Miami Beach may conjure up images of parties, bikinis, and golden sands but it’s a mix of quiet neighborhoods and lively entertainment. It’s connected to the mainland by several bridges. The strip of sand that runs parallel to Miami is one of the most sought after vacation destinations. So there is no shortage of hotels in Miami Beach. You’ll find many of the best hotels in South Beach, Miami, an area that’s renowned for its vibrant, party vibe.
It’s not just the parties that draw people to South Beach but also its architecture. The houses in this area and the Art Deco Historic District are a big draw. Other attractions in the city are Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue where you’ll find many of the top hotels. These hotels also showcase some of the best hotel pools in Miami.
Where To Stay In Miami Beach
Miami Beach encompasses three main areas that stretch from South Beach to North Beach. The most popular spot in Miami Beach is undoubtedly South Beach, located at the tip of Miami Beach. This vibrant area is always teeming with people and has an electric buzz day and night. Many of Miami’s gay-friendly hotels are also located along this stretch. South Beach is easy to explore on foot as it’s a relatively small area.
Sandwiched between North and South Beach you’ll find Miami’s rising star, Mid Beach. Unlike its rival, this stretch is more refined with luxurious hotels and other architectural gems. The Collins Waterfront Architectural District is a clear standout for architecture buffs. You’ll also find many chic dining areas and stylish bars to match.
When compared to these two areas, North Beach is a lot quieter. For those looking for a quiet beach holiday, this area is one of the best with its range of affordable hotels and dining. It’s also the home to some of our 11 Most Romantic Hotels In Miami.
Carillon Miami Wellness Resort
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For those looking for the beach experience minus the chaos of South Beach, the Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is a great option. Located in a residential neighborhood of North Beach, the hotel gives you direct access to the sand. It’s far removed from the tourist attractions with South Beach a 15-minute drive away. The Historic Art Deco District is a 25-minute ride.
This luxury, wellness property features apartment-style rooms equipped with kitchens and other comforts. A subdued colored palette and floor to ceiling windows combined with excellent amenities make the rooms feel like luxurious condos.
The reason why the Carillon sits high on our list of best hotels in Miami Beach is the excellent facilities on offer. For one, it has the largest spa South of Florida with multiple fitness studios. There are four pools, a gym, yoga and pilates classes, and a wellness program led by a doctor. This is not all there is on offer though.
Multiple dining venues provide you with good options. From the Mediterranean dining at The Strand to the snacks at Seaglass Cafe poolside and the chic Corner Stone cafe, there’s plenty to choose from. However, if you’d rather cozy up in your suite, you can also enjoy in-suite dining.
Loews Miami Beach
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Following a $50 million renovation in 2017, the Loews Miami Beach Hotel clearly stands out as one of the best hotels in Miami Beach with its sparkling interiors. Its prime oceanfront location off Collins Avenue in South Beach places you right in the midst of all the action in the area. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, upscale hotels, and a few shops in the vicinity. Lincoln Road Mall is less than a five-minute walk from here.
This sleek property is not about ‘in your face’ luxury but subtle touches of elegance that leave an impression. Its history lurks in the St. Moritz Tower but the rest of the hotel is spread out in a newer modern building. When it comes to comfort the hotel does not cut any corners. Spacious, tastefully decorated guest rooms feature a range of modern comforts. A few rooms also come with balconies that provide gorgeous views.
You won’t find the hip party scene that defines much of South Beach here as the hotel is more veered towards families. As such, the pool area is strictly for guests. There’s an adjacent hot tub near the pool plus adults-only SOAK cabanas. Guests also have direct beach access where you’ll find loungers and umbrellas. Another good spot at the hotel is the Exhale Spa where you can enjoy various treatments as well as fitness and yoga classes. For dining, the nautical-themed Lure Fishbar in the St. Moritz tower is an excellent choice.
Miami Beach EDITION
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Tracing its roots all the way back to 1950, the Miami Beach EDITION has a gorgeous location on the beachfront. It’s all about style and luxury at this restored mid-century grand dame formerly known as the Seville Hotel. You have direct access to the beach from the hotel, making it one of the best hotels in Miami Beach for those who love the sea.
While most party animals head to South Beach, the new star on the horizon is definitely Mid-Beach with trendy nightlife spots, restaurants, and boutiques mushrooming everywhere. However, if you’d still like to lose yourself in the happening night spots of South Beach it’s about a 20-30 minute walk.
The hotel has retained many of the original features of the lobby of the Seville such as the gold mosaic columns and the refurbished Matador restaurant and bar. Guest rooms also reflect this mix of modern and traditional with natural wood furnishings and gold accents. They’re big on comfort with a range of modern amenities, soft linen, and fluffy hooded robes. In a separate Bungalow Tower, you’ll find the luxurious ocean-front suites.
