Kimpton Angler’s Hotel South Beach

When Kimpton first took over the historic Angler’s, it was still a slightly unfocused Mediterranean Revival curiosity, out of scale and slightly out of step with the current South Beach hotel scene. The new Angler’s, however, is totally transformed: while the original building is closed for renovation, the brand-new five-story tower building features 85 contemporary-style studio rooms, all of which are sleeker, sunnier, and more modern than the Angler’s that came before.

The new look, thanks to designer Nicole Hollis, is a visually dramatic one, its rich blues and dark woods contrasting with the classic Miami Beach white. Spaces are generous — the benefits of new construction — with room for either a king or two queen beds, as well as an outdoor terrace and, in some cases, a spa-like bathroom complete with a soaking tub. And in the typical Kimpton style, they stop well short of ostentatious luxury, opting instead for smart comfort and a touch of mid-century modern style.

Also new is a rooftop pool with a sundeck, complete with views of the not-so-distant Atlantic, as well as a poolside bar called La Terraza. El Patio, a Spanish and Mediterranean restaurant, gathers guests and locals around the table, while Bar Habana, a Cuban-inspired craft-focused cocktail bar, opens onto an outdoor terrace.