In 1915, a narrow strip of mangrove coast was transformed into Miami Beach, Florida. Since then, tourists have flocked to this beautiful barrier island in Biscayne Bay, lured by sun-soaked beaches, glitzy nightlife, melodic Latin rhythms and South Beach’s pastel-hued art deco buildings.
As one of the world’s flashiest stretches of coastline, Miami Beach tends to be on the cutting edge of design and hospitality trends. It constantly shakes up the hotel scene with highly anticipated new hotels and renovations of legendary properties. (Ultraluxe properties from Aman and Bulgari are slated to debut in 2025.)
With such a diverse range of enticing properties to choose from — across the budget spectrum — deciding which hotel is the best for you is no easy feat.
Whether you are looking for a party-forward hot spot, a 1950s art deco throwback or a Zen haven to relax and unplug, there’s a property for you on this list.
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A collaboration between the big chain and iconic hospitality visionary Ian Schrager, Marriott’s mold-breaking Edition brand is known for its seductive spaces that marry sleek minimalism with high-end luxury.
Overlooking the ocean in the Mid-Beach area of Miami Beach, this emblematic “urban resort,” which stormed onto the scene in 2014, has become one of the area’s most fashionable hangouts. It boasts every amenity you could conceive of (there’s even a skating rink) and a star-studded guest register.
Devotees of the Edition brand will find the style and aesthetic all very familiar, from the bright, white lobby decorated with soaring gold pillars and potted palms to the 2,284-square-foot rooftop penthouse with five balconies, an oversized marble soaking tub and custom Le Labo toiletries.
Related: The best Edition hotels in the world, according to Marriott Bonvoy loyalists
All 294 accommodations (including 28 oceanfront bungalows) radiate a subdued, soothing elegance. They feature floor-to-ceiling windows, blond and brown wooden furnishings, low-slung beds topped with down comforters, white sofas and chairs; an occasional throw or plush rug adds an element of hygge.
The luxury spa offers a full menu of massages, therapies and treatments, as well as curated wellness immersion packages (starting at $350). There’s also a fitness center and two outdoor ocean-facing pools.
At the breezy Tropicale, grab a seat at the bar and sip on playful cocktails (such as a whole coconut spiked with 8-year-old Bacardi). You can also graze poolside on inspired plates, such as tuna tartare with avocado, ginger and radish ($26) or more hearty Florida black grouper tacos with chipotle aioli and cabbage-chili pickle ($26). The hotel’s signature restaurant is Matador Room, a 1940s-style supper club serving Latin American and Caribbean fare, including shrimp ceviche in “Agua Diablo,” marcona almonds, banana and cilantro ($26).
Rates at The Miami Beach Edition start around $745 or 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, plus a resort fee of $49 per night per room.
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A social media favorite, this playful 339-key resort is part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection. With rows of colorful loungers, umbrellas and rattan sofas surrounding photogenic, palm-fringed swimming pools, it delivers those blissed-out holiday vibes, albeit in a dated package.
It’s on Collins Avenue along Mid-Beach. This area offers that quintessential Miami cool factor but without the crowds of South Beach. Still, it’s only a 10-minute drive or an easy bike ride (hop on one of the hotel’s complimentary bikes) away from South Beach.
Rooms, which start at 570 square feet, are housed in three 1940s tower blocks. They are spacious, comfortable and well appointed, sporting a few nods to the hotel’s art deco roots, such as patterned carpets, retro bed frames, gilded light fixtures and a bar cart instead of a minibar.
Related: The 23 best Hyatt hotels in the world
There are a handful of on-site casual dining options, including the main restaurant Ambersweet. It specializes in local and regional cuisine served in the indoor dining room or on the charming outdoor terrace beneath fairy lights. (At the time of writing, the restaurant was closed for dinner until further notice). If you are looking for more gourmet cuisine, though, you’ll need to venture off-property.
