2 Best Hotels in Downtown, Miami and Miami Beach

In the heart of Downtown, Kimpton's pet-friendly, artful EPIC Hotel has 411 guest rooms with spacious balconies (many of them overlook Biscayne Bay) and fabulous modern amenities to match the sophistication of the common areas, which include a supersexy rooftop pool. The lobby is decorated in earth tones—the better to showcase the rotating modern art collection. Seating areas look onto Biscayne and the hotel's marina on the Miami River. Rooms start at the 18th floor of the hotel, so you'll have a sweeping view of the Miami skyline. In general, the hotel caters to business travelers and groups, but its association with the Kimpton brand ensures a steady intake of pleasure-seekers.

The 16th-floor pool area comes to life seven days a week, especially during the complimentary wine hour at 5 pm. Area 31 is an elegant, delicious seafood restaurant also on the 16th floor, flying high with an advanced concept of sustainable cuisine. A second restaurant, Zuma, is Miami's hottest London invasion—just brace yourself for a long wait. The hotel also has a full-service marina and the fabulous Exhale spa.

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.