My friend and I checked in to Sense Beach House on a Friday, dropping off our bags before heading out for the afternoon/evening. Our rooms were not ready when we first arrived, but a front desk attendant was able to watch our bags for the duration of the day. Don’t enter expecting a formal front desk; the check-in attendant sits at a small desk and kindly handles requests in an attentive yet laid-back and low-key manner. There’s no official doorman, but there is valet service.
This 18-room boutique hotel immediately makes you feel like you’re in your own private beach house just one block from the famed South Beach. It’s unique and relaxed, and the décor reminded me of every shore house I’ve ever visited. Think starfish and seashells.
Enjoy the casual vibe at the casual hotel. I was in a blue room (the other option is the sand room). Done in calming hues reminiscent of the sea, my room featured two king-sized beds, a long desk/table hybrid with a minibar included and a flat-screen TV mounted above. The bathroom was large, with a stall shower, single sink and a generously sized counter. A tiny balcony opened to the outside but wasn’t large enough for sitting.
While my guestroom was comfortable and of a good size, I noticed tiny details here and there — like a crack in the bathroom countertop — that need to be attended to.
The rooftop Oasis is where my friend and I spent part of our Saturday afternoon, lounging poolside despite the sometimes ominous skies. It truly felt like our own beach house while we were up there, as no one else was enjoying the space. The Veranda offers an outdoor, garden-style space with large tables, and the Playroom offers table tennis, foosball and board games. We enjoyed a leisurely, late-morning brunch on Saturday morning at Local House Raw Bar & Grill. It was a gorgeous morning to sit outside and people-watch.
Sense Beach House is not the flashy opulence of typical South Beach luxury hotels — if that’s what you are after, look elsewhere. For a casual, feet-in-the-sand, homey beach experience, this is your spot, and you won’t be dissatisfied. It will deliver cozy comforts as promised.
Sense Beach House
400 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
tel 305 538 5529
Read This Next
Coming Soon: Aloft South Beach
Top Trends
Feb 21, 2015#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedAirlines
Jan 27, 2025Fly with Your Pets with BARK Air
If you’ve ever struggled traveling with your dog, either due to your favorite airline’s restrictions or because you just don’t want to put Fido in the luggage hold for a long-haul flight, you’re not alone. In fact, there’s such a demand for a better way to fly with dogs, the world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for dogs and their parents has been born: BARK Air. (Yes, brought to you by the same folks who founded BarkBox and BARK Super Chewer toys.)
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Dining/Entertainment
Jan 27, 2025Your 2025 Guide to Zero-Proof Restaurants, Bars and Hotels in Philly
Whether you’re exploring a sober-curious lifestyle, committing to a series of sober months or are fully alcohol-free, this doesn’t mean you need to miss out on tasty drinks. Philadelphia is full of thoughtful and delicious non-alcoholic options, with some of the city’s top chef’s crafting zero-proof offerings over the years.
Dining/Entertainment
Jan 24, 2025SIN at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Offers New Zero-Proof Cocktail Collection
As Dry January and sober tourism continue to rise in popularity, Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel and its SIN rooftop crafted a Sober Sips alcohol-free cocktail menu.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Destinations / North America
Jan 23, 2025How to Experience Mardi Gras Outside of New Orleans
While New Orleans is the destination for Mardi Gras, if you want to experience a slightly smaller scene (and maybe pay less for your travel while you’re at it), consider celebrating the occasion in another nearby locale: Coastal Mississippi. Mardi Gras events already kicked off in the region earlier this month, with future events running through March 4.
ShareThis