11 Best Luxury Hotels in South Beach

There are close to 200 hotels in Miami Beach, and an astonishing 60% of them lie in the design mecca of South Beach. Home to original Art Deco buildings lining Ocean Drive, South Beach, or SoBe, is a microcosm of Miami, with buzzing bars and restaurants, high-end boutiques, stunning architecture, and the sparkling beach. So, it’s not surprising that SoBe has oodles of glamour, too, in the form of high-priced lodging, with more from the likes of Bulgari and Aman in the offing. There was no shortage of choices regarding a luxury hotel in South Beach, whether it’s a slick boutique outpost focusing on designed living or a decadent oceanfront resort, complete with a private beach.

With so many choices, the best way to choose a place to stay is to figure out what is most important to you — a splashy, OTT living (woolly mammoths, anyone?), proximity to the beach, nightlife, or anything else. With SoBe boasting a wide variety of top-tier digs for every need—and bank account—you’re in for a real treat! Here’s a detailed guide to the most lavish stays in South Beach.

Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach

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We begin the list with a supposed chain hotel, but anything so in actual life, the Hilton Bentley Miami South Beach. The idyllic hotel is ideally located on Ocean Drive, right at the southern end of SoBe on South Point Beach. This artsy, design-driven, contemporary boutique hotel occupies two 10-story structures on the prime beachfront in the trendy South of Fifth (SoFi) district. So, it offered us, and other travelers, just the perfect blend of laidback, luxurious staying with a healthy dose of South Beach flavor.

We loved the choices of rooms and suites here, collectively known as “studios,” ranging from snug to massive. Nevertheless, they were all decked out with modern bling and art deco redux, think kitchenettes, Italian marble floors, and balconies facing the Miami skyline or the ocean. Our oceanfront suite offered mesmerizing sea views, which we’d enjoy with a cup of joe or a glass of wine right from our balcony.

Interestingly, the Hilton Bentley is one of the few kid-friendly boutique hotels in the region. We found the child-size umbrellas and beach chairs to be especially cute! There’s a lot for adults here, too, like the small but well-designed pool with lots of deck space, loungers, and umbrellas. It even has a spa, Spa 101, which is rare for a beachfront boutique hotel in South Beach. Two poolside bars, a sauna, a fitness center, a spa tub, a 24-hour business center, and complimentary breakfast for Hilton Gold members wrap up the amenities here.

The Miami Beach EDITION

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What would a collaboration between Marriott International and an American hotelier look like? You don’t have to imagine, for the Miami Beach EDITION is exactly that. The splashy hotel sits in a restored mid-century grand dame right on Ocean Drive and offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean. We were immediately impressed with the sprawling, all-white marble lobby, verdure everywhere, and gold mosaic columns twinkling in between.

While the service is refreshingly anticipatory and excellent, the amenities stood out here. We were in love with the sprawling poolscape on sight, and it’s one of the nicest on the beach. In fact, it’s one of the best hotel pools in Miami, and for a good reason. Not only are there two swimming pools, but also there’s a grassy knoll and a cabana bar with rooftop loungers for us to sprawl out on. After a swim, we headed to the spa, but we also saw many people head to the fitness center and its yoga classes and beach boot camp. After all, Miami is known for its good-looking crowd, right? Finally, six fabulous restaurants and bars serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between wrap up the offerings here.

The rooms and suites might seem deceptively spare, to begin with, but they’re sleekly minimalist and designed for complete relaxation and comfort. All linens are the peek of luxury and gossamer, soft to the touch, while the bathrooms and mod-cons are the same as Miami Beach’s other luxury hotels. The best bit? Most rooms have private oceanfront balconies.

Dream South Beach, by Hyatt

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We wanted to party, which is why we chose to stay at Dream South Beach by Hyatt, an excellent luxury hotel in a historic Art Deco structure right on Collins Avenue. Designed for pleasure seekers like us, this hotel stayed in line with the pleasure-palace vibe of Vikram Chatwal’s hotel brand, the owner of this place.

Staying here allowed us to explore South Beach vibes even when we didn’t feel like leaving the hotel. That was all thanks to the stunning, beautiful rooftop lounge, complete with the hotel’s crown jewel, the infinity-edge pool. When we weren’t out of the hotel, we’d be at the pool, the place to see and be seen in SoBe. Not only that, but we’d also unwind and relax at the Shala Spa, which was a much-needed respite from the Miami heat. The in-house restaurant, Naked Taco, served the best hangover food in the world. However, our favorite was the rooftop Highbar, a pool lounge with splendid ocean views and great cocktails. Despite no fitness center, the hotel offered USD 15 passes to the nearby Crunch and Equinox gyms. Did we mention the beach service? Yes!

