This guide reviews The Elser Hotel & Residences, a 49-story all-suite tower that opened in 2022 in Downtown Miami near Biscayne Bay. Drawing from verified property data, Booking.com reviews, and official developer sources, the article covers room configurations, amenities, guest sentiment patterns, beach access options, and nearby attractions. Whether you are evaluating a short stay or an extended visit, the facts below help you assess whether this property fits your itinerary.
Last checked: 2026-05-30
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Property Type: All-suite hotel · Location: Downtown Miami · Beach Access: Exclusive beach club for guests · Signature Feature: 49-story architectural landmark with bay views
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-05-30.
Sources reviewed: official property website (theelsermiami.com), Property Markets Group developer portfolio, Booking.com reviews (2,299 reviews, 8.9/10 score), Tripadvisor listings, Expedia hotel pages, Skyscanner overviews, Time Out Miami editorial reviews, Florida YIMBY construction reporting, Greybrook Realty Partners investment updates, Miami Condo Investments market coverage, The Skyscraper Center (CTBUH) building records.
No on-site inspection, no staff interview, and no independent price verification were conducted for this review.
The Elser Hotel Miami at a Glance
- 398 NE 5th Street, Downtown Miami — rated 9.5/10 for location on Booking.com
- 49-story mixed-use tower with 646 suites and residences (Property Markets Group)
- 8.9/10 overall on Booking.com based on 2,299 reviews
- Exclusive beach club available for guests staying at the property
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Property Type | All-suite hotel and residence tower |
| Location | 398 NE 5th Street, Downtown Miami, FL 33132 |
| Beach Access | Exclusive beach club for guests |
| Signature Feature | 49-story architectural landmark with bay views |
| Unit Count | 646 suites and residences |
| Location Rating | 9.5/10 on Booking.com |
Is The Elser Hotel Miami Good?
Guest Reviews
Booking.com aggregates 2,299 reviews for The Elser Hotel Miami, awarding an overall score of 8.9 out of 10. Sub-scores break down as follows: cleanliness receives 9.2, comfort earns 9.2, facilities reach 9.2, staff scores 8.9, and value for money sits at 8.4. The location rating stands notably higher at 9.5 out of 10, reflecting proximity to Downtown Miami attractions and Biscayne Bay. These figures place the property among the higher-rated accommodations in the Downtown corridor, according to Booking.com.
Tripadvisor reviewers describe the property as “beautiful,” with particular praise directed at the rooms, views, and standard of amenities. Service friendliness and professionalism surface as consistent positives in traveler feedback. However, some guests on Skyscanner and Expedia note that public spaces such as the lobby and rooftop bar can become crowded and noisy during peak hours. An Agoda reviewer characterizes the property as “exceptional in service, comfort, and location” while flagging a deposit policy that some guests find restrictive. The pattern across multiple platforms suggests strong satisfaction with room quality and location, with occasional friction around busy common areas and housekeeping communication gaps.
Overall Ratings
The Elser Hotel Miami scores 8.9/10 on Booking.com, 8.9/10 on Expedia, and holds a strong position on Tripadvisor among Downtown Miami hotels. Cleanliness and location consistently outperform other dimensions, while value for money receives slightly lower marks. The Skyscraper Center (CTBUH) records the building as a mixed residential and hotel property completed in 2022, confirming the property’s relative newness in the market. Time Out Miami describes the stay experience as an “elevated stay in downtown Miami, blending the comforts of home with resort-style amenities,” suited for both quick getaways and extended visits.
What Is The Elser Hotel Miami Known For?
Signature Amenities
Property Markets Group lists a comprehensive amenity set at The Elser, including a sky deck with jacuzzi, grill terrace and outdoor bar, yoga lawn and outdoor theater, coffee shop and lobby restaurant, pool deck, fitness center, coworking lounge, and regularly scheduled community events and classes. The property operates an on-site restaurant and serves breakfast, lunch, and cocktails on its rooftop terrace, according to Time Out Miami. A 24-hour health club with yoga sessions appears in Expedia’s listing, catering to wellness-focused travelers. The rooftop terrace draws particular attention for its sweeping city views paired with food and beverage service.
Architecture and Views
Designed by Sieger Suarez Architects, The Elser Hotel & Residences rises 49 stories to a height of 525 feet (160.02 meters), making it a distinct visual landmark in the Downtown Miami skyline. The building’s glass façade incorporates floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize natural light and frame views of Biscayne Bay and the surrounding cityscape. PMG describes the residences as carefully designed studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos targeting a community oriented around culture, glitz, and wellness. Florida YIMBY reports that the 646 rooms range from compact studios to three-bedroom suites, each offering panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and surrounding areas. The property originally launched as Society Residences Miami before rebranding to The Elser Hotel & Residences prior to delivery in 2022, according to Miami Condo Investments.
