The Vagabond Hotel Miami

The Vagabond Hotel Miami: A Retro-Chic Michelin Key Selection

The Vagabond Hotel Miami, a "Michelin Key Selected" property, offers a vibrant and stylish experience, consistently lauded for its meticulously restored Mid-Century Modern design, inviting pool area, and friendly service. Guests frequently describe their stays as "wonderful" and express a strong desire to return.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Vagabond Hotel Miami is overwhelmingly positive, with high ratings for cleanliness (9.4), comfort (9.4), staff (9.4), and value for money (8.8) on Booking.com. Guests often praise its "retro chic" ambiance and the successful blend of vintage charm with modern comforts. The hotel maintains a "Fabulous!" rating from many guests.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of The Vagabond Hotel Miami:

• Design & Atmosphere: The hotel is celebrated for its award-winning, fully renovated 1950s Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, described as "retro chic" by The New York Times. The distinctive neon sign, drive-in diner feel, and hubcaps on the walls are all nods to its 1950s automobile-inspired design. The architectural style features geometric and sculptural elements, an open-air plan, and nautical touches.
• The Iconic Pool Area: The lush courtyard with its iconic mermaid mosaic pool is a major draw. The pool is heated and oversized, surrounded by funky seating, custom-made rattan chaise lounges, and a relaxing poolside cocktail bar. Guests often describe the pool area as "cute" and "so nice".
• Service & Staff: The staff receives high marks for being "friendly," "lovely and welcoming," and "terribly helpful." Many guests highlight the great service.
• Amenities: The hotel offers free high-speed Wi-Fi, complimentary on-site parking, a fitness center, and no resort fees. Complimentary morning coffee and tea are also provided daily.

3. Room Quality

The 42 stylish rooms are arranged around the central courtyard and feature a "kitschy-cool" design with splashes of aqua-blue, magenta, and crisp white.

• Comfort & Design: Rooms are often described as spacious, comfortable, and quiet. They combine modern amenities with "cool uber-chic touches" and "Mid-Century Modern design details". Features include original terrazzo and wood flooring, Italian-made hypoallergenic mattresses, and hand-drawn geometric wall murals.
• In-Room Amenities: Guests find flat-screen Smart TVs, eco-friendly spa-quality toiletries, in-room workstations, and laptop-sized safes. Select rooms also offer Keurig® coffee makers and mini-fridges. Showers are noted for being large with good water pressure, and bathrobes are a nice touch.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel features on-site dining options and complimentary refreshments:

• Ensenada: The Vagabond Hotel is home to Ensenada, a restaurant praised for its elevated Mexican coastal cuisine. While some sources indicate it's open on weekends, it's generally a guest favorite and open to the public.
• Complimentary Offerings: Guests can enjoy complimentary morning coffee and tea served daily in the lobby. Some reviews mention a complimentary continental breakfast with toast, pastries, oranges, yogurts, and cereals, though some wished for more healthy choices.
• Nearby Options: The hotel's location in the MiMo district means guests have easy access to various local eateries, including Wabi Sabi for Japanese, Caracas Bakery for Venezuelan pastries, and Uptown 66 Taqueria for Mexican street food.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at The Vagabond Hotel Miami consistently receives excellent feedback for their hospitality. They are frequently described as "friendly," "helpful," "charming," and "welcoming." Reviewers on Booking.com give staff a high rating of 9.4. Guests appreciate feeling well looked after by the team.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Vagabond Hotel is centrally located on Biscayne Boulevard in Miami's historic MiMo District (Miami Modern), part of the Upper East Side.

• Neighborhood: This area is described as undergoing a renaissance and is noted for its vintage style and indie personality. It's conveniently situated near other popular areas like the Design District, Wynwood, Midtown, and Little Haiti, which are known for art, nightlife, and shopping.
• Attractions: While not directly on South Beach (which is about 11 km away), the hotel offers easy access to attractions such as the Port of Miami (close to cruise port), American Airlines Arena, Bayside Marketplace, and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.
• Transport: Miami International Airport is approximately 6.8 to 8 miles away, making it a relatively short drive. The hotel offers free on-site parking. Public transport options, including Golden Glades, Opa-Locka, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza Metrorail stations, are also accessible, connecting guests to downtown Miami and other key destinations.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally consider The Vagabond Hotel Miami to offer good value for money, with a rating of 8.8. Rooms can range from approximately $68 to $479, with standard rooms sometimes available from around $169 to $180 per night. Its stylish design and amenities at competitive prices make it appealing for "budget-conscious travellers who value style over glitz."

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are largely positive, some minor recurring issues have been mentioned:

• Noise: Some guests have reported noise from outside the rooms or from creaking floorboards on the ground floor.
• Breakfast Variety: While complimentary continental breakfast is offered, some guests desired a wider selection of healthy options.
• Bar Staff: One review mentioned that "everything but the staff at the bar were the best!"
• Room Amenities (Minor): A few guests noted the absence of a coffee/tea maker in their room (though complimentary options are in the reception) or a refrigerator (available in select rooms).

Sources

1. booking.com
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3. momondo.com
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5. internationaltraveller.com
6. miamiandbeaches.com
7. travelwithanda.com
8. timeout.com
9. thevagabondhotelmiami.com
10. expedia.com
11. agoda.com
12. trip.com
13. thehotelguru.com
14. kayak.com
15. youtube.com