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Downtown | Coconut Grove | Coral Gables | Key Biscayne | South Beach | Mid-Beach | Fisher and Belle Islands | North Beach | West Miami-Dade
Room rates in Miami tend to swing wildly. In high season, which is January through May, expect to pay at least $250 per night, even at value-oriented hotels. With a rebounding local economy and increased tourism, prices have skyrocketed since 2013, increasing up to 70% in some cases. Numerous hotels, previously affordable, have moved to our highest price category. In fact, it’s common nowadays for rates to begin around $500 at Miami’s top hotels. In summer, however, prices can be as much as 50% lower than the dizzying winter rates. You can also find great deals between Easter and Memorial Day, which is actually a delightful time in Miami. Business travelers tend to stay in downtown Miami, and most vacationers stay on Miami Beach, as close as possible to the water. South Beach is no longer the only “in” place to stay. Mid-Beach and downtown have taken the hotel scene by storm in the past few years and become home to some of the region’s most avant-garde and luxurious properties to date. If money is no object, stay in one of the glamorous hotels lining Collins Avenue between 15th and 23rd streets. Otherwise, stay on the quiet beaches farther north, or in one of the small boutique hotels on Ocean Drive, Collins, or Washington avenues between 10th and 15th streets. Two important considerations that affect price are balcony and view. If you’re willing to have a room without an ocean view, you can sometimes get a much lower price than the standard rate.
Downtown
Miami’s skyline continues to grow by leaps and bounds. With downtown experiencing a renaissance of sorts, the hotel scene here isn’t just for business anymore. In fact hotels that once relied solely on their Monday–Thursday traffic are now bustling on weekends, with a larger focus on cocktails around the rooftop pool and less a focus on the business center. These hotels offer proximate access to downtown’s burgeoning food and cocktail scene, and historic sights, and are a short cab ride away from Miami’s beaches.
Conrad Miami.
$$$$ | HOTEL | Occupying floors 16 to 26 of a 36-story skyscraper in Miami’s burgeoning city center, this hotel mixes business with pleasure, offering easy access to the best of downtown. Like many of its sister downtown hotels, the lobby is located high in the sky—on the 25th floor to be exact. The collection of rooms, suites, and condos cater principally to business travelers but offer enough frills to entice leisure travelers. Besides jaw-dropping views of Biscayne Bay, the minimalist Conrad Miami impresses with its Spa, Atrio restaurant, and view-heavy bar. Pros: central downtown location; excellent service. Cons: poor views from some rooms; expensive parking. | Rooms from: $489 | Espirito Santo Plaza, 1395 Brickell Ave. | 305/503–6500 | www.conradhotels.com | 185 rooms, 16 suites | No meals.
DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay.
$$ | HOTEL | Just 1 mile from PortMiami at the north end of downtown, this waterfront hotel offers relatively basic, spacious rooms and convenient access to and from the cruise ships, making it a good crash pad for budget-conscious cruise passengers. Some rooms have nice views of Biscayne Bay, but some are also in desperate need of refurbishment. The pool area was redone in 2012. A highlight here is the revamped marina, where you can rent Jet Skis or take deep-sea-fishing trips. Pros: marina; proximity to port. Cons: still need a cab to get around; dark lobby and neighboring arcade of shops; worn rooms. | Rooms from: $279 | 1717 N. Bayshore Dr. | 305/372–0313 | www.doubletree.com | 152 rooms, 50 suites | No meals.
Epic Hotel.
$$$ | HOTEL | In the heart of downtown, Kimpton’s pet-friendly, freebie-heavy Epic Hotel has 411 guest rooms, each with a spacious balcony (many of them overlook Biscayne Bay) and fabulous modern amenities—Frette linens, iPod docks, spa-inspired luxury bath products—that match the modern grandeur of the trendy common areas, which include a supersexy rooftop pool. The hotel caters to business travelers and groups, but its association with the young and fun Kimpton brand ensures a steady intake of pleasure-seekers. The 16th-floor pool area comes to life seven days a week, especially during the complimentary wine hour at 5 pm. Area 31 is an elegant, delicious seafood restaurant also on the 16th floor, flying high with an advanced concept of sustainable cuisine. A second restaurant, Zuma, is Miami’s hottest London invasion—just brace yourself for some of the city’s longest wait times. The hotel also has a full-service marina and the fabulous Exhale Spa. Pros: sprawling rooftop pool deck; balcony in every room; complimentary wine hour, coffee, and Wi-Fi. Cons: some rooms have inferior views; congested valet area. | Rooms from: $399 | 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way | 305/424–5226 | www.epichotel.com | 411 rooms | No meals.
Fodor’s Choice | Four Seasons Hotel Miami.
$$$$ | HOTEL | A favorite of business travelers visiting downtown’s busy, business-centric Brickell Avenue, this plush sanctuary offers a respite from the nine-to-five mayhem—a soothing water wall greets you, the understated rooms impress you, and the seventh-floor, 2-acre-pool terrace relaxes you. Inside, a cavernous lobby houses larger-than-life sculptures commissioned by local and Latin American artists. Although the pool oasis overlooks downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay, it’s still easy to forget you’re in the middle of the city, especially when strolling through the foot-deep wading pool with 24 palm tree “islands” or napping in one of the suspended hammocks. Gym rats rejoice over the beautiful 50,000-square-foot Equinox sports club, complete with complimentary yoga and exercise classes (in fact 100 classes per week!) and plenty of eye candy. The hotel’s flagship restaurant, Edge: Steak and Bar, is a local dining and happy-hour hot spot for Miami’s power players, movers, and shakers. Pros: condo rooms renovated in 2014; sensational service; window-side day beds; amazing gym and pool deck. Cons: no balconies; not near the beach. | Rooms from: $519 | 1435 Brickell Ave. | 305/358–3535 | www.fourseasons.com/miami | 182 rooms, 39 suites | No meals.
JW Marriott Marquis Miami.
$$$$ | HOTEL | The marriage of Marriott’s JW and Marquis brands created a truly tech-savvy, contemporary, and stylish business-minded hotel—you may never have seen another Marriott quite like this one. From the three-story crystal chandelier in the entry to the smart and symmetric guest rooms, the hotel feels futuristic and polished. Rooms are incredibly spacious and have so many electronic gadgets (Cisco IP phones, 55-inch Samsung flatscreens, cordless portable phones you can carry around the hotel) that you may find it a challenge to use them all in one visit. A large, semicircular desk and towering full-length mirrors please both business types and fashionistas. Bathrooms have separate showers and bathtubs. Amenities on-site include a jewelry store, Daniel Boloud’s db Bistro Moderne, a 50,000-square-foot entertainment complex (with an NBA-approved basketball arena, virtual bowling alley, tennis court, and golf school), and a world-class spa. Pros: entertainment center; amazing technology; pristine rooms. Cons: swimming pool receives limited sunshine; lots of conventioneers on weekdays; congestion at street entrance. | Rooms from: $499 | 255 Biscayne Blvd. Way | 305/421–8600 | www.jwmarriottmarquismiami.com | 257 rooms, 56 suites | No meals.
Fodor’s Choice | Mandarin Oriental, Miami.
$$$$ | HOTEL | At the tip of prestigious Brickell Key in Biscayne Bay, the Mandarin Oriental feels as exclusive as it does glamorous, with luxurious rooms, exalted restaurants, and the city’s top spa, all of which marry the brand’s signature Asian style with Miami’s bold tropical elegance. The sumptuous, colorful rooms face either west toward the downtown skyline or east over Miami Beach and the blue Atlantic. There’s also beauty in the details: sliding screens that close off the baths, dark wood, crisp linens, and room numbers hand-painted on rice paper at check-in. Sun-worshippers adore the 20,000-square-foot private beach. The two restaurants, Azul and La Mar by Gaston Acurio, are wildly popular with locals. Pros: impressive lobby; intimate vibe; ultraluxurious. Cons: man-made beach; small infinity pool; few beach cabanas. | Rooms from: $599 | 500 Brickell Key Dr. | 305/913–8288, 866/888–6780 | www.mandarinoriental.com | 326 rooms, 31 suites | No meals.
Viceroy Miami.
$$$$ | HOTEL | This hotel cultivates a brash, supersophisticated Miami attitude, likely stemming from its guest rooms decked out with dramatic Kelly Wearstler, Asian-inspired interiors and larger-than-life common areas designed by Philippe Starck. The 15th-floor pool deck and massive spa adorned with awesome, whimsical furnishings and ornaments of Alice in Wonderland proportions are quintessential Starck, headlined by a 300-foot-long infinity pool that spills out onto Biscayne Bay, gargantuan hot tub the size of a regular pool, and tree-lined sunning areas of lawn furnishings and oversized cabanas. The spa is equally jaw-dropping, with the lobby opening to a massive yellow Murano glass chandelier. Below, entire multistory libraries flank a labyrinth of relaxation pools and relaxation vignettes. Fifty Ultra Lounge, the rooftop lounge and bar on the 50th floor, offers the best eye-popping views in Miami. Pros: amazing design elements; exceptional pool deck and spa; sleek rooms. Cons: poor views from rooms; tiny lobby; some amenities shared with ICON Miami residents. | Rooms from: $429 | 485 Brickell Ave. | 305/503–4400, 866/781–9923 | www.viceroymiami.com | 150 rooms, 18 suites | No meals.
