Murray On Travel

Good News!  The Surfcomber in Miami/South Beach is run by Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group.  What does that mean?  For me it means I will enjoy my stay.  And that was the case here.  I've stayed at Kimpton hotels nationwide, and have always enjoyed their unique boutique style hotels.  The Surfcomber (not Surfrider) is a youthful, casually hip beachfront resort hotel for couples and families.  This is #4 in my "7 Hotels In 7 Days: Miami Beach" review tour.

The modern eclectic theme of The Surfcomber starts at the large lobby with plenty of room to relax and lounge around.  Check-in was fast and efficient.  Valet parking.  The hotel is in a lively neighborhood of hotels, restaurants, and shops.  Five minute walk to a CVS drug store, and a 15 minute walk to the historic South Beach area. 

Room #235 is a Standard King Room with a whimsical decor that reminds you that this isn't a normal chain hotel.  Was surprised they didn't provide a suitcase stand.  Had to use a bench intended for seating.  Bed was comfortable.  Sheets were average with a lightweight comforter.  Pillows were lacking.   

A comfortable desk for those who want to get some work done.  If so, the WiFi was strong and fast at 24Mbps Down / 27Mbps Up.   Plenty of lighting.  A handy power strip mounted on the side of the desk is a good home for gadget chargers.  Room's AC unit was average. 

As you can see the casual, yet stylish decor of the hotel is obvious.  Not just the crazy, casino-like carpeting, but what is that tied up on the wall? :-)   Smaller HDTV.  FM clock radio beside the bed with iPhone/iPod doc with 30pin connector.  Includes input cable for connecting other audio devices.  Stocked Mini-Bar, key required.

The closet was very small.  But four very large drawers in room made up for this lack of space.  The Surfcomber Hotel provided very comfortable robes, a yoga mat, and a large safe.  A large 6ft mirror beside entry door.  No coffee maker, but you can request one.  The hotel provides a large coffee service in the lobby each morning. 

The bathroom was small, but usable and efficient.  Nice rain shower style head in shower.  Nice amenities from Bigelow Apothecaries.  Excellent lighting at mirror.  Did you forget something at home?  Don't worry -- a card in the bathroom describes a long list of items that the Surfcomber provides at no charge.  Includes: Cell phone charger, coffee maker, make-up mirror, toothbrush & toothpaste, tweezers and much more.  Very Nice!  But typical of a Kimpton Hotel. 

 Window looked out over the courtyard that separates the two buildings that make up the hotel.  The majority of guest rooms have views like this.  The windows opened to let in a little fresh sea air.  Curtains were a set of beach inspired, louvered blinds with a full blackout curtain behind it. 

Is that a cow in the courtyard of the hotel?  Well Yes!  Not really... 

Time to get down to business because this is Miami Beach!  The Surfcomber has a very long pool with staff offering bar and food service.   Open during daylight hours, but I saw many guests enjoying a swim after dark.

Plenty of private cabana like hide-a-ways on two levels.  A small multi-purpose room for events/meetings is available.  Not really an ideal wedding location. 

Hey, it's that cow again, doing a little early morning trimming of grass near the pool bar.  He is headed over to the large beach sand pit with lounge chairs and pillows. 

 It is just a short walk from the hotel over to the beach.  

The Surfcomber Hotel offers beach attendants and services on the sand.  Chair rental is included with your resort fee.  Note: This property provided one night of complimentary accommodations.

A fun spot for the kids. 

Not a bad way to pass the time while on vaca... 

Very small gym near the pool with minimal equipment.  But they do have hula-hoops!  No spa, but cabana/poolside massage and body treatments are available. 

A small bar & dining area are located just off the main lobby.  In-room dining is available.   See the hotel's website for more information.   Additional dining options are located nearby.

 The Surfcomber provides an excellent "Complimentary Wine Hour" each day from 5-6 pm in the main lobby.  Excellent selection of wines.  

Another quiet spot located just off of the hotel lobby.  Since you are so close to the historic South Beach area you might want to take a walking tour.

My busy "7 Hotels In 7 Days: Miami Beach" schedule didn't give me enough time for a dip in the pool, but I was very tempted.

Check out time is 11 am.  Call The Surfcomber front desk if you need more time.  If they can give you some extra time, they will.  But if they are busy, your chances are slim.  This is not a shiny, new towering luxury hotel, but it is a very friendly spot in a good location.  A short walk to South Beach and shopping.