Note: In May 2022, Sunstone Hotel Investors Inc. entered into an agreement with Hyatt to purchase The Confidante and convert it to an Andaz. A timeline has not yet been announced.
Rates at The Confidante Miami Beach start at $279 per night plus a $49 daily resort fee on paid stays. Reserve this hotel for 17,000 World of Hyatt points on off-peak dates, 20,000 on standard dates and 23,000 points on peak dates.
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Faena Group’s hotels are designed to be destination microcosms that keep you rooted. This fashionable Miami Beach outpost is no exception, offering guests a cool lifestyle district that also happens to house a luxurious hotel on a picture-perfect swath of white sand.
The entry-level Bay View rooms (which start at 489 square feet) are spacious and decadent. They feature plush red velvet drapes and throws, custom midcentury modern wooden furnishings, colorful rugs and artworks, plush club chairs, and opulent bathrooms with Carrara marble, gilded fixtures and gleaming white tiles.
Connecting rooms are available. However, if you need more space or just want to splurge, the 1,571-square-foot Premier Oceanfront Corner Suite has 1 1/2 bathrooms, a separate dining room and living area, floor-to-ceiling windows and a furnished, wraparound balcony with ocean views.
What really sets this property apart, though, are its luxe amenities, gourmet dining and exceptional entertainment. By day, action centers on the pool and beach, where guests recline on plush loungers beneath striped umbrellas or private cabanas (extra fees apply). Wellness seekers head for the 22,000-square-foot Tierra Santa Healing House, which offers traditional massages and treatments, shaman-inspired “healing arts” and rituals, such as Tree of Life Vibrations ($470, 120 minutes) and a 90-minute Sacred Warrior massage ($370).
There are four dining venues, including open-fire cooking at Los Fuegos by Francis Mallman and a speak-easy-style omakase experience from James Beard Award-winning chef Paul Qui. There’s live music every night at The Living Room, and the hotel’s Allura Cabaret takes the stage at the Faena Theater on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Rates at Faena Hotel Miami Beach start around $720 per night, plus a resort fee of $51.30 per room per night.
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Our favorite of the two Four Seasons properties in Miami (there’s a second outpost on Brickell Avenue), this storied landmark on the quiet sands of Surfside exudes 1930s glamour.
Having played host to dignitaries and movie stars for almost a century, this emblematic Four Seasons remains a polished enclave, distinguished by its timeless elegance, superlative service and exquisite amenities. This is why it draws repeat guests year after year.
Now flanked by residential condos, the reimagined Surf Club features three new buildings anchored by the property’s original Mediterranean Revival building. There are 77 rooms (starting at 435 square feet), as well as 30 hotel residences and 121 private residential apartments; they are surrounded by green spaces, including the “Serenity Lawns,” as well as a beach that feels distinctly private. The overarching aesthetic in the rooms and public spaces is of understated sophistication, with soothing neutral fabrics, sleek modern furnishings and plush touches such as green-velvet benches and spa-style marble bathrooms.
Related: The 16 best Four Seasons in the world, according to travel experts who have stayed at them
The amenities are excellent for both families (kids receive a fun welcome gift) and couples looking to relax and focus on wellness. Helmed by renowned chef Michael White, the Mediterranean-inspired Lido Restaurant serves decadent gourmet cuisine, like langoustine with yuzu dressing and duo of caviars ($56) as well as sea bass with rainbow chard, “Palermitana” sauce and citronette ($42).
There’s more indulgence at the spa, where guest healers curate and personalize experiences incorporating sound and vibration.
There are also three swimming pools, including an adults-only quiet pool. There are day-use cabanas (for a fee), complimentary bikes, and a house car at your disposal for quick jaunts around the neighborhood.
Rates at Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club start around $1,200 per night plus a resort fee of $40 per room per night.
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The brainchild of Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Hollywood business partners Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, Nobu Hotels upended the hotel industry when its first location debuted 10 years ago in Las Vegas as a hotel-within-a-hotel at Caesars Palace.
