Two worlds coexist in Miami: the realm of tourists and the realm of the local. Straddling both can be a dicey game, but if you play it well, the rewards can be quite grand...

New to the overlap is Epic Hotel, opening Monday in downtown—sophisticated enough for a visitor, and sexy enough to keep you in the Financial District well past quitting time.

Situated at the cusp of the Miami River, this 52-story tower uses its gritty downtown powers for good, serving up water views, soaring ceilings and (most importantly) complimentary drinks at 5pm. Grab a seat in the lobby bar as you watch freighters sail past floor-to-ceiling windows. Once you've worked up an appetite (nothing does the trick like a good freighter), head upstairs to the hotel's in-house restaurant Area 31, where grilled fish, pastas and Paella Valenciana await.

Of course, the showstopper is the 16th-floor pool deck, offering Blade Runner-esque views of Miami (rather than those beach-heavy visuals you're used to). During the day you'll come here to catch some rays, go for a swim and relax in one of the white curtained cabanas. When the sun dips below the horizon, the space transforms to a nightspot complete with enough cocktails, soundtracks and interested looks to warrant a staycation.

South Beach who?