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Sweater weather is upon us, and very soon we’ll be layering up to shovel our driveways. That means it’s also time to book a trip to Miami, a city in a tropical climate that continues to be the ultimate magnet for American snowbirds with its sandy beaches, trendy nightclubs, and unrivaled people-watching perches. It also boasts arguably the greatest collection of luxury beach hotels in the world.
There are close to 185 hotels in the 15.2 square-mile area that makes up Miami Beach—an astonishing 60 percent of which are located in South Beach, a design mecca with original Art Deco buildings that line Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue—with more coming soon, including ones from the likes of Aman and Bulgari.
With so many choices, selecting a hotel seems like a Herculean labor unless you know how to look. “When choosing a hotel in Miami, it’s best to determine how you want to feel during the stay,” says Misty Belles, an executive at luxury travel consortium Virtuoso. “Are you there as a couple, with kids, or with friends? Do you want to see and be seen or hide away and relax?” Miami has many options for either and many things in between. Just make sure that the property has the services and amenities you’re looking for. “For instance, if the beach is where you plan to spend your days,” Belles says. “check that the hotel has a designated section for guests with food and beverage service.”
Still unsure? We have you covered. Here are the 18 best beach hotels in Miami.
The Shelborne by Proper
With 251 guest rooms and suites, the Shelborne by Proper is set to become the latest “it” hotel on Collins Avenue. An Art Deco gem reimagined by ADC Atelier, the building’s historic façade was restored to its midcentury glory. The rooms are totally contemporary, though, as are the amenities: a 24-hour fitness center, palm-tree lined pool deck, and multiple food and beverage options, including the seafood-forward Pauline and a design-driven cocktail lounge, Little Torch.
Patrick Michael Chin
Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel
Housed in a historic building in the Art Deco district, the Kimpton Surfcomber is steps from the Atlantic Ocean and the sand of South Beach. There’s a well-designed pool area with private cabanas, a dedicated beach space (with food and beverage service!) spa and fitness facilities, and an on-site restaurant and bar.
Courtesy Kimpton Hotels
The Hotel at The Moore
Located in the Miami Design District, The Hotel at The Moore is a boutique, ultra-intimate hotel occupying the fourth floor of the landmark The Moore Building, which dates all the way back to 1922. Reimagined as a cultural destination combining a handful of hotel suites, a private members club, gallery space, and dining—not to mention a Zaha Hadid-designed sculpture in the atrium—The Moore is a new cornerstone of the city’s creative class.
Courtesy The Moore
The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
Described as an “adults-only spa with guest rooms,” this unique hospitality offering from The Standard brand is consistently one of the city’s coolest, set as it is amidst lush gardens and with outdoor soaking tubs adjoining many of the 100 rooms. Tucked away on Belle Isle, just west of South Beach, guests can enjoy the grounds, world-class spa facilities, and dining options on-site.
Courtesy Standard Hotels
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
Housed in a landmark building designed by architect Morris Lapidus, originally opened in 1953, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach now blends historic Art Deco heritage with modern five-star luxury. In addition to a private beach area, resort-style amenities, and dining by José Andrés, there’s also a Ritz-Carlton Club with bespoke concierge and lounge access.
Courtesy Marriott Bonvoy
The Goodtime Hotel
Conceived by musician (and Louis Vuitton men’s designer) Pharrell Williams with hospitality impresario David Grutman, Miami’s Goodtime Hotel features 266 guest rooms and suites just a short stroll from the beach. A member of Marriott Bonvoy’s Tribute Portfolio, Insta-ready moments litter the property, from the third-floor pool deck with its dual striped pools to the pink-paneled library. If you’re seeking a luxury retreat with character and personality, this is a strong pick.
Courtesy The Goodtime Hotel
Acqualina Resort and Residences
This gorgeous oceanfront Sunny Isles property was designed for sunbathers who prefer to be far from the disco din of Miami Beach proper. With its three pools and private beach, it’s the place to take a much-needed chill pill.
Acqualina Resort & Spa
1 Hotel South Beach
If you like your luxury beach hotels eco-friendly, then this is the place for you. The holy trinity of green-living buzzwords—organic, reclaimed, and sustainable—is fully represented here in the bedding, food offerings, and furnishings. Enjoy the view of infinity with an exceedingly small carbon footprint.
1 Hotel South Beach
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
Opened in 1954 and designed by architect Morris Lapidus in the distinctive “Miami Modern” (or MiMo) style, Fontainebleau Miami Beach has become an enduring icon of glamour. It’s also where James Bond famously stayed in Goldfinger. With a pedigree that cool, there’s really nothing else to be said.
Paul Warchol
Faena Hotel Miami Beach
The most-discussed hotel for several years leading up to its opening in 2015, Faena Hotel Miami Beach turned out to be totally worth the hype. Almost a decade later, it’s still one of the buzziest, most decadent beachfront properties in Miami. You know you want to take a selfie in front of the golden woolly mammoth sculpture by Damien Hirst.
Todd Eberle
The Setai
Combining a restored historic 1936 Art Deco façade with contemporary, Asian-inspired design, the Setai offers 90 Art Deco rooms alongside suites and ocean-view accommodations. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the hotel offers direct access to white sand and the Atlantic, while still being within walking distance of fine dining, shopping and nightlife.
The Setai Miami Beach
The Miami Beach EDITION
The Edition opening was another one people were glued to. The brainchild of real estate magnate and Studio 54 co-owner (and codefendant) Ian Schrager, this Collins Avenue lodestar features a signature scent of black tea and bergamot and a neon-colored bowling alley.
Courtesy of The Miami Beach Edition
The Palms
It’s not just a clever name. While walking from the hotel to the beach, you’re constantly under a canopy of palm branches. Located in north Miami Beach, this is the place for you if you’re looking for peace and quiet.
The Palms Hotel & Spa
Four Seasons at the Surf Club
For all the children of history, the Surf Club is a mecca. Among its most famous guests were the duke and duchess of Windsor, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, the shah of Iran (OK, maybe not a selling point), and many more. The Joseph Dirand–designed hotel residences ain’t too shabby either.
FOUR SEASONS HOTELS AND RESORTS
Mondrian South Beach
It’s South Beach without being South Beach. Located on the Bay of Biscayne side, it’s a Marcel Wanders–designed haven from the hubbub of its oceanside neighbors, a few minutes’ car-ride to the east. It’s where you stay if you want to come home from the beach—not live at it.
Mondrian South Beach
Nobu Hotel at Eden Roc
The Rockwell Group took inspiration from Japanese design—neutral colors and silk cherry blossom wallcoverings—for the calming interiors of this Robert De Niro–backed ode to chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Obviously, aside from the beachfront, the culinary sitch is the main draw here.
Nobu Hotel at Eden Roc Miami Beach
Soho Beach House
Hoping to find Annabelle Bronstein’s membership card in the loo? Try your luck here at the Miami outpost of the buzzy British collection of private club hotels. We hope your English accent is better than Samantha Jones’s.
Soho Beach House
W South Beach
The 400 rooms here are huge, and all come with balconies and jaw-dropping views. There are dozens of Warhols on display, and celebrity-spotting is like shooting fish in a barrel. All that before you even get to your chaise on the beach.
Courtesy / W South Beach
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