Essex House by Clevelander

1001 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, Miami Beach, United States

4-star hotel

Guest rating: 3.7 / 5

Overview

Essex House by Clevelander is a 4-star boutique hotel set in a circa-1938 art deco building in the heart of South Beach's historic district. Its curving facade and illuminated rooftop sign make it a recognizable landmark, and the lobby retains a period mural above a marble fireplace, giving the property a distinctive sense of history rarely found in newer beach hotels.

Rooms & Suites

Guest rooms feature warm, bright furnishings, double-paned windows for noise reduction, and marble bathrooms with pedestal sinks. Suites, located in a separate courtyard building, add sitting areas, minifridges and Wi-Fi, making them a better fit for travelers wanting extra space; some guests note standard rooms offer limited luggage storage.

Dining & Amenities

An open-air brunch eatery operates on site, and continental breakfast is available, though some guests describe it as basic (coffee and a croissant). Guests also receive access to the pool, rooftop terraces and restaurant at the neighboring Clevelander Hotel, effectively extending the property's recreational and dining options.

Location

The hotel sits about two blocks from the beach at 1001 Collins Ave, with Lummus Park just 154m away and The Wolfsonian-FIU only 97m away. Nikki Beach Miami Beach, South Pointe Park Pier, Miami Beach Botanical Garden and The Bass are all within roughly a mile, while Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Jungle Island and the Pérez Art Museum Miami are reachable within a few miles for a day trip further afield.

Best for

This hotel suits travelers drawn to art deco history and a South Beach location just steps from the sand, especially those who book a suite for extra room and amenities like a minifridge and Wi-Fi. It's a good match for leisure travelers who want beach, museum and nightlife access (Lummus Park, The Wolfsonian, Nikki Beach) without needing extensive on-site facilities.

Travel tips

Book a suite in the courtyard building if you need more storage space or a sitting area, as standard rooms have been noted for limited luggage space. Take advantage of included access to the Clevelander's pool and rooftop terraces next door rather than expecting a full pool on-site at Essex House. Since the hotel is only two blocks from the beach and close to Lummus Park and The Wolfsonian, walking is often the easiest way to explore South Beach's art deco district.

What guests say

Guests consistently praise the hotel's prime South Beach location, its history, and attentive, friendly staff, with several reviewers singling out specific team members for excellent service. Suites are frequently recommended for their space and cleanliness. Recurring complaints include limited luggage storage in standard rooms, weak water pressure in some bathrooms, and a continental breakfast viewed as underwhelming (just coffee and a croissant) relative to the price.

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