Kimpton EPIC Hotel

Kimpton EPIC Hotel, Miami: A Comprehensive Review

The Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Miami, a Michelin Key Selected property, generally receives high praise for its modern luxury, prime downtown location, and exceptional amenities. Guests frequently highlight the stylish design and the impressive 16th-floor pool deck with its stunning views.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Kimpton EPIC Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests considering it among the top hotels in Miami. It's often described as a luxurious retreat with a modern, fresh feel. The hotel receives an average rating of 4.5/5 from some reviewers.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently love several aspects of the Kimpton EPIC. Its location in downtown Miami's Brickell area is a significant draw, providing easy access to various neighborhoods and attractions. The hotel's design is celebrated for its modern, beachy, and glamorous aesthetic, featuring marble, blue tones, and local artwork. The amenities, particularly the dual 16th-floor pools with panoramic city and bay views, are a major highlight, often featuring live DJs on weekends. The complimentary evening wine hour and pet-friendly policy with no extra fees are also much appreciated. Many also enjoy the variety of dining options within or connected to the hotel.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel are described as modern, spacious, comfortable, and functionally designed. Guest rooms and suites begin on the 18th floor, ensuring breathtaking views of either Biscayne Bay or the downtown skyline. Standard rooms, like the 475 sq. ft. "Two Double Cityview," often include a balcony and a seating area. The design incorporates marble, blue tones, and local artwork, with thoughtful touches like numerous USB and charging ports. Bathrooms are notably spacious, featuring double sinks, walk-in showers with rainforest showerheads, and soaking tubs. Exhale-brand toiletries, robes, and yoga mats are provided. While generally well-appointed, some guests have noted minor wear and tear on furnishings and that beds in two-bed rooms might be double beds rather than queen or king. A minor design critique mentioned is the lack of full separation between the bedroom and bathroom, with blinds not always extending completely.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Kimpton EPIC is generally well-regarded. Area 31, located on the 16th floor, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also provides pool service. It's known for its exceptional food and service, with dishes like octopus and risotto receiving specific praise for dinner. The restaurant offers stunning views of the Miami River and bay, with options for indoor and outdoor seating. Zuma, a trendy and expensive Japanese restaurant, is also located in the lobby and is popular with both guests and locals. While dinner at Area 31 is highly rated, some guests have found the service at brunch to be less attentive. Breakfast at Area 31 is described as reasonably good with friendly service. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Kimpton EPIC generally receive positive feedback. Front desk staff are frequently described as friendly, efficient, and genuinely hospitable, often greeting guests with smiles. Many appreciate the hotel's texting line for quick responses to requests and questions. Poolside service is also highlighted as fantastic. However, consistency in housekeeping and turn-down service has been mentioned as an area for improvement by some, with instances of services being missed or incomplete. Additionally, some guests have noted a lack of consistent assistance with luggage or door opening outside the lobby.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Kimpton EPIC Hotel boasts a "perfect" downtown location in the Brickell area of Miami, situated right on the Miami River. This central position offers easy access to various Miami neighborhoods, including Little Havana (10 minutes) and South Beach (20 minutes). It's approximately a 20-minute drive from Miami International Airport. While the immediate vicinity might not have a plethora of shops and restaurants directly next door, there are numerous options nearby within walking distance or a short Uber ride, including other restaurants and a multi-level food hall. The area around the hotel, particularly the driveway, can experience significant traffic congestion due to its popularity, nearby construction, and a frequently opening drawbridge. Guests are also advised to be mindful of downtown Miami at night and plan for cabs if venturing off-site.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests often consider the Kimpton EPIC to offer good value for its modern luxury, especially when compared to properties like the W Hotel nearby. Standard rooms can range from approximately $220 to $350 per night before taxes and fees, with prices varying by season, weekends, and holidays. The hotel is an IHG One Rewards property, allowing guests to potentially use points for stays, with some reporting successful redemptions for as low as 38,000 points per night. A daily resort fee of $35 plus tax is applied, which guests generally find justified due to the quality of amenities provided. Valet parking is available but can be expensive, costing around $52 overnight with in-and-out privileges, and $28 for day parking.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the generally positive reviews, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted. These include:

• Inconsistent Housekeeping: While friendly, the consistency of turn-down service and daily housekeeping (e.g., replacing water bottles or coffee pods) has been a point of contention for some guests.
• Slow Valet Service: The valet service can be a "horror" with long wait times, sometimes up to 50 minutes, particularly during busy periods, partly due to the crowded driveway area shared with residences and popular restaurants.
• Lobby Atmosphere: Some find the lobby, despite its grandeur and high ceilings, to feel somewhat sterile or like an office building, and a lack of staff assistance with luggage outside.
• Minor Room Issues: Occasional complaints include minor wear and tear on room furnishings, and issues with bathroom blinds not fully closing for privacy.
• Unstable Water Pressure: One guest reported unstable water pressure in the bathroom.
• Downtown Miami at Night: Guests are advised to be cautious in downtown Miami after dark and plan for transportation.
• Noise: Noise from the pool area and nearby construction has been reported from some rooms.

Sources

1. voyagerguru.com
2. christinelozada.com
3. booking.com
4. youtube.com
5. insidemiamibeach.com
6. oyster.com
7. onemileatatime.com