2445 Nw 176 Terrace Miami Gardens Fl 33056

Location

The oceanfront COMO Metropolitan is situated on a bend on Collins Avenue just north of South Beach, slightly beyond the glitz of the neighbourhood to its south and found in a slightly run-down stretch of the beach before it cleans up again in the up-and-coming Mid-Beach section. It's surrounded by dated stucco condos that are a bit of an eyesore. Depending on what direction your room faces, this will become all too apparent. Still, it's an oceanfront hotel in close proximity to many of Miami Beach's best hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and attractions.

Style and Character

The historic Art Deco character of the original building has been lovingly and tastefully restored. Original terrazzo floors, scalloped archways and lofty ceilings lead the eye from the restaurant to a terrace overlooking the pedestrian path, pool and ocean beyond. It was created by Milanese designer Paola Navone in a subdued color palette of white, soft pink and mint green.

Service and Facilities

Service is extremely friendly and personable; however, communication within the hotel's various departments seemed slightly confused, with my hosts unaware of dinner and spa reservations despite them being made weeks in advance. All was recovered quickly but this is a pet peeve.

The hotel boasts a small swimming pool, beach service and a rooftop spa and gym with a hydrotherapy pool and sauna. A therapist provided one of the most blissful massages I've had in a long time.

Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Laundry
Room service
Pool
Wi-Fi
Fitness centre
Beach

Rooms

The rooms fall short of the luxury and high design that COMO Metropolitan's reputation would have you expect. The group is known for its luxury resorts in London, Turks and Caicos and the Asia; rooms in their South Beach hotel are nothing more than average, with white-washed particle-board furniture, a stiff, uncomfortable bed and terrazzo floors that will appeal to those looking for Instagram fodder but to others might feel more suited to a hospital room. Ceilings are low, windows are dirty on the outside and the preservation of the historic property means there are no balconies. The mint green that sparkles pleasantly in the lobby has more of a queasy effect in the rooms.

Bathrooms are pleasant with white subway tiles and a rainfall shower. In fact their proprietary bath products, made with eucalyptus and peppermint, might be the nicest aspect of the rooms.

Food and Drink

I stayed on a Tuesday night and enjoyed the Taittinger Champagne special at $50 (£38) a bottle along with a prix fixe dinner. Courses included scallop crudo, cod and steak at the Traymore restaurant, which is just off the lobby. It is home to a pleasant bar specialising in gin – both cocktails and tasting flights.

Breakfast is served at Traymore with a variety of breakfast buffet options to choose from, as well as à la carte items like eggs Benedict or an egg white omelette and green juice from the healthy COMO Shambhala menu.

Value for Money

Double rooms from $236 (£176) in low season; and from $925 (£690) in high season. Breakfast from $15 (£11). Free Wi-Fi.

Access for guests with disabilities?

Adapted rooms are available, and public areas and pools are accessible.

Family-Friendly?

Yes. While there's not much of a family programme and accommodation is somewhat small, it's still a family-friendly hotel.