A standout of the hotel is undoubtedly the sprawling pool area with two swimming pools. There’s also a cabana bar with rooftop lounges and a grassy area to relax. Apart from the gorgeous pool area, guests can also indulge in a wide range of treatments at the upscale spa. A 24-hour modern fitness center, ice-skating rink, the BASEMENT with its bowling alley, and the nightclub are the other happening areas of the hotel.
Multiple restaurants provide you with a good range of dining options. Starting with the Market at EDITION, a food hall inspired restaurant featuring gourmet cuisine counters, you can move onto Tropicale with casual al fresco dining. Tropicale was formerly known as the Sundial restaurant when it was the Seville hotel. The Matador Room & Bar and the Lobby Bar are two other popular dining venues at the hotel.
Fisher Island Club Hotel & Resort
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If you’re looking for an exclusive private island experience in plush accommodations, Fisher Island Club Hotel & Resort is one of the best hotels in Miami Beach for it. The hotel is located on what was once the winter estate of the William K. Vanderbilt II family. The only way to access the island is by yacht or the private 24-hour passenger vehicle ferry service from Terminal Island Road. Fisher Island is a destination unto itself with opulent condominiums and homes. Although it may seem far removed from Miami, its central location ensures that you’re never too far if you want to explore.
There’s limited accommodation at this boutique hotel with just 15 accommodations but that’s what makes it even more exclusive. You can choose from luxurious guesthouse suites, courtyard villas, or luxury cottages that date back to the 1930s. All these are set around the historic Vanderbilt Mansion. A golf cart is at hand for each room for getting around the island.
Given the spate of amenities, you can be sure that your time here will be well spent. From whiling away your time on the private beach to relaxing near the pool or getting pampered at the Spa Internazionale the hotel is the ultimate destination for relaxation. However, if you prefer something more active there’s a nine-hole golf course and tennis center to keep you busy.
While the Beach Club is a great place for breakfast and lunch, you’ll probably want to try out the other restaurants spread across Fisher Island Club. You can choose from six fine dining and casual restaurants. That doesn’t end the list of amenities here though. The island also has an aviary with exotic birds and an observatory plus two excellent marinas and a theater.
SLS South Beach
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Just one block north of Lincoln Road you’ll find the trendy SLS South Beach along the beachfront. Situated in the heart of South Beach in an area that overflows with upscale properties, and restored Art Deco hotels, the location can’t get better than this. From the hotel, it’s an easy walk to the famous Art-Deco buildings of Ocean Drive or the Miami Beach Convention Center. However, if you’re interested in exploring the other areas of Miami, downtown Miami and Wynwood are about a 25-minute drive away.
The upscale hotel which also occupies a designated Historic Art Deco Building is stylish with classy elements. Designed by Phillippe Starck, the hotel exudes charm with a rock n roll vibe. Every space has well-chosen design elements that serve a purpose. Guestrooms are a tad smaller than most Miami hotels but are big on style and comfort. You’ll find them well stocked with amenities especially the minibars. You can also opt to stay in one of the larger villas if you prefer more space. They’re also much quieter than the standard rooms and come with individual balconies that look out over the pool.
The hotel’s pool is one of the best in Miami, with a happening pool scene at Hyde Beach nightclub. There are two pools, one which is exclusively for the hotel guests. Alternatively, you could head to the beach just behind the hotel. The beach is accessible from the pool area. You’ll also find a small spa and gym onsite.
For dining, you can choose from four options. The Bazaar South Beach is run by renowned Chef Jose Andres, while master sushi Chef Katsuya gives you a fresh take on classic Japanese cuisine. Hyde Beach and Bar Centro are two other popular dining venues at the hotel.
1 Hotel South Beach
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1 Hotel South Beach sits at the nexus of two popular Miami beaches but neither of them is just around the corner. It’s a 10-minute walk to the vibrant South Beach from here, while Ocean Drive at Lummus Park is about 15 to 20 minutes’ walk. To the north of the hotel is the upcoming Mid-Beach area with its trendy dining and nightspots. However, the hotel has direct access to a quieter area of Miami Beach so you’ll still have the sun and sand without the party!
While the hotel does give you direct beach access, if you’d prefer to laze by the pool, there are four options to choose from. 1 Hotel is not just one of the best hotels in South Beach Miami, but also has one of the best hotel pools in town. The mesmerizing elevated pool seems to bring the ocean closer to eye level while the narrow rooftop pool offers 360-degree views. There’s also the Cabana Pool that transforms into a hot tub and the South Pool. Add plush loungers and cabanas to these settings, and you know where you’ll be spending a lot of your time! No wonder, it’s one of the Top 11 Hotels with a Rooftop Pool in Miami.
