Vintro Hotel

The Scene

On the slightly quieter side of Miami Beach, you actually get to touch the world of your average resident (which is frankly not-so-average when you live in a place like this). Vintro capitalizes on its unique location with views over the Miami Canal (just a short paddle away is the inland Lake Pancoast) and of Collins Park. Collins Park and its surrounding area, by the by, is a cultural superpower in Miami: the Bass Museum of Art, the Miami City Ballet, and a particularly nice and large Miami Beach Library all line the park, which is in itself a lovely place to saunter through on your way to the beach (a 5-minute walk or 2-minute drive in Vintro’s van). You’re still quite close to the more lively (read: party-mad) South Beach proper; the Lincoln Road Mall is around 15 minutes away on foot--perfect for getting just a bit of exercise--and 5 on one of Vintro’s bikes. Any further than that and you may want to consider hailing a cab.

The Concept

Designed very specifically to appeal to the sophisticated child in all of us, there’s an equal amount of space to play--outside, primarily--and indulge in the more adult pleasures of life (fine food and drink, of course). Astroturf tops the deck on the roof where a comfy grey-striped lounger and plunge pool are the best place to spend your morning; sunny lounge chairs and bright hammocks on the other side always seem to find just the right afternoon light. In between the two, escape the noon sun with a game of ping-pong underneath the overhang--or is shuffleboard and volleyball more your style? That’s downstairs in the sand court (look for the Airstream). The food and wine selection, though, we think outshines even the rooftop. Vintro Kitchen is all Old Florida style (think Havana) and fresh Mediterranean and Latin-inspired cuisine. It’s largely tapas-driven and the 26-foot cold bar stands out with its signature Hamachi crudo (just try it). The wine list is similarly stunning and sourced from “farmers, not factories”. When it’s not searingly hot and humid out, the canal side terrace is a simply perfect match for the laid-back gourmet atmosphere.

The Look

While the name “Vintro” is a mash-up of “vintage” and “retro”, the hotel itself really has more of a clean, contemporary look that’s dotted with vintage and retro-inspired art. The uncluttered space let imaginative details shine like beds lit up from the bottom (for a levitating effect) and a framed glass wall to see into the showers (good thing this is an adults-only hotel). The bright, sunny yellows, oranges, and reds that bedeck the walls, pillows, and throws are complemented by bright art from the “pop-up gallery” that currently celebrates Old Florida and juxtaposing celebrities from yesteryear with modern themes. These works can be purchased and rotate periodically. The bathrooms feature a seriously impressive rain shower, and the sumptuous robes and slippers perfectly complement the relaxed feeling we have after a hot shower. The building may be Art Deco, but it has managed to avoid the pitfalls of other hotels of this type--namely the small room size. Each room here is plenty spacious; really, your only major decision is whether you want to spring for a city or garden view.

In Short

Sometimes being a kid again means embracing the joy of being an adult. Tap into the joy of tropical life in beautiful Miami Beach at Vintro Hotel.