Located in the heart of Miami’s Performing Art District, the 527-room Hilton Miami Downtown attracts business and leisure travelers looking for the convenience of being in the center of it all. And being in the center of it all means panoramic views of Biscayne Bay, the city skyline, and a look at Miami’s cruise terminal.
In 2018 the hotel finished the first part of its $35 million renovations, with the second portion of the project following the year after that. It’s a bright and shiny jewel on Biscayne Bay.
The reception desk is a floor up from where your cab will drop you. There is a bell stand on the first floor, and staff will get you pointed in the right direction. The first floor is also where the cruise lines have staffed desks to help you with transfers and information. Stop off if you need information or assistance, otherwise just head to the elevator and go up to the Hilton Downtown Miami lobby.
Our room was located on the 7th floor with a few of Biscayne Bay and a view of the Cruise Terminal and Port. Rooms feature the Hilton’s Serenity Bed Collection, decor in warm neutrals with pops of black and red. I appreciated the dual reading lights located above the bed. They’re easily angled for good lighting for a late night settle in with a good book. The room is comfy and warm, with just a hint of sass.
The workspace is well laid out with good lighting and lots of plug ins. The bathroom is spacious, with room enough for two people to get ready, and features amenities from the Peter Thomas Roth collection.
We liked the floor-to-ceiling windows at this Miami Hilton – don’t worry, there are blackout drapes so your sleep won’t be disturbed by the bright Florida sun – and enjoyed watching the ships comes and go from the Cruise Terminal. There were six in berths while we were there, and as close as we are to the terminal, only two miles away, it’s no surprise that the Hilton Downtown Miami is a popular pre- and post-cruise stay.
Brasa Bistro is the hotel’s main restaurant and it’s open for breakfast (buffet and a la carte), lunch, and dinner, incorporating ingredients and cooking styles into a menu that’s a fusion of Caribbean, European, and South American dishes. You can also order from Brasa’s menu in the 1601 Lounge (off the lobby) and CityVu, the rooftop pool area. Both 1601 Lounge and CityVu were about to undergo renovation when we visited and I’m hoping we’ll see more diversity in the menus offered at each of these dining locations.
The rooftop pool deck area is comfortable, with a dining table on the lower level and loungers closer to the pool. While it was warm and comfortable during our visit, when the scorching weather hits, you may want to save your pool visits for the early morning or later in the evening. And with the skyline in the distance, it’s a great place for a refreshing drink.
The Hilton Miami Downtown has some of the largest meeting space in the city. If this is the reason for your stay, add on an extra day or two and take advantage of the great neighborhood. The hotel is adjacent to the Metromover, a free public transportation system, so you can get around the area without needing a car.
Some of the nearby attractions to consider, many within walking distance, include the Adrienne Arsht Center and the Wynwood Arts District, American Airlines Arena (home to the Miami Heat), upscale shopping in the Design District, along with popular museums like the Perez Art Museum and Frost Science Museum. And if you’re looking for clubs and nightlife, the hopping scene of South Beach is just a bit further away by a cab ride.
While it might be easy to dismiss the Hilton Miami Downtown as just another chain hotel, that would be a real disservice to your next Miami stay. The hotel blends upscale sophistication with a vibrant south Florida vibe, creating a hotel that’s the perfect backdrop for your next Miami stay.
The Hilton Downtown Miami is located at 1601 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida. Rates start around $135/night at the official website. You can also compare Hotels.com for their rates.
Parking runs $25/day with valet parking. Unless you have a specific reason for a car, you can get easily get around with a combination of the free Metromover, other public transportation, and/or a cab/Uber. A cab from the airport to the hotel will run around $30.