YVE Hotel Miami.
$$ | HOTEL | In the heart of downtown Miami, the value-oriented YVE (formerly the b2 downtown Miami) is now part of the Destination Hotels and Resorts portfolio and is a functional yet stylish hotel offering easy access to PortMiami, downtown’s nightlife, and the American Airlines Arena. Rooms are rather small but well decorated in South Beach style. This isn’t the type of hotel for lingering: what the hotel offers is easy access to a variety of tourist attractions and downtown’s financial district and an amazing night’s sleep on top-of-the-line mattresses. Downstairs, feast on American comfort food, like grilled-cheese sandwiches and gooey chocolate chips cookies at the hotel’s restaurant, Biscayne Tavern. Pros: a quick taxi from PortMiami; near the bay; good in-house restaurant. Cons: daily resort fee of $9.99/day; small rooms; not in trendy part of downtown. | Rooms from: $239 | 146 Biscayne Blvd., Downtown | Miami, Florida, United States | 855/983–4636 | www.yvehotelmiami.com | 243 rooms | No meals.
Coconut Grove
Although this area certainly can’t replace the draw of Miami Beach or the business convenience of downtown, about 20 minutes away, it’s an exciting bohemian-chic neighborhood with a gorgeous waterfront.
Mayfair Hotel & Spa.
$$ | HOTEL | Some 30 years strong, the five-story Mayfair Hotel & Spa still reflects Coconut Grove’s bohemian roots, best exemplified by its eclectic exteriors: handcrafted wooden doors, one-of-a-kind decorative moldings, mosaic tiles inspired by Spain’s Alhambra, and Gaudi-like ornaments adorning the rooftop pool deck. Rooms are individually named and are found in one of two wings: one surrounding an open courtyard, the other a covered atrium. The water gardens and staircases within the courtyard offer a quiet contrast to the bustle of Miami’s busier downtown and beach areas. Most rooms have balconies with Japenese soaking tubs, though the views are rather limited by neighboring buildings. Interestingly, rooms are individually shaped, together uniting on each floor in a jigsaw puzzle formation. A soft reburb in 2012 added some life to the rooms, though some older rattan furniture remains. The popular rooftop area encompasses a swimming pool, eight cabanas, a fireplace, and a full bar that’s open until late evening. Pros: in the heart of walkable Coconut Grove; details in exterior design; in-house spa. Cons: limited lighting within rooms; interiors not as exciting as exteriors; car need to get to the beach. | Rooms from: $239 | 3000 Florida Ave. | 800/433–4555 reservations, 305/441–0000 | www.mayfairhotelandspa.com | 179 rooms | No meals.
The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami.
$$$ | HOTEL | This business-centric Ritz-Carlton hotel in the heart of Coconut Grove has a lively lobby and lounge that complements its sophisticated guest rooms—all with marble baths and private balconies. A centerpiece of the public spaces is the Lazuli Lounge, a fabulous, high-design peacock-hue lobby lounge characterized by towering columns, circular designer couches, and a roaring fireplace. Service here is second to none, making this one of the few VIP-style enclaves in this artsy waterfront neighborhood. A 6,000-square-foot spa is on hand to soothe away stress, and the open-air Bizcaya is among Coconut Grove’s loveliest dining spots. Though this city hotel offers plenty of amenities, note that it’s not a full-scale resort like the Ritz-Carltons in Key Biscayne and South Beach. Pros: elevated pool deck; near Coconut Grove and Coral Gables shopping; excellent service. Cons: near residential area; more business- than leisure-oriented. | Rooms from: $329 | 3300 S.W. 27th Ave. | 305/644–4680, 800/241–3333 | www.ritzcarlton.com | 88 rooms, 27 suites | No meals.
Coral Gables
Beautiful Coral Gables is set around its beacon, the national landmark Biltmore Hotel. It also has a couple of big business hotels and one smaller boutique property. The University of Miami is nearby.
Biltmore Hotel.
$$$ | HOTEL | Built in 1926, this landmark hotel has had several incarnations over the years—including a stint as a hospital during World War II—but through it all, this grande dame has remained an opulent reminder of yesteryear, with its palatial lobby and grounds, enormous pool (largest in the lower 48), and distinctive 315-foot tower, which rises above the canopy of trees shading Coral Gables. Fully updated, the Biltmore has on-site golf and tennis, a spa and fitness center, and the celebrated Palme d’Or restaurant. The magnificent pool is steeped in history—Tarzan’s Johnny Weissmuller was a lifeguard here, and in the 1930s, grand aquatic galas featuring alligator wrestling, synchronized swimming, and bathing beauties drew thousands. More recently it was former President Bill Clinton’s preferred resort for golfing. To the west is the hotel’s Biltmore Country Club, a richly ornamented beaux arts–style structure with a superb colonnade and courtyard. The Sunday Champagne brunch is a local legend; try to get a table in the courtyard. Pros: historic property; gorgeous pool; great tennis and golf. Cons: in the suburbs; a car is necessary to get around. | Rooms from: $343 | 1200 Anastasia Ave. | 305/460–5364 | www.biltmorehotel.com | 273 rooms, 39 suites | No meals.
Hotel St. Michel.
$$ | B&B/INN | This quiet and charming European bed-and-breakfast–inspired hotel dates to 1926—original elevator and all—and is right off the Miracle Mile in Coral Gables. Each petite room is individually decorated with antiques imported from England, Scotland, and France. The intimate vintage inn has glass chandeliers suspended from vaulted ceilings in the public areas and a fabulous old-fashioned, manually operated elevator. Not all rooms have been refreshed in recent years, so make sure to ask for an updated room. Pros: coolest elevator in Florida; historical vibe; totally unexpected in South Florida. Cons: small rooms; old, individual in-room air-conditioning units; breakfast no longer included at this B&B. | Rooms from: $219 | 162 Alcazar Ave., Coral Gables | Miami, Florida, United States | 305/444–1666, 800/848–4683 | www.hotelstmichel.com | 25 rooms, 3 suites | No meals.
Hyatt Regency Coral Gables.
$$$ | HOTEL | Within walking distance to the shops and businesses of Miami’s most prestigious suburb and just 4 miles from Miami International Airport, the 250-room, Moorish-inspired Hyatt Regency Coral Gables mingles European charm with functionality. Spread over three buildings, the hotel includes 50 balconied suites that overlook the fifth-floor swimming pool. In the common areas and throughout the exteriors, lofty pillars, arched columns, charming courtyards, high ceilings, and antique art play into the hotel’s Alhambra inspiration. In terms of interiors, nondescript yet comfortable rooms cater to the hotel’s principal clients—business travelers. On most given days, the lobby buzzes with a scene of Miami’s Latin power players. Pros: easy access to MIA; meets rigorous “green” standards; renovated in 2010. Cons: small bathrooms; far from beach; no spa. | Rooms from: $319 | 50 Alhambra Plaza | 305/441–1234 | www.coralgables.hyatt.com | 250 rooms and suites | No meals.
Key Biscayne
There’s probably no other place in Miami where slowness is lifted to a fine art. On Key Biscayne there are no pressures, there’s no nightlife outside of the Ritz-Carlton’s great live Latin music weekends, and the dining choices are essentially limited to the hotel (which has four dining options, including the languorous, Havana-style Rumbar).
FAMILY | Fodor’s Choice | The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami.
$$$$ | RESORT | In this ultra-laid-back setting, it’s natural to appreciate the Ritz brand of pampering with luxurious rooms, attentive service, five on-property dining options, and ample recreational activities for the whole family. Need something to do? The “tequilier” at the re-invented seaside Cantina Beach can educate you on the finer points of his native region’s drink (he has 110 different tequilas on hand). Hitting the spa? It was beautifully renovated in 2013, and in one of 21 treatment rooms, you can try signature body treatments inspired by the tropics. Hungry? The property’s five eateries take you through the gastronomy and beverages of Cuba (RUMBAR, renovated in 2015), Mexico (Cantina Beach), Italy (Cioppino), New York (Key Pantry, offering a Dean & Deluca–style market), and back to Miami (Dune Oceanfront Burger Lounge, also renovated in 2015). An 11-court tennis “garden” with daily clinics, a private beach, and beachside water sports are other options. Guest rooms have custom-made touches like mother-of pearl wall coverings. In-room luxuries like robes, slippers, fine linens, and high-end toiletries are par for the course. The Club Level offers food and beverage presentations throughout the day, and the Ritz Kids club has expanded its full-, half-day, and Saturday-night programs to include island history, fishing, and beach treasure hunts. Borrow bikes here to explore Bill Baggs Park and its lighthouse. Pros: on the beach; quiet; luxurious family retreat. Cons: far from South Beach; beach sometimes seaweed strewn; rental car almost a necessity. | Rooms from: $499 | 455 Grand Bay Dr. | 305/365–4500, 800/241–3333 | www.ritzcarlton.com/keybiscayne | 365 rooms, 37 suites | No meals.
South Beach
If you are looking to experience the postcard image of Miami, look no further than South Beach. Most of the hotels along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, and Washington Avenue are housed in history-steeped art deco buildings, each one cooler than the next. From boutique hotels to high-rise structures, all South Beach hotels are in close proximity to the beach and never far from the action. Most hotels here cost a pretty penny, and for good reason. They are more of an experience than a place to crash (think designer lobbies, some of the world’s best pool scenes, and unparalleled people-watching).