The Nobu Hotel Miami Beach is a similar concept inside the historic Eden Roc Hotel, which was built in 1956 by iconic architect Morris Lapidus.
What’s really interesting for guests is that they can enjoy an amalgam of two distinct architectural styles and guest experiences. There are the undulating curves and retro glam of the Eden Roc, which has been carefully preserved, and the hushed Zen ambiance of Nobu, designed to evoke a Japanese beach house (all blond wood, Asian accent pieces, organic materials and clean lines).
Both hotels share the original and utterly glamorous art deco lobby and most amenities. The real differentiation lies in the decor of Nobu’s 206 guest rooms and suites, designed by David Rockwell, and its exclusive perks. It offers a private swimming pool, a dedicated concierge, 10 minutes of extra time added to any spa service and an exclusive area on the beach.
Deluxe rooms (380 to 440 square feet) are a lesson in artful restraint with Nobu’s emblematic Japanese theming evident in organic finishes, a neutral color palette, wooden plank floors, rainfall showers with teak benches and cherry blossom accent walls. Rooms are appointed with 60-inch TVs, Nespresso coffee machines and a fully stocked minibar with premium products. You’ll also find an emphasis on thoughtful details, such as a dreamy, signature bed from Simmons.
Unsurprisingly, guests also flock here for special access to Nobu’s world-famous Japanese cuisine and delectable sushi. As well as omakase and tasting menus, signature dishes like black cod with miso and wagyu steak showcase the restaurant’s culinary prowess.
Nobu is geared toward design-conscious couples and gourmands. Nobu’s pool is adults-only, but families can sip on tropical libations and experience Florida’s 1950s vintage charm at Eden Roc’s three pools.
Rates at Nobu Hotel Miami Beach start at $300 per night, plus a resort fee of $38 per room per night.
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At the north end of Ocean Drive, close to the bars, restaurants and shops of the Art Deco Historic District, The Betsy is a city icon developed by architect Lawrence Murray Dixon. In 2016, following a multimillion-dollar restoration, the hotel merged with the historic Carlton Hotel to become one hotel connected by a sky bridge.
The boutique beachfront property (no longer affiliated with Hyatt) offers an array of amenities that belie its modest 130-room count. Each eclectic accommodation is elegantly styled with walnut floors; midcentury modern-inspired furnishings; white built-in shelves filled with books, artworks and artifacts from the owner’s collection; and luxe marble bathrooms.
With so many great lifestyle amenities on the property, it’s easy to turn each day into a series of indulgences. There are two pools — including one on the rooftop with gorgeous views — a library and a fitness center. Enjoy an afternoon cocktail and some people-watching in the sleek lobby bar, then book a doTerra aromatherapy treatment in the comfort of your plush chamber. Later, reserve a table at LT Steak & Seafood by renowned chef Laurent Tourondel and savor exceptional cuts of beef or the fresh catch of the day.
Rates at The Betsy Hotel start at $322 per night, plus a resort fee of $40 per room per night.
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The 138-key Setai Miami Beach has its fair share of devotees, especially among South Beach regulars who come here to drink, dine and mingle. Set on a beautiful stretch of sand, it’s a serene retreat within a buzzy neighborhood known for its distinctive design scheme that combines art deco glamour with polished Asian minimalism.
From the courtyard with its wooden pergolas and serenity pond to the elegant rooms with teak wooden furnishings, king-size beds dressed in Frette linens, plush upholstery and luxurious bathrooms with soaking tubs and rainfall showers, The Setai Miami Beach is a haven of relaxation.
A surfeit of excellent amenities — which include the resort’s high-end Valmont Spa, three stunning pools and two renowned restaurants — ensures you have everything you need to unplug and be entertained.
