Fodor's Expert Review The Confidante

Part of Hyatt's Unbound collection of hotels, the Confidante is located in a beachfront classic art deco building reinvented by Martin Brudnizki to channel a colorful, modern incarnation of 1950s Florida glamour. Accessorized by all the trappings one would covet in a Miami beachfront experience—two heated swimming pools, cabanas, a full-service beach club, multiple personality-driven watering holes, chic guest rooms, and a superb in-house restaurant—this is a restoration that's at once making history and keeping history in style. Throughout the intimate lobby space, the outdoor areas, and the rooms themselves, bold pastels, thick stripes, and funky prints revive a color palate and timeless style of yesteryear. Local Miami celebrity chef, Richard Hales, helms the property's signature restaurant, Bird & Bone, which features modern takes on Southern cuisine. The alfresco spa is located rooftop, accompanied by a spa deck, where complementary fitness classes are held daily.

Stop at the Cafecito Bar, located in the lobby, for some morning caffeination. The bar brews coffee from Miami's Panther Coffee or grab a high-octane cafecito made with Cafe Bustelo to get your morning started like a local.

room

Each of the resort's 363 rooms feature a blend of Midcentury Modern decor accented by citrus hues like lemon, lime, and orange. Accommodations offer a writing area with complimentary wifi and sitting area for winding down from the day. All rooms feature either a bar cart or full bar area stocked with mini-bar items and an assortment of glassware ranging from martini to wine glasses. The rooms offer a flat-screen TV, and in-wall USB charging stations. Room sizes range from 250 - 400 square feet and ADA accessible rooms offer emergency strobe light and strobe light smoke detectors. Views range from city views to beach vistas. The Confidante is a pet-friendly hotel and up to two dogs are welcome to stay, with a minimum pet fee of $175 for guests. All pets must be housebroken and kept on a leash at all times. In addition, pets are not allowed in the pool area.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Some ocean view rooms don't have balconies, so be sure to request one if you want to enjoy some al fresco lounging.

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bathroom

Modern bathrooms feature granite vanities, large scale mirrors, a rain shower, and terrycloth bathrobes. The shower is stocked with full sized Jonathan Adler shampoos and shower gel.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Some bathrooms offer a tub, others only have a shower stall, so if you're looking for a post-beach soak, make sure to request a room with a tub.

lobby

The Confidante's lobby is decorated with a modern decor and terrazzo flooring, evoking the Miami Beach that Sinatra called his personal playground. A lobby bar offers cocktails and local craft beers, and the Cafecito Bar sells coffees, pastries, and light bites. An adjoining terrace is perfect for relaxing before dinner at Bird & Bone, also located in the lobby. Walk up a small ramp to reach the resort's grounds.

Try a local craft beer at the lobby bar from one of South Florida's numerous, award-winning breweries.

pool

Two heated outdoor pools are framed with colorful, yellow beach chairs. The pool area also features a garden area for secluded lounging. Beyond the pool, find the beach and camp out in a complimentary lounge for guests. Both the pool and beach offer food and drink.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Food and drink purchased outside of the hotel are not permitted to be enjoyed in the pool areas.

spa

The spa is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering a range of massage options including 25 minute "quick fixes" for $80 that include massages and reflexology. A Warren Tricomi Studio offers a range of services from manicures to haircuts to highlights.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The spa's rooftop cabana area is under renovation until further notice. Treatments have been moved to an indoor facility.

gym

The resort boasts a 24-hour gym for guests and offers daily yoga sessions. In addition, bicycles are available.

Right behind the property lies the Miami Beach boardwalk, perfect for a morning walk to jog.

dining

Bird & Bone is the Confidant's signature restaurant. Helmed by Miami chef, Richard Hales, the restaurant offers modern takes on Southern comfort food. Hales' signature dish is his Nashville hot chicken, made fresh to order. The chicken leaves a pleasant tingle on the lips and is drizzled with spicy honey, served over Zak the Baker bread with housemade pickles. Sunday brunch features dishes like an eggs benedict made with fried green tomato and Broadbent's ham and biscuits and gravy with cheese heirloom corn grits. Healthy options like poke bowls are also available.

The Backyard offers light fare by the pool area like chicken wings, tuna poke bowls, and shrimp tacos.

Bird & Bone is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch.

drinking

The lobby bar features cocktails and a good local craft beer selection.

Try one of the Southern-themed cocktails, like the strawberry smash, made with muddled strawberries, Bulleit bourbon, and rosemary.