The Angler’s.
$$$ | HOTEL | This boutique hotel, one of several in Miami under the Kimpton brand, has an air of serenity and privacy that pervades this discreet little oasis of personality-driven villas (built in 1930 by architect Henry Maloney) and modern tower units, together capturing the feel of a sophisticated private Mediterranean villa community. The private, landscaped setting makes it easy to forget that the hotel is on busy Washington Avenue, two blocks from the beach. The wonderfully contemporary tower units have private sunning gardens or rooftop terraces with hot tubs, and single-floor kings are set around a lovely pool. Pros: gardened private retreat; excellent service; daily complimentary wine hour. Cons: on busy Washington Avenue; not directly on beach. | Rooms from: $379 | 660 Washington Ave. | 305/534–9600 | www.anglershotelmiami.com | 24 rooms, 20 suites | No meals.
Fodor’s Choice | The Betsy Hotel.
$$ | HOTEL | An art deco treasure elegantly refurbished and totally retro-chic, The Betsy sits directly on world-famous Ocean Drive and delivers the full-throttle South Beach experience with style, pizzazz and cultural twist—the Betsy offers cultural programs year-round such as poetry readings, live jazz, and art shows. The front porch and outdoor eating space are perfect for quintessential SoBe people-watching. The lobby is busy, but not insanely so, and cultivates a social, trendy scene, especially in the evenings. White and flowery rooms are cozy and comfortable, with a vintage-luxe vibe that recalls South Beach of the 1950s. Though the pool gets little sunshine because of its odd location in the hotel courtyard, the expansive rooftop sun lounge and sumptuous beach club across Ocean Drive make up for this shortcoming. The hotel’s BLT Steak restaurant is excellent. Pros: unbeatable location; superfashionable; great beach club. Cons: some small rooms; service can be hit or miss; no pool scene (but there’s a rooftop scene). | Rooms from: $265 | 1440 Ocean Dr. | 305/531–6100 | www.thebetsyhotel.com | 41 rooms, 20 suites | No meals.
Fodor’s Choice | Cadet Hotel.
$$ | HOTEL | A former home to World War II air force cadets, this gem has been reimagined as an oasis in South Beach, offering the antithesis of the sometimes maddening jet-set scene with 34 distinctive rooms exuding understated luxury. All rooms implement art deco style and feature beautiful antiques hand-chosen by the hotel’s proprietor. If you’re looking for loud music and wild times, go elsewhere. Cadet is more about enjoying a good read on the patio and discovering elusive serenity in the heart of South Beach. It is one of the few privately owned hotels in the area, owned by breast cancer specialist Vilma Biaggi, MD, who spends almost every weekend at the hotel (and plays piano for guests some nights). Little touches, like candles in the lobby, fresh flowers all around, high-thread-count sheets, and small pouches filled with fresh lavender or seashells, depending on the season, show care and sophistication. This intimate hideaway is one block away from Lincoln Road, two blocks from the beach, and two blocks from the New World Symphony. Clark Gable stayed in Room 224 during his time training with the Army Air Corps in the 1940s. The hotel’s restaurant, Pied-a-Terre, is a gastronomic tour de force. lFor slightly more money, opt for the breakfast package and enjoy a sumptuous start to your morning in the patio-garden. Pros: excellent service; lovely garden and spa pool; originality. Cons: tiny swimming pool; limited appeal for the party crowd. | Rooms from: $239 | 1701 James Ave. | 305/672–6688, 800/432–2338 | www.cadethotel.com | 32 rooms, 3 suites | Breakfast.
Catalina Hotel & Beach Club.
$ | HOTEL | The Catalina is the budget party spot in the heart of South Beach’s hottest block and attracts plenty of twentysomethings with its free nightly drink hour, airport shuttles, bike rentals, two fun pools, and beach chairs. It’s across the street from the beach, but nobody seems to mind the short walk. Each of the Catalina’s three buildings has a distinct feel: the original Catalina (with the smallest, most inexpensive rooms) is an exercise in camp, with red-shag carpets, two-story glass windows, and monumental sheer drapes. The midrange rooms are in the old Maxine Hotel, decorated in rock baroque and featuring a karaoke machine in the lobby. Room 400 here is one of the beach’s best values, with a private sundeck overlooking the strip. The most luxurious part of the Catalina is the Dorset Hotel, which now houses the hotel’s biggest rooms as well as its Asian restaurant, FKU. Another outdoor restaurant, Maxine’s Bisto, overlooks the passersby on this very sexy strip of Collins Avenue, making the Catalina an entertainment complex in its own right. Pros: free drinks; free bikes; free airport shuttle; good people-watching. Cons: service not a high priority; loud; rooms not well maintained. | Rooms from: $183 | 1720–1756 Collins Ave. | 305/674–1160 | www.catalinahotel.com | 190 rooms | No meals.
Century Hotel Miami Beach.
$ | HOTEL | If you’re looking for a cheap place in the emerging SoFi (South of Fifth) area to rest your head for the evening, this very basic hotel gives you a chance to discover a more residential side of bustling South Beach while staying in a 1939 two-story art deco masterpiece by Henry Hohauser. The Century is nothing special, but it’s a few steps above a youth hostel. With rates around $120 including breakfast (it’s not worth more, so if you are coming in high season you might want to look elsewhere), rooms cater to budget-conscious students and offer a base for exploring South Beach. There’s no functioning booking engine on Century’s website; you must call to book a room. Pros: good location; complimentary breakfast; pet-friendly. Cons: no pool; worn rooms; must call to book. | Rooms from: $120 | 140 Ocean Dr., South Beach | Miami Beach, Florida, United States | 305/674–8855 | www.centurymiamibeach.com | 26 rooms | Breakfast.
Fodor’s Choice | Delano Hotel.
$$$$ | HOTEL | The hotel that single-handedly made South Beach cool again in the 1990s is still making major waves across the beach as this Philippe Starck powerhouse continues to define the paradigm of South Beach decor and glamour. The style of this now legendary hotel is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland; and as you make your way from the sparse, busy, spacious lobby past cascading white curtains and through rooms dotted with strange, whimsical furniture pieces, you will feel like you are indeed falling down a rabbit hole. Brush by celebrities and expatriates as you make your way to the vast oceanfront gardens and enormous pool outside, where the rich and famous lounge in white cabanas. Like most hotels on South Beach’s hottest strip, the Delano boasts glamour and wealth; but there’s defintely something extraspecial about staying at the hotel that instigated Miami Beach 2.0. Make sure to visit the signature restaurant, Bianca, and überexclusive subterranean lounge, FDR, both created by Las Vegas’s trendy Light Group. Pros: electrifying design; lounging among the beautiful and famous. Cons: crowded; scene-y; entry-level rooms are on small side. | Rooms from: $429 | 1685 Collins Ave. | 305/672–2000, 800/555–5001 | www.morganshotelgroup.com/delano/delano-south-beach | 184 rooms, 24 suites | No meals.
Dream South Beach Miami.
$$$ | HOTEL | This trendy boutique hotel, which is right in the center of the South Beach action, merges two refurbished, archetypal 1939 art deco buildings as a single project of eclectic modernism, with whimsically decorated interiors in a result that is at once trippy and cool. Rooms have colored bed lighting, bold bedroom chandeliers, and glass closets. And true to the boutique style, rooms are on the small side and often cater to a younger crowd searching for fast times in the Magic City. The see-through bathroom walls are a bit of a style overfunction and create some difficulty when sharing a room with friends or possibly even your significant other. But once you get past that, Dream is idyllic for ventures in hedonism: tanning on the beach (with quick access), making new friends (over sun-kissed libations on the roof), and late-night debauchery (crawling distance to most nightlife). Expect lots of fun on the rooftop by day or night; there’s both a petite swimming pool and the 1970s-inspired pool lounge HIGHBAR, which kicks into gear at nightfall. The hotel also provides beach chairs on its very own designated section of beach just south of 11th Street. Pros: awesome interior design; easy-on-the-eyes crowd; amazing location; pet-friendly. Cons: limited natural light in some rooms; lack of bathroom privacy; small pool. | Rooms from: $309 | 1111 Collins Ave. | 305/673–4747 | www.dreamsouthbeach.com | 108 rooms | No meals.
Essex House.
$$ | HOTEL | This restored art deco gem is a favorite with Europeans desiring good location and a relatively no-frills, practical base—expect average-size rooms with midcentury-style red furniture and marble tubs. The lobby mural was created in 1938 by artist Earl Le Pan, who touched it up 50 years later. The Essex House is a stunning example of maritime deco (also known as nautical moderne). Designed by Henry Hohauser to evoke an ocean liner, the hotel is rife with marine elements, from the rows of porthole-style windows and natty racing stripes to the towering smokestack-like sign. With a prow angled proudly into the street corner, it seems ready to steam out to sea. The outdoor patio is idyllic for lazy days of people-watching. The suites, reached by crossing a courtyard, are well worth the upgrade: each has a wet bar, king-size bed, 100-square-foot bathroom, refrigerator, and hot tub. Pros: a social, heated pool; complimentary beer and wine hour weekdays; in-house sushi restaurant Zen Sai. Cons: small pool; not on the beach. | Rooms from: $279 | 1001 Collins Ave. | 305/534–2700 | www.essexhotel.com | 61 rooms, 15 suites | No meals.
