Sun, Sand, and Style: The Top 20 Hotels for an Iconic Miami Getaway

Sun, Sand, and Style: The Top 20 Hotels for an Iconic Miami Getaway - South Beach Glamour at The Setai

Located right on Collins Avenue in the heart of South Beach, The Setai Miami Beach is one of the most iconic and luxurious hotels in the area. As soon as you step inside the lobby, you'll be transported back to the Art Deco era with its lavish oriental rugs, dark wood accents, and intimate seating areas. While the building itself dates back to the 1930s, The Setai underwent an extensive renovation in 2005 to transform it into the glamorous retreat it is today.

One of the things that really sets The Setai apart is its three temperature-controlled pools, complete with pool attendants ready to cater to your every need. You'll feel like royalty as you lounge by the pool sipping cocktails and taking in the Miami sunshine. The pool area oozes luxury, with cushy lounge chairs, private cabanas, and palm trees swaying in the breeze. It's easy to spend an entire day here relaxing in total comfort and style.

When you're ready to indulge even further, make your way to The Spa at The Setai for a rejuvenating treatment. Choose from a wide array of massages, facials, body treatments and more - all provided in sleek, Asian-inspired treatment rooms. The spa amenities are just as lavish as the rest of the hotel, with a serene Zen garden, vitality pools, steam rooms, saunas and experiential rain showers. Treat yourself to the signature Jade Stone Massage for the ultimate pampering experience.

The rooms and suites continue the glamorous aesthetic with Art Deco motifs, dark wood furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows revealing spectacular ocean or city views. Many accommodations also come with deep-soaking tubs and spacious terraces - the perfect spot for taking in colorful Miami sunsets. For the ultimate luxury, book the three-bedroom penthouse complete with a rooftop pool and panoramic vistas.

While The Setai offers everything you could want for a fabulous beach vacation, its Collins Avenue location also puts you in the heart of South Beach's best dining, nightlife and shopping. Take a quick stroll to Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road or Espanola Way to experience the best of the neighborhood. Just be sure to return in time for sunset cocktails back at the hotel's elegant bar.

Sun, Sand, and Style: The Top 20 Hotels for an Iconic Miami Getaway - Art Deco Charm at The Hotel of South Beach

Transport yourself back to Miami's glamorous Art Deco era with a stay at The Hotel of South Beach. This historic hotel, originally built in the 1930s, has been meticulously restored to capture all the style and charm of its heyday. From its iconic "Maharajah Headboard" to terrazzo floors and decorative metallic finishes, The Hotel oozes retro vibes.

One of the best ways to experience the property's Art Deco elements is in its spacious guest rooms and suites. Here you'll find rounded edges, glass block walls, glossy lacquered furnishings and bold geometric patterns, all paying homage to the architecture of the period. Unique accents like vintage travel trunks as tables and maharajah statues above the headboards add quirky decorative touches. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the rooms with natural light and reveal lively street scenes below. For even more glamour, book one of the colorful cabana rooms located poolside.

Beyond the rooms, Art Deco flourishes abound in the hotel's common areas. The lobby bar features a hand-painted ceiling and silver palm trees while the Tea Room restaurant has a tropical Deco theme with rattan furnishings and abstract wall murals. Even a walk down the hotel's labyrinthine corridors feels like a journey back in time thanks to porthole windows, sconces and display cabinets filled with Art Deco artifacts. Wandering the grounds, you'll notice exterior architectural details like glass block, neon signage, and a central tower emblematic of the period.

While Art Deco design is the highlight, Hotel of South Beach also has plenty to offer in terms of amenities. Lounge by the shimmering pool or get pampered at the spa before heading up to the rooftop for panoramic ocean views and craft cocktails. The hotel's Collins Avenue location puts you steps from the beach as well as South Beach's best shopping, dining and nightlife.

Art Deco aficionados insist this is one of the best places in Miami to experience this iconic design movement firsthand. The hotel has made many "best of" lists, like Conde Nast's Top 15 Hotels in Florida, thanks to its strong Art Deco bones. Guests consistently rave about the property's beautiful restoration and all the small nostalgic touches that make you feel transported back in time.

Design enthusiasts should make time to take one of the hotel's weekly Art Deco District tours. Led by a local architectural expert, you'll learn all about the history of the movement and the restoration process while seeing iconic buildings up close. The tour ends with a glass of champagne back at the hotel - the perfect capper to an immersive Art Deco experience.