The Michael Czysz-designed rooms are all tranquil and moody with a clubby feel but the choicest mod-cons, like huge TVs and Egyptian cotton duvets and sheets. Moreover, the flashy chandelier lights and the brocade upholstered surfaces lend even more sexiness to the spaces.

Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami

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Most affordable luxury. Chain hotels in SoBe don’t get any more luxurious than Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami, a lifestyle stay right in the thick of things. This modern hotel aimed at millennial travelers offers luxurious affordability and style in one amazing package. All this comes with a fantastic location—right on Collins Avenue across the street from the beach.

Overall, the design and the amenities are far from that of a traditional chain hotel. For instance, sliding glass doors led to the pool deck, where we could enjoy a swim followed by a lounge on the slate-grey cabanas sprinkled with potted succulents. We found some excellent artwork throughout the hotel, including in the rooms. When we wanted to explore the neighborhood, they handed us a useful jogging map with local attractions, nightlife, and dining spots. Besides the 24-hour gym and bike rentals, they’ve even partnered with Exhale Spa across the street, which provides discounted spa treatments after a long day of exploring the city. Finally, the onsite restaurant, Deck Sixteen, serves everything from breakfast to dinner and cocktails at the glossy wooden bar.

We loved that the rooms and suites were different from those of a regular Hyatt hotel. They were complete with hardwood floors, decorative pieces, and open bathroom concepts that added sex appeal and luxury. Despite there being no balconies, the floor-to-ceiling windows boast excellent views.  

W South Beach

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It’s hard to be a luxurious South Beach hotel that’s both a scene and an escape, but the W South Beach manages it with aplomb. A perennial hotspot since the day it opened its doors, the hotel’s clubby vibe is evident right in the luxurious dark marble-clad lobby, with museum-quality art by Jean-Michael Basquiat and Andy Warhol setting the luxurious tone.

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One of the top things we like at the W brand hotels is the “Whatever/Whenever” 24-hour concierge service and the SoBe outpost is no exception. The oceanfront pool, a.k.a. the Wet Deck, is the center of all action, complete with the poolside Wet Deck Bar and Grille. Besides the fitness center, there were even rooftop tennis and basketball courts, and we could see the thrill in the eyes of the people engaged in the game. The Away Spa was a real escape from Miami’s humidity, a serene escape with a eucalyptus steam room and a fabulous menu of treatments. Four other restaurants, including a lobby bar, an Asian, and two American cuisines, complete the amenities.

The W is home to some of the most spacious and luxurious digs on Miami Beach. Thanks to the slick architectural design, every room is angled for the best ocean views via the spacious glass balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows. Moreover, they all have lounge areas, plush chairs, massive TVs, and white-and-black photography depicting chill and beachy surf scenes. Besides the luxurious marble bathrooms, all rooms have kitchenettes with Nespresso machines.

The Villa Casa Casuarina

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Most uniquely luxurious hotel. Did we ever imagine that we’d stay at late fashion designer Gianni Versace’s former grand home on Ocean Drive in Miami? Not at the very least! We’re talking about the magnificent three-storeyed Villa Casa Casuarina, a hotel where one can sleep in what was once Versace’s bedroom! We were truly at a loss for words when we stepped inside this 23,000 sq ft villa with 11 bathrooms, 10 bedrooms, and even an observatory. Moreover, the entire villa is decked out in hand-painted walls and frescoed ceilings, making every corner Instagrammable.

We had several options to drink and dine at this boutique hotel. The poolside restaurant, Gianni’s, is all about Mediterranean and Italian food. The private bar Onyx, on the other hand, serves handcrafted cocktails. However, it’s their setting that we fell in love with. Dining is in the mosaic-tiled courtyard with a beautiful fountain and a 24-karat gold-lined 54 ft-long pool. On the other hand, the bar a private bar has mosaics and plush chairs. Please remember that a dress code is required for dining.

“Staying in Gianni Versace’s opulent former home? Staying in Miami doesn’t get any better than this!”

WOW Travel

The unapologetic opulence continues in the 10 suites, all designed with themes. There’s the La Mer, Italian, Wedgwood, and Safari, and there are superior and exceptional suites too. The most OTT of them all is the Villa Suite, which is glitz max in terms of Versace’s collections. The custom-made double-king-size bed is the most arresting feature here.

