25 Best Hotels in Miami and Miami Beach, Florida

Background Illustration for Hotels

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. 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 or between 29th and 44th 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, even at an oceanfront hotel.

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

$$$$ | 9703 Collins Ave., FL, 33154, USA Fodor's Choice
St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, North Miami Beach
Courtesy of St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

This posh resort (which cost over $1 billion to build) embodies the next level of ultraglamour and haute living along Miami's North Beach. In every facet of design and operation, the 27-story 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 spa offers every imaginable treatment, and multiple restaurants provide a nice range of smart culinary experiences. Choose between two infinity pools—each with different experiences. The adult's tranquillity pool is the place to catch up on your reading (or grab a catnap in the sun). The main ocean pool is a family-friendly area. Expect surprises and perks like smoothie tastings, sunscreen, and cold towels during your pool visit. The resort has a kids' day camp if you need some me time. Also set aside some time to shop at chic Bal Harbour Shops, across the street.

Pros

  • Beachfront setting
  • Sunday rosé brunch
  • Large apartment-size rooms

Cons

  • Limited lounge space around main pool
  • Little privacy on balconies
  • High price tag
9703 Collins Ave., FL, 33154, USA
305-993–3300
Hotel Details
216 rooms
No Meals

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1 Hotel South Beach

$$$$ | 2341 Collins Ave., FL, 33139, USA Fodor's Choice

This snazzy eco-minded hotel delivers a picturesque, nature-inspired aesthetic throughout the common spaces and room interiors (think heavy use of repurposed wood, living walls, preserved moss, and glassware from recycled wine bottles) and offers a choice of four swimming pools (including the best rooftop one in Florida), a luxurious beach club featuring Wave, a sea-to-table restaurant, and an excellent swath of beach. The 1’s famed 110-foot rooftop pool is laced with palm trees and loungers and remains adults-only day and night, when it transforms into one of the city’s coolest bars. The lobby, with its triple floor-to-ceiling moss art and driftwood lighting fixtures, is one of Miami’s most Instagrammed locales.

Pros

  • Even basic level rooms are great
  • Vibrant crowd
  • Sustainability mantra

Cons

  • Many rooms face street
  • Constantly busy
  • Balcony furniture a bit worn
2341 Collins Ave., FL, 33139, USA
305-604–1000
Hotel Details
426 rooms
No Meals

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Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach

$$$$ | 17875 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach, FL, 33160, USA Fodor's Choice

The grand dame of Sunny Isles Beach 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 gardens; three stylish swimming pools (one adults-only) and a colossal 20,000-square-foot ESPA spa offer opportunities for relaxation; and the famed Il Mulino 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 into 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
  • Huge spa

Cons

  • No nightlife near hotel
  • Hotel's towering height shades the beach by early afternoon
  • Hefty fee for pets
17875 Collins Ave., Sunny Isles Beach, FL, 33160, USA
305-918–8000
Hotel Details
98 rooms
No Meals

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Recommended Fodor's Video

Carillon Miami Wellness Resort

$$$$ | 6801 Collins Ave., FL, 33139, USA Fodor's Choice

This 150-all-suites beachfront hotel is defined by a 70,000-square-foot wellness spa, including a rock-climbing wall, 54 treatment rooms, and 30 exercise classes daily. The lobby is one of the most tranquil in Miami, filled with greenery and soothing colors. A driftwood hanging sculpture is a focal point, and several different lounge areas provide places to read and relax. 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 linens and spa-like bathroom, or delight in a healthy cuisine. The Strand offers seafood-centric dishes by executive chef Rosario Corrao in consultation with an in-house nutritionist. What's more? Dogs of up to 35 pounds are welcome with 48-hour advance notice in one of the resort's many pet-friendly suites. Your pooch will be pampered by his own concierge service that can help provide vet services, dog sitters, treats, and more.

Pros

  • Directly on the beach
  • Spacious suites (minimum 720 square feet)
  • Incredible spa treatments

Cons

  • Far from nightlife
  • Rooms could be a bit more stylish
  • Day visitors at spa and gym
6801 Collins Ave., FL, 33139, USA
866-800–3858
Hotel Details
150 suites
No Meals

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EAST Miami

$$$$ | 788 Brickell Plaza, FL, 33131, USA Fodor's Choice

A lush paradise in the heart of Brickell's city center, this tropical, trendy hotel has impeccable art and design elements plus rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the twinkling city—even from the bathtubs. The sustainable design of the hotel is LEED certified, making it one of the greenest properties in the area. Dining options include fifth-floor Quinto La Huella, a meat-centric Uruguayan concept, and Sugar, a rooftop bar with some of the city's best sunset views.

