Luxury Hotels in Miami and South Beach: Here's Where To Stay

Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash

The South Beach area of Miami is one of the most popular destinations in Florida. It's not hard to see why: there are great places to stay, a ton of restaurants and shops, and excellent beaches all within walking distance of each other.

Admittedly, there are miles of hotels, resorts, and beachfront bungalows, so you won't have too many difficulties finding a room in Miami. But if you're seeking a luxury stay and an exclusive hotel, then we have some picks for you.

Since many of the area's hotels offer a winning combination of sun, sand, sleep, and repeat, the city's best luxury hotels have had to get creative to stand out. 

But above all, Miami's top luxury hotels excel at providing stellar service and unwavering comfort. Here are our ultimate VIP picks in Miami and Miami Beach.

Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club

Miami's revived beachfront beauty

Perhaps one of the most iconic hotels in Miami Beach, The Surf Club has regained its glory days as a Four Seasons Hotel at Surfside.

Initially opened in 1930 in Surfside, just south of Bal Harbour, it was once the seaside holiday getaway for Hollywood legends in the '30s. 

Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club heralded in a new era of luxury after a renovation completed in early 2017. After five years of planning and three years of renovation, the result is a marriage between modern and old charm. 

Beige walls and warm-toned marble echo the sand outside, while green and blue accents recall the palm trees and the Atlantic Ocean, visible from most rooms through their floor-to-ceiling windows.

After a day shopping or tanning at the poolside, guests can dine at Le Sirenuse, which is the U.S. debut of Italy's famed restaurant and a champagne bar. 

Equally as beautiful are the nine acres of landscaped seaside gardens.

Overall, one of our top pics.

Photo by reisetopia on Unsplash

1 Hotel South Beach

Your beachside escape to nature in Miami

Reclaimed woods, organic linens, and a massive living wall: 1 Hotel's commitment to sustainability permeates every facet of this jumbo-sized oceanfront resort. Every detail was crafted and developed with the philosophy that those who travel the world also care about its well-being.

But going green doesn't have to come at the expense of being well pampered.

Occupying an entire city block on Collins Avenue, this luxury hotel sits on a plot of picture-perfect beachfront overlooking the expansive Atlantic Ocean and offers views of Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami's skyline. 

Scattered throughout the U-shaped property, four pools cater to different crowds. Families head to the oversized center pool, for example, while lap swimmers exercise in the Cabana Pool. The most epic views, though, come from the 18th-floor pool, adjacent to the hotel's rooftop bar.

Be sure to head up to that rooftop bar for some nosh and a perfect martini after a day of shopping.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

Fontainebleau Miami Beach

See and be seen

Lively and luxe with a South Beach address is what you will find here at Fontainebleau. In turn, thanks to its svelte design, excellent amenities, and sheer size, Fontainebleau is a standout on Miami's Collins Avenue. 

This hotel has been the dominant standout in the Miami hotel scene since 1954. From its over 1,500 rooms, it's the place to see and be seen in with its multiple bars like Bleau Bar, Glow Bar, and La Cote, all the way to the hot Miami nightclub, LIV.

You won't ever need to leave the property — but if you do, it will likely be to the beach right at its doorstep.

Photo by Humphrey Muleba on Unsplash

The Setai

A serene address in Miami Beach

With its Asian-inspired, streamlined decor, The Setai, Miami Beach will have you wondering if you're in South Beach or Shanghai.

Either way, it won't matter at this exceedingly stylish beachfront resort with teak floors, lacquer furniture, and bronze and dark stone accents.

All the rooms are suites and are stocked with everything you need to feel at home, from rain showers to Bose surround sound stereos. Each suite features Duxiana beds, Acqua di Parma amenities, black granite baths, and the newer suites have their own jacuzzis.

For relaxation, indulge in spa treatments from Paris-based Thémaé. Adjacent are three infinity pools with temperatures of 75, 80, and 90 degrees, respectively.

Two thumbs up.

Photo by Isaac Martin on Unsplash

Faena Hotel Miami Beach

Over-the-top glamour in Miami Beach

This glamorous retro masterpiece has theatrical accents like the over-the-top, 24-karat Wooly mammoth skeleton. It is what makes Faena Hotel Miami Beach a wonder of the world.

The 1947-built Saxony reigned in the '50s and '60 s as the "Queen of Collins Avenue," where icons Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Dean Martin often performed. 

When it opened in December 2015, Faena Hotel Miami Beach made a splashy debut. Not only did the Miami hotel unveil decadent décor courtesy of big-name Hollywood players, but it also brought back that Old Hollywood glamour with a modern take in an attempt to catalyze a cultural renaissance in Miami.

Each floor features around-the-clock butler service. There is also a 22,000 square-foot spa for guests to enjoy, plus a perfectly serene beachfront pool along with two of the hottest restaurants in Miami; Los Fuegos and Pao.

Photo by Muzammil Soorma on Unsplash

Final take

You cannot go wrong with any of our choices.

Didn't see the one you like? Let us know. We'll perhaps feature it on the next go-around.

Happy travels!

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