Kimpton EPIC — riverfront in the city for city people over beach people
If this trip is about being in the city more than on the beach, the Kimpton EPIC is the answer. A riverfront hotel with two city-view rooftop pools, near Bayside Marketplace and the Brickell financial district, with Kimpton's free nightly wine hour. Ideal for travellers who want city convenience, shopping and Brickell nightlife.
The hotel sits on the Miami River in the heart of Downtown, next to Brickell. Step out and you're at a Metromover station (the free downtown elevated train), an easy walk to Bayside Marketplace and close to Brickell City Centre. The location suits travellers who want city sightseeing, shopping and dining over beach time — and South Beach is a ~15-minute drive when you want the sand.
"Up at the rooftop pool in the evening, free wine in hand, Brickell towers lighting up around you — a side of Miami many overlook."
Rooms are spacious by city-hotel standards, in Kimpton's warm style, many with balconies overlooking the river or city. Guests praise the large rooms and plush beds. Overall it's a 4-star that delivers space and comfort for the price.
The highlight is the rooftop — two rooftop pools with city and river views plus a bar, good fitness and spa, and in true Kimpton style a free nightly wine hour in the lobby. The vibe is friendly and pet-friendly. If you like a hotel with personality and warm service, Kimpton does it well.
On value — rates start around $285/night, excellent for a 4-star riverfront hotel downtown with two rooftop pools. If you focus on city exploring around Brickell/Downtown and don't need to be on the beach, this is one of the best-value picks in the list.
Things to know: this isn't a beach hotel — if sand every day is the point of your trip, it may not fit. Parts of Downtown are quiet on weekends (it's a business district), and there's valet parking like most city hotels. The upside: the free Metromover cuts your downtown transport costs a lot.
Bottom line: the Kimpton EPIC is a value-packed city pick with personality — riverfront, two rooftop pools, free wine hour. If you're a city/business traveller or want to explore Brickell/Downtown, go for it — great value. If you want the beach every morning, our list has more on-the-sand options.
Summary from Booking & Agoda
- ✓ Spacious rooms for the price
- ✓ Two city-view rooftop pools
- ✓ Free nightly wine hour
- ✓ At Metromover, easy city travel
- ! Not a beach hotel
- ! Downtown quiet on weekends
- ✓ Near Brickell + Bayside
- ✓ Warm, friendly, pet-friendly service
- ✓ Best city value here
- ✓ Good fitness and spa
- ! Valet parking on top
- ! ~15 min drive to South Beach
- 💡If the beach is the point — this is in the city · Fix → choose a beach resort like 1 Hotel or the Fontainebleau
- 💡If you visit on a weekend — Downtown can be quiet · Fix → ride the Metromover to livelier Brickell/Wynwood
- 💡If you visit during the 2026 World Cup — rates spike · Fix → book ahead, compare 3 sites
Heading to Miami for the World Cup?
Miami is a 2026 host city — see our full World Cup guide (matches, where to stay, tickets, visa) plus how to reach Hard Rock Stadium on match day.