This shiny new 51-story hotel in Downtown Miami opened its doors in July 2024 and quickly became a popular destination for those visiting the Magic City, and with its family-friendly amenities and convenient location near the Port of Miami, it’s the perfect pre- or post-cruise stays.
Why stay at Gale Miami Hotel & Residences?
For those coming to Miami that want to be in the mix but avoid the sometimes too-noisy South Beach scene, the Gale is a solid option that allows you to experience the city in a super enjoyable way. Centrally located near museums, restaurants, and you’ll still have access to views of Biscayne Bay, plus, it’s the only hotel off the beach that grants its guests access to two beach chairs and towels on South Beach, thanks to a partnership with the Marriott Stanton South Beach hotel as part of the daily resort fee.
It’s also a family-friendly hotel that has all the amenities you need to feel at home (if a gleaming beachfront property can be considered homely, that is). Owned by the Gale Hospitality Group, this new-build hotel is a completely separate entity from the Gale South Beach (which is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton). If you’re headed from the airport, you’ll want to double check to make sure you have the correct address plugged in.
What are the rooms like at Gale Miami Hotel & Residences?
While the lobby has a somewhat stark industrial feel to it, the rooms are much more subdued with simple blue and white decor and Amalfi Coast-inspired artwork. This property has 338 rooms across three different categories: studios, one bedroom suites, and two bedroom suites—most of which have kitchenettes (some even have full kitchens) complete with cookware, dishes, and cutlery, great for families who might want to prepare snacks or breakfast before venturing out and exploring Miami.
Well stocked with a Nespresso machine and two complimentary bottles of water (something that’s super important to me when traveling), the rooms keep amenities simple. In the bathroom you’ll find toiletries with a light and refreshing white tea fragrance, two waffle bathrobes, and a hair dryer. If you’re in a two bedroom suite, you’ll also have an in-unit washer and dryer. That’s it, but it’s all the basics you could need.
As for my one bedroom suite, it had a partial water view overlooking the Kaseya Center and Bayfront Park and views of Downtown’s twinkly skyline. The massive balcony was a perfect place to watch the moon rise over Biscayne Bay as I sat and read a book, the couch was comfy enough to get some work done and the bed had a pillowtop mattress that was plush and ridiculously welcoming.
What are the best things to eat and drink at Gale Miami Hotel & Residences?
On the first floor of the hotel, you’ll find Casa Gianna, the hotel’s only full-service restaurant serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. One step in and I was surprised at how large and chic the space was—it’s flanked by a gorgeous bar and a massive open kitchen that allows you marvel at the chefs as they plate dishes, make fresh pasta, and effortlessly slide hot and bubbly pizzas out of the stone pizza oven.
Just like you’d expect, the menu is filled with crudos, salads, pizzas, pastas, and a handful of larger entrees. As basic as it might be, I opted for the gems Caesar salad, spicy rigatoni alla vodka, and the pollo alla parmigiana (aka chicken parm)—all were flavorful and satisfying and I’d definitely come back for the parm and pasta combo.
It’s a great spot for large groups since there’s a ton of big banquettes and round tables, making it nice and sociable. There’s also a really lovely terrace for outdoor dining, though not ideal in August in Miami, but I could see it being inviting during the cooler, more breezy months.
If you’re short on time, pop into Cafe Gianna, the restaurant’s grab and go window that features Italian pastries, sandwiches, and La Colombe coffee. The hotel is also so centrally located in Downtown Miami that you could easily walk to ViceVersa for award-winning aperitivo cocktails, have a full steakhouse experience at Maple & Ash, or stop into Central Fare food hall for quick bites from local vendors like The Wolf of Tacos, Peppi’s Steaks & Hoagies, Stanzione Pizza—there are more than enough options nearby.
What is the service like at Gale Miami Hotel & Residences?
There’s no shortage of staff at this hotel. From the moment you check in to the time you leave you’ll be greeted and taken care of. The team at Casa Gianna goes above and beyond and will happily help you curate the perfect menu, while the spa team is ready to give you a tour of the amenities and guide you into a relaxing state. For the best service at the pool, I highly suggest ordering from the pool bar versus waiting for service at your chair (the frozen Miami Vice cocktails are fantastic).
What is the spa, pool and gym like at Gale Miami Hotel & Residences?
The hotel’s 10th floor spans 18,000 square feet and features a state-of-the-art gym, a spa, and a dedicated playroom for children with toys, books, and games. The gym is huge–like, enormous—and has every machine or weight you can imagine, plus an outdoor terrace that’s great for practicing a yoga flow or stretching while getting some fresh air.
For the spa, use the check in desk in the middle of the 10th floor (which is a little easy to miss given there’s no sign) where once you’ve checked in you’ll be lead to the locker rooms to get settled and changed before being led to the treatment area (you’ll need a staff member to buzz you in with a fob as you come and go). There’s a hammam spa, sauna, steam room, and cold plunge. As someone who likes to cold plunge a few times a week, it was such a nice surprise to discover one inside the spa. Treatments here range from a classic Swedish massage to body scrubs and body sculpting massages with full-body algae wraps and Dead Sea salt scrubs.
Head down the spiral staircase to the 9th floor where you’ll find a 16,000-square-foot poolside oasis. Lined with palm trees, tons of lounge chairs, and a well-stocked bar, the vibes are on point. Music plays on hidden speakers and it’s a mix of iconic 90s hits and early 2000s bangers, and the views of the Port of Miami all the way to South Beach are an added bonus for this tropical escape.
What’s the area like around Gale Miami Hotel & Residences?
Just steps away from the new Miami WorldCenter, the Gale Miami is one of the many brand new buildings in Downtown Miami. Surrounded by stores, restaurants, and attractions, it’s a walkable area with plenty to do, eat, and see. Just a few blocks away from the Kaseya Center where the Miami Heat play, Port of Miami, and Bayside Marketplace, it’s an ideal spot to stay if you’re in town for a concert, sporting event, or even a cruise.
It’s a neighborhood that has really come to life over the last two years, with the opening of Miami’s largest Apple Store, a Lucky Strike bowling alley right next to the hotel, and The Museum of Ice Cream. It’s also not far from the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), and the Adrienne Arsht Center where Miami’s Broadway-style shows are performed.
Hop on the free Metromover that loops around Downtown and Brickell for easy exploring or grab a rideshare and head over the bridge to South Beach if you want to stick your toes in the sand.
Why you should you book a stay at Gale Miami Hotel & Residences
If you’re coming to Miami, especially as a family or large group, this is a centrally located spot that’s definitely worth checking out. The spacious rooms with fully stocked kitchens are a gamechanger for those who might not want to dine out for every meal, and you’re a mere 15 to 20 minutes away from all of Miami’s major neighborhoods making it easy to explore the city. Summer is when you’ll find the best deals, as it’s Miami’s low season—just make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, because the UV in July and August is no joke.
DETAILS
Address: 159 NE 6th St, Miami, FL 33132
Price per night: Starting rates for the low season are $249 and $399 during high season
Closest transport: Miami International Airport is a 15-minute drive away
Book now: via Booking.com
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