Photo: Courtesy of the property
With its many swanky restaurants, glimmering high-rises, and abundance of shops, open-air malls, and museums, Downtown Miami is the perfect home base for a South Florida vacation. Within its 3.8 square miles, you’ll find dozens of hotel options to suit any style: However, the 49-story Elser Hotel ranks among our faves. Open since November 2022, this luxe property is only steps from Bayside Marketplace — as well as Port Miami, making it an ideal spot for a pre- or post-cruise Miami stay.
The Look of The Elser Hotel
The Elser Hotel is housed inside a modern skyscraper and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that provide plenty of natural light. The lobby gives off hip vibes thanks to its exposed brick, striking light fixtures, black and gold accents, and hanging plants. With tons of seating options as well as a library you can borrow books from, it’s an ideal place for people watching — or admiring the contemporary art by Venezuelan artist Paul Amundarain that adorns the walls. Yet-to-debut, you’ll soon find the Jaguar Sun cocktail bar and restaurant off the lobby, which will serve raw seafood and pasta, as well as the Bistro Café Domino, a hip coffee shop.
The entire hotel is incredibly Instagram-worthy, but nowhere more so than its 19,000-square-foot rooftop sun deck. The space features a 132-foot-long wraparound pool, an al fresco bar, a 16-foot LED screen that shows movies, sporting events, and music videos, as well as a lawn area complete with a striking mural by local artist Jeffrey Noble. There’s also plenty of space to soak up the sun on white sofas, daybeds, or chaise lounges — panoramic city views as a backdrop are just the cherry on top.
Last but not least are the stylish guest rooms, which range from studios to three-bedroom suites. Each of the 646 units has a gray color palette, floor-to-ceiling windows, and both city and water views (either of the Atlantic or Biscayne Bay) — best enjoyed from the private balcony, of course. Rooms also have full kitchens as well as spa-inspired bathrooms outfitted with bespoke Italian vanities and rain showers.
The Vibe at The Elser Hotel
Just like the neighborhood surrounding it, The Elser Hotel is (pretty much) always buzzing. Come late afternoon, the rooftop becomes a hotspot that’s packed with people who flock here to watch the sunset while lounging and sipping cocktails.
Who Will Love The Elser Hotel
Families and groups of friends will especially love The Elser Hotel for its spacious accommodations: Even the smallest rooms clock in at over 400 square feet and can sleep up to four people. Also, anyone starting or ending a cruise in Miami will appreciate the hotel’s proximity to the port.
Who Might Not Love The Elser Hotel
While The Elser Hotel has a fantastic rooftop sundeck with a sparkling swimming pool, it’s not on the beach, so those craving a beach vacation may choose to stay somewhere along the ocean.
The Best Amenity at The Elser Hotel
Without a doubt, it’s the rooftop sundeck area with its chaise-lined wraparound pool, outdoor bar, and sofa-dotted lawn area. Despite how crowded it can get up here, the space itself is expansive, which means you’ll have plenty of room to unwind without having to fight for a spot in the sun (or the shade, if that’s more your speed).
What’s Included at The Elser Hotel
Your stay includes Wi-Fi and access to the rooftop sundeck as well as a two-story, 10,200-square-foot fitness center that’s open 24 hours. Every day from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. by the pool area, the hotel hosts “Bubbles & Sunsets,” a complimentary Champagne toast to ring in the evening.
Fees & Extra Costs You Should Know About at The Elser Hotel
The nightly amenity fee ($40 plus tax) includes the aforementioned perks along with:
Valet parking is available for an additional $50 per night.
How to Get a Deal at The Elser Hotel
Check the offers tab on the hotel website to view the latest promotions and packages. Florida residents can also enjoy discounted room rates.
The Sweet Season
For the lowest rates, you’ll want to visit in the summer, when the scorching heat tends to ward off the typical crowds. Sure, it’ll be hot, but you can easily cool off in the 132-foot-long pool! Keep in mind that June through November is hurricane season; however, if the weather does get rainy when you’re in town, you can easily pass the time museum- or gallery-hopping near the hotel.
In the Neighborhood of The Elser Hotel
The Elser Hotel is located in the heart of Downtown Miami, putting you within walking distance of some of the city’s best restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. The Adrienne Arsht Center, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and the Pérez Art Museum Miami are all less than a 20-minute walk away. Additionally, Port Miami is just over a mile from the hotel (five minutes by car or 25 minutes on foot).
Nearest Airport to The Elser Hotel
Miami International Airport is just under seven miles away (around 25 minutes by car).
Nearest Public Transportation to The Elser Hotel
The College Bayside and Freedom Tower Metromover stations are both a short stroll (four minutes) from the hotel. The Brightline Miami Station — which connects Magic City to cities like Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando via high-speed rail — is an 11-minute walk.
For a convenient and stylish place to call home during your time in Miami — be it for one night or several — look no further than this upscale hotel.