The official Elser Miami site positions the building as a luxury residence offering resort-style amenities with short-term rental flexibility, a hybrid model that sets it apart from traditional hotels in the Downtown market. The property’s connection to the historic Elser Pier—a early-1900s landmark whose location and views inspired the current building’s naming—adds a narrative layer to the branding, as described on the official site.
Is The Elser Hotel Miami Within Walking Distance to the Beach?
Beach Access Options
The Elser Hotel Miami does not sit directly on the oceanfront. The property occupies a Downtown Miami location approximately 2 miles from South Beach, Miami’s most famous beach destination. For guests seeking sandy shores, the hotel provides exclusive beach club access, allowing visitors to enjoy waterfront amenities without the hassle of public beach logistics. This arrangement offers a structured beach experience curated for hotel guests, though it differs from stepping directly from your room onto the sand.
Downtown Location vs. Beach
The Downtown Miami setting prioritizes urban accessibility over beachfront positioning. Guests can walk to Bayside Marketplace directly from the property, accessing shops, restaurants, and waterfront entertainment without transportation. The Kaseya Center, a major concert and sports venue, lies within a short stroll. However, reaching South Beach and other oceanfront attractions requires either a short drive, rideshare, or Miami’s Metromover transit system. Time Out Miami confirms the property sits “in the heart of Downtown Miami near Biscayne Bay, within walking distance of dining, nightlife, arts, and entertainment venues.”
What Is Close to The Elser Hotel Miami?
Nearest Landmarks
The Elser Hotel Miami sits at 398 NE 5th Street in Downtown Miami, placing multiple attractions within immediate reach. Bayside Marketplace lies directly adjacent to the property, offering waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment. The Kaseya Center, Miami’s primary concert and sports arena, sits roughly a 6-minute walk away, according to Booking.com. The property faces Biscayne Bay, providing direct visual access to the water and marina activity.
Dining and Shopping
Downtown Miami’s restaurant and nightlife scene surrounds the property. Guests frequently highlight the walkability of the neighborhood in reviews on Booking.com and Skyscanner, noting easy access to multiple dining options, bars, and cultural venues. The on-site restaurant and rooftop terrace serve meals and cocktails without requiring guests to leave the building, while the surrounding streets offer broader culinary exploration. Time Out Miami estimates Miami International Airport is approximately a 20-minute drive from the property under normal traffic conditions, making airport transfers straightforward for most travelers.
The Elser Hotel Miami: Pros and Cons
Strengths
- Guests rate the property 8.9/10 overall on Booking.com (2,299 reviews)
- Location scores 9.5/10 on Booking.com — one of the highest sub-ratings
- All-suite configurations provide more space than standard hotel rooms
- Bay and city views from many suites and common areas
- Exclusive beach club access for guests
- Comprehensive amenity set: pool, fitness center, coworking lounge, rooftop terrace
- Short-term rental flexibility for extended-stay guests
Weaknesses
- Not directly on the beach — approximately 2 miles from South Beach
- Lobby and bars can become crowded, per Skyscanner and Expedia reviews
- Some guests report a strict deposit policy (Agoda)
- Value for money scores slightly lower at 8.4/10
- Vibrant downtown atmosphere may not suit travelers seeking quiet or secluded experiences
- Relatively new property — long-term durability of amenities and service levels not yet established
Nightly Rates at The Elser Hotel Miami
Published rates at The Elser Hotel Miami start from approximately $199 per night during summer months, according to Time Out Miami. Peak season pricing rises to around $299 per night. Rates fluctuate based on availability, room configuration, and booking timing. The property’s hybrid hotel-residence model means some units may be available through short-term rental platforms in addition to traditional hotel booking channels.
Booking.com lists the property with a value-for-money score of 8.4/10, suggesting that guests perceive the pricing as fair relative to the amenities and location offered. Travelers should check multiple booking platforms for the most current availability and pricing, as rates vary across Expedia, Booking.com, and the property’s own website.
Getting to The Elser Hotel Miami
The Elser Hotel Miami sits at 398 NE 5th Street, Miami, FL 33132. Miami International Airport lies approximately 20 minutes away by car under normal traffic conditions, according to Time Out Miami. The property’s Downtown location provides access to Miami’s Metromover transit system, which connects to Metrorail and eventually to Miami Beach via the Metrobus network.