FAMILY | Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach.
$$$$ | HOTEL | Not to be confused with the budget-oriented Bentley Hotel down the street, the Hilton Bentley Miami is a contemporary, design-driven, and artsy boutique hotel in the emerging and trendy SoFi (South of Fifth) district, offering families just the right mix of South Beach flavor and wholesome fun while still providing couples a romantic base without any party madness. Occupying two 10-story buildings with a prime beachfront location, rooms and suites range from snug to colossal, each adorned with a perfect mix of art deco redux and modern bling. It happens to be one of the area’s few kid-friendly boutique hotels, and, as such, for the little ones there are child-size beach chairs and umbrellas as well as a bunch of other kids’ amenities on request. The on-site restaurant, De Rodriguez, is an innovative Cuban restaurant. Pros: quiet location; style and grace; family-friendly. Cons: small pool; small lobby. | Rooms from: $429 | 101 Ocean Dr. | 305/938–4600 | www.hilton.com | 104 rooms, 5 suites | No meals.
The Hotel of South Beach.
$$$ | HOTEL | This historic art deco property inhabits the historic Tiffany building on Collins Avenue as well as a second building along fabulous Ocean Drive with interiors by fashion designer Todd Oldham. The name “Tiffany” spelled out vertically in eye-popping neon on the venue’s iconic aluminum spire is evidence of the hotel’s original identity. When the L. Murray Dixon–designed Tiffany Hotel was erected in 1939, neon was still a novelty. Its use, coupled with the spire’s rocketlike shape, combined to create a futuristic look influenced by the sci-fi themes then pervasive in popular culture. Nowadays, everything in this quirky, romantic boutique hotel, from the decor to the tie-dye bathrobes hanging in the small but cute bathrooms, is colorful and eclectic. Somehow the aesthetic of soft browns and whites works, thanks to the knowing eye of designer Oldham (though it’s starting to feel a bit 1990s at this point). Add soft lighting and two-person bathtubs, and you have all the makings of a romantic retreat. The hotel’s most exquisite treat is a rooftop bar, a low-key hangout where locals and hotel guests lounge on Thursday–Saturday nights. Pros: great service; coolest roof-deck bar in town; good for couples. Cons: pool is tiny; rooms from original building lack good views. | Rooms from: $319 | 801 Collins Ave., South Beach | Miami Beach, Florida, United States | 305/531–2222 | www.thehotelofsouthbeach.com | 68 rooms, 5 suites | No meals.
Hotel Victor.
$$$$ | HOTEL | After a Yabu Pushelberg face-lift in late 2013, the sleek Hotel Victor, originally influenced by Parisian designer Jacques Garcia, has replaced the dated jellyfish motif with a newer incarnation of bold modernism. The coolest part of this deceptively big hotel is the second floor, which features a sexy infinity-edge pool that overlooks Ocean Drive and the beach, and a large outdoor terrace bar that’s open until 2 am. Most rooms are compact but with oversize bathrooms, and they mostly overlook the pool and the ocean. Pros: views from pool deck; high hip factor; good service. Cons: small rooms; street noise from some rooms. | Rooms from: $499 | 1144 Ocean Dr. | 305/908–1462, 844/319–3854 | www.hotelvictorsouthbeach.com | 91 rooms | No meals.
FAMILY | Loews Miami Beach Hotel.
$$$$ | HOTEL | Loews Miami Beach, a two-tower 800-room megahotel with top-tier amenities, a massive spa, a great pool, and direct beachfront access, is a good choice for families, businesspeople, groups, and pet-lovers. When it was built in 1998, Loews managed not only to snag 99 feet of beach, but also to take over the vacant St. Moritz next door and restore it to its original 1939 art deco beauty. The entire complex combines boutique charm with updated opulence. How big is it? The Loews has 85,000 square feet of meeting space and an enormous ocean-view grand ballroom. A three-story spa has 15 treatment rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness center. In the grand lobby you’ll find a dozen black-suited staffers behind the counter, and a half dozen other bellboys and valets. Rooms are great: contemporary and very comfortable, with flat-screen TVs and high-end amenities. But the best part is the pool area, just steps from the beach and equipped with cooling misters. Pros: top-notch amenities; immense spa; pets welcome. Cons: insanely large size; constantly crowded; pets desperate to go will need to wait several minutes to make it to the grass. | Rooms from: $529 | 1601 Collins Ave. | 305/604–1601, 800/235–6397 | www.loewshotels.com/miamibeach | 733 rooms, 57 suites | No meals.
The Lord Balfour.
$$$ | HOTEL | Quickly making a name for itself in South Beach’s emerging SoFi (South of Fifth) neighborhood, the luxurious, boutique, and retro-chic Lord Balfour hotel—now part of the Spain’s RoomMate brand—exudes style, sophistication, and the full-throttle, present-day Miami Beach experience. The guest rooms within this refurbished art deco building are bold, fun, and flavorful with sleek bamboo floors, tree-trunk nightstands, and British-inspired leather-tufted headboards, chairs, and benches—all under constant watch of the larger-than-life tattooed vixen that graces every bedside wall. This is the perfect fit for young sophisticates who actually desire to go out and experience South Beach (as opposed to sitting at the resort all day) and still want stylish digs to return to. Pros: great European crowd; whimsical interior design; excellent service. Cons: rooms on smaller side; occasional street noise from some rooms. | Rooms from: $349 | 350 Ocean Dr. | 855/471–2739, 305/673–0401 | www.lordbalfour.room-matehotels.com | 64 rooms | No meals.
Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach.
$$$$ | RESORT | The luxury COMO brand brings its zen-glam swagger to South Beach, reinventing the art deco Traymore hotel into a 74-room, Paola Navone–designed boutique hotel that commingles brand signatures (excellent, health-driven cuisine, and myriad spa elements) with Miami panache. Don’t expect blaring music here: located at the frontier of South Beach and Mid-Beach, the hotel is tucked into a quiet residential stretch of beachfront, and the hotel prides itself on the tranquil surroundings. Minimalist interiors play off natural lighting and the interaction of an intentionally simple color palette: black, white, and mint green. White leather tufted headboards match the white leather tufted closet doors, framed by the textured walls and spotted terazzo-inspired floors. There are 14 rooms per floor in this mid-rise, headlined by one ocean view suite per floor. Behind the hotel, you’ll first find a sleek lounger-lined swimming pool and then a section of serviced beach area; but it’s the swimming-pool-size mega hot tub on the roof that impresses the most, doling out incredible ocean views (and flanked by a four-cabin spa, a steam room, and sauna, to boot). Pros: easy access to both South Beach and Mid-Beach; Como Shambhala toiletries; stylish “P” and “C” door magnets signal “Clean” or “Privacy.” Cons: two people per room max; limited number of rooms with good views. | Rooms from: $799 | 2445 Collins Ave. | 305/695–3600 | www.comohotels.com/metropolitanmiamibeach | 74 rooms | No meals.
Mondrian South Beach.
$$ | HOTEL | The Mondrian South Beach infuses life into the beach’s lesser-known western perimeter and rises as a poster child of SoBe design glam—head to toe, the hotel is a living and functioning work of art, an ingenious vision of provocateur Marcel Wanders. The “wow” factor is ubiquitous throughout Wanders’s eccentric vision of Sleeping Beauty’s castle near the shores of South Beach—though this vision was toned down during an early 2015 refurbishment (e.g., the iconic big-eyed sea sirens are now gone from the common areas and most guest rooms). From baroque seaweed patterns on the walls to oversize furnishings of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids proportions, this contemporary castle has designers and trendsetters dropping by to see what all the fuss is about. Rooms are bright and airy, continuing Wanders’s “under the sea” theme. The pool scene here is totally happening, packed with hot bodies and European stunners year-round. The West Avenue location affords picture-perfect sunsets, but it’s a 10- to 15-minute trek to the beach. The hotel’s Sunset Lounge is renowned for its mojitos and restaurant La Savina for excellent Spanish coastal cuisine. Pros: trendy; perfect sunsets; party vibe. Cons: busy lobby; doses of South Beach attitude; no direct beach access. | Rooms from: $289 | 1100 West Ave. | 305/514–1500 | www.morganshotelgroup.com/mondrian/mondrian-south-beach | 233 rooms, 102 suites | No meals.
National Hotel.
$$$$ | HOTEL | Fully renovated in 2014, the National Hotel maintains its distinct art deco heritage (the chocolate- and ebony-hued pieces in the lobby date back to the 1930s, and the baby grand piano headlines the throwback Blues Bar) while also keeping up with SoBe’s glossy newcomers. Guest rooms are found within the historic art deco tower and larger suites in the poolside cabana wing. The hotel serves as a bastion of calm in the sea of white-on-white mod decor and raucous reveling typical of most other beachfront properties lining this stretch of Collins Avenue. The most spectacular feature is Miami Beach’s longest pool, which stretches from the tower, past a series of comfy black-and-white-stripe cabanas and poolside tables, to a duo of tropical tiki bars and the beach. Pros: stunning pool; perfect location; Blues Bar. Cons: street noise on the weekends; smaller rooms in art deco tower. | Rooms from: $549 | 1677 Collins Ave. | 305/532–2311, 800/327–8370 reservations | www.nationalhotel.com | 116 rooms, 36 suites | No meals.