Culinary highlights include the signature Peking duck at Jaya ($46) and fresh seafood, like wood-grilled whole branzino ($42) and Chilean sea bass ($44) at Ocean Grill. Japon, a Japanese culinary experience, is slated to open in 2023. The simply named Bar features a stunning, not-so-simple, mother-of-pearl bar. It’s one of the most happening watering holes in town.
Rates at The Setai Miami Beach start at about $600 per night with no resort fee.
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This 96-key, brand-true Kimpton is a calm oasis in the tiny Sunset Harbour neighborhood that still feels in tune with Miami Beach’s fast-paced and flashy scene.
With an emphasis on approachable luxury and a more local vibe, guests here can expect a warm, personable welcome from the staff and experiences of the kind you’d like to make rituals rather than just one-off holiday pleasures (like hanging out by the rooftop pool and sampling gourmet Italian cuisine).
The light-filled lobby sets an understated but elegant tone, with marble floors, a gray color palette and streamlined furnishings. In the guest rooms, contemporary furniture, accent walls of blond wood and white-tiled bathrooms with rainfall showers are calming and comfortable. If you prefer a little more space to relax alfresco, opt for a room that has a furnished patio or balcony with water or city views.
Osteria Morini, the popular on-site restaurant, is one of the area’s best; it specializes in the cuisine from the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Its menu features grilled fish and seafood and house-made pasta like truffled-ricotta cappelletti, which guests can savor on the trendy outdoor patio overlooking Collins Canal.
Related: Top IHG pet-friendly hotels for animal lovers
Fans of Kimpton hotels can rest assured their room comes with the brand’s signature yoga mat and that their four-legged friends will be greeted with treats. The hotel also offers a fitness center, a complimentary wine happy hour each evening and free bikes to explore the area.
Rates at the Kimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach start at $157 or 25,000 IHG points per night.
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One of the best hotels in Miami for a multigenerational getaway, this popular Marriott resort in Aventura (13 miles north of Miami) sits among 300 acres of tropical gardens 2 miles from the beach.
Families flock here for the amenities, which include the Tidal Cove Water Park, a huge gym, and a wellness center and spa. The latter features a range of holistic treatments and massages and a daily calendar of mind-body classes.
Related: The 26 best Marriott hotels in the world
Golfers can perfect their swings at two 18-hole championship golf courses, and foodies will enjoy Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, which specializes in prime meat and local seafood, served alongside fine wines from the impressive wine cellar.
Spacious rooms start at 500 square feet and feature neutral tones, marble bathrooms and private balconies. For larger families looking for more space, there are also junior, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites.
Due to the hotel’s scale and popularity, you can expect long check-in lines and loungers at the pool to be in short supply during peak holiday periods.
Rates at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa start at $237 or 44,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, plus a resort fee of $47 per room per night.
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Following an extensive $30 million renovation in 2020, Marriott’s W South Beach has evolved (along with the W brand) to become one of TPG’s favorite hotels in the Sunshine State.
Travelers flock here — and for good reason. Its location on Collins Avenue is hard to beat, and the spacious guest rooms are the quintessence of beach chic (most have ocean views). Plus, there’s an exquisite spa, a dazzling art collection and restaurants that are destinations unto themselves.
Art lovers will swoon over the hotel’s incredible art collection, valued at around $50 million. This property is home to 21 original pieces by Andy Warhol, three of which are collaborations with Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Related reading: All grown up: Here’s what it was like staying at the newly renovated W South Beach
Foodies will not be disappointed. The property has five food-and-beverage outlets, including its signature Wet Bar and Grille at the pool deck, a Miami outpost of the high-end Chinese eatery Mr. Chow and The Restaurant at W South Beach, otherwise known as RWSB.
At the pool, there’s still a dash of the brand’s early 2000s hedonism, with a raised asymmetrical design edged with black tiles. Beneath swaying palm trees, loungers covered in black-and-white cushions add more signature W aesthetic.
