FREE・The Stays | 14 Hot Spot Hotels in Miami ☀️

The Hotels

After countless hours planning my own recent trip to Miami, I rounded up my top fave hotels in the magical city. Stay tuned for another round up of a 3 day itinerary. and a full week's itinerary!

For reference, I visited in May 2023, and the weather was tropical and warm. The first half of my trip was for a bachelorette near Miami Shores, partied all across town, and we stayed at a super cool Airbnb. The second half I stayed in Mid-Beach while Formula 1 events were happening. Let’s start there!

Mid-Beach

After a weekend of bachelorette festivities, I booked Nobu/Eden Roc in Mid-Beach for a relaxing 4 night stay. There, I laid around in the beach cabanas during the day, and ate at the restaurants all within a 10-minute walk from my room (there's Nobu, Hakkasan, Ocean Social, and Aqualina!). Not to mention, I spent an afternoon at the Nobu Spa (called Essencia Wellness Spa) all to myself -- yup, the hot spa, cold plunge, steam room, sauna, and beds!

Locally, there are also "Very Miami" bars and hotels, including Broken Shaker and 27. Nobu will even let you borrow bikes to go up and down the boardwalk right outside the hotel.

Nobu Hotel Miami Beach

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Modern and luxurious, offering views of the Atlantic Ocean and intracoastal waterway, the beachfront Nobu Hotel Miami Beach offers 4 swimming pools, 2 restaurants, and on-site spa services. The famed shops and restaurants of Lincoln Road Mall are 3 mi from the Japanese-inspired resort. Delight in organic and farm-to-table concepts at the oceanside Ocean Social restaurant. From pan-seared scallops to wild yellowtail, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa prepares Japanese-fusion cuisine at Nobu restaurant for dinner. A Cafe Inez is available in the lobby. The luxury shops of Bal Harbour are located 4.8 mi from the resort while Miami Beach Convention Center is 2.5 mi away. Miami International Airport is 17 minutes' drive from the property and guests will be 6.1 mi from Wynwood design and art district.

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Eden Roc Miami Beach

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Ranked top 3 Best Hotel in Miami 2022 by Condé Nast Traveler. Discover the energy of Eden Roc, your vibrant beachfront oasis ☀️ Featuring beach access and free WiFi, Eden Roc Miami Beach offers SPA - ESENCIA WELLNESS - Inspired by the Beach Cosmopolitan Lifestyle. This beachfront resort includes 3 swimming pools, ocean-view cabanas, and 2 on-site restaurants. It is 9.9 km from the Wynwood art and design district. Rooms at Eden Roc Miami Beach offer a 55-inch flat-screen Smart TV and bluetooth radio speaker in each media centre. Select suites include balconies and panoramic views. An en suite safe and small refrigerator are provided. Schedule a private yacht charter at Eden Roc’s marina or enjoy jet skiing nearby. Indoor and outdoor event and meeting spaces are available by reservation. The 24-hour fitness centre offers additional services including personal trainers and fitness classes. Guests can enjoy organic farm-to-table dining at Ocean Social restaurant. Nobu Restaurant serves Japanese-fusion cuisine among modern Japanese-inspired decor. The poolside restaurant is also available for quick dining in between swimming and sunbathing. Bass Museum of Art is 7 minutes’ drive while Lincoln Road Mall is 11 minutes’ drive from the hotel. Miami International Airport is 17.7 km away.

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Fontainebleau Miami Beach

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Beachfront Fontainebleau Miami Beach features scenic ocean views and 6 outdoor swimming pools surrounded by private cabanas. A nightclub, 9 restaurants, and a spa are located on site for comfort. Hotel Fontainebleau Miami Beach offers 9 dining establishments with a wide range of cuisines, including Chinese, Italian, and Japanese. My favorite go-to is Hakkasan for cocktails and the Chilean sea bass. Take a tour of the Art Deco District (3.4 mi drive) or enjoy the shops, restaurants, and sights of Lincoln Road Mall (3.1 mi drive). Miami International Airport is 20 minutes’ drive away.

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South Beach

Okay, let’s talk about South Beach! Ready for a throwback to the '50s? Pastel hotels, light up signs, and retro cars are all located here! Try spending time in South Beach, particularly in the walkable district of Ocean Drive. Experience the most famous beaches known for it's turquoise waters and white sand beaches. There are adventures and water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding.

From Mid-Beach I took an Uber over, checked out some hotels, colorful lifeguard stands, and restaurants. My favorite was Gianni’s, at the old Versace Mansion, for a prix fixe meal with an epic pool and very cool architecture. Let’s chat hotels. In the evening, hit up one of the many nightclubs in the area, such as LIV or Story, for a night of dancing and partying. Miami is famous for its nightlife, and South Beach is the perfect place to experience it.

W South Beach

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Relax by the poolside at W South Beach, which features 2 on-site pools and a light fare bar and grille. Located in Miami Beach, this resort offers cabana rentals and poolside light fare from WET® Bar & Grille. A private balcony with ocean views, a 37-inch flat-screen TV and a marble-lined private bathroom are included in every suite and studio. Select rooms house a kitchen or kitchenette and the mini bar offers chargers, sun block, snacks and more. Workout at FIT, W South Beach’s fitness centre, or enjoy a game of basketball or tennis at SWISH or SWING. Guests can treat themselves to facials, massages, and nail care at AWAY Spa Miami or hire bicycles for daytime explorations. Delight in authentic Asian fares at Mr Chow, which serves dinner under a 125-foot gold-leaf chandelier, or dine on yellowtail, oysters, and ceviche at The Restaurant W South Beach, which offers a roots-inspired American concept. Lincoln Road Mall is 8 minutes’ drive from the resort while world-famous South Beach is 7 minutes’ drive. Miami International Airport is 18 km from the property.

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Faena Hotel Miami Beach

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The oceanfront Faena Hotel is situated in Miami Beach, Florida and features an outdoor pool and a South American-inspired spa with massage, nail care, and salon services. The fitness centre with an ocean view offers daily indoor and outdoor classes. A relaxed meal or cocktail can be enjoyed at Veranda, which boasts views of the pool and ocean. Pao serves Asian cuisine with international influences, including original rice dishes and fresh meats and fish. The restaurant, Los Fuegos, boasts an open-fire kitchen and dishes made with local ingredients. Guests can retreat to the late-Deco styled rooms with free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, and a safety deposit box. Each Carrara marble-tiled bathroom has bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries. Nearby, the Miami Beach Convention Center is 2.5 km away, and golfing is 2.9 km away at Bayshore Municipal Golf Course. Premium shopping at the Lincoln Road Mall is 8 minutes' drive from the Miami Beach Faena Hotel, while the Art Deco District is 9 minutes' drive away from the hotel.

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The Miami Beach EDITION

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This beachfront Miami Beach hotel features an on-site ice skating rink, 2 outdoor pools, free WiFi access, and a petite spa. The Lincoln Road Mall is 2.3 km away from the Florida hotel. A flat-screen cable TV, a desk, and a minibar are included in each air-conditioned, spacious room at The Miami Beach EDITION. The en suite bathroom has a bathