A hotel concept by the Cipriani family’s fourth generation, Mr. C Coconut Grove exudes effortless Italian luxury with a nautical motif inspired by its bayfront location. The new build property is a game changer in Miami’s most historic neighborhood, crowned by Bellini restaurant for refined Italian fare and a rooftop swimming pool with views of Biscayne Bay.
Location 8/10
Coconut Grove is in the midst of a modern day renaissance with new developments spanning glittering condo towers and hip new restaurants, plus the redevelopment of the CocoWalk shopping center and historic Mayfair Hotel & Spa—and Mr. C Coconut Grove is in the middle of it all. The charming neighborhood is Miami’s most historic, known for its lush, tree-lined streets, bayfront parks and sidewalk cafes with a laidback, bohemian atmosphere. At roughly 12 miles south of South Beach, you’ll gain an entirely different perspective on Miami with a stay here. The hotel is situated a block from Biscayne Bay and Dinner Key Marina and it’s on the same block as some of Miami’s most popular local haunts: Books & Books, Harry’s Pizzeria and Panther Coffee.
Design 9/10
The atmosphere at Mr. C is simply sublime. Inside the intimate, high-ceilinged lobby with its lacquered wood-paneled walls, there’s a dramatic double-height cut glass mirror and a glittering, tiered chandelier. Designed by Martin Brudnizki, the interiors fuse mid-century Italian sensibilities with a contemporary touch in a palette of peachy-pink and cerulean with luxurious terrazzo floors and stainless steel accents. This, in addition to the hotel’s white concrete facade with oversized porthole windows elevated on stilts (designed by Miami’s own Arquitectonica), gives the feeling that you’re aboard a luxury liner.
Amenities & Hospitality 9/10
The boutique property is home to a gym, rooftop swimming pool and spa room with an en suite bath and steam room.
When I arrived, the staff greeted me by name with a bellini, the prosecco and peach puree aperitivo that Giusseppe Cipriani famously invented at Harry’s Bar in Venice in the 1940s. This level of personalized, anticipatory service was consistent throughout my stay, whether it was an ice bucket delivered promptly to my room or the appearance of branded rubber toggles for my power cords at turn down service.
“My check-out time at any hotel in the world is when I want to check out…”
Princess Kosmonopolis in ‘Sweet Bird of Youth’ by Tennessee Williams, 1959
Rooms 9/10
At just four floors and 100 rooms, each boasts a private balcony overlooking Biscayne Bay (the higher the floor, the better the view). The interiors reflect the nautical motif of the common areas with lacquered wood millwork, curvilinear mid-century lines and oceanic shades of blue, plus framed black-and-white photos of sailboat races. Bathrooms are spacious with rainfall showers and double vanities with blue tile walls and terrazzo flooring. They’re some of the prettiest hotel rooms in all of Miami.
If your budget allows for it, the splurge on a suite is well worth it for the residential feeling of the separate living area, some featuring wet bars, dining tables, a half bath and lovely seating area.
Food & Beverage 9/10
With Cipriani synonymous with sumptuous Italian dining, their rooftop Bellini restaurant does not disappoint. I was particularly impressed with the soufflé-like baked polenta with stracchino cheese, the fresh crudo and cacio e pepe bucatini. The restaurant includes a bar and patio perfect for a pre-dinner bellini. Breakfast is also served here with traditional options, like French toast and omelets.
Value 9/10
Rates from about $235 in low season and $495 in high; Book
The Bottom Line
With an elegant nautical motif, Mr. C is home to some of the prettiest hotel rooms in all of Miami alongside personalized service in an intimate boutique hotel setting. It’s the perfect perch to explore laidback and lush Coconut Grove.
Contact
2988 McFarlane Road, Miami, 33133; 305-800-6672; Mrccoconutgrove.com