Standard rooms are designed to blend with the hotel’s oceanfront setting. They have a white color palette with pops of pink and green as well as playful but classy, midcentury modern furnishings. The marble-walled bathrooms feel slightly passe these days but still radiate luxury.
There are plenty of amenities at W South Beach. It has a family-friendly appeal with outdoor movies on the green, beach yoga, and craft cocktail- and sushi-making classes. The brand’s signature Away Spa is also a heavenly place to embrace the wellness trend.
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One of TPG’s top hotels, this lavish 376-room Ritz-Carlton reopened in 2021, fresh from a $90 million renovation. At the corner of Lincoln Road and Collins Avenue, it places guests in the beating heart of South Beach’s buzzy neighborhood.
There’s an immediate wow factor in the opulent art deco lobby and retro-glam Lapidus Bar, a perfect place to start the evening with a cocktail.
The room design, however, is more restrained, with white walls and linens, gold accents and pops of blue in the headboards and benches. Balconies are spacious and furnished with chairs, cocktail tables and loungers; marble bathrooms feature double vanities and separate showers stocked with Diptyque products.
Related: Stay at these amazing Ritz-Carltons across the world
There’s inventive Latin American fare at Fuego y Mar, fresh Mediterranean flavors at the DiLido Beach Club and rich French cuisine at the classy Bagatelle House. There’s also a Jacuzzi, gym and spa featuring HydraFacial therapies.
The large pool is surrounded by plush loungers and umbrellas, and sun seekers looking for late afternoon rays can migrate to the sun deck beyond the pool. (Sun exposure can be a game of musical chairs in Miami, as high-rises can block natural light.)
Rates at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach start at $515 or 71,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, plus a resort fee of $45 per room per night.
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Trends may come and go in Miami, but 1 Hotel South Beach is a perennial favorite, luring devotees to its scenic beachfront, stellar amenities (including four swimming pools, one on the rooftop) and large, beautifully appointed rooms.
Sitting on the northern fringe of South Beach — within striking distance of the Miami Beach Boardwalk — this refined hotel opened in 2015 following a $200 million renovation of the original 1960s heritage building.
Rooms start at 500 square feet, and all come with thoughtful perks such as free Wi-Fi, filtered water taps, HEPA filters, a Nespresso machine and a yoga mat. Bathrooms have separate rainfall showers and tubs. If you need more space or an extra dose of luxury, suites are also available. Also, if you have your pooch in tow, they will also make plenty of friends here.
Wellness is a prevailing theme, and the Bamford Wellness Spa offers a full-service menu of traditional spa treatments with a customized approach; it also offers complimentary wellness classes for guests. The hotel has the impeccable service and attention to detail you’d expect at this price point.
Rates at 1 Hotel South Beach start at $535 per night, plus a resort fee of $49 per room per night.
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On West Avenue with views of Biscayne Bay, the Mondrian is fresh from a $20 million wellness-focused renovation.
Designed by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, there’s a dash of the surreal to the lobby and guest rooms with custom Delft tiles and unique Miami accents. The marble-floored lobby also had a makeover in 2021, and it now features intricate woodworking and quartzites around the stylish The Gem lobby bar.
In the guest rooms, expect custom-designed wall coverings, whimsical rugs and furnishings that create a polished but playful space. All suites boast sweeping views of the Miami skyline, fully equipped kitchens and luxe bathrooms with rainfall showerheads and sumptuous bath products.
Besides its budget-friendly price tag, the hotel’s major calling card is its new open-air Baia Beach Club, a multiuse area for dining, entertainment, recreation and pampering. Set along the waterfront, the stylish club adds bohemian charm to the South Beach scene. It features a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine and signature cocktails, a bayside pool surrounded by plush cabanas, a marina, a full-service wellness spa, a flashy fitness center and daily fitness classes like meditation and moonlight yoga.
Rates at the Mondrian South Beach start at $150 per night.
