Mayfair House Hotel & Garden: A Highlight of Miami’s Coconut Grove

As a business traveler who visits Miami from Europe several times a year, Coconut Grove—or “the Grove,” as it’s colloquially known—has been a longtime favorite. The mainland has been where it’s at (certainly from a business perspective) for the past decade. Of course, Brickell and the Design District have undergone extraordinary transformations, but they lack the old-school laissez-faire charm of the Grove.

The once bohemian and free-spirited Grove was the place to be back in the ’80s and then fell out of favor. However, in the past five years or so it has enjoyed a renaissance and reemerged as one of the hottest neighborhoods in Miami. It’s walkable and features a lovely marina and genuinely good bars and restaurants. There’s the CocoWalk plaza, fabulous historic buildings, Peacock Park and colorful local characters who still find time to chat to out-of-towners.

Sipsip rooftop bar / Photo: Courtesy of Patrick Michael Chin

While there are corporate hotels in the area where you’ll earn points, the reason to love the Grove is its independent spirit. As such, we were excited to see new life breathed into the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, an ’80s marvel originally conceived by local architect Kenneth Treister. With most of the original features remaining, this signature work of art has transcended time and is a testament to the neighborhood’s golden era.

Check-in is quick and casual, executed by smartly dressed hotel clerks on tablets, with guests offered complimentary cocktails. Featuring lush cascading greenery, a huge open-air atrium is filled with a mélange of louche locals, well-heeled South American visitors and creative work-from-home types.

Two-bedroom suite / Photo: Courtesy of Will Pryce

On each hotel floor, rooms are accessed from open walkways that nod to the balmy tropical vibe. Rooms have bold color schemes and are designed to be a “small private home” with terrace, living and dining areas.

Guests encounter charming touches such as antique books and a personalized letter from the GM, Michael Stephens, sitting in a vintage Smith Corona typewriter. Amenities include Roil bodycare products, house-branded rum and Cajun cashews, as well as Steeped Coffee, premium Steven Smith herbal teas and dried blood-orange slices for cocktails (try the paloma delivery service). A nightly turndown service includes treats such as artisanal chocolates, fragrant pillow sprays and scented candles. Trust us when we quietly admit that you’ll want to steal the branded green and white brushed-cotton bathrobes.

Mayfair Grill / Photo: Courtesy of Will Pryce

At sunset, head up to the calypso-style rooftop pool deck for cocktails at Sipsip (Bahamian for “gossip”), featuring elevated bar snacks and an extensive rum selection. At street level, the hotel’s namesake Mayfair Grill has engaged celebrated local chef Giorgio Rapicavoli to create a menu showcasing premium ingredients and fire-driven cooking. Among the standout dishes are the avocado “caprese” with Florida burrata and purple basil and jalapeño pesto green pasta with stracciatella and Florida basil. The expert bartenders not only take great pride in their craft but are also attentive and full of personality. This is a hotel bar where even as a solo traveler you’d happily lose an evening.

Best For

An intimate hotel experience that replaces a chain mentality with unique and quirky touches, historic flair and curated amenities.

Verdict

If you get excited by exotic retro design, tropical vibes, delicious wood-grilled food and craft cocktails in a charming local neighborhood, the Mayfair House Hotel & Garden has your name on it.
mayfairhousemiami.com