Beautifully designed guest rooms start at a whopping 700 square feet. Wooden tables, reclaimed beetle kill pinewood, hemp mattresses, soft blue blankets, and glass terrariums add to the tastefulness of the design. The eco-conscious hotel offers a wide range of modern comforts but with a nod to zero waste. As such, you’ll find take-home socks instead of disposable slippers, cotton jersey robes, and chalkboards instead of notepads.
A full-service spa, a kids club, a spacious gym, and multiple dining options are at hand to ensure a comfortable stay. You can dine in style at Habitat or go casual at Sandbox which is poolside. For a wholesome farm-fresh meal head to Drift or if you’d rather indulge in healthy fast-food Neighbors has plenty to satisfy you. A grab-and-go cafe, plus two other restaurants make this a foodie haven.
The Standard Miami Beach
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The Standard Miami Beach is a tranquil oasis on Belle Isle between South Beach and the mainland. It’s not the ideal location for someone hoping to bar hop along South Beach but it’s still just a stone’s throw from the happening beach scene. Sunset Harbor is a five-minute walk from here whereas Downtown, the Design District, and Wynwood are a 15-minute drive away. The bayside island location where the hotel stands provide some of the best views in the city.
While the Standard’s standout feature is undoubtedly the expansive spa, the pool is a close rival. The zero-entry infinity pool offers gorgeous water views making it one of the best hotel pools in the area. You’ll also find a waterfall, hot tub, and an arctic plunge pool, plus a mud lounge where guests can enter without clothes. Not surprisingly, this is an adults-only hotel. Another great spot at the hotel is The Gardens with hanging chairs and fire pits.
Many of The Standard’s hip features are geared towards a younger crowd. Kitschy elements spread through the vintage-inspired interiors give off a hip, retro vibe. If you’re looking for over-the-top decor in the guest rooms you’ll be a tad disappointed as the rooms are simplistic with a beach-cottage vibe. Rooms feature private terraces and some even have outdoor soaking tubs.
Multiple dining options are available onsite to satisfy your cravings. From the Japanese-inspired Lido Bayside Grill that offers delectable Japanese cuisine to the Juice Cafe & Terrace for grab-and-go options and the Lido Bar & Lounge, there’s plenty to whet your appetite and satisfy your thirst.
The hotel’s expansive spa is a favorite with guests and locals. However, the spa is currently under renovation and will only reopen in May 2021. Till then guests can enjoy limited treatments in the private Spa Suites.
W South Beach
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True to the brand’s style, the W South Beach exudes a hip and happening vibe. However, one reason why it stands out as one of the best hotels in South Beach Miami is in the sophistication. Unlike the other hotels of the brand, the party scene is more muted at this W. Many of the amenities are geared towards professionals and families. That’s not to say that there’s not much happening at the W. The pool is where life is, with loud DJ music throughout the day. This gorgeous space features one of the best hotel pools in Miami with its hut-style cabanas, WET Bar and Grille, and beautiful landscaping.
Although the pool is a great place to hang out, those that prefer the sand can head to the beach behind the hotel. It’s a much quieter area than the rest of South Beach so it’s the perfect spot to relax. The W’s oceanfront location puts you in proximity to the Miami Beach Convention Center, nightlife, world-class dining, and shopping.
If you’d prefer to dine in for a change there are multiple options to choose from at the hotel. Besides the pool and dining, the hotel also features a 24-hour fitness center, a salon, rooftop tennis, and a basketball court. When you’re done with your activities head to the spacious guest rooms to unwind. Complete with furnished terraces, the rooms are equipped with everything that you would need for a comfortable stay. If you love a good view, then consider the Spectacular Studio Suites on the 19th floor. All bathrooms except for the Fabulous Ocean View Studio Suite come with showers.
The Setai
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The tallest building in South Beach also houses one of the best hotels in Miami Beach, The Setai. It sits directly on the posh Collins Avenue, enjoying an enviable location with direct access to the public South Beach. However, this is a more sophisticated and quieter side of the beach so the hotel gives you the best of both worlds.
Housed in a restored 1936 landmark building in the historical Art Deco District, the hotel cleverly weaves aesthetics of the Far East into the original Art Deco facade. There’s also a newer tower which many guests tend to overlook. The interiors of both buildings reflect the same style, featuring dark teak and neutral tones. However, the views in the old building are not as great as the ones from the glass tower. Asian inspired, Art Deco suites exude style and class. Big on space and comfort, they’re infused with world-class amenities. Similar decor can be found in the Oceanview Suites but these are brighter with stunning ocean views.
When it comes to amenities outside the rooms The Setai doesn’t cut any corners there either. Boasting three infinity pools at various temperatures, a spacious fitness center, and a sophisticated Asian-inspired spa, there’s really nothing lacking in this sophisticated space. If it’s the beach that you’re hankering after, the hotel offers one of the best spots on South Beach. For a beach that’s always bursting with people, the Setai’s stretch is quite tranquil.
