Miami is one of the most-visited cities in the U.S. According to the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, the area welcomed more than 26.5 million visitors in 2022 (the most recent statistics). That accounted for 17.1 million hotels room nights sold that year. And with thousands of properties to choose from — from budget stays to luxury resorts — finding the right place to stay can be daunting. As such, if you’re looking for a stylish, contemporary hotel that’s in the heart of the city, then you might want to check out the Gabriel Miami Downtown. This AAA Four Diamond property is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton.
The sleek modern vibe is immediately noticeable upon entrance. There lobby is just big enough for a check-in desk and intimate seating area. It leads to the elevator hall, with sinuous bench seating. Gray striated tile covers the walls and complements the natural woods and earth tones used throughout the public spaces. And inspired by the city’s reputation as a place for jet-setters and fashionistas, large magazine-style photographs of models add pops of bright colors.
Stay at the Gabriel Miami Downtown
The hotel offers 129 rooms and suites. These range from the 387-square-foot King City View and King Bay View to the 729-square-foot Double Deluxe Balcony Bay View with two double beds. The Jr. Suite Balcony Bay View King is the largest room at 807-square-feet. It sleeps two and features a waterfront view.
The sophisticated minimalist style of the lobby carries through the to the guest rooms. In similar fashion, the look is understated yet elegant, in calming shades of taupe, caramel and cream.
I stayed in a King Terrace Pool View. These rooms surround the rooftop pool on the 14th floor. I have to admit that I was a little confused when it came to getting to my room. When you step out of the elevator on the 14th floor, you’re greeted by a short hallway that leads to the pool patio. As such, I didn’t realize that I had to go outside and around the pool to find my room. So when arriving or departing, you have to walk, with all your luggage, past the folks swimming or lounging poolside. Luckily, I arrived late in the evening on a Sunday night, so the area was empty.
The Pool Terrace room includes a king-size bed with a tall, padded headboard. The treatment is echoed in the padded TV cabinet. A pair of low-slung velvet chairs, a small bistro table, an arc lamp, and a velvet chaise/daybed at the end of the bed complete the furnishings. A blond wood shelving unit houses the 50-inch TV. Another holds the mini-fridge, a Nespresso coffee maker, and minibar snacks.
The bathroom is spacious, with a large walk-in shower and double sinks. A hair dryer, bathrobe, and slippers are included. And there is an open niche for hanging clothes, along with safe for storing valuables and a shelf for stashing your suitcase or other bags or shoes.
The Pool View rooms feature a wall of glass that overlooks the pool patio. Consequently, privacy is provided by floor-to-ceiling curtains. Unfortunately, my curtain was stuck open, so I had to wait for a member of the maintenance crew to come up and fix it (another reason I was happy that the area was empty). Also, I can’t imagine that these rooms offer much when it comes to quiet time, especially if there are loud groups or children playing in the pool during the day. So if you’re the type of person who likes to sleep in or nap during the day, or who simply prefers complete isolation, I suggest booking a Bay View room.
On-Site Amenities
Like most large hotel properties, the Gabriel Miami offers more than just sleeping accommodations. Guests can work out in the 24-hour fitness center, swim laps in the adjacent rooftop lap pool, and then relax in the hot tub or on a lounge chair by the main swimming pool. Then enjoy a late lunch or signature cocktail at the Bella’s Rooftop Bar, with stunning views of Miami Beach. Additional dining options include Gabriel’s Signature Restaurant, which is open for breakfast; GBar, which is open for dinner; an in-room dining, which is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
In addition to catering to pleasure travelers, the Gabriel Miami hosts business and social events for small groups. More than 3,600 square feet of meeting space is divided into multiple rooms, with the largest holding up to 80 people. The hotel also offers AV equipment and support.
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Attractions Near the Gabriel Miami Downtown
The Gabriel Miami Downtown is situated Biscayne Boulevard, at the entry to the MacArthur Causeway ICW Bridge, which takes you across Biscayne Bay to the ultra-trendy South Beach. It’s also where you’ll find the Gabriel’s sister hotel, the Gabriel Miami South Beach. The downtown hotel offers free weekend shuttle service to the Miami Beach property.
The hotel is across the street from the Maurice A. Ferré Park, home to the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science and Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). And within blocks in either direction are the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Knight Concert Hall, the Kaseya Center (formerly known as the American Airlines Arena), and dozens of restaurants and shopping centers. A nightly destination fee includes the use of on-site bicycles for easy exploration.
For those looking to travel around Florida, the Gabriel Miami is just over a half-mile walk from the Brightline station (or a quick 5-minute Uber ride). This commuter train runs between Miami and Orlando, with stops in Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. So you can stay in Miami and take a day trip to Disney without the hassle of driving or parking.
The hotel also is pet friendly. And there are plenty of dog parks along the waterfront, including one in the Maurice A. Ferré park across the street.
If You Go
Rooms at the Gabriel Miami Downtown start at about $300/night. The rate includes a $25 mandatory destination charge that covers internet access, a $25 food and beverage credit, and shuttle transfer to the Gabriel South Beach. And if you’re traveling with a pet, there is a $100 nonrefundable fee. Packages also are available, such as one for cruise passengers that includes transportation to the Port of Miami.
If you’re a Hilton Honors program member, book your stay directly through the Hilton website. Otherwise, try Booking.com or Expedia to see if you can find a better rate.
For more places to stay in Miami, check out some of our reviews of other worthwhile accommodations.
