Kimpton EPIC Hotel by IHG

In the middle of Miami's financial district, you get a city hotel with the sort of after-dive comforts that make a difference: air conditioning, private balconies, a rooftop pool terrace, a spa and restaurants on site. Kimpton EPIC Hotel by IHG is built for a stay that can move from urban exploring to a proper meal without requiring another expedition across town.

The hotel's website is in English, so English-speaking guests are clearly catered for online. The atmosphere is polished and metropolitan rather than barefoot and beachside. That suits you if the plan is to combine diving with Miami's restaurants, museums, parks and evening life, while keeping a pool, a massage and a cocktail within reach when your legs have had enough.

The address is 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, in the city's financial district. The hotel looks towards the Miami River and Biscayne Bay, and its position puts Bayfront Park about 0.4 miles away. Port of Miami and Miami-Dade Arena are both around a five-minute drive, useful if your stay is tied to a cruise, a concert or a sporting event rather than only to the reef.

This is not a beach hotel. Hobie Beach is about 4.8 miles away by car, while Miami Beach is roughly 6 miles away. For getting around without driving every time, Bayfront Park Station and Knight Center Station are each about 0.2 miles away on foot, and Government Center metro station is about 0.8 miles away. Miami International Airport is about 6 miles away by car.

Floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony give the rooms a proper connection with the city and the water. For two, a king room with a water view makes the most of the setting; a city-view room keeps the focus on Miami's lights and towers. High-floor versions are available in several categories, which may appeal if you like your skyline with fewer immediate neighbours in the frame.

The practical basics are in place for recovery: air conditioning for the return from hot streets and salt water, a seating area and desk, a television with iPhone connectivity, a wardrobe and a laptop safe. Bathrooms have both a bath and a shower, with bathrobes and complimentary toiletries. There is no need to turn the balcony into a makeshift drying room; it is simply somewhere to sit with the view and let the day slow down.

Travelling with family or another diver? Rooms with two double beds and the larger king suites give you more room to spread out than a standard couple's set-up. Accessible rooms include roll-in showers or accessible baths, and selected rooms have wheelchair access and toilets with grab rails. Children of any age are welcome, with cots and extra beds available for selected room options.

Two restaurants cover the serious business of eating. Area 31 serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on a terrace, with elevated modern Japanese cooking shaped by fresh Florida flavours. It is also the rooftop bar, where cocktails come with a view. Zuma takes the same Japanese direction in a more straightforward modern style and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well.

There are two named bars: Area 31 and Lilt Lounge, both centred on cocktails. That gives you somewhere to sit with a drink without having to make dinner carry the entire evening. A happy hour is also available, which is a useful detail when the day's diving has left you hungry but not yet ready for a full table.

The food-and-drink details include champagne, selected mini-bar delicacies and a Key Lime Bar. Breakfast options cover vegetarian, gluten-free and American choices, while vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets are catered for. Room service is available when the sensible decision is food in the room, air conditioning on, and nobody asking you to make conversation.

Two outdoor pools sit on a terrace on the 16th floor. They give you a place to cool down without leaving the hotel, with sun loungers, beach chairs, umbrellas and pool towels available. After a dive, that is a fairly convincing argument for postponing any grand sightseeing plan until tomorrow.

Privai Spa + Fitness is the main recovery option. Its treatment menu includes massages, facials, hammam, sauna, jacuzzi, mud baths and body wraps, with a relaxation lounge for the part where you are expected to do absolutely nothing. The fitness centre adds yoga, meditation, fitness classes and personal training if your idea of recovery involves moving rather than lying still.

When you want to leave the building, bicycles are available to rent, and cultural excursions can be arranged. Bayfront Park, Bicentennial Park and Brickell Key Park are all within about a mile. A golf course is within roughly 2 miles, while the nearby museums include HistoryMiami Museum and Miami Art Museum. The concierge can help shape the day; you do not have to spend it beside the pool, although nobody will judge you if you do.

Check-in starts at 4pm and check-out runs until midday. You need photo identification and the credit card used for the reservation when you arrive, and the minimum check-in age is 18. A refundable damage deposit is collected by card on arrival and returned after the property has been inspected at check-out.

Private parking is available on site through valet parking, and parking is chargeable. The hotel also offers car hire, a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, luggage storage and free WiFi throughout the property. Daily housekeeping is included, with laundry, dry cleaning and ironing services available when a wet swimsuit is not the only thing needing attention.

Miami International Airport is about 6 miles away by car. The hotel is also close to rail and metro connections, so you can reach parts of Miami without automatically getting behind the wheel. Pets are welcome, and the property has lifts, wheelchair-accessible facilities and accessible room options.