With its sleek profile, glassy façade and rooftop pool towering over the busy streets of downtown Miami, The Elser Hotel Miami easily stands out as the ‘cool kid’ among the neighborhood’s more conventional hotel chains. Part residence, part hotel, it draws a diverse mix of guests, from business travelers to giddy cruise-bound vacationers and pet-toting visitors, who easily intermingle with residents going about their daily lives.
The hotel’s welcoming, contemporary vibe envelops one upon arrival—perhaps even prompting a relaxed exhale amid the downtown rush—with industrial brick walls, warm lighting and a defining signature scent: Diptyque’s 34 BLVD St. Germain, which boldly wafts through the lobby. (The front desk attendant rattled off the fragrance’s name instantly—apparently, guests regularly ask.) While the woody scent channels the bohemian spirit of Paris, the hotel experience is pure Miami—from a welcome drink spiked with tequila and mango juice, to elevators with artsy backdrops and club-like music, and a prime location within easy walking distance of the city’s top attractions.
Why stay at The Elser Hotel Miami?
If you’re a first-timer or looking to check off a Miami bucket list, from kitschy tourist stops to top-tier cultural attractions, The Elser offers a sophisticated home base for easy exploration with all the comforts of home. That is, if your home is a posh condo in the sky.
With a bevy of attractions located just across the street, you can skip the rental car (and steep valet fees), and then hail a ride-share to other neighborhood hotspots like South Beach, Wynwood and the Miami Design District. Back at the hotel, you’ll sink into spacious rooms with killer views and resort-like amenities.
What are the rooms like at The Elser Hotel Miami?
The Elser Hotel’s superpower is its spacious accommodations, which range from studios to one, two, and three-bedroom suites equipped with all the perks of home and sweeping views that might persuade you to become a Miami resident. It’s an ideal stay for large families, business travelers and even couples seeking a romantic urban escape.
My one-bedroom, ocean-facing suite felt like having my own apartment for the night, complete with a fully stocked kitchen, including a refrigerator and stove. (I don’t cook on vacation, but for those looking to escape Miami’s often astronomical food prices, it’s a major perk.) The suite also featured a living room, separate bedroom and bathroom with a shower, and even a washer and dryer—great for longer stays.
Rooms flaunt a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic, with large TVs in both the living area and bedroom, spacious closets, and comfy beds. While the hotel and my room were exceptionally clean overall, the living room couch definitely could have used a cleaning.
My balcony served as a front-row seat to downtown’s pulse, with Biscayne Bay and the ocean shimmering in front of me. From my vantage point, I could see iconic sites like Bayside Marketplace, the slow-turning Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel with its glass gondolas, and a steady parade of boats—offering a preview of what to do in the area.
What are the best things to eat and drink at The Elser Hotel Miami?
The Elser is home to ViceVersa, a locally-loved Italian aperitivo bar with a small-but-mighty menu, and spot-on service. Locals flock there on Monday nights for the chef’s beloved smash burgers topped with caramelized onions and melty cheddar. Otherwise, you’re there for thoughtful shareables, like scallops in a celery-leaf tomato water, and to carb-load on well-executed Neapolitan pizzas. While the white-sauce clam pie is a top seller, my go-to is the spicy pepperoni pizza drizzled with hot honey. They also make some of the best Negroni cocktails in the city – ideal if you need to take the edge off any travel stress.
The Elser serves breakfast, lunch and cocktails on the rooftop terrace, where you’re treated to sweeping city views. Do expect resort prices: for lunch, I had an average arugula and watermelon salad topped with shrimp to the tune of $40, inclusive of a service charge.
What is the service like at The Elser Hotel Miami?
The front desk staff were warm and welcoming, offering a gratis cocktail upon arrival, and they even gave my dog a treat from the cannister behind the desk. The attendant walked me through where everything was located in the hotel—including how to call the elevators, as the call buttons in the hallways assign you to a specific elevator—and gave me a welcome sheet detailing the hotel’s amenities and programming.
What are the gym and pool like at The Elser Hotel Miami?
This is Miami—where clothing is minimal and bathing suits are basically the daily uniform—so it’s no surprise that one of The Elser’s standout amenities is a two-story gym. It rivals most high-end fitness clubs, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering city and bay views that make any workout feel a little less painful. Join the crew of gym-goers lifting weights on the first floor, then take the swish staircase to the second level for cardio equipment like treadmills and bikes. Daily fitness classes, ranging from gentle yoga to mat Pilates, are free for hotel guests.
Just as impressive is the hotel’s L-shaped rooftop pool, which once again showcases those sweeping views and includes a sprawling green lawn with extra loungers. The pool scene is laidback like a resort with vibey music, though downtown’s construction noise can sometimes interrupt the chill.
If you don’t want to miss one of Miami’s best assets—famous South Beach—the hotel offers guest access to a beach club with complimentary lounge chairs, towels, umbrellas and food and beverage service. You will just need to get there yourself, whether by car, rideshare or taxi.
What’s the area like around The Elser Hotel Miami?
The Elser is situated in the lively hub of downtown Miami’s arts and entertainment district. Hotel guests can walk directly across the street to catch a Miami Heat basketball game or a concert at the Kaseya Center, or peruse two neighboring museums, the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) and the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. The hotel also fronts tourist-mecca, Bayside Marketplace, where you can zip off on a boat tour or grab a bayfront table for cocktails and epic people watching.
The hotel is just minutes from PortMiami, making it an ideal stay for cruisers (ask about their shuttle service and cruise packages). It’s also located a few blocks from the Brightline train station, where a high-speed train will take riders to Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and even Orlando.
Why you should you book a stay at The Elser Hotel Miami
The Elser offers an elevated stay in downtown Miami, blending the comforts of home with resort-style amenities. It’s perfect for both quick getaways and extended visits, and its central location makes it easy to explore some of Miami’s greatest attractions by foot. For the best value, consider booking during the slower season of summer or the shoulder seasons.
DETAILS
Address: The Elser Hotel Miami 398 NE 5th Street, Miami, FL 33132
Price per night: Starting from $199 per night in summer, with peak season rates starting at $299
Closest transport: Miami International Airport is a 20-minute drive
Book now: via Booking.com
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