Miami Beach is a hotel lover’s wonderland. From restored Art Deco gems to sprawling beachfront resorts, our little slice of paradise has almost every category in hospitality covered (except for all-inclusives, but you’re better in the Caribbean for that type of experience). And we’ve logged plenty of hours sipping cocktails poolside, lounging in swanky lobbies, dining at stellar hotel restaurants and taking in the views from rooftop bars at the hotels that dot A1A to give you this list of the best Miami Beach hotels for you next beachside getaway.
The Miami Beach EDITION
The Miami Beach EDITION is an elegantly designed space that offers a new kind of environment, where every aspect of the traditional beach hotel has been re-imagined for the needs and desires of a new generation. No longer merely a getaway spot for people seeking a break from winter, Miami has emerged in the last two decades as a world-class capital, a 24-hour gateway city whose cultural scenes include art, architecture, music, fashion, cuisine, design and wellness. The property offers two restaurant concepts by Michelin Star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten: Market at EDITION, this 21st century food bazaar is part patisserie, part boulangerie, part salumeria and Matador Room, the hotel’s main restaurant, a glamorous oval-shaped space, where Chef Jean Georges has created a modern interpretation of Latin cuisine influenced by Spanish, Caribbean and South American flavors. Downstairs, in the evenings—and late into the night— guests and visitors can find another world altogether, Basement. A new kind of multidimensional entertainment that offers a truly startling, almost Alice-in Wonderland sight: an indoor ice-skating rink and a bowling alley reimagined with sound, lighting, luminescent bowling balls, and midnight bowling leagues with socializing and fun.
Located along the white sand shores of North Beach, (about fifteen minutes north of South Beach) this resort is all about the “luxury of wellness,” with a phenomenal spa, enviable roster of recreational classes and an array of integrative health resources (it helps that it originally opened as a Canyon Ranch and Spa). Hotel guests vary from families looking to while away their stay on the hotel’s 750 linear feet of pristine beach, to groups of friends looking for a less-hedonistic vibe than what can be found at neighboring resorts in Miami Beach. to fitness aficionados delighted by the two-story state-of-the-art gym, four pools and access to the beach’s miles-long paved walking and running paths. New age-y health types will revel in the resort’s array of nutritionists, acupuncturists, physical therapists and energy healers that regularly host workshops and retreats on property. All 150 rooms at the Carillon are suites, and feel like luxury apartments, which is great if you’re traveling with kids or want to cook some of your meals in rather than dining out during your stay. The one or two-bedroom floorplans come with full kitchens with appliances, spacious living rooms and large bathrooms with deep soaking tubs. Not all suites feature balconies but the floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the rooms in sunshine which compliments the blue and neutral-toned color scheme throughout the property.
The Ritz-Carlton South Beach
The Ritz-Carlton South Beach epitomizes Miami opulence, with a large-scale, elevated pool overlooking the Atlantic ocean and sophisticated rooms that feature large balconies overlooking the pool and ocean. The hotel’s classic cocktail lounge, Lapidus Bar, honors the bygone era of Miami cocktail culture with live music and glamorous surroundings. Following a round of carefully crafted cocktails, guests can head to the hotel’s signature restaurant Fuego y Mar where Latin American flavors are combined with contemporary techniques for a uniquely Miami culinary experience. The spa is one of the best in the city with everything from a nail and hair salon to facials and body treatments.
The Cadillac Hotel
An Art Deco masterpiece, originally designed by renowned architect Roy France in 1940, the hotel is true to its name, with a design that pays homage to the iconic American car with sweeping circular driveway and signage in cursive italics that characterizes speed and fluidity. The hotel underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation that draws on the glamor and sophistication of the 1940s European Riviera with original terrazzo floors, lush greenery and a wraparound mezzanine balcony overlooking the check-in and lounge area. The 352 rooms include oceanfront and city view rooms, including 20 spacious suites, many with private terraces. The hotel also provides a pet friendly program offering a complimentary dog bed, water, food and treats. For the body and mind, the hotel offers a daily fitness class and has a fitness center equipped with Peloton Bikes. Bungalow by the Sea restaurant offers direct views of the Atlantic Ocean while Donna Mare is a traditional trattoria with a menu of wood-fired Neapolitan pizza.
The Standard Spa
The Standard Spa, Miami Beach is the idyllic waterfront paradise that has long been recognized as a place for good vibes and rejuvenation of the mind, body and spirit. With its approximately 4,500 sq ft, second floor Spa and fresh Spa offerings, this hotel is the optimal location for a holistic weekend in Miami Beach. After exploring the Spa revitalization, enjoy a bite at The Lido Bayside Grill which offers a perfect warm-weather, sun-kissed global-inspired menu with incredible views. Celebrate over cocktails in the evening at Monterrey Bar featuring the infamous Monterrey G&T with Butterfly Pea-Infused Suntory Roku Gin, Elderflower tonic, Citrus Elixir, and Sage Aromatics. Rooms here come with outdoor soaking tubs and guests can be seen walking the lush gardens wearing hooded spa bathrobes after enjoying the property’s famed steamed hamam.
Kayak Miami Beach
Located in the Collins Park neighborhood, this 52-room art-deco building dates back to 1934, and is situated on a small canal. The rooms are small but comfortable with neutral tones and locally-sourced snacks and coffee in the mini-bar. A rooftop pool and sun deck lounge with rattan furniture becomes a nightlife spot in the evening with craft cocktails made by local mixologists. A Middle-Eastern inspired restaurant called Layla is located on the ground floor, and serves mezze dips and grilled fish in a space decorated with brass fixtures and Persian carpets. The outdoor patio is lushly landscaped and perfect for morning breakfast overlooking Collins Canal. For visitors looking for easy access to culture, the hotel is across the street from the must-visit Bass Museum of Art and the Miami City Ballet. While it’s not directly on the beach, the ocean is a short walk away and the hotel can facilitate towels and beach bags for guests.
Drawing travelers to the pedestrian thoroughfare of Española Way, is this Spanish charmer, taking advantage of its location on South Beach’s historic esplanade that’s lined with local restaurants and shops. Originally developed as a 1920s bohemian artist colony and serving as the go-to hangout for gangsters like Al Capone and stars such as Lucille Ball —this Miami Beach hidden gem recently underwent a $40 million renovation. Additionally, the hotel features five food & beverage concepts across its eight buildings, connected by intimate Spanish paseos. These concepts are created by some of Miami’s most innovative restaurateurs, including Lost Boy & Co. co-founder Chris Hudnall, Chef Fabian DiPaolo and the team behind Mandolin Aegean Bistro. From El Salón, an intimate cocktail lounge that exclusively features a proprietary collection of spirit blends to The Drexel which features sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine to the Rooftop which presents craft cocktails, the offerings at the Esme are popular with locals and visitors alike.