We recently traveled to Miami Beach for the hubby to write about the art scene there (check out his pieces for Forbes here and here), and we spent three amazing nights staying at The Confidante. A mid-century modern oasis, it was the perfect home base for our vacation.
This blog post is also available as a Web Story 👉 The Confidante: A Fun, Retro Beachfront Hotel in Miami Beach
Originally built in the 1940s, the current decor feels like stepping back into glamourous 1950s Miami Beach. Located in Mid Beach, The Confidante gets you out of the hustle and noise of South Beach but still centrally located to get to it or Wynwood, the Design District, Little Havana and other Miami Beach hot spots. The free Miami Beach trolley runs right in front of the hotel, making it super easy to get around.
We were lucky enough to stay in one of the hotels suites with a separate seating area and a balcony overlooking the hotel’s two pools and the ocean just beyond them.
Our suite had a fun retro vibe that still felt new and fresh. I still want to go back and steal the patterned chair in this photo! It was so bright and colorful…and comfortable too.
The bathroom made our one at home seem tiny in comparison. We enjoyed the double sinks, full tub and rainfall shower. Although we had a view of the beach, rooms on the other side of the hotel have great views of the Miami skyline.
You can check out a tour of our suite in my Instagram reel:
Amazing amenities at The Confidante in Miami Beach
Although we spent our trip to Miami Beach running around town checking out the art scene, I easily could have spent the long weekend on property at The Confidante and been perfectly happy.
Unfortunately, The Spa at The Confidante wasn’t open while we were there (thanks, COVID!), but it sounds divine. Located on the rooftop, the spa features private air-conditioned treatment cabanas along with relaxation areas and a fitness center. Some of the offerings include customized crystal massage journeys, chocolate scrubs made by local artisans and treatment called “Apres Sun” that uses aloe straight from the plant.
Then there’s my ultimate happy place: the pool. The Confidante has two heated pools, including one that is adult-only. There are plenty of comfy lounges all around, tables for eating snacks and super cushy looking cabanas and bungalows.
Seriously, I want to just head back to lay by the pool every day! The cushioned lounge chairs were so inviting, and I could hear the waves crashing nearby without getting all sandy. Plus, there was poolside service bringing all kinds of tasty treats and creative cocktails.
Last, but certainly not least, is the beach. I mean, that’s why you want a beachfront hotel, right?
From art-deco inspired beach chairs to personal attendants, you can lounge in the sun all day long without a care in the world.
Food and drink options at The Confidante in Miami Beach
We were lucky enough to get to eat at The Confidante’s newest restaurant, Ambersweet, before its official opening. Having eaten two breakfasts and one dinner there, I feel like I can offer an expert opinion: it’s fantastic!
Ambersweet’s fare is inspired by “the region’s eclectic roots,” using fresh, local ingredients to create dishes that are undeniably Miami Beach. Now, I’m super boring because I don’t eat seafood and instead opted for a very tender filet mignon, but as you can imagine the menu is filled with fresh seafood options like seared sea scallops, crispy octopus and lobster ravioli.
My favorite meal at Ambersweet was probably breakfast. One morning, I had the buttered corn masa pancakes, which are made from sweet corn flour and were topped with pumpkin maple syrup and housemade granola. I paired it with a fresh smoothie and it was the perfect way to start my day.
I had two fantastic cocktails at Ambersweet as well. The Miami 75, a fun take on the French 75, featured blanco tequila with passion fruit, lemon and sparkling wine. Yum!
After dinner, I had a Toasted Almond, a delicious mix of amaretto, coffee liquor, half and half, shredded coconuts and a cinnamon stick. Rich and dreamy!
Ambersweet offers both indoor and outdoor seating options, both of which we tried. Loved having breakfast outside and soaking in the Miami Beach sunshine!
You can also grab lighter fare at The Lounge adjacent to Ambersweet or The Backyard if you want to eat poolside.
From the spacious rooms to comfy poolside and beachside lounges and delectable meals paired with fun cocktails, you truly could stay on property for days and have a dream vacation.
You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers!
Is there parking at The Confidante?
Yes, valet parking is available for $45 per night or nearby street parking is available for an hourly fee.
Are pets allowed at The Confidante?
Yes! There is a two pet maximum, 50 pounds or lighter individually or 75 pounds combined.
Does The Confidante offer day passes?
Yes — however, they are not currently available due to COVID-related concerns.
From spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean to delicious meals and inventive cocktails, The Confidante is the perfect location for your next Miami Beach vacation. I know I’ll be going back!
And if you’re looking for something fun to do while you’re in town, this Art Deco walking tour was my favorite part of the trip!
