Miami — the city of fun, sun, white sandy beaches, and chic, art-deco hotels! Nothing screams “Vacation” more than Miami, all year round. Miami is known as Florida’s Magic City, and magical is exactly how it feels! However, it is just as important to have a comfortable place to rest your head, and there are so many fine places to choose from. We’ve compiled a list of 10 of our favorite hotels in the Miami area. Each of these hotels has a reputation for eminence, excellence, and elegance.
1 HOTEL SOUTH BEACH
There’s no better way to start our list than with number one, as in 1 Hotel South Beach. Situated on Collins Avenue, just a short walk to Miami Beach and the boardwalk, the location simply doesn’t get better than this! 1 Hotel South Beach takes advantage of this location, too, with gorgeous ocean-view rooms and suites. There are great dining options here, as well. 1 Hotel South Beach takes pride in serving fresh and sustainable foods. From the Mexican-inspired cuisine at Habitat, to “Peruvian-influenced Japanese cuisine” served at Watr on the 1 Hotel Rooftop. Plus, there’s the 14,000 square foot gym, the Bamford Wellness spa, rooftop pool with available cabanas, and so much more!
NOBU MIAMI BEACH
Proudly claiming a spot in the Top 5 Hotels in Miami Beach by the 2021 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, this hotel belongs to the Nobu Hotel family, which was founded by world-famous Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, film producer Meir Teper, and Academy Award-winning actor Robert DeNiro! Like all Nobu hotels, this Miami Beach location blends modern sophistication with Japanese minimalism to evoke a sophisticated feel throughout. Of course, being named after a famous chef means this hotel has incredible dining. The headline here is Nobu Miami, which features Chef Nobu’s signature dish: black cod with miso. Nobu Miami Beach is a taste of magnificence!
SOHO BEACH HOUSE
If you’re looking for a more classic Miami vibe, you should check out Soho Beach House. Sitting directly on the Miami Beach boardwalk, this members-only resort reflects the architecture of the surrounding art-deco area. Staying here gives you access to a private beach with full waiter service, along with the poolside beach bar and the retro Cuban-inspired club bar. Make your way to the roof for the restaurant Ocho, serving fresh salads, fish tacos, tres leches, and much more. Being a member also lets you reserve a spot for fitness and health classes, such as rooftop yoga and beach boot camp.
THE SETAI MIAMI BEACH
Combining art deco and Japanese inspirations for a unique design, the Setai Hotel on Miami Beach offers incredible amenities while staying in their ocean-view suites. You can get private roundtrip transportation between the local airports. For nearby transfers, they’ll give you access to a luxury courtesy car.
Enjoy the incredible breakfast at Jaya, in the courtyard with a retractable roof, or brought directly to your suite. The Setai’s other restaurant is the Ocean Grill, where you can relish a fantastic dinner with an unobstructed view of South Beach. And, when it’s time to relax, the Velmont Spa uses age-old Swiss techniques to soothe, invigorate, and rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul.
FOUR SEASONS SURFSIDE
While South Beach might be the more well-known section of Miami, a little farther north along the beach you’ll find Surfside. Naturally, the Four Seasons hotel chain has become synonymous with luxury. Their Surfside location continues that well-earned reputation. Every room has a clean, contemporary design that truly elevates that feeling of grandeur when staying at a Four Seasons. If you’re truly looking to indulge in Miami’s finest, be sure to grab a private daytime cabana. You get a full day’s access to the hotel’s private pool and beach, along with beachside service, complimentary refreshments, and anything to protect you from the sun during hot days.
FAENA MIAMI BEACH
Six years in a row, including its first year in operation, the Faena Hotel Miami Beach has been awarded five stars by the Forbes Travel Guide. The entire hotel is decadent, overflowing with bold and palatial design. Unique to this hotel is the art on display, including a golden wooly mammoth skeleton in a glass case by artist Damien Hirst. And there’s always something happening, from live deejays in the Living Room (the hotel’s private club) to cabaret shows in the Faena Theater. Bars, restaurants, a spa, and a salon all invite you to live the life of a celebrity!
RITZ-CARLTON KEY BISCAYNE
If you need a break from the heavy “touristy” areas, travel a bit farther south of South Beach to Key Biscayne. Among the finest hotels, naturally, you’ll find the Ritz-Carlton. Situated right on the water, this hotel truly provides the best of the best — suites with amazing ocean views, world-class spa treatments, and amazing dining experiences. Plus, for outdoor activities, the hotel is just minutes away from both Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and the Crandon golf courses. That’s without even the Ritz-Carlton’s private slice of beach paradise, where you can truly relax with available beach chairs and umbrellas.
FONTAINEBLEAU MIAMI BEACH
This is the hotel that truly has it all! Fontainebleau Miami Beach is an expansive resort hotel with four different towers featuring four signature fine dining restaurants, four casual cafe dining options, six bars, an adults-only poolside club, and a full concert venue! You could enjoy your entire vacation without ever having to leave the resort. Accommodations range from a bay-view standard room with a king-size bed, all the way to the spacious and majestic Sorrento Penthouse — a two-level, five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath, 9,840-square-foot piece of paradise!
MANDARIN ORIENTAL
How about a hotel on a private island? Staying at the Mandarin Oriental sits on just that — Brickell Key. That means every room here has spectacular views of the ocean or the Miami skyline. You’ll also be able to enjoy the exclusive guest-only beach, the infinity-edge swimming pool, and the spa with 11 treatment rooms and six spa suites. One of Miami’s finest restaurants is located on this island — La Mar by Gastón Acurio. Chef Acurio elevates the tastes of his home country of Peru and brings them here. The Mandarin Oriental Miami certainly earned every single one of its five stars!
SLS SOUTH BEACH
Prime location on South Beach? Check. Lush and decadent rooms? Check. Award-winning fine dining? Double-check! SLS South Beach is consistently ranked among the best of Miami’s hotels. Every room is lavishly elegant and inviting. The beach is literally the hotel’s backyard. SLS South Beach also lays claim to two restaurants from two world-famous chefs — The Bazaar with Latin Culinary Master Chef José Andrés and Katsuya South Beach with Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi. Plus, for amenities, guests can utilize a luxury Lincoln Towncar for trips around town and rent exclusive designer handbags from Viverelle. SLS South Beach provides la crème de la crème in every facet.