Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel

There are seemingly countless places to stay in South Beach, and the vast majority fall squarely into one of two categories. There are the massive four- and five-star oceanfront hotels with infinity pools, and then there are the Art Deco landmarks revamped as boutique hotels — in other words, you’re usually choosing between luxury and character. Not so at the Surfcomber Miami, one of the rare hotels that offers both.

The prime location accounts for half the appeal — the Surfcomber is situated just across from the beach, along some of the most desirable blocks of Collins Avenue in the center of the Art Deco Historic District. It’s a Kimpton hotel, with all the brand name implies: the look is stylish but approachable, families with small children are welcome, and you don’t get massacred with add-on fees for what should be standard amenities. And in Miami, where things get pretentious quickly, the accessible vibe is a selling point. The design scheme mixes the Kimpton’s fresh color palette and playful modern décor with a coolly understated surf theme. Rooms and suites come with large flat-screen TVs and sleek bathrooms stocked with products by Atelier Bloem; Oceanview and Oceanfront suites and rooms feature large private balconies well-suited to late afternoon sunbathing.

Come mealtime, it’s down to Social Club for Latin American-influenced dishes and a daily happy hour. Around the swimming pool, a pair of decks offer shaded lounge space and poolside service by the High Tide Beach Bar and Grill, not to mention free sunblock, complimentary wi-fi and flavored waters on the house. Steps away, down on the beach, the Surfcomber has a dedicated space on the sand where guests can rent umbrellas or order cocktails. Despite the fact that you’re soaking up rays on a stretch of South Beach’s most valuable real estate, it’s all quite laid back — stay casual in-house, and save your best outfits for a night out.