Park Central.
$ | HOTEL | This seven-story, oft-photographed 1937 archetypal art deco building on Ocean Drive currently offers a wide range of somewhat dated, Old Florida–style rooms complete with wicker chairs and black-and-white photos of old beach scenes though an in-progress renovation will refresh the rooms and join the historic hotel with its four art deco neighbors as a single property by late 2016; the hotel will remain open during the renovation. lThis Henry Hohauser hotel has some of the beach’s best-preserved geometrically patterned terrazzo floors. The so-called Blue Jewel also has a sculpture garden and a compact pool, the setting of much parading about in swimsuits. There’s a roof deck for sunning, where people also gather to watch movies on Thursday night (with free popcorn and soda) and for yoga on Saturday. Pros: spacious rooftop sundeck; comfy beds; good location. Cons: dated furnishings; small bathrooms; noise and dust from renovation in progress at this writing. | Rooms from: $143 | 640 Ocean Dr., South Beach | Miami Beach, Florida, United States | 305/538–1611 | www.theparkcentral.com | 113 rooms, 12 suites | No meals.
Pelican Miami Beach.
$ | HOTEL | Each awesome room of this Ocean Drive boutique hotel is completely different, fashioned from a mix of antique and garage-sale furnishings selected by the designer of Diesel’s clothing-display windows. Rooms are individually named, and repeat guests either try to stay in a different one each time, or else fall in love with one room and request it for every stay. For example, the “Me Tarzan, You Vain” room has a jungle theme, with African wood sculptures and a stick lamp; “Up, Up in the Sky” has a space theme, with a model rocket and off-kilter furniture. The best bet is to head down to the Pelican’s porch-front restaurant, which offers one of the most extensive wine lists in town and a bar-none view of Ocean Drive’s people parade. Pros: unique, over-the-top design; central Ocean Drive location. Cons: rooms are so tiny that the quirky charm can wear off quickly; not smoke-free. | Rooms from: $199 | 826 Ocean Dr. | 305/673–3373 | www.pelicanhotel.com | 28 rooms, 4 suites | No meals.
FAMILY | Raleigh Hotel.
$$$ | HOTEL | This classy art deco gem, part of the sbe hotel group, balances the perfect amount of style, comfort, and South Beach sultriness, highlighted by the beach’s sexiest pool, which was created for champion swimmer Esther Williams. The 1940s design opus keeps history in style, and, despite renovations, it maintains a delicious old-school flair and has not succumbed to the hedonist vibe of some neighboring hotels. Ask for an upper-floor room for superlative views of the pool. The in-house restaurant is helmed by Chef Michael Schwartz, Miami’s James Beard–award winner. Pros: amazing historic swimming pool; art deco design; beautiful courtyard. Cons: lobby is a bit dark; not as social as other South Beach hotels; will undergo renovations in 2016. | Rooms from: $395 | 1775 Collins Ave., South Beach | Miami Beach, Florida, United States | 305/534–6300, 800/848–1775 reservations | www.raleighhotel.com | 95 rooms, 10 suites | No meals.
FAMILY | The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach.
$$$$ | HOTEL | Completely revamped and renovated in 2013, the smoking hot, art deco Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is a surprisingly trendy, beachfront bombshell, with a dynamite staff, a snazzy Club Lounge, and a long pool deck that leads right out to the beach. There are all the usual high-level draws the Ritz is known for, that is, attentive service, a kids’ club, a club level with five food presentations a day, and high-end restaurants. The spa has exclusive brands of scrubs and creams. The “tanning butler” will make sure you’re not burning and will apply lotion in the hard-to-reach places. Friday through Sunday afternoons a master mixologist patrols the pool deck with a caipirinha cart, serving made-to-order cocktails using homemade syrups crafted from fresh herbs and fruit. The wonderful DiLido Beach Club restaurant is, believe it or not, one of the very few places in Miami where you can get a beachside meal. The ocean is on one side and the pedestrian Lincoln Road begins on the other: the locale is tops. Overall, this landmarked 1954 art moderne hotel, designed by Morris Lapidus, has never been hotter. Pros: luxurious renovated rooms; great service; pool with VIP cabanas; great location. Cons: larger property; in-house restaurant Bistro ONE LR often quiet; $28/night resort fee. | Rooms from: $749 | 1 Lincoln Rd. | 786/276–4000, 800/542–8680 | www.ritzcarlton.com/southbeach | 375 rooms | No meals.
Fodor’s Choice | Royal Palm South Beach Miami.
$$$ | RESORT | The Royal Palm (formerly The James Royal Palm) is a daily celebration of art deco, Art Basel, modernity, and design detail. Laura Rottet of Rottet Studios was charged with reinventing South Beach’s original 1939 Royal Palm and Shorecrest buildings alongside the Royal Palm’s younger annexes to create a seamless design masterpiece to the tune of $42 million dollars. Rooms assume a classic South Beach identity with blends of whites and pops of tropical colors. Double-doored minibars open a world of local Florida products, while colossal, wood-framed mirrors function as sliding doors for the oversized bathrooms. Beyond design brilliance, The Royal Palm is an endless induglence of the best of South Beach, including an impressive Renew spa, plenty of beachside and poolside bliss, excellent eating at its in-house restaurant Byblos, and fabulous people-watching. The hotel’s location at 15th and Collins places the Royal Palm in the heart of the South Beach action. Pros: design blending contemporary style with South Beach identity; impressive spa; multiple pools; unbeatable location. Cons: small driveway for entering; older elevators. | Rooms from: $383 | 1545 Collins Ave. | 305/604–5700, 888/526–3778 reservations | www.royalpalmsouthbeach.com | 234 studios, 159 suites | No meals.
Sagamore, the Art Hotel.
$$$$ | HOTEL | This supersleek, all-white, all-suite hotel in the middle of the action looks and feels like an edgy art gallery, filled with brilliant contemporary works, the perfect complement to the posh, gargantuan, 500-square-foot crash pads. With all the mind-bending hipness, you might expect South Beach pretentiousness, but there’s none here. In fact, the service is excellent. All suites have some kind of kitchen component, with at least a microwave and mini-fridge, sometimes a full fridge and stove. What else? How about huge flat-screen TVs and whirlpool baths? As you might expect of such an arty place, hallways are lined with noted artists’ quotes, and public restrooms feature avant-garde video installations. The in-house Muse Beauty Suite offers salon and spa services, which you can enjoy in the spa, beachside, in a cabana, by the pool, or in your room. The 500-square-foot terrace overlooking the ocean is great for spa parties. Pros: sensational pool; great location; good rate specials. Cons: can be quiet on weekdays; patchy Wi-Fi. | Rooms from: $489 | 1671 Collins Ave. | 305/535–8088 | www.sagamorehotel.com | 93 suites | No meals.
Fodor’s Choice | The Setai.
$$$$ | RESORT | This opulent, all-suite hotel feels like an Asian museum: serene and beautiful, with heavy granite furniture lifted by orange accents, warm candlelight, and the soft bubble of seemingly endless ponds complemented by three oceanfront infinity pools (heated to different temperatures) that further spill onto the beach’s velvety sands. Suites are a minimum of 550 square feet and are divided between the hotel’s art deco building and its residential tower. In 2014 the hotel unveiled its most opulent room product to date—the gigantic Ocean Suites at The Setai, Miami Beach, ranging from one-bedroom suites to the 10,000 square-foot, four-bedroom suite, all with special amenities like a private VIP entrance, a dedicated concierge, round-trip private airport transfers, complimentary spa treatment, and access to the house cars. Even if you can’t afford a stay at one of Miami’s priciest hotels, take time to visit this most beautifully designed space, its three bars and restaurants The Restaurant, The Setai Grill, and The Bar & Courtyard), which are open to nonguests, or the fabulous The Spa at The Setai by THÉMAÉ. The oceanfront gardens are lush and painstakingly manicured, and rooms are as expansive as the premises and furnished in an Asian style that is at once minimalist and cozy. The beach lounges and beachside service are pure bliss. Pros: quiet and classy; beautiful grounds; great celeb spotting. Cons: TVs are far from the beds; extremely high price point; many rooms lack ocean views. | Rooms from: $871 | 2001 Collins Ave. | 305/520–6111, 888/625–7500 reservations | www.thesetaihotel.com | 130 rooms and suites | No meals.
Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach.
$$$$ | RESORT | After a major cash infusion from Wyndham hotels, the iconic Morris Lapidus–designed Shelborne hotel has reemerged as the retro-chic 200-room Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach, ushering in a new era of glory for both the brand and the hotel. It really has everything one covets in a South Beach property: stylish yet functional rooms that channel 1950s glamour; the beach’s most oversized poolside cabanas (which also happen to be air-conditioned); a slick pool scene; a private beach club; a headlining in-house Japanese restaurant helmed by award-winning Chef Masaharu Morimoto; and a location that offers direct access to downy sands, art deco, and superlative shopping. The rooms tend to be on the small side, but the incredible location makes up for it (and translates to minimal lingering). Pros: location; prolific common spaces; Frette linens. Cons: entry-level rooms small; lack of balconies; long waits for food at in-house Morimoto restaurant. | Rooms from: $489 | 1801 Collins Ave. | 305/531–1271 | www.shelbornewyndhamgrand.com | 200 rooms and suites | No meals.