Guests staying at the Ocean Suites enjoy a complimentary breakfast but for those in the other suites, there’s a fee. The hotel’s in house restaurant, Jaya, is an excellent place for Asian cuisine.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
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‘Water babies’ will have a blast at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach with its multiple pools. Featuring 11 pools of different shapes and sizes and a host of other amenities the Fontainebleau climbs right to the top of the list of best hotels in Miami Beach. The iconic hotel that has been standing here since the 1950s has something for everyone, from the smaller dipping pools for kids to the adult-only, Arkadia Day Club Pool. With so many pool options it’s hardly likely that you’ll miss the beach! If it’s a pool party you want, the Arkadia Day Club has that too!
The 20-acre property feels a little cut off from the attractions with its location on Millionaire’s Row, but you probably won’t miss them too much with all that the hotel has to offer. Nevertheless, if you still want to head to South Beach, it’s a 10-minute drive, straight down Collins Avenue. It’s a slightly longer drive to the other happening spots such as the historic Art Deco district and Downtown Miami.
After a massive $ billion renovation, the hotel reopened in 2008 with a classic-contemporary look that oozes with glamour. The glamour envelops you from the moment you step onto its iconic marble bow-tie floor. Artwork by Chinese contemporary artist Ai Weiwei adds to the aesthetic appeal of the hotel. Guest rooms and suites are spread across four towers, each with its own appeal. Families prefer the quieter Sorrento or Tresor while the party animals will love the Chateau. Expectedly, the rooms are sleek and outfitted with plenty of amenities.
Although the massive pool area is the biggest draw for the hotel, the Lapis Spa and the LIV nightclub see a huge footfall of visitors. Don’t be surprised if you spot a celebrity grooving to the music of a renowned DJ here or dining at one of the signature restaurants. The Fontainebleau is also a foodie have with its slew of dining options. It has eight dining venues that include four signature restaurants, Hakkasan by Chef Loo, Stripsteak, and Pizza & Burger by Michael Mina and Scarpetta by Scott Conant. There’s also an American Brasserie, Vida, and La Cote at the poolside.
And if you think that’s all there is to the amenities, think again! A huge gym, a hammam, and a comprehensive boutique also make up the list of services here. You’ll run out of time before you can manage to avail of all that the hotel has to offer.
Faena Hotel Miami Beach
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Between 32nd and 36th Streets in the Faena District, you’ll find one of the most stylish and best hotels in Miami Beach, the Faena Hotel. Sitting on a prime oceanfront location in the Mid-Beach area, the hotel is a feast for the eyes. Deep reds, gold, white, and blues are the dominant colors around the hotel, creating a theatrical appearance. You’ll find a couple of neo-romantic murals in the gilded entrance of the hotel. There’s also a Damien Hirst sculpture by the pool inside a temperature-controlled glass case.
This exuberant style spills over into the guest rooms which feature the same red and white color scheme with animal prints. Suites stand out with their turquoise velvet-drapes, luscious red velvet sofas, and plush Deco area rug. All rooms come with private balconies with some offering breathtaking bay views. Not surprisingly, you can expect a range of high-end amenities in the rooms.
Outside the rooms you’ll find plenty to do, beginning with a visit to the gorgeous Tierra Santa Healing House spa where you can indulge in excellent services. From there you can move to the beautiful poolside with its padded loungers and red and white striped umbrellas. If you’d prefer the sand, the beach is a hop away. Here too you’ll find loungers and umbrellas for free, plus butlers offering food and drink.
Food and drink are aplenty at the Faena with two award-winning restaurants, Los Fuegos, by Francis Mallmann and Pao, by Paul Qui. Gitano at Casa Faena and Veranda are two other onsite restaurants. That’s not all though. There are three innovative bars too, which include the Faena Theater that is inspired by Europe’s grand opera houses. It’s where you can enjoy highly-acclaimed cabaret performances.
Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Miami Beach:
- Food Tasting and Art Deco District Walking Tour – This walking tour of the South Beach area will not only satiate your tastebuds but will also give you a deeper insight into the local history and architecture. Bite into delectable dishes at five of the best locally-owned restaurants on this tour.
- Joe’s Stone Crab – This iconic restaurant in Miami Beach has been catering to hungry patrons for over a century. Opened in 1913, the family-owned restaurant continues to dish out the best seafood.
Recommended Activities In Miami Beach:
- South Beach 30-minute scenic flight – When you’ve done with all the partying and sightseeing down below why not enjoy another view of South Beach from the skies. This magical flight will leave you awestruck Miami’s scenic beauty.
- Art Deco Historic District – Even if you want to stay far from the crowds of South Beach, a trip to the Art Deco Historic District should definitely feature on your cards. It’s a step back into the 1930s and 40s with these uniquely designed, pastel-colored buildings many of which are functioning hotels.