Pros

  • Large suites available for long stays
  • Attached to Brickell City Centre shopping
  • Rooftop bar, Sugar, has great sunset views

Cons

  • Limited privacy on balconies
  • Expensive valet
  • Pool lacks sunlight by mid-afternoon
788 Brickell Plaza, FL, 33131, USA
305-712--7000
Hotel Details
352 rooms
No Meals

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Faena Hotel Miami Beach

$$$$ | 3201 Collins Ave., FL, 33140, USA Fodor's Choice

The gem of hotelier Alan Faena's Faena Arts District, this jaw-dropping beachfront hotel is as luxurious as it gets, with top-notch dining, a pampering spa, and art that includes larger-than-life murals and a gilded mammoth by Damien Hirst. The towering property is a stunning reinvention of the art deco 1948 Saxony Hotel with dramatic common areas and prolific art installations. Gawk at the details throughout the cathedral lobby, which glitters with gold-leafed columns, or scope out nirvana at the 22,000-square-foot, high-design Tierra Santa Healing House spa, which is rooted in South America’s rich indigenous culture. Enjoy some top-notch dining and burlesque in the 220-seat dinner theater and later retreat to your glamorous room, decked out in art deco–style interiors.

Pros

  • Glamorous design
  • Excellent service
  • Spectacular beach club

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Construction in neighborhood
  • Dark hallways
3201 Collins Ave., FL, 33140, USA
305-535--4697
Hotel Details
169 rooms
No Meals

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Fontainebleau Miami Beach

$$$$ | 4441 Collins Ave., Miami, FL, 33140, USA Fodor's Choice

Vegas meets art deco at Miami's largest hotel, which has more than 1,500 rooms (in four separate towers, almost half of which are suites), 12 renowned restaurants and lounges, LIV nightclub, several pools with cabana islands, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a 40,000-square-foot spa. Fontainebleau's main pool is nearly as big as a small lake—complete with islands with private cabanas. DJs play sets around the pools, and on weekends it can be a mix of kids, bachelorette parties, and honeymooners. Truth be told, there's so much going on in and around the hotel that you can easily forget about the downy sands directly behind the property—it almost feels like being on a cruise ship. And in this vein, there's plenty to do for party-ready adults and restless kids and teens alike.

Pros

  • Expansive pool and beach areas
  • Historic allure
  • Great nightlife

Cons

  • Lots of nonguests visiting grounds
  • Massive size
  • Loud, weekend parties outside
4441 Collins Ave., Miami, FL, 33140, USA
305-535–3283
Hotel Details
1504 rooms
No Meals

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Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club

$$$$ | 9011 Collins Ave., FL, 33154, USA Fodor's Choice

Built in the 1930s as a members-only club called The Surf Club, this sophisticated 9-acre oceanfront property has always been a spot for people with good taste to have good times. The beautiful open spaces throughout its three buildings make visitors feel like they're on a posh Italian escape, and the slick white rooms with modern fixtures create instant relaxation upon arrival. There's a state-of-the-art spa and two gorgeous beachside pools with 40 cabanas offering absolute privacy. Its well-known gem The Champagne Bar features Miami's largest champagne selection (and a delicious menu of Italian selections), with bartenders in crisp white jackets ready to attend to your every whim. It's also home to Thomas Keller's only restaurant in the south, The Surf Club, serving only the highest caliber of dishes.

Pros

  • Unparalleled service
  • World-class spa
  • Five-star dining

Cons

  • Lots of local visitors at the bar
  • Far from nightlife
  • Not much in walking distance
9011 Collins Ave., FL, 33154, USA
305-381--3333
Hotel Details
77 rooms
No Meals

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Kimpton Angler's Hotel

$$$$ | 660 Washington Ave., FL, 33139, USA Fodor's Choice

At this enclave of old and new South Beach, a contemporary, 85-room tower with a rooftop pool neighbors several 1930s-era villas and modern low-rise units, together capturing the feel of a sophisticated private villa community. The secluded, landscaped setting makes it easy to forget that the hotel is on busy Washington Avenue, two blocks from the beach. New tower rooms are done in neutral tones with accents in shades of blue. Each has its own balcony. The resort fee here includes towels and foldable umbrellas to take to the beach, but the sixth-floor sun deck and rooftop pool beckon if you don't feel like walking five minutes to the beach. Consider kicking off your evenings downstairs at the stylish Minnow Bar, where clear spirits are blank canvases for cocktail creativity.