Sun, Sand, and Style: The Top 20 Hotels for an Iconic Miami Getaway - Luxury and Views at 1 Hotel South Beach

Located right on the beach in the heart of South Beach, 1 Hotel South Beach prides itself on luxury that is eco-conscious. This hip retreat aims to immerse guests in nature through its sleek design and sustainability efforts without sacrificing any opulence or amenities.

As soon as you step foot on the property, you’ll notice an abundance of greenery. The hotel boasts over 10,000 plants scattered throughout the grounds, including in the monumental lobby which feels like an indoor forest. This connection to nature continues in the guest rooms thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize natural sunlight and reveal breathtaking ocean views.

Beyond delightful aesthetics, 1 Hotel South Beach integrates eco-conscious practices into every part of the experience. Building materials are recycled and renewable while water conservation and waste management efforts are state-of-the-art. The property even has an on-site farm that supplies the ingredients for farm-to-table fare at the restaurants. Luxury and sustainability coexist beautifully here.

For such a large hotel, the vibe is intimate and service is impeccable. Perks include complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas as well as a Tesla house car for cruising around town. Three ocean view pools provide endless spots for relaxing amid undulating palms. When you’re ready to venture out, the hotel’s prime South Beach location puts you steps from buzzing Collins Avenue.

The light-filled rooms continue the airy, beachy aesthetic with wood details and neutral fabrics accented by bright photography of flora and fauna. Even a standard room is sprawling at over 650 square feet, but oceanfront suites give the full Miami experience with sweeping water views from private balconies. Fall asleep to the sound of waves lapping right outside.

For the ultimate luxury, book one of the two-story bungalows with a private pool, rooftop deck, outdoor soaking tub, and direct beach access. These lavish hideaways feel worlds away despite being right in the middle of South Beach action. Lounging on your own pool deck overlooking swaying palms and the turquoise ocean makes for the quintessential Miami escape.

Rave reviews of 1 Hotel South Beach highlight the way it feels worlds apart from busy South Beach. Guests say they feel fully immersed in nature but still centrally located to enjoy the neighborhood’s best offerings. The sophisticated eco-conscious approach draws environmentally-minded travelers seeking luxury with responsibility.

Sun, Sand, and Style: The Top 20 Hotels for an Iconic Miami Getaway - New Hotspot at Esmé Miami Beach

Sleek and stylish with a buzzing social scene, Esmé Miami Beach has fast become the hottest new spot for the young, hip crowd. Ever since opening in late 2021, this boutique South Beach hotel has attracted influencers, artists, models and more who come for the Insta-worthy design, rooftop views, and lively ambiance.

The lobby alone sets the tone with its eccentric contemporary art, eclectic vintage furnishings, and abstract light fixtures. This playful aesthetic continues in the guest rooms and suites thanks to bespoke details like fur throws on the beds, distressed metal nightstands, and cheeky pastoral scenes painted on the walls. The vibe is artistic and unpredictable, unlike anything else in the area.

Beyond the bold design details, floor-to-ceiling windows fill the accommodations with natural light and capitalize on the hotel’s prime oceanfront location. Guests can’t seem to get enough of the gorgeous waterfront views from their private balconies. The oceanfront suites with deep soaking tubs feel extra indulgent.

However, the undisputed hotspot at Esmé is the sprawling rooftop lounge and pool terrace. During the day, guests luxuriate poolside on cozy rattan beds with icy drinks in hand. At night, the rooftop transforms into a lively club with DJs spinning and craft cocktails flowing. Sweeping views of South Beach provide an epic backdrop whether you're sunbathing or dancing under the stars. On weekends, good luck finding a spare spot up here.

The social atmosphere extends to the hotel’s Bar Pintxo which spills out onto the sidewalk, mimicking the tapas bars of Barcelona. Share small plates and Spanish wines late into the night with a mix of hip guests and locals. The vibe is electric.

Unsurprisingly, Esmé has become a magnet for influencers and celebs who love being seen at the next hot spot. The hotel even offers Instagram photography packages for aspiring content creators who want to take epic social shots around the property. But you’re just as likely to spot artists, musicians and designers who appreciate Esmé’s quirky creativity.

Guest reviews are over-the-top enthusiastic, raving about the lively energy and trendy ambiance that feels straight off the pages of Architectural Digest. People can’t stop gushing over the whimsical design details that make it delightfully different from chain hotels. Thanks to prime beach access, the hotel also attracts sun seekers who split time between the rooftop and the oceanfront.