Shore Club.
$$$$ | HOTEL | In terms of lounging, people-watching, partying, and poolside glitz, the Shore Club still ranks among the ultimate South Beach adult playgrounds; guests generally hang out in the minimalist lobby or by one of the two stylish pools, where a peek behind the cascading white curtains or palm trees can yield a celebrity, a scandal, or a make-out session. Given all the colorful hoopla, the guest rooms are surprisingly stark—but in a statement-making kind of way. Debauchery awaits at Skybar, an enclave of intoxicating entertainment that includes the hotel’s swish outdoor bar and the Red Room lounge. Step into the Italian restaurant, Terrazza, where you can watch local glitterati and visitors gorge on carbs. Pros: hip crowd; good restaurants and bars; nightlife in your backyard. Cons: spartan rooms; late-night music; major renovation to commence by September 2015. | Rooms from: $439 | 1901 Collins Ave. | 305/695–3100, 877/640–9500 | www.morganshotelgroup.com/originals/originals-shore-club-south-beach | 309 rooms, 79 suites | No meals.
Fodor’s Choice | SLS Hotel South Beach.
$$$$ | RESORT | Smack in the center of South Beach, the SLS Hotel marks designer Philippe Starck’s triumphant large-scale return to South Beach; but this time he’s teamed up with friends Sam Nazarian, Chefs José Andrés and Katsuya Uech, and Lenny Kravitz for the whimsical trip down the rabbit hole, creating the latest and greatest in the evolution of Miami’s happening hotel/food/pool/beach scene. Housed in a restored 1939 art deco building, the SLS Hotel South Beach exudes beachfront sophistication over a commingling of Latin and Asian inspiration in its common areas, which include headlining restaurants Bazaar by José Andrés, Katsuya by Starck, and Hyde Beach—an 8,000-square-foot masterpiece of pool, beach, and cabanas attracting glitterati and hotties daily. Rooms exude a design that’s remarkably Philippe Starck. Think: predominantly white-on-white panache, with sexy chandeliers and even sexier (or kinkier) ceiling mirrors, and sketchbook-style wall drapings. Pros: great in-house restaurants; masterful design; fun pool scene. Cons: sometimes small rooms; no lobby per se; $30/night resort fee. | Rooms from: $415 | 1701 Collins Ave. | 305/674–1701 | www.slshotels.com/southbeach | 127 rooms, 13 suites | No meals.
Surfcomber Miami, South Beach.
$$$ | HOTEL | In 2012 the legendary Surfcomber joined the hip Kimpton Hotel group, spawning a fantastic nip-and-tuck that’s rejuvenated the rooms and common spaces to reflect vintage luxe and oceanside freshness, and offering a price point that packs the place with a young, sophisticated, yet unpretentious crowd. Expect bursts of tropical colors that perfectly complement the terrazzo floors and create an ideal lobby backdrop for the easy-on-the-eyes patrons. The rooms are a little small but offer an ample dose of sweet and stylish modern opulence. The outdoor spaces channel backyard bliss, with plenty of lounge chairs surrounding the iconic pool and two floors of poolside cabanas. The grassy lounge area behind the pool spills onto the beach’s downy sands. As this hotel is part of the progressive Kimpton brand, the Surfcomber is particularly popular with the gay community. The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi, a nightly complimentary wine hour, and free coffee in the morning. Pros: stylish but not pretentious; pet-friendly; on the beach. Cons: small bathrooms; front desk often busy. | Rooms from: $379 | 1717 Collins Ave. | 305/532–7715 | www.surfcomber.com | 182 rooms, 4 suites | No meals.
The Tides South Beach.
$$$ | HOTEL | The Tides South Beach is an exclusive Ocean Drive art deco hotel of just 45 ocean-facing suites adorned with soft pinks and corals, gilded accents, and marine-inspired decor. The exceptionally tactful personalized service makes every guest feel like a celebrity, and the hotel looks like no other in the city. When Kelly Wearstler redid the Tides in 2009, she thankfully did away with the quintessential SoBe white-on-white minimalism. All of the hotel’s suites are strikingly large (starting at 500 square feet) and flaunt sensational direct ocean views. The pool here is private as can be. Seeking discretion? Voilà. Pros: superior service; great beach location; ocean views from all suites plus the terrace restaurant (where we recommend cocktails only). Cons: tiny elevators; mediocre restaurant; taxidermy in rooms and common areas. | Rooms from: $360 | 1220 Ocean Dr., South Beach | 305/604–5070 | www.tidessouthbeach.com | 45 suites | No meals.
Townhouse Hotel.
$ | HOTEL | Though sandwiched between the Setai and the Shore Club—two of the coolest hotels on the planet—the Townhouse doesn’t try to act all dolled up: it’s comfortable being the shabby-chic, lighthearted, relaxed fun hotel on South Beach (and rates include a Continental breakfast). Rooms aren’t luxurious, and you won’t find many amenities (no gym, no spa, no pool), but if you want to stay in the middle of the action for under $200, in simple clean digs with a good sense of style, this may be a good choice. Enter through a brightly lit, spacious white lobby; after check-in, head to your small but freshly adorned white-and-red room that comes with a beach ball you can keep. The hotel has a rooftop terrace with plush red lounge chairs and a DJ on weekends. With its clean white backdrops and discounts for crew members, there’s always a good chance a TV production or magazine shoot is happening. At this hotel in particular, the earlier you book, the more you save. Pros: a great budget buy for the style-hungry; direct beach access; hot rooftop lounge. Cons: no pool; small rooms not designed for long stays; some rooms accommodate only two. | Rooms from: $155 | 150 20th St., east of Collins Ave. | 305/534–3800 | www.townhousehotel.com | 69 rooms, 2 suites | Breakfast.
Villa Paradiso.
$ | B&B/INN | This hotel is one of South Beach’s best deals for budget travelers (and for those who don’t plan on lingering in their rooms all day), with huge rooms with kitchens and a charming tropical courtyard with benches for hanging out at all hours. There’s even another smaller courtyard on the other side of the rooms. Peeking out from a sea of tropical foliage, the hotel seems at first to be a rather unassuming piece of art deco architecture. But for all its simplicity, value shines bright. Rooms have polished hardwood floors, French doors, and quirky wrought-iron furniture. They are well suited for extended visits—discounts begin at 10% for a week’s stay. Pros: great hangout spot in courtyard; good value; great location. Cons: no pool; no restaurant; not trendy. | Rooms from: $199 | 1415 Collins Ave., South Beach | 305/532–0616 | www.villaparadisohotel.com | 17 studios | No meals.
Fodor’s Choice | W South Beach.
$$$$ | HOTEL | Fun, fresh, and funky, the W South Beach represents the brand’s evolution towards young sophistication, which means less club music in the lobby, more lighting, and more attention to the multimillion-dollar art collection lining the lobby’s expansive walls. The rooms are arguably the nicest in South Beach; even the lowest category provides a wow factor with the meticulous design and high-end furnishings. The textured walls, whimsical accessories, and clean symmetries play out like a spread from Architectural Digest. What’s more is that each room has its own kitchen and balcony with ocean views. The pool scene is everything and anything one could want from South Beach—tight bodies, six packs, cabanas, and a gorgeous crowd sipping mojitos. The beach is just steps behind with a private area for W South beach guests. While the hotel does not boast an art deco facade, its interiors are far more eclectic and superior than neighboring hotels. Pros: pool scene; masterful design; ocean-view balconies in each room. Cons: not a classic art deco building; hit-or-miss service; around 1K per night. | Rooms from: $799 | 2201 Collins Ave. | 305/938–3000 | www.whotels.com/southbeach | 213 studios, 135 suites | No meals.
Z Ocean Hotel South Beach.
$$$ | HOTEL | The lauded firm of Arquitectonica designed the rooms and suites at this glossy and bold hideaway, including 27 rooftop suites endowed with terraces, each complete with Jacuzzi, plush chaise lounges, and a view of the South Beach skyline. Rooms are at least 500 square feet and have big balconies. The furnishings are ultracontemporary and sleek but comfortable, with two flat-screen TVs and oversize, marble-floored bathrooms. Spa services are offered in-room. You can’t beat the location on Ocean Drive—the beach is literally across the street. Pros: incredible balconies; huge rooms; space-maximizing closets. Cons: gym is tiny and basic; not much privacy on rooftop suite decks. | Rooms from: $369 | 1437 Collins Ave. | 305/672–4554 | www.zoceanhotelsouthbeach.com | 79 suites | No meals.
Mid-Beach
The stretch of Miami Beach called “Mid-Beach” is undergoing a renaissance, as formerly run-down hotels are renovated and new hotels and condos are built.