Self-driving guests will find the property situated near major thoroughfares including Biscayne Boulevard (US-1), providing straightforward access to South Beach, Miami International Airport, and the Port of Miami cruise terminals. Rideshare pickup and dropoff are straightforward given the urban setting.
Property Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Building Height | 525 feet (160.02 m) / 49 stories |
| Total Units | 646 suites and residences |
| Room Configurations | Studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites |
| Opening Date | November 17, 2022 (ribbon-cutting ceremony) |
| Developer | Property Markets Group (PMG) |
| Architect | Sieger Suarez Architects |
| Address | 398 NE 5th Street, Miami, FL 33132, United States |
| Property Type | Mixed-use residential, hotel, and retail |
| Short-Term Rentals | Available through hotel program and five-star operator |
Our Pick: Who Should Book The Elser Hotel Miami?
The Elser Hotel Miami serves several traveler profiles particularly well:
- Couples and city explorers: The Downtown location places guests within walking distance of restaurants, nightlife, museums, and bay views. The all-suite format works well for couples seeking more space than a standard hotel room provides.
- Event attendees: Proximity to the Kaseya Center makes this property practical for concert-goers, sports fans, and convention visitors. A 6-minute walk to the venue eliminates transportation stress on event nights.
- Extended-stay guests: The hybrid hotel-residence model and suite configurations appeal to travelers spending a week or longer in Miami, offering kitchen-adjacent living spaces and coworking facilities.
- Beach lovers who prioritize city access: Guests who want to balance Downtown exploration with beach days benefit from the exclusive beach club while staying connected to Miami’s urban core.
A Sample Stay at The Elser Hotel Miami
Day 1 — Arrival and Downtown Exploration
Check in and settle into your suite, taking in views of Biscayne Bay. Walk to Bayside Marketplace for lunch and waterfront scenery. Return to the property for cocktails on the rooftop terrace as the sun sets over Downtown Miami.
Day 2 — Beach Club Morning, Arena Evening
Use the exclusive beach club access for a morning by the water. Head back to the property for a workout at the fitness center or a session on the yoga lawn. In the evening, walk to the Kaseya Center for a concert or sporting event.
Day 3 — Cultural Immersion
Explore nearby museums and galleries in the Downtown arts district. Grab dinner at a restaurant within walking distance of the property, then enjoy the pool deck or lobby bar before concluding your stay.
What type of accommodations does The Elser Hotel Miami offer?
The property operates as an all-suite hotel, with 646 units ranging from studios to three-bedroom suites. Each suite features contemporary, minimalist design with large TVs in both living and sleeping areas, spacious closets, and comfortable beds. Panoramic views of Biscayne Bay or the Downtown skyline come standard in most configurations, according to Time Out Miami.
Does The Elser Hotel Miami have a swimming pool?
Yes. The property features an outdoor pool deck with cabanas, as listed in the developer amenities. PMG describes a comprehensive pool area as part of the sky deck and outdoor amenity package. Skyscanner reviews confirm the pool as a highlight frequently praised by guests.
Is there a fitness center?
Yes. The Elser Hotel Miami operates a 24-hour health club with yoga sessions, according to Expedia. The fitness center forms part of a broader wellness amenity package that also includes a yoga lawn and outdoor theater space for community fitness programming.
Does the hotel have a restaurant?
Yes. The property includes an on-site restaurant in the lobby area, with additional food and beverage service available on the rooftop terrace. Time Out Miami reports that the rooftop terrace serves breakfast, lunch, and cocktails with sweeping city views.
What views can guests expect?
Guests enjoy city and bay views from rooms and common areas. The 49-story tower frames Biscayne Bay and the Downtown Miami skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows. Florida YIMBY notes that all 646 rooms offer panoramic views of the bay and surrounding areas. Lifestyle blogs describe the waterfront views as “breathtaking,” highlighting the dual city-bay perspective available from the property.
Is The Elser Hotel Miami close to the beach?
The property is not directly on the beach. It sits approximately 2 miles from South Beach in the Downtown Miami corridor. However, the hotel provides exclusive beach club access for guests, offering a structured beach experience without the need to navigate public beach logistics. Travelers primarily seeking beach time may want to consider properties in the South Beach or Key Biscayne areas.
What is the building’s architectural significance?
The Elser Hotel & Residences rises 49 stories to 525 feet (160.02 m), making it a distinctive architectural landmark in the Downtown Miami skyline. The Skyscraper Center (CTBUH) records the building as a mixed residential/hotel property completed in 2022. PMG lists the property as “sold out” with over 95% of units sold, indicating strong market reception for the tower’s design and positioning.