The Setai Miami Beach

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In a sea of overdesigned and crowded SoBe hotels, the Setai Miami Beach stands out beautifully. With a streamlined, Asian-inspired decor, this luxury hotel in Miami South Beach is understated, soothing, and luxurious to the core. The vibe was apparent the minute we stepped into the lobby with its antique gray brick flooring and jaw-dropping mother-of-pearl bar. Despite consistently having the highest room rates in SoBe, the attentive service and beauty of the property more than make up for it. It’s why it’s considered one of the best luxury hotels in Miami Beach.

It was easy to spend the entire day here lounging in one of the oversized daybeds by one of the three azure pools, each separated by hedges for privacy. What’s more, all three pools have varying temperatures, which meant that we could choose which pool was a perfect fit for a dip at that point in time. After a swim, we’d head to Valmont for The Spa, which had four private spa suites, each with its own slippers, robe, steam showers, and bathrooms. In fact, the traditional treatments incorporate the healing techniques of Tibet, India, and Bali and leave us completely rejuvenated and refreshed. Finally, the hotel features a slew of amazing restaurants, including the Ocean Grill to Jaya, with its inventive Asian cuisine.

All the comfy and chic rooms had a definite spa feel and vibe. While the newer Tower Suites boast floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping ocean views, some of the Art Deco suites have black soaking tubs facing the beach. Moreover, luxury comes in the form of Frette linens, handmade Duxiana king beds, and all the mod cons we could dream of.

Hotel Victor South Beach

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Design-loving, discerning travelers like us will love everything about Hotel Victor South Beach. Thanks to Parisian designer Jacques Garcia, this 1936-built Ocean Drive property stepped into the limelight. Eventually, Yabu Pushelberg replaced the former’s designs with a newer, bolder, and more modern incarnation. It’s evident right from the lobby’s stunning midcentury-modern vibe, making it a fantastic oasis just off Miami Beach’s famed Ocean Drive. The vibe extends to the sexy infinity-edged pool on an equally fabulous pool deck. After a long and languorous swim, the cabanas were perfect for lounging while drinking cocktails. Three restaurants on the property serve everything from American to Italian cuisine and all meals.

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The Yabu Pushelberg–designed interiors of the rooms and suites invoked a post-century beach cabana vibe and had us swooning. After a long day of exploring, the design-centric rooms, with spectacular views of the ocean, felt amazing to get back to and relax in. Our pool king suite put us within steps of the swimming pool, and it even came with a large jacuzzi in the spa-like bathroom where we could unwind. If you want to splurge, the Victoria Penthouse Suite is the place you should get.

The Ritz-Carlton South Beach

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The ritzy Ritz-Carlton South Beach sits in a landmark property designed by Morris Lapidus, a legendary Miami architect. It has the perfect location right on Lincoln Road Mall, with mesmerizing views of the Atlantic Ocean. After a massive restoration, it’s known for an impressive USD 2-million original art collection today, among other things. By day, it’s a bustling space with hotel guests and tourists; by night, it’s one of SoBe’s trendiest nightspots. In fact, the lobby bar is one of the best places to people-watch in the town, complete with a glass of wine and a plate of plantains.

So, what makes the Ritz-Carlton luxurious? Everything! It has the only VIP Club Level Lounge in South Beach, a slick space with exquisite local cuisine and bespoke experiences. When we stepped out, we had a house car for SoBe drop-offs. Since it’s based on availability, check with the concierge about the same. While the DiLido Beach Club, with picture-perfect Atlantic Ocean views, and the Lapidus Bar are the same as earlier, the Latin-flavored Fuego Y Mar is an exciting new addition to the property. After all is said and done, the massive ocean-view outdoor pool and the refreshed Ritz-Carlton Spa are still the centerpieces of the resort.

Famed designed Cristian Rubio has designed the rooms and suites, which boast ocean views, warm interiors, and luxury touches like feather-topped beds and marble baths. For those who want to indulge or require more space, the luxurious suites are fabulous, with the 2,800-sq-ft huge Ritz-Carlton Suite at the pinnacle, complete with a wraparound balcony.

The Betsy Hotel South Beach

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Best boutique hotel. With a vibe and design that’s more Savannah than Miami, there’s no other hotel like The Betsy Hotel South Beach. Unlike other glamorous SoBe properties, this one is a more sedate but equally sleek 5-star hotel in South Beach, Miami. What’s more, this hotel, which sits right on Ocean Drive next to the verdant Lummus Park, lies just one block from the beach.

