanity, where I could refill my own bottle.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and glass balconies that feel as if you’re floating show off the area’s water and city views that only get better at night. Word of warning: if you’re afraid of heights, the dizzying views from the higher-floor balconies are not for the faint of heart. In-room technology is also on-point, as you can lift the shades or dim the lights at the touch of a button. If you’re sensitive to city noise, you may want to pack earplugs: not even the zen ambience can protect you from Brickell’s traffic racket.
What are the best things to eat and drink at EAST Miami?
Follow the well-heeled crowd to the 40th floor, where you’ll find Sugar—a secluded rooftop bar wrapped in lush greenery, where the bay and skyline views will make you fall a little in love with Miami. The bar’s popularity is clear from the line that often snakes around the entry after 6 p.m, and make sure to come dressed to impress, as they enforce a dress code.
This is the place to have a pre-dinner cocktail to watch the sun go down and the city light up, where after dark, it transforms into a club-like atmosphere. Fun fact: Sugar has a dedicated on-site ‘bar lab,’ where they experiment with flavors and make custom purees and mixes. The result is potent, layered cocktails like the boozy Old Reliable, which stars Campari, rum and sun-dried banana. Feels like vacation.
An exceptional dinner at the hotel’s South American restaurant, Quinto, made me—a local—question why I hadn’t been there in years. The Uruguayan executive chef makes menu magic with shareables like a hamachi crudo in a passionfruit sauce, gambas al Ajillo (garlicky jumbo Gulf shrimp), a homemade basil pasta topped with truffles, and a butterflied whole branzino touched by the grill. Even the thinly-sliced roasted beets in a pistachio cream are special enough to sway a person who isn’t usually a fan of them.
What is the service like at EAST Miami?
It can be a little hit or miss. The front desk staff were friendly and helpful when I checked in, but if it’s busy, you may not feel the warmth. No one rushed to open the doors or help me with my luggage to the room. The service at Quinto was spot-on, with the server eager to offer suggestions on what to eat and drink. Like everywhere in Brickell, valet can be chaotic, especially on Sundays when guests are checking out. The best advice: skip the car and walk or take nearby public transportation.
What are the gym and pool like at EAST Miami?
While you’re not anywhere near the beach, the hotel’s fifth-floor pool deck is flanked by palm trees and a line of Balinese-style cabanas and still feels like a tropical retreat. Yet, its looming concrete wall and surrounding mirrored buildings remind you that you’re still in the big city. Bounce between the two pools, a hot tub, and plunge pool, and sunbathe on curvy orange chairs or chill on a daybed. Lean into the vacation vibes with a fresh coconut, which can be topped with your spirit of choice, or a pitcher of a frozen concoction. I’d skip the pool food, though—and save space instead for a meal at Quinto or somewhere in Brickell City Centre.
The gym, appropriately named BEAST, mirrors the sleek aesthetics of the hotel and has everything from treadmills to bikes and weight stations. It gets busy in the mornings, so plan your workout accordingly. Fitness fanatics are treated to towels and a filtered water tap, and the gym was spotless when I was there.
What’s the area like around EAST Miami?
Think of Brickell as the Manhattan of Miami, the cosmopolitan core where people are always on the move. There are too many skyscrapers to count, but there are also a few places to find solace by the Miami River or on the bayside walking path on nearby Brickell Key (check for construction).
When you’ve bored of Brickell City Centre, search out nearby trendy restaurants like Claudie, or a riverside restaurant where locals arrive by boat, or somewhere in Mary Brickell Village. The Metromover station is a five-minute walk from EAST, and the free people-mover will drop you near the Kaseya Center, home of the Miami HEAT basketball team, Bayside Marketplace and museums like Perez Art Museum Miami.
Why you should you book a stay at EAST Miami
With its unmatched city and bay views, sophisticated and spacious rooms with thoughtful touches, and solid dining options, EAST is the best hotel in Brickell for a high-end experience. You can dabble in the city life, and then book it back to your room for a bubble bath or to sunbathe by the pools. Go in off season or during the week for a more peaceful experience that matches the hotel’s calming design.
DETAILS
Address: EAST Miami 788 Brickell Plaza, Miami, FL 33131
Price per night: Rates start at $339 in low season, $599 and up during high season
Closest transport: Miami International Airport is a 20-minute drive
Book now: via Booking.com
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