Miami Beach is loud. It’s neon, it’s bass-heavy, and it’s often a bit much if you’re just trying to exist without being vibrated off your lounge chair by a passing boat party. But then there’s COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach. Honestly, if you blink while driving down Collins Avenue, you might miss it. It doesn’t scream for your attention with a massive gold statue or a line of velvet ropes. It’s quiet.
It’s tucked into a 1930s Art Deco building—the old Traymore Hotel—right at 24th and Collins. Staying here feels less like a "spring break forever" fever dream and more like you’ve accidentally stumbled into a wealthy friend's private beach house. The vibe is distinctively "COMO," which, if you know the brand from their spots in Bali or the Turks and Caicos, means a heavy emphasis on wellness and a weirdly addictive minimalist aesthetic.
What Actually Sets the Design Apart
Most hotels in South Beach try way too hard to be "modern." You get a lot of cold marble and blue LEDs. COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach went a different way. Italian designer Paola Navone handled the interiors, and she basically stripped everything back to peppermint greens, dusty whites, and cool grays. It feels like a breath of fresh air when the humidity outside is hitting 90%.
The building itself is a geometric masterpiece. You have those classic Art Deco curves on the outside, but the inside is all about light. It’s bright. Sometimes it's so bright you'll need your sunglasses before you even hit the lobby floor. The rooms aren't massive—that’s just the reality of historic Miami architecture—but they don't feel cramped because they aren't cluttered with useless "luxury" trinkets.
You’ve got high ceilings. You’ve got windows that actually let the Atlantic Ocean do the talking. It’s a specific kind of luxury that values the space between things rather than the things themselves.
The Wellness Obsession is Real
A lot of hotels claim to have a "spa." Usually, that's just a converted guest room with a massage table and some lavender oil. That isn't the case here. The COMO Shambhala Urban Escape is arguably the whole reason people book this place. It’s a rooftop situation.
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The hydrotherapy pool is the centerpiece. It’s not just a hot tub; it’s a targeted water therapy setup that overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway. You can sit in there and watch the sunset while the jets work on your lower back, and suddenly the $40 you spent on a cocktail earlier feels a bit more justifiable.
They also do this thing called "COMO Shambhala Cuisine." It’s basically healthy food that doesn't taste like cardboard. We're talking raw juices, organic grains, and steamed fish that actually has flavor. If you're coming to Miami to party, this might bore you to tears. If you're coming to Miami because you're burnt out and need to remember what a vegetable looks like, it’s a godsend.
Eating at Traymore by Michael Schwartz
Food-wise, the main draw is the Traymore. Michael Schwartz is a big name in the Miami food scene—he’s the guy behind Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink in the Design District. At COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach, he’s focused on a brasserie style that leans heavily into local seafood.
You’re not getting experimental foam or dinner-as-theater here. It’s more like roasted octopus, fresh crudo, and really well-executed pasta. It’s reliable. In a city where restaurants open and close faster than you can check your emails, having a spot that consistently delivers high-quality, locally sourced food is actually kind of rare.
The Location "Sweet Spot"
Location is everything in Miami, but "everything" depends on what you want. If you want to be in the middle of the Clevelander-style chaos, you’re going to be disappointed. COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach is in the northern part of South Beach. It’s technically "Mid-Beach" territory.
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- The Boardwalk: It’s right there. You can walk or run for miles without having to dodge cars.
- The Beach: It’s a private-ish strip. Because it's further north, the crowds are thinner. You won't be fighting for a square inch of sand.
- Accessibility: You’re a 10-minute Uber from the high-end shops at Lincoln Road or the madness of Ocean Drive, but you’re far enough away that you can actually sleep at night.
Noise is the silent killer of Miami vacations. Many five-star hotels on the beach still suffer from the thumping bass of neighboring clubs until 4:00 AM. Here, it’s mostly just the sound of the wind. That’s a luxury most people don’t realize they need until they’re staring at the ceiling at 2:00 AM in a different hotel.
Addressing the Common Gripes
Look, no hotel is perfect. Some people find the service at COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach a bit... detached? It’s not the "over-the-top, calling you by your name every five minutes" kind of service. It’s more hands-off. They leave you alone. If you want a high-energy concierge who’s going to get you into the VIP section of a club, this probably isn't your vibe.
Also, the pool. It’s long and skinny. It’s great for laps, but it isn't one of those massive lagoon pools with waterfalls. If you have kids who want to splash around and cause a ruckus, you might feel a bit awkward here. This is a "reading a book and sipping an iced tea" kind of pool.
Then there's the price. It’s Miami. It’s expensive. Between the room rate, the resort fees, and the valet parking—which is pricey everywhere on the beach—you’re going to drop some serious cash. Is it worth it?
If you value design, wellness, and quiet, yes.
If you want a party, probably not.
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How to Do It Right
If you’re actually going to stay at COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach, don’t just book the cheapest room and spend all day at a conference. You have to use the rooftop.
- Book a Metropolitan Suite: If the budget allows. The extra space and the ocean views make a massive difference in how the stay feels.
- The Hydrotherapy Pool: Go at sunset. Most people are getting ready for dinner then, so you’ll often have the place to yourself.
- The Breakfast: Don't skip the ginger and lemon "wellness juice." It sounds cliché, but it’s the best way to kickstart a day in the humidity.
- Bicycles: The hotel usually has bikes available. Take one and ride north towards Bal Harbour. It’s a much prettier ride than going south.
The Realistic Outlook
Miami is changing. It's getting more corporate, more expensive, and more crowded. Amidst that, COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach feels like a remnant of a more sophisticated era, even though it’s modern. It respects the history of the Traymore building while bringing that specific, serene Asian-inspired hospitality to a city that is usually anything but serene.
It’s a place for adults. Not necessarily "adults-only," but it’s definitely for people who have grown out of the need to be seen and just want to be.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Seasonal Calendar: Miami "Season" runs from December to April. Prices will triple. If you can handle the heat, October or May offers the same experience for a fraction of the cost.
- Download the "ParkMobile" App: If you’re driving, valet is easy but expensive ($45+ per night). There are public lots nearby that might save you some cash, though they're a bit of a walk.
- Pack Light: The room aesthetic is minimal. You don't need five suitcases. Bring high-quality linen, a good swimsuit, and your best polarized sunglasses.
- Reservations: Even if you're staying at the hotel, book your table at Traymore by Michael Schwartz in advance, especially during Art Basel or boat show weekends.
- Shambhala Credits: Check if your booking includes spa credits. Many "wellness packages" on their official site offer better value than third-party booking engines.
Stop looking for the flashiest neon sign. Sometimes the best stay is the one that lets you finally hear yourself think. That's what this place is. It's a sanctuary in a city that usually doesn't believe in them.