Kimpton EPIC Hotel, an IHG Hotel

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Honestly, the first thing that hits you about the Kimpton EPIC is just how dramatically it rises from Brickell Avenue – I mean, this glass tower literally dominates the skyline, and when you’re standing in that lobby looking out at Biscayne Bay, you get why they named it EPIC. The whole place has this Miami energy that’s polished but not stuffy, you know? The staff actually remembers your name after day one (which, let’s be real, doesn’t happen everywhere), and there’s this genuine warmth that feels authentically Kimpton rather than corporate hotel fake-friendly.

What really sets this place apart – and I’ve stayed at plenty of Brickell hotels – is how they’ve managed to capture that Miami sophistication without the pretension. The rooms are sleek, sure, but they’re also comfortable in a way that makes you want to hang out rather than just crash. Those floor-to-ceiling windows aren’t just for show either; waking up to sunrise over the bay is honestly pretty spectacular, especially if you snag a higher floor. The rooftop pool situation is where things get interesting though – it’s got this infinity edge that makes you feel like you’re floating above the city, and the bar up there serves drinks that are actually good, not just Instagram-worthy. I will say the pool area can get pretty crowded on weekends, especially during season when all the snowbirds descend on Miami.

Area 31 downstairs is solid for dinner (the seafood is legitimately fresh, not frozen-and-thawed like some hotel restaurants), and honestly, the breakfast spread is better than it needs to be. But here’s what I really appreciate – you’re literally steps from the Brickell City Centre if you need to grab anything, and the Metromover stop is right there, which makes getting around downtown actually convenient. Parking is valet only, which runs about $42 a night, but that’s pretty standard for this area unfortunately. The whole Brickell neighborhood has this energy where you’ve got serious business towers mixed with waterfront living, and the EPIC sits right in the sweet spot of that vibe. You’re close enough to walk to some great restaurants along the Miami River – Seaspice is maybe ten minutes on foot – but far enough from South Beach that you’re not dealing with that chaos unless you want to. I mean, it’s a five-star property with an 8.4 rating for good reason, and after staying here a few times, I can see why people become regulars.