Pros

  • Gardened private retreat
  • Pet-friendly (no fee)
  • Daily complimentary wine hour

Cons

  • No gym
  • Not directly on beach
  • Most units have only showers
660 Washington Ave., FL, 33139, USA
305-534–9600
Hotel Details
132 rooms
No Meals

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Mandarin Oriental, Miami

$$$$ | 500 Brickell Key Dr., FL, 33131, USA Fodor's Choice

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. A luxe lobby features two-story-high windows with sweeping views of Miami. 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, bay-front "beach." The property manages to be sophisticated enough for business executives, yet warm and inviting for vacationers.

Pros

  • Impressive lobby
  • Intimate vibe
  • Top-notch spa

Cons

  • Man-made beach
  • Small infinity pool
  • Traffic getting on/off Brickell Key
500 Brickell Key Dr., FL, 33131, USA
305-913–8288
Hotel Details
357 rooms
No Meals

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The Miami Beach EDITION

$$$$ | 2901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL, 33140, USA Fodor's Choice

At this reinvention of the 1955 landmark Seville Hotel by 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, an Instagram-perfect lobby frequented by Miami's A-list, three memorable restaurants (Matador Room, Tropicale, 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

  • Excellent spa
  • 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
2901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL, 33140, USA
786-257–4500
Hotel Details
294 rooms
No Meals

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The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami

$$$$ | 3300 S.W. 27th Ave., FL, 33133, USA Fodor's Choice

In the heart of Coconut Grove, this business-oriented hotel is an elegant and modern design masterpiece that rivals top leisure properties in Miami Beach and Downtown. Arrive into a grand lobby with towering arched ceilings and bejeweled with whimsical purple furnishings like oversized, tufted ottomans and regal balloon chairs. The sophisticated guest rooms—all with marble baths and private balconies—flaunt a fresh take on marine-inspired decor, paying homage to this Ritz's location near the bay. A 6,000-square-foot spa is on hand to soothe away stress, and The Commodore is among Coconut Grove's loveliest dining spots (with amazing cocktails and live music to boot!). Service here is second to none, making it the sole VIP-style enclave in this artsy waterfront neighborhood.

Pros

  • Elevated pool deck
  • Fresh from renovation
  • In an easily walkable area

Cons

  • Near residential area
  • Not on beach
  • Lots of conventioneers
3300 S.W. 27th Ave., FL, 33133, USA
305-644–4680
Hotel Details
115 rooms
No Meals

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The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami

$$$$ | 455 Grand Bay Dr., Miami, FL, 33149, USA Fodor's Choice

In an ultra-laid-back setting on serene Key Biscayne, it's only natural to appreciate the Ritz hallmarks of pampering with luxurious rooms, attentive service, five on-property dining options, and ample recreational activities for the whole family. An expansive, grand lobby feels like an old-world European villa. Beyond the doors lies a large garden area that leads to the pools and beach beyond. Rooms, bathed in ocean blues and earth tones, feature either a resort or water view with floor-to-ceiling windows, balcony, and workspace. A 25,000-square-foot spa offers unique services based on Florida's rich Caribbean and Tequesta roots. The property's five eateries take you through the gastronomy and beverages of Cuba (RUMBAR), Mexico (Cantina Beach), New York (Key Pantry, offering a Dean & Deluca–style market), and back to Miami (Dune, Burgers on the Beach, and Lightkeepers, the hotel's flagship, coastal-cuisine restaurant). An 11-court tennis "garden" with daily clinics, a private beach, and beachside water sports are other options. 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

  • A world away from city life
  • Feet-in-the-sand restaurants
  • An adults-only pool

Cons

  • Outside noise may permeate thin, sliding glass doors
  • Beach sometimes seaweed-strewn
  • Limited nearby dining options off-property
455 Grand Bay Dr., Miami, FL, 33149, USA
305-365–4500
Hotel Details
402 rooms
No Meals

