Hilton Miami Downtown

Occupying a large tower building, the Hilton Miami Downtown is a contemporary and fairly stylish -- albeit generic at times -- chain property without too many bells and whistles. It was originally built in the 1970s, and underwent a 25-million-dollar renovation in 2017 that saw remodels and updates in all guest rooms, plus new furniture and floors in the lobby. They also added a bar space and restaurant, which is popular on Thursdays for happy hour. Although an outdoor pool is available, it's on the small side for a hotel of this size. Public spaces are always buzzing with guests, though it's not loud. The convenient access to Downtown Miami and the cruise port attract both leisure and business travelers, primarily those loyal to the Hilton chain. 

Hilton Miami Downtown is located within the Performing Arts District at the northern edge of Downtown Miami, near the Intracoastal Waterway. There's not much within the immediate vicinity outside of a few fast food restaurants, a Publix supermarket, and the Adrienne Arsht Center Metromover Station, though it's adjacent to the Miami Passport Agency and a 15-minute walk from the AmericanAirlines Arena. Additionally, this is a popular hotel for cruise-goers, as Port Miami is a quick five-minute drive. Guests can also take the Venetian Islands Causeway (expect tolls) to reach South Beach in less than 10 minutes by taxi. The artistic Wynwood neighborhood is around a seven-minute drive, while Brickell business district is a 15-minute drive. Miami International Airport is 20 minutes away by car. It's also reachable in 45 minutes by public transport, but this requires several changes and modes of transportation. 

Contemporary rooms and suites are attractive and have a few stylish elements such as charcoal textured geometric patterns on the walls, two-tone brown geometric carpeting, bright-red armchairs, and side tables with an alligator skin-like finish. All guest rooms come with comfy signature Hilton Serenity Beds with down duvets, 48-inch flat-screen TVs, floor-to-ceiling window views of the city or Biscayne Bay, and mini-fridges. Since the hotel draws a lot of business guests, working desks, plenty of USB charging outlets, and snakeskin-patterned blackout curtains are provided. Coffeemakers come alongside Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf products. Expect standard-sized bathrooms with Crab Tree & Evelyn products and shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads. Junior Suites add sofas, while One Bedroom Suites bring kitchenettes with microwaves and separate living areas. Presidential Suites have the most space and feature full kitchens (no stoves) and more than one bathroom. 

The outdoor pool is smaller than expected for a hotel of this size, but it's sufficient and has an upbeat and fun vibe. Guests can grab food, drinks, and towels from the City VU Pool Bar, or claim one of the contemporary loungers atop fake grass. The pool is ADA-accessible and there is a separate bathroom so swimmers need not drip through the lobby. Food is fairly casual and American at both the main Brisas restaurant (serving all meals, including Sunday brunch) and the 1601 Lounge Bar. Brisas has a New American menu marked with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, as well as a 12-seat Carpe Diem private dining room at the back of the restaurant. Breakfast is served buffet-style. Occupying an open space off the lobby, 1601 Lounge Bar has a casual, contemporary sports bar vibe, popular Thursday happy hour, and bar grub menu. Room service is available from both restaurants until late at night, and there's a Starbucks coffee shop on-site. Business features shine here with over 45,000 square feet and 19 rooms of meeting and event space, and this is one of the only hotels with an in-house audiovisual menu. Rates include food and beverage minimums, water and coffee service, and Wi-Fi. There's also a business center with computers and printers. A 24-hour gym features LifeFitness machines, free weights, and exercise balls, plus a filtered water machine, towels, and disposable headphones. Travelers may be disappointed that there's no spa on-site. Hotel Wi-Fi is free for Hilton Honors members (free to join). Other features include a gift shop and garage with over 2,000 spaces is available for self-parking, though using valet is the cheaper option.