Sun, Sand, and Style: The Top 20 Hotels for an Iconic Miami Getaway - Retro Vibes at The Plymouth Hotel

Embrace the vintage glamour of 1950s Miami Beach at The Plymouth Hotel, a gem on Ocean Drive that transports you back to the resort's midcentury heyday. As soon as you step inside the terrazzo lobby with porthole windows and an original mural by artist Earl Le Pan, it feels like you've time traveled to a chic retro retreat.

Beyond the lobby, the hotel's 75 guest rooms overflow with playful touches evoking the atomic age and the architecture of Morris Lapidus. Porthole windows, tropical motifs and vibrant colors create a whimsical vibe, while '50s-inspired egg chairs and bulbous light fixtures feel plucked straight from a period film set. For a truly immersive experience, book one of the themed suites like the Michel Mina Suite decked out in atomic starbursts or the Rec Room Suite with its retro game tables. Fall asleep in rooms filled with Sputnik chandeliers, lava lamps and other quirky accents of the era.

While the design delights, The Plymouth also offers some thoroughly modern amenities. Unwind in the sparkling pool and Jacuzzi, get beach ready at the full-service Bamford Haybarn Spa, or sip tropical cocktails at the lively rooftop bar. Despite its playful throwback aesthetic, this hotel has all the perks and pampering you expect from a luxury stay.

Dining also channels midcentury nostalgia, from the tropical rum bar in the lobby to the new Japanese steakhouse led by Chef Morimoto. For the full retro experience, head up to the Morimoto South Beach roof deck for outstanding sushi and 360-degree panoramas of the neighborhood. Vintage neon signs lend an authentic 1950s Miami Beach vibe.

Located right in the heart of the Art Deco District, The Plymouth puts you steps from top attractions like the beaches, Lincoln Road Mall and the iconic hotels and nightclubs that define the South Beach scene. Strolling the streets feels like walking through history thanks to the meticulously preserved architecture. Guests call it an Instagram lover's paradise.

In a neighborhood filled with imposing high rises, The Plymouth stands out for its intimate scale and whimsical design. Guests rave about escaping to this "little time capsule" that transports you back to Miami's glam heydays. The friendly and knowledgeable staff enhance the nostalgic experience by sharing fascinating stories about the hotel's restored midcentury details.

For a truly decadent time travel experience, book The Pink Suite, an over-the-top vision in, you guessed it, bright pink. This sprawling bi-level suite comes with a swanky retro living room, circular bed on a pedestal, and enormous original mural by Brazilian artist Pazzanesi. Guests say it's like staying in their own private pied-a-terre straight out of Mad Men, perfect for pretending you're one of the jet setting elite who once flocked to Miami Beach.

Sun, Sand, and Style: The Top 20 Hotels for an Iconic Miami Getaway - Beachside Boutique at The Shore Club

Tucked away on a quieter stretch of South Beach, The Shore Club offers a more intimate, boutique take on the quintessential Miami escape that still delivers luxury in spades. This beachfront gem has long been a favorite of celebrities and discerning travelers seeking chic accommodations, attentive service, and exclusive amenities.

Upon arriving, the lush tropical gardens immediately transport you into a secluded oasis in the middle of South Beach’s pulsing energy. Mature palm trees sway over petite courtyards with cozy seating nooks that feel miles away from busy Collins Avenue. The vibe is residential and peaceful. But make your way through the beautifully landscaped grounds to the rear infinity pool, and you’re met with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean that remind you this is prime Miami Beach real estate.

That dichotomy between privacy and location makes The Shore Club so special. Guests rave about the ability to relax poolside in near silence one minute, then take a quick stroll to South Beach’s best restaurants, bars and boutiques the next. You get the tranquility without sacrificing convenience. This also applies to the stylish guest rooms flanked by graceful palms and vibrant flowers. Gaze at the water from your private balcony before stepping out to all the action.

While the lush gardens and modern design attract, The Shore Club hangs its hat on delivering impeccable service. The staff know guests’ names and preferences, arranging beach chairs, scheduling spa appointments, delivering treats poolside - nothing is too big or small. People who crave the royal treatment flock here. But don’t be surprised by the innkeeper’s casual chic attire, keeping everything refreshingly unstuffy.

The newly redesigned Morimoto restaurant and bar receive rave reviews for outstanding Japanese fare and theatrical cocktails in a sleek, yet relaxed atmosphere. Make sure to check out the weekly schedule of events ranging from live music to mixology classes and more. Or lounge waterside at Nobu (one of only two Nobu outposts with an oceanfront location).

