Construction noise at Kimpton Surfcomber & nearby buildings

Question

We were planning on staying at the Kimpton Surfcomber in South Beach late March into April. One of the reviews mentioned current construction at hotel and one next door. Is there any info on the extent of the construction at the Surfcomber. We also considered the Riu Plaza Hotel. Any information on either appreciated.

Answer

Good question. Short answer: yes, there have been several recent guest reports of construction- or mechanical-style noise at the Kimpton Surfcomber, plus some complaints about the Riu Plaza — so it’s worth factoring into your decision. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on recent reviews, plus things to watch for and possible mitigations.

Construction Noise at Kimpton Surfcomber

On TripAdvisor, several recent guest reviews mention *very loud construction* or jackhammer-level noise: one said the pool area was “unusable … constant jackhammering all day.”
That same review noted it was part of a *Surfcomber renovation project*, not just nearby construction.
The hotel’s own site indicates there is a renovation planned (or ongoing) for the fitness facilities and spa, from October 2025 through at least February 2026.
However, the public areas (like the redesigned Social Club restaurant) are being refreshed with a French-Mediterranean aesthetic, which could be a pro for some, though construction disruption is clearly being felt by guests.
In forums (e.g., on Tripadvisor), people continue to express concern about noise both from on-site renovation *and* from nearby buildings.

Other Considerations for the Surfcomber

The Surfcomber underwent a major renovation in prior years (rooms and public areas), according to design-focused outlets.
Given the reports, if you go with Surfcomber, you might:

Ask for a room on the *north side* or away from construction zones.
Request a higher floor to reduce street or construction noise.
Confirm at booking or check-in whether the gym/spa work (or other noisy areas) is active during your stay and how loud it's expected to be.
Bring earplugs or prepare for some daytime noise, especially if you're sensitive.

Riu Plaza Hotel — Noise/Construction Issues

The Riu Plaza also has a history of guest complaints about *noise*. According to recent reviews, some guests hear a constant buzzing or motor-type noise (often described as coming from an AC unit).
Several guests mention “nearby construction” in reviews, suggesting it's not just internal systems but external sources too.
Other issues flagged in reviews include slow or crowded elevators and dated room decor — so sound insulation might not be ideal.
On the TripAdvisor Q&A, someone asked about construction noise at Riu Plaza, and past guests confirmed that it was indeed a concern.

My Take / Recommendation

Given what you’ve told me: - If noise is a big concern, the reports suggest both hotels could have potential disruptions, but Surfcomber’s construction seems more active (especially around its own renovation). - If you’re okay with some risk and want the Kimpton’s beach-front boutique charm, it might still be worthwhile — just make the noise concerns part of your booking conversation and ask for a quieter room. - If you want something more stable, the Riu Plaza could be an alternative, but you’ll want to carefully read recent reviews and request a room away from noisy units or areas.

Before finalizing your booking, I’d suggest:

Calling the Surfcomber directly to ask about construction status during your specific dates.
Reading the *very latest* guest reviews on TripAdvisor / Google (from people who stayed in the last month).
If you book, request a “quiet room” away from construction or mechanical areas — and potentially reconfirm on check-in.

Hope that helps — I lean slightly toward being cautious with the Surfcomber right now *unless* you get reassurance about your room location, but either hotel could work if you manage the noise risk. Let me know if you want help finding quieter beachfront alternatives!

Construction noise at Kimpton Surfcomber & nearby buildings

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