Carillon Hotel & Spa.
$$$$ | RESORT | Formerly Canyon Ranch Miami, the Carillon Hotel & Spa now carries the art deco building’s original name but the physical and mental well-being motif of its predecessor—a 150-all-suite beachfront hotel, defined by a 70,000-square-foot wellness spa, including a rock-climbing wall, 54 treatment rooms, and 30 exercise classes daily. If you grow tired of swimming in the hotel’s four pools, you’ll find 750 linear feet of oceanfront out back. In between exercise and yoga sessions, lounge around your well-appointed suite, with its 400-thread-count Dreamcotton linens and flat-panel HDTV, or delight in an organic meal at the gourmet lobby restaurant. If you’re looking to avoid the noise and toxicity of everyday life, you’ll appreciate the property-wide ban on smoking and on cell phones in all common areas (including restaurants). Pros: directly on the beach; spacious suites (mininum 720 square feet); spa treatments exclusive to hotel guests. Cons: far from nightlife; renovations expected through 2016. | Rooms from: $525 | 6801 Collins Ave., Mid-Beach | Miami Beach, Florida, United States | 866/800–3858 | www.carillonhotel.com | 150 suites | No meals.
Circa 39 Hotel.
$ | HOTEL | Located in the heart of Mid-Beach, this stylish yet affordable boutique hotel pays attention to every detail and gets them all right, with amenities that include a swimming pool and sundeck complete with cabanas and umbrella-shaded chaises that invite all-day lounging. Beyond the pool is a cute bar with board games and daily happy hour. The hotel also houses Bistro 39, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Rooms have wood floors and a cool, crisp look with white furnishings dotted with pale-blue pillows. The name Circa 39? It was built in 1939 and is on 39th Street. Pros: affordable; chic; intimate; beach chairs provided; art deco fireplace. Cons: not on the beach side of Collins Avenue. | Rooms from: $180 | 3900 Collins Ave. | 305/538–4900, 877/824–7223 | www.circa39.com | 96 rooms | No meals.
Eden Roc Miami Beach.
$$$$ | RESORT | This grand 1950s hotel designed by Morris Lapidus retains its old glamour even after $230 million in renovations and expansions added sparkle to the rooms and grounds, renewing the allure and swagger of a stay at the Eden Roc. Two towers—one original and a second 21-story tower added in 2008—sit alongside the huge pool complex, making this one of the biggest and sleekest hotels in the city. The landmark public areas have retained their grand elegance, including the monumental rosewood columns that surround the social lobby space, centered by an upscale bar. In 2012 the jaw-dropping, 22,000-square-foot, two-story oceanfront spa opened. By 2016, the Nobu Hotel at Eden Roc is set to debut, an ultraluxe hotel-within-a-hotel concept. Pros: modern rooms; great pools; revival of Golden Age glamour. Cons: expensive parking; taxi needed to reach South Beach. | Rooms from: $409 | 4525 Collins Ave. | 305/531–0000, 855/433–3676 reservations | www.edenrocmiami.com | 535 rooms, 92 suites | No meals.
FAMILY | Fodor’s Choice | Fontainebleau Miami Beach.
$$$$ | RESORT | Vegas meets art deco at this colossal classic, deemed Miami’s biggest hotel after its $1 billion reinvention, which spawned more than 1,500 rooms (split among 658 suites in two new all-suite towers and 846 rooms in the two original buildings), 12 renowned restaurants and lounges, LIV nightclub, several sumptuous pools with cabana islands, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a 40,000-square-foot spa. There’s so much going on in and around the hotel that you can easily forget about the downy sands directly behind the property. And much like a cruise ship, there’s plenty to do for party-ready adults and restless kids and teens alike. The property teems with new amenities, but thankfully everything is not new: two Morris Lapidus–designed, landmarked exteriors and lobbies were restored to their original state. Rooms, however, were completely gutted, down to the beams, and given new, contemporary designs. This is a complex of historic proportions that’s made Mid-Beach rival South Beach as Florida’s most trendsetting neighborhood. Having a handful of the Magic City’s top restaurants in-house sure doesn’t hurt. At night, those of drinking age who are tired of waiting to get into LIV nightclub, get their drink on in the Lobby Lounge. Pros: excellent restaurants; historic design mixed with all-new facilities; fabulous pools. Cons: away from the South Beach pedestrian scene; massive size; bizarre mix of guests. | Rooms from: $459 | 4441 Collins Ave. | 305/535–3283, 800/548–8886 | www.fontainebleau.com | 846 rooms, 658 suites | No meals.
Fodor’s Choice | The Miami Beach EDITION.
$$$$ | RESORT | At this reinvention of the 1955 landmark Seville Hotel by unlikely hospitality duo Ian Schrager and Marriott, historic glamour parallels modern relaxation from the palm-fringed marble lobby to the beachy guest rooms. Technology fuses with style, convenience is matched with service, and amenities scale the luxurious down to the details that matter, ideal for the guest who seeks multifaceted accommodations for work, play, and relaxation. An array of recreation and escapades include a rockin’ pool scene, the La Boqueria–inspired market and coffee shop frequented by Miami’s A-list, two memorable restaurants (Matador Room and Market), and an underground bar complete with a luminescent bowling alley and ice rink (which entertain from morning until the wee hours of the next). Pros: hotel’s got incredible swagger; hanging gardens in the alfresco area; great beachfront service. Cons: a bit pretentious; open bathroom setup in select rooms offers little privacy; near a particularly rocky part of Miami Beach. | Rooms from: $849 | 2901 Collins Ave. | 786/257–4500 | www.editionhotels.com/miami-beach | 270 rooms, 24 suites | No meals.
The Palms Hotel & Spa.
$$ | HOTEL | If you’re seeking an elegant, relaxed property away from the noise but close to both Mid-beach and South Beach nightlife, you’ll find an exceptional beach, an easy pace, and beautiful gardens with soaring palm trees and inviting hammocks here, with rooms as fabulous as the grounds. The hotel also has a 5,000-square-foot Aveda spa and a signature farm-to-table restaurant, Essensia. The property combines excellent service, laid-back sophistication, and oceanfront serenity into a destination where wellness and environmental awareness are high priorities. Pros: tropical garden; relaxed and quiet. Cons: standard rooms do not have balconies (but suites do); need a taxi or Uber to get most places. | Rooms from: $270 | 3025 Collins Ave., Mid-Beach | 305/534–0505, 800/550–0505 | www.thepalmshotel.com | 220 rooms, 22 suites | No meals.
Soho Beach House.
$$$$ | HOTEL | The Soho Beach House is a throwback to swanky vibes of bygone decades, bedazzled in faded color palates, maritime ambience, and circa-1930s avant-garde furnishings, luring both somebodies and wannabes to indulge in the amenity-clad, retro-chic rooms as long as they follow stringent “house rules” (no photos, no mobile phones, no suits, and one guest only). The lobby, the house restaurant Cecconi’s, the upstairs bar, and the sexy pool buzz with young trendsetters and hipsters tweeting and texting (trying to describe and capture the moment without living in it . . . but we digress). Even with its glamour-puss all-stars, this hotel still maintains a casual vibe, catering to its core members—those who work in the arts. Pros: trendy; two pools; fabulous restaurant; full spa. Cons: members have priority for rooms; lots of pretentious patrons; house rules are a bit much. | Rooms from: $495 | 4385 Collins Ave. | 786/507–7900 | www.sohobeachhouse.com | 55 rooms | No meals.
Thompson Miami Beach.
$$$ | RESORT | Thompson’s first foray outside of the urban realm and into the resort world has made a big splash in Miami’s burgeoning Mid-Beach district with a beachfront classic art deco building reinvented by Martin Brudnizki to channel a colorful, modern incarnation of 1950s Florida glamour. Accessorized by all the trappings one would covet in a Miami beachfront experience—two heated swimming pools, cabanas, a full-service beach club, multiple personality-driven watering holes, chic guest rooms, and superb in-house restaurants—this is a restoration that’s at once making history and keeping history in style. Throughout the intimate lobby space, the outdoor areas, and the rooms themselves, bold pastels, thick stripes, and funky prints revive a color palate and timeless style of yesteryear. It’s a battle of celebrity chefs in-house, with Florida brasserie Seagrape helmed by TV personality Michelle Bernstein and the Asian-American eatery Talde, created by Top Chef alum Dale Talde. The alfresco spa is located rooftop, accompanied by a spa deck, where complementary fitness classes are held daily. Pros: valet only $5 for visitors dining on-property; excellent food and beverage; USB ports built into wall. Cons: small driveway; entry-level rooms are on the small side. | Rooms from: $399 | 4041 Collins Ave. | 786/605–4041 | www.thompsonhotels.com | 380 rooms | No meals.