With just 75 rooms and suites, The Shore Club maintains an intimate ambiance unusual for Miami luxury hotels. If you seek something more residential, the exclusive Palms Villas take it up another notch with multi-bedroom bungalows boasting fully equipped kitchens and dip pools overlooking the sand. Perfect for an extended Miami vacation or multigenerational family getaway. Just be sure to book far in advance as villas sell out quickly thanks to a loyal following of repeat guests.

Sun, Sand, and Style: The Top 20 Hotels for an Iconic Miami Getaway - Family Fun at Loews Miami Beach Hotel

Nestled in the heart of South Beach, Loews Miami Beach Hotel is a top choice for families seeking a fun-filled getaway with style, service, and lots of activities. What sets this property apart is the way it expertly caters to kids and adults alike, ensuring every member of the family has an incredible vacation.

Upon arriving, families are wowed by the three-story waterfall and lagoon-style pool at the center of the property. Kids love the cascading water slides and chances for pool games like water basketball and volleyball. Adults appreciate the poolside bar and plenty of comfy lounge chairs for relaxing. With 800 feet of beachfront, you also have ocean waves for swimming and long walks along the sand hunting for seashells.

Many guests highlight the hotel's convenient location right on Collins Ave, putting families close to top attractions like the Miami Children's Museum, Jungle Island zoo, and Lincoln Road Mall. The property also offers a complimentary shuttle around Miami Beach, so you don't have to pile kids into rental cars for each outing. Staying on site means easy access to everything that makes South Beach so iconic.

Kid-friendly amenities abound, from the game room stocked with video games to the VIP Kids Club offering fun activities like scavenger hunts and crafts. Parents get a break while kids make new friends exploring the hotel and grounds. Free nightly camp-outs on the beach supervised by counselors give kids an adventure while parents enjoy dinner.

The spacious family-oriented suites make an ideal home base with separate bedrooms, living rooms, and furnished balconies. Families have room to spread out amid stylish modern decor. The hotel's four restaurants satisfy all tastes from upscale Italian to casual bistro fare. Plus, the on-site ice cream parlor is a huge hit!

According to guests, the excellent service really enhances the family experience. The cheery concierge helps arrange kid-friendly outings while the enthusiastic pool staff engages little ones in games and fun. Parents feel at ease knowing their kids are in good hands. Highly trained counselors customize activities for different ages at the kids club.

Sun, Sand, and Style: The Top 20 Hotels for an Iconic Miami Getaway - Design Forward at Faena Hotel Miami Beach

Overflowing with eccentric opulence and artistic flair, Faena Hotel Miami Beach takes a boldly imaginative approach to design that wows guests around every corner. This lavish property makes its mark through provocative architecture, whimsical public spaces, and lavish rooms that feel like your own private art gallery.

The fantastical vibe is apparent before you even arrive. The iconic red, gold and white tower was conceived by famed architect Alan Faena as his vision of a new form of collaborative luxury - and it doesn't disappoint. Step inside and be awestruck by a domed lobby where gilded columns frame larger-than-life mythical creatures. This dreamlike space sets the tone for artistic discovery throughout the hotel.

In the public areas, fantasy reigns supreme. Tree-like golden pillars support the lofty ceilings in the Tierra Santa restaurant while Damien Hirst's giant gilded mammoth skeleton holds court in the living room. A surreal underwater installation by Pipilotti Rist transforms the long corridor into a voyage beneath the sea. At every turn, innovative art installations turn the hotel into a feast for the imagination. Even a walk down the hall becomes an adventure.

Up in the rooms, flourishes of ornate wallpaper, vintage furnishings and eclectic objets d'art evoke the feel of being inside an art collector's lavish estate. Many rooms reveal postcard-worthy views of the Atlantic through floor-to-ceiling windows. Declare it a masterpiece. The lavish duplex suites take luxury to another level with sumptuous living rooms, stunning ocean vistas and whirlpool tubs.

While design delights, Faena also pampers with impeccable service, a tranquil spa, and one of Miami's hottest restaurants - Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann. Lounge poolside being treated like royalty before hitting the beach out back. Faena's Collins Avenue address means South Beach's best boutiques, bars and nightclubs are right at your doorstep once you're ready to venture out.

Guests can't stop gushing over the imaginative style that makes Faena Miami Beach feel like no place else. People call it the most innovative and decadent hotel design not just in Miami but the world. Even the most veteran travelers say they've never stayed anywhere quite as fantastical and unforgettable. The sheer artistry radiates luxury and originality around every corner.