The Miami River Inn
A Turn of the Century Bed and Breakfast

The Miami River Inn, located at 118 W.W. South River Dr. in Miami, Florida was built between 1906 and 1910. The Inn is actually a collection of four buildings offering everything from quaint bed and breakfast accommodations to long and short-term apartment accommodations, wedding and meeting facilities.

The Inn, one of the Miami boutique hotels, was restored to its original splendor in the late 1980’s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The location is in the East Little Havana Riversisde area, which is where the city of Miami began. Each of the cozy rooms is decorated with antiques and collectables from the early 1900’s. The Inn has withstood the test of time because it is built of Florida Pine which is immune to the termites that have devoured most of the other historic wooden structures in the area. When we first arrived in the area, we were a little worried about the run-down appearance of the neighborhood. But we soon found that this neighborhood, which is 70 percent Hispanic, has a very low crime rate. The hotel is surrounded by a high iron fence which assures that the cars in the parking lot are safe. We left a number of items, including our golf clubs in the car for the three days we were there and never had any trouble. An added advantage is that parking is free.

The Inn is surrounded by old fashioned porches with comfortable chairs, lush tropical gardens and palm trees and in the back, a large swimming pool and a grassy garden area to sit in the evening or enjoy breakfast. There are also a number of resident outdoor cats which were friendly but not a nuisance.

The continental breakfast included homemade pastry, fruit, yogurt, coffee and juice.

The Inn is centrally located and is within easy driving distance of the airport, downtown Miami, South Beach, the cruise port and Coral Gables. There are also several very good restaurants in the Little Havana area that are within 10 minutes of the hotel. We also appreciated the fact that the entire area is quiet and relaxed. Pets are allowed in some of the rooms. Smoking is allowed in the garden.

The Inn is small, there are only 38 rooms, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. Jane Caporelli, the manager, sat and talked with us and explained about the history of the area. She also told us about the restaurants, how to use public transportation and some of the local attractions.

This quaint Inn may not qualify as a luxury hotel but it is extremely well-kept, comfortable and affordable. We will return again when we are in Miami.

Contact: 1-305-325-0045 or
Miamiriverinn.com