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The Setai Miami Beach

$$$$ | 2001 Collins Ave., FL, 33139, USA Fodor's Choice

This opulent, all-suites 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. The colossal Ocean Suites range from one-bedroom to a 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 restaurants and bar— Jaya, Ocean Grill, Japón, and The Bar & Courtyard—are open to nonguests, as is the fabulous Valmont for The Spa at The Setai. 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
  • Excellent dining and spa

Cons

  • TVs are far from the beds
  • Busy pool area
  • Many rooms lack ocean views
2001 Collins Ave., FL, 33139, USA
305-520–6111
Hotel Details
130 suites
No Meals

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W South Beach

$$$$ | 2201 Collins Ave., FL, 33319, USA Fodor's Choice

Fun, fresh, and funky, the W South Beach flaunts some of the nicest rooms in South Beach—even the entry category evokes a wow factor—each with its own kitchen and balcony with ocean views. The textured walls, whimsical accessories, and clean symmetries play out like a spread from Architectural Digest. Overall, the property represents the brand's evolution toward 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 (look for high-end contemporary art from famous names like Andy Warhol, Julian Schnabel, and Kenny Scharf). That said, the pool scene is everything and anything one could want from South Beach and the W brand—tight bodies, cabanas, and a gorgeous crowd sipping mojitos. The beach is just steps behind with a private area for W South Beach guests. Although the hotel does not boast an art deco facade, its interiors are far more eclectic and superior to neighboring hotels.

Pros

  • Pool scene
  • Giant Hello Kitty fountain
  • Three in-house restaurants and bars

Cons

  • Not a classic art deco building
  • Crowded pool area
  • Loud music at pool
2201 Collins Ave., FL, 33319, USA
305-938–3000
Hotel Details
248 rooms
No Meals

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Soho Beach House

$$$$ | 4385 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL, 33140, USA
Soho Beach House Miami, Mid-Beach
Soho Beach House Miami

The Soho Beach House is a throwback to swanky vibes of bygone decades, bedazzled in faded color palates, maritime setting, and circa-1930s avant-garde furnishings, luring both somebodies and wannabes to indulge in the amenity-rich, retro-chic rooms as long as they follow stringent house rules (no photos, no mobile phones, no suits, and one guest only). The rooms are simple and rustic chic, with wood beds, leather club chairs, and bar carts to make them feel more like a guesthouse than a hotel. The lobby, the house restaurant Cecconi's, the upstairs bar, and the sexy pool buzz with young trendsetters and hipsters. 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

  • Two pools
  • Fabulous restaurant
  • Full spa

Cons

  • Members have priority for rooms
  • Lots of pretentious patrons
  • House rules are a bit much
4385 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL, 33140, USA
786-507–7900
Hotel Details
49 rooms
No Meals

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The Biltmore

$$$$ | 1200 Anastasia Ave., FL, 33134, USA

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. The Biltmore has on-site golf and tennis, a spa and fitness center, and a host of excellent drinking and dining options. 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. 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

  • Breathtaking history-steeped lobby
  • Gorgeous pool
  • Great golf

Cons

  • In the suburbs
  • A car is necessary to get around
  • Daily $23 resort fee
1200 Anastasia Ave., FL, 33134, USA
855-311–6903
Hotel Details
312 rooms
No Meals

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Fisher Island Club

$$$$ | 1 Fisher Island Dr., FL, 33109, USA

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. 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, luxurious Spa Internazionale, 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 & Piano Bar, which features nightly piano music 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
  • Limited rooms
  • Only accessible by ferry
1 Fisher Island Dr., FL, 33109, USA
305-535–6000
Hotel Details
60 rooms
No Meals

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Four Seasons Hotel Miami

$$$$ | 1435 Brickell Ave., FL, 33131, USA

A favorite of business travelers visiting Downtown's bustling 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. All guest rooms and suites offer city or bay views and a window seating area to enjoy them. 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 indoor-outdoor restaurant, EDGE Steak & Bar, is a local dining and happy-hour hot spot for Miami's power players, movers, and shakers.

