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 FeedSlideshow
Sep 8, 20268 Must-Visit Libraries Around the World
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are eight must-visit libraries around the world.
Sponsored Content
TAP Air Portugal: A Milestone Year
From small airline to global success, TAP Air Portugal turns 80 and better than ever.
North America
Sep 8, 2026New Upscale Italian Restaurant and Bar Opens in NYC’s West Village
Last month, New York City’s West Village welcomed a new restaurant and bar with some seriously promising dishes and drinks. Floradora is the newest concept from Cody Pruitt and Jacob Cohen, the team also behind Libertine, Chateau Royale and Capitaine.
Destinations / North America
Sep 7, 20265 Unique Glamping Getaways to Take Across the South This Autumn
Did you know glamping accounted for 29 percent of all camping experiences in 2025? The elevated camping experience lets you both enjoy the great outdoors with some comforts you don’t get from just sleeping in a tent.
Sponsored Content
Taiwan: Whatever Your Pleasure
Taiwan’s wealth of offerings ensures travelers find destinations, activities and amenities to suit all interests.
Destinations / Caribbean
Sep 4, 2026What to Expect from This Year’s Antigua and Barbuda Art Week
This year’s Antigua and Barbuda Art Week will kick off Nov. 11, offering visitors a wealth of ways to connect with local art over the following week, through Nov. 18. This year’s lineup includes myriad art installations and exhibitions, as well as events.
ShareThis