Fisher and Belle Islands
Fisher Island Club Hotel & Resort.
$$$$ | RESORT | An exclusive private island, just south of Miami Beach but accessible only by ferry, Fisher Island houses an upscale residential community that includes a small inventory of overnight accommodations, including opulent cottages, villas, and junior suites, which surround the island’s original 1920s-era Vanderbilt mansion. Hotel guests enjoy Fisher Island member privileges during their stay (note that Equity Club Members pay an initiation fee alone of $250,000). After the ferry crossing, you’re welcomed at reception with Champagne. Considering you get a private house, a golf cart, and a private courtyard with a Jacuzzi, villas are idyllic for a memorable honeymoon or some other special occasion, if not a casual weekend. Families should choose one of three former guest cottages of the former Italianate mansion of William K. Vanderbilt, which forms the resort’s centerpiece. Amenities include a 9-hole golf course, the Spa Internazionale (renovated in 2012), 18 lighted tennis courts (hard, grass, and clay), and 1 mile of very private (and very quiet) beach with white sand imported from the Bahamas. On island, there are seven restaurants for hotel guests, including the alfresco waterfront Beach Club, an Italian fine-dining restaurant called Porto Cervo, and the famous Garwood Lounge, which features nightly piano and seats just 34. Remarkably, this true exclusivity and seclusion is minutes from South Beach. Pros: great private beaches; never crowded; varied on-island dining choices. Cons: not the warmest fellow guests; ferry ride to get on and off island; limited cell service. | Rooms from: $1037 | 1 Fisher Island Dr., Fisher Island | 305/535–6000, 800/537–3708 | www.fisherislandclub.com | 50 condo units, 7 villas, 3 cottages | No meals.
The Standard Spa Miami Beach.
$$ | RESORT | An extension of André Balazs’s trendy and hip—yet budget-conscious—brand, this shabby-chic boutique spa hotel is a mile from South Beach on an island just over the Venetian Causeway and boasts one of South Florida’s most renowned spas, trendiest bars, and hottest pool scenes. The message: we’ll do what we please, and the cool kids will follow. The scene attracts trendy 30- and 40-year-olds interested in showing off their hot bods at the pool and then indulging in the hotel’s many “do-it-yourself” spa activities, including mud bathing, scrubbing with sea salts, soaking in hot or arctic-cold waters, and yoga. An 8-foot, 103-degree cascade into a Roman hot tub is typical of the handful of adult pleasures spread around the pool deck. You can also go kayaking around the island. On the hotel facade you’ll see the monumental signage of a bygone occupant, the Lido Spa Hotel, and the much smaller sign of its current occupant, hung, with a wink, upside down. The rooms are small and simple, though they have thoughtful touches like a picnic basket and embroidered fabric covers for the small flat-screen TVs. First-floor rooms have outdoor soaking tubs but very limited privacy, so few take that plunge. The waterfront, alfresco Lido Restaurant & Bayside Grill makes for great water-toy and people-watching. Pros: free bike and kayak rentals; swank pool scene; great spa; inexpensive. Cons: slight trek to South Beach; small rooms with no views. | Rooms from: $269 | 40 Island Ave., Belle Isle | 305/673–1717 | www.standardhotels.com/spa-miami-beach | 104 rooms, 1 suite | No meals.
North Beach
Bal Harbour
The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami.
$$$$ | RESORT | In one of South Florida’s poshest neighborhoods, the former ONE Bal Harbour exudes contemporary beachfront luxury design with decadent mahogany-floor guest rooms featuring large terraces with panoramic views of the water and city, over-the-top bathrooms with 10-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, and LCD TVs built into the bathroom mirrors. Suites have fully equipped kitchens with cooktops, microwaves, convection ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators. The northwest corner suites have some of the best views in Miami. Split your afternoons between the outdoors—enjoying the pool and 750 feet of beachfront—and the hotel’s lavish, 10,000-square-foot spa and fitness center. Pros: proximity to Bal Harbour Shops; beachfront; great contemporary-art collection. Cons: narrow beach is a bit disappointing; far from nightlife; $25 daily resort fee. | Rooms from: $899 | 10295 Collins Ave. | 305/455–5400 | www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/BalHarbourMiami | 124 rooms, 63 suites | No meals.
Fodor’s Choice | St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort.
$$$$ | RESORT | When this $1 billion–plus resort opened in 2012, Miami’s North Beach entered a new era of glamour and haute living, with A-list big spenders rushing to stay in this 27-story, 243-room, triple-glass-tower masterpiece. In every facet of design and operation, the St. Regis is magnificent. An unassuming entrance gives way to a series of three-story, octagonal lobby partitions finished in rare West African movingui wood and exclusively quarried Chinese marble, illuminated by sparkling chandeliers hung from rosette ceilings, and decked in world-class European artwork. Rooms range from enormous (650 square feet) to gigantic (2,800 square feet), with oversize ocean-view balconies and surprisingly light, understated interiors; discreet butlers are on hand to manage your every need. The 14,000-square-foot Remède Spa offers every imaginable treatment, and multiple restaurants provide a nice range of smart culinary experiences. Set aside some time to shop at the swish Bal Harbour Shops, across the street. Pros: beachfront; beyond glamorous; large rooms. Cons: limited lounge space around main pool; limited privacy on balconies. | Rooms from: $679 | 9703 Collins Ave. | 305/993–3300 | www.stregisbalharbour.com | 227 rooms, 53 suites | No meals.
Sunny Isles Beach
FAMILY | Fodor’s Choice | Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach.
$$$$ | RESORT | On the heels of a complete room redesign in late 2014, Acqualina continues to raise the bar for Miami beachfront luxury, delivering a fantasy of modern Mediterranean opulence, with sumptuously appointed, striking gray- and silver-accented interiors, and expansive facilities. Oceanfront lawns recall Miami’s famed Vizcaya garens; three stylish swimming pools (one adults-only) and a colossal 20,000-square-foot ESPA spa offer opportunities for relaxation; and the famed Il Mulinio New York restaurant is there for excellent dining. Upon arrival, you’ll quickly notice the Ferraris and Lamborghinis lining the driveway. With this prelude, it’s only natural that accommodations are sinfully comfortable and undeniably lavish, with every conceivable frill. Even standard rooms facing away from the ocean seem grand; they have huge flat-screens that rise out of the foot of the bed, making recumbent TV-watching seem like a theater experience. The property is exceptionally children-friendly, with a fabulous kids’ program and tons of activities on-site. Pros: excellent beach; in-room check-in; luxury amenities; huge spa. Cons: no nightlife near hotel; hotel’s towering height shades the beach by early afternoon. | Rooms from: $825 | 17875 Collins Ave. | 305/918–8000 | www.acqualinaresort.com | 54 rooms, 43 suites | No meals.
Aventura
FAMILY | Turnberry Isle Miami.
$$$$ | RESORT | Golfers and families favor this 300-acre tropical resort with jumbo-size rooms and world-class amenities, including a majestic lagoon pool (winding waterslide and lazy river included), an acclaimed three-story spa and fitness center, and two celeb chef restaurants- Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak and Scott Conant’s Corsair restaurant. Add two Raymond Floyd designed golf courses, four clay tennis courts overseen by the elite Cañas Tennis Academy, and a 117-slip marina with an additional eight tennis courts, and you’ve got an active, discerning vacationer’s dream. To compensate for its location in residential Aventura, the resort has a private beach club a five-minute shuttle ride away. The lush resort and club was conceptualized on the back of a cocktail napkin in 1967 by founder and real estate developer Donald Soffer. Rooms are decorated in calming tan hues and equipped with a dazzling array of amenities; the entire Hibiscus building was renovated in 2014. South Florida’s leading shopping destination Aventura Mall is right across the street. Formerly part of Fairmont Hotels, the Turnberry joined Marriott’s distinctive Autograph Collection portfolio in 2012. Pros: great golf, pools, and restaurants; free shuttle to Aventura Mall; situated between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Cons: not on the beach; no nightlife. | Rooms from: $459 | 19999 W. Country Club Dr. | 305/932–6200, 866/612–7739 | www.turnberryislemiami.com | 408 rooms, 29 suites | No meals.
West Miami-Dade
Shula’s Hotel & Golf Club.
$ | HOTEL | In the middle of suburbia, about 14 miles northwest of downtown Miami and near the Miami Dolphins’ Sun Life Stadium, this comfortable hotel and golf club is geared toward sports enthusiasts, namely those looking to experience the par-72 senator (renovated in 2013) and par-3 executive courses. Rooms are more stylish than you’d expect for a giant man cave and the vintage sports prints are tastefully scattered throughout. A shuttle runs between the two hotel wings and all around the 500-acre property. If you’re not teeing off, you can work out or play tennis in the 40,000-square-foot athletic club. Need to fortify yourself with some protein? Don Shula’s Steak House serves hefty cuts of prime beef in an atmosphere that can best be described as “football elegant.” Pros: good golf; fun sports atmosphere. Cons: very suburban location; far from beaches and entertainment. | Rooms from: $149 | 6842 Main St. | Miami Lakes, Florida, United States | 305/821–1150, 800/247–4852 | www.donshulahotel.com | 205 rooms, 17 suites | No meals.
Trump National Doral Miami.
$$$ | RESORT | With its five championship golf courses, including the Blue Monster—home of the annual World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship—this 650-acre Trump managed resort is golf central in the tropics. But there’s more: the lavish spa with its own luxury suites, two fitness centers, on-site shops and boutiques, a kids’ camp, a water park with a 125-foot slide, and five restaurants, including the wildly popular BLT Prime. Unfortunately, the resort is in the suburbs, quite a distance from all the Miami action. On the up side, the rooms are fresh from a cash infusion of $250 million. Pros: kids’ water park; great golf; garden walkways. Cons: suburban location far from Miami Beach and downtown; boring rooms; rental car needed. | Rooms from: $380 | 4400 N.W. 87th Ave., Doral | Miami, Florida, United States | 305/592–2000 | www.trumphotelcollection.com/miami | 657 rooms, 36 suites | No meals.