Pros

  • Sensational service
  • Window-side daybeds
  • Amazing gym and pool deck

Cons

  • No balconies
  • Not near the beach
  • Mostly a business crowd
1435 Brickell Ave., FL, 33131, USA
305-358–3535
Hotel Details
221 rooms
No Meals

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JW Marriott Marquis Miami

$$$$ | 255 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami, FL, 33131, USA

The Miami marriage of Marriott's JW and Marquis brands creates a truly high-tech, contemporary, and stylish business-minded hotel—from the three-story crystal chandelier in the entry to the smart and symmetric guest rooms, rife with electronic gadgets. Spacious rooms offer sweeping views of the Miami skyline or Biscayne Bay from floor-to-ceiling windows. 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 restaurant by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud, a 50,000-square-foot entertainment complex (with an NBA-approved basketball arena, virtual bowling alley, tennis court, and golf school), the Met2 Fitness gym, and the world-class Enliven spa. The outdoor rooftop pool allows for stunning views of the ever-growing Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. Concierge-floor rooms offer complimentary nonalcoholic beverages, bites, and daily breakfast.

Pros

  • Entertainment and fitness amenities
  • Amazing technology
  • Pristine rooms

Cons

  • Swimming pool receives limited sunshine
  • Lots of conventioneers on weekdays
  • Congestion at street entrance
255 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami, FL, 33131, USA
305-421–8600
Hotel Details
313 rooms
No Meals

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Loews Miami Beach Hotel

$$$$ | 1601 Collins Ave., FL, 33139, USA

This two-tower megahotel has 790 rooms with a soothing, sea-inspired motif, top-tier amenities, a massive spa, a great pool, and direct beachfront access, making it a great 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

  • NYC-famed Rao's Italian restaurant on site
  • Resort atmosphere
  • Pets welcome

Cons

  • Insanely large
  • Constantly crowded
  • Pets desperate to go will need to wait several minutes to make it to the grass
1601 Collins Ave., FL, 33139, USA
305-604–1601
Hotel Details
790 rooms
No Meals

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The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami

$$$$ | 10295 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, FL, 33154, USA

In one of South Florida's poshest neighborhoods, this property 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
  • Bathroom's soaking tubs have ocean views
  • Great contemporary-art collection

Cons

  • Narrow beach is a bit disappointing
  • Quiet area
  • Small lobby
10295 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour, FL, 33154, USA
305-455–5400
Hotel Details
187 rooms
No Meals

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The Sagamore South Beach, the Art Hotel

$$$$ | 1671 Collins Ave., FL, 33139, USA

This supersleek, all-white, all-suites 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-refrigerator, sometimes a full refrigerator 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 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
  • Daily resort fee
  • Limited on-site dining
1671 Collins Ave., FL, 33139, USA
305-535–8088
Hotel Details
101 suites
No Meals

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SLS South Beach

$$$$ | 1701 Collins Ave., FL, 33139, USA

Housed in a restored 1939 art deco building, SLS South Beach exudes beachfront sophistication over a commingling of Latin and Asian inspiration in its common areas, plus dining outposts The Bazaar South Beach, Katsuya South Beach, and Hyde Beach Miami—an 8,000-square-foot masterpiece of pool, beach, and cabanas attracting glitterati 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. Starck also designed the two pools, which feature a 10-foot-tall, silver rubber ducky as their focal point. Cabanas are available for rental, or you can lounge on a daybed with a cocktail.

Pros

  • Great in-house restaurants
  • Masterful design
  • Fun pool scene

Cons

  • Some small rooms
  • No lobby per se
  • $40 per day resort fee
1701 Collins Ave., FL, 33139, USA
305-674–1701
Hotel Details
140 rooms
No Meals

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W Miami

$$$$ | 485 Brickell Ave., FL, 33131, USA

Formerly the Viceroy, Miami's second W hotel cultivates a brash, supersophisticated Miami attitude, likely stemming from its whimsically decorated guest rooms, floor-to-ceiling marble bathrooms, and the Philippe Starck–designed 28,000-square-foot Iconbrickell Spa. Rooms are available in a host of categories, ranging from 440-square-foot "Wonderful" rooms to a 1,550-square-foot "Wow" suite that has a living room, dining room, and sweeping views of Biscayne Bay. Each room, though, is furnished with a private balcony, a W Signature bed with down comforter and pillows, a safe, Wi-Fi, and a TV. The 50th floor Wet Deck is the W's rooftop pool, offering expansive views of Biscayne Bay and Miami's skyline. Relax in a chaise under an umbrella or sip cocktails in the sun.

Pros

  • Smart design elements
  • Exceptional spa
  • Great gym

Cons

  • Serious traffic getting in and out of hotel entrance
  • The amazing 15th floor pool is for residents, not hotel guests
  • Many rooms allow only two persons maximum
485 Brickell Ave., FL, 33131, USA
305-503–4400
Hotel Details
168 rooms
No Meals

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