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. And while there’s no restaurant or bar at the moment, that’ll change any day — Seawell, a raw bar and seafood restaurant, and the Minnow Bar, a craft-focused cocktail bar, are set to open imminently. (In the meantime the hotel staff will serve as your guide to South Beach’s many dining and drinking establishments.)