COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach

Originally the Traymore Hotel, this 1930s property underwent a major renovation to restore it to its Art Deco roots with more modern features. As part of the COMO Hotels and Resorts brand, which has properties in Bangkok and Bali, the Metropolitan blends Miami luxury with the feel of a relaxing wellness retreat. Most of its clientele are couples seeking a romantic, peaceful vacation, though business travelers and families won't feel out of place. Between the rooftop hydrotherapy pool with stunning ocean vistas, sandy beachfront with staff service, and elegant (albeit somewhat sterile) spa, there are many spots for guests to enjoy a quiet escape.The hotel's Art Deco style is readily apparent, as seen in the lobby's furnishings -- white columns with attached gray bench seating; funky light fixtures affixed to the pistachio-colored walls; and terrazzo tile flooring. This design and color scheme extends into the first-floor Traymore restaurant and the stylish guest rooms. Another notable feature is the staff; it receives consistent praise for its genuinely friendly and helpful service.

At 24th Street on Collins Avenue, the Metropolitan by COMO is at the northern tip of South Beach, right at the border with Miami Beach. One of the main features of the hotel is its direct beach access, and guests can enjoy the sandy beach on comfy loungers. But the property is a bit removed from the more iconic Art Deco architecture that South Beach is best known for -- you're about a eight-block (10-minute) walk from the famous Delano or Raleigh hotels, and it's a relatively interesting but not particularly short 15- to 20-minute hike from the outdoor cafe and people-watching circuit along Ocean Drive at Lummus Park. Likewise, you're a long walk (or short cab ride) from the dining or shopping along the Lincoln Road Mall. And Collins Avenue, this far north, turns from a quaint two-lane road into much busier four-lane thoroughfare with empty lots, yet-renovated condos, and relatively little retail. For the all-night vitality that South Beach is known for, you'll have to head at least five blocks south. The hotel does have valet parking and limousine service upon request. Additionally, the Bass Museum of Art is only a couple blocks away and the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Botanical Gardens, and the Holocaust Memorial are all within walking distance. Miami International Airport is a 25-minute drive from the hotel.

The 74 guest rooms are all decorated in the same Art Deco style seen throughout the property, and have terrazzo tile flooring, comfy beds with white linens and headboards, pistachio-colored walls, and white furniture. All rooms have modern amenities that include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth radios, free Wi-Fi, and in-room safes. Closets with robes and slippers, stocked minibars, yoga mats, bottled water, and Nespresso machines are also standard. Bathrooms have walk-in glass showers with rainfall showerheads, COMO toiletries, hairdryers, and scales. A welcome tray of delectable sweets and a note from the manager is a thoughtful extra. Some guest rooms have balconies, and views range from the ocean to neighboring buildings. Suites have a shower/tub combo and living room area with a gray couch and chairs, dining table, and a 55-inch flat-screen TV. 

The hotel has direct access to a lovely, sandy beach area with comfy white loungers and umbrellas (for a fee.) Staff is there to take food and drink requests. The medium-size outdoor swimming pool is a nice size, surrounded by loungers and palm trees. There's also a poolside bar for food or beverage orders and daybeds available for rent. The other option for food on-site is Traymore Restaurant, which serves upscale seafood dishes and has a bar area with stools. Open for all three meals, guests can order from Traymore's menu or the COMO Shambhala menu, featuring healthy options like green goddess soup and a kale and seaweed salad. Some guests have remarked that prices are a bit steep, particularly for the breakfast bar ($28 during our visit) that includes pastries, cereal, fruit, and small yogurt pots. Room service is available 24 hours a day.The COMO Shambhala Urban Escape spa has a variety of treatment options and a steam room available. Adjacent to the spa is an outdoor terrace with cushioned couches and chairs. The 24-hour fitness center is small but sufficient, with a handful of cardio and strength training machines and free weights. Also on the rooftop is a hydrotherapy pool, but note that there's no shade.There's also COMO the Shop, selling apparel, fitness gear, and toiletries in the lobby.