The Betsy attracts a more erudite crowd, as we saw when we stayed here. The public spaces are nothing less than an art gallery, with photo exhibitions happening throughout the year. In fact, it even hosts a series of lectures and festivals and has a main hotel library and a mini library of books in every room. The popular lobby restaurant also does room service, and there’s another modern bistro. It even had its own staff of beach attendants to get us settled with umbrellas, chairs, and everything else. When we had our fill of the beach, we’d head to the rooftop ocean deck peppered with beach chairs and a pool bar! The best bit? There was even a ground-floor courtyard pool for those who preferred the shade.

The Betsy Hotel South Beach features luxury rooms and suites with simple but elegant décor. With marble bathrooms and elegant furnishings, it truly felt like we were part of an elite club. We especially loved the fresh orchids and beautiful art in our Royal Suite, which was palatial and felt like a home away from home. The best bit? It was a corner suite overlooking Miami Beach and Ocean Drive. That’s why this hotel is also considered one of the best boutique hotels in South Beach.

1 Hotel South Beach

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Most luxurious. Opulent beachside living in South Beach doesn’t get any better than at 1 Hotel South Beach. The sounds of the ocean and the gorgeous and slick interior design set the tone for an upscale and bespoke stay here. We were impressed the minute we walked into the hotel, with a living green wall for a façade and a veritable lobby grotto garden.

The hotel might boast a coveted beachfront location, but it is also home to some excellent amenities. For one, there are two pools: a center pool with 180-degree ocean views on the ground and a swanky rooftop one 18 stories in the sky. Besides the massive 18,000-sq-ft wellness/fitness center, the hotel even offers classes like restorative yoga. When we wanted to step out within a three-mi radius, we had a fleet of Audi EVs available for complimentary rides. The drinking and dining options here were out of the world. Aside from a Mexican restaurant, a casual/grab-and-go one, and a lobby bar, the 18th-floor rooftop restaurant served delicious Peruvian-influenced Japanese fare. Our favorite was the poolside restaurant tucked amidst the third-floor palm tree fronds, which served delicious casual fare with ocean views.

The rooms and suites boast artisan furnishings with reclaimed Calcutta marble bathrooms, rain showers, and even bathtubs in the higher-up digs. Decor details like glass terrariums, hand-blown glass pendants, and the like bedeck every room. For an extravagant experience, the 3,600 sqft huge Oceanfront Presidential Suite has a state-of-the-art media room, a pool table, indoor/outdoor space, and a balcony.

Our Verdict!

While all of South Beach’s luxurious stays are amazing and beg staying in them, we’ve curated a specialized list to help you choose where to stay:

• Most luxurious: 1 Hotel South Beach
• Most affordable luxury: Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami
• Best boutique hotel: The Betsy Hotel South Beach
• Most uniquely luxurious hotel: The Villa Casa Casuarina

Where to Stay in South Beach?

South Beach is one of Miami’s, specifically Miami Beach’s, most popular neighborhoods. Every corner of this vibrant neighborhood is all about endless, easy fun, the sun, the sand, and the sea – and endless parties. So, which are the best areas to stay in this fantastic neighborhood?

The first place is, undoubtedly, Ocean Drive, where the party never ever ends. If you love easy access to both beach and history, the thrill of nightlife, and the buzz of a crowd around you, then Ocean Drive is your jam. This iconic strip is a nonstop party zone while also being home to some of the most gorgeous Art-Deco structures in the country.

Next, we have West Avenue, whose subdued vibe is the exact opposite of Ocean Drive. That said, it’s one of SoBe’s most expensive areas and is home to high-rise aparthotels and luxury condos with views of Biscayne Bay. Moreover, it also has high-end dining options, ranging from hip cafes, organic juice bars, and artisan pizza to sleek American bistros and sushi spots. Finally, the buzzing City Center has live music venues, galleries, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, high-end fashion retailers, and the Fillmore, a 1950 art deco icon.

Which part of South Beach is best?

The central areas around Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road, Washington Avenue, and Collins Avenue are some of the most buzzing and popular areas of South Beach. They have nightclubs, restaurants, lounges, bars, entertainment venues, and more.

Why is South Beach so famous?

South Beach is stereotypical Miami — great-looking people, a gorgeous boulevard lined with Art-Deco structures, and the infinite blue of the North Atlantic Ocean in the backdrop.

Which is the most luxurious of all SoBe hotels?

While 1 Hotel South Beach is undoubtedly the most luxurious, the Villa Casa Casuarina, Gianni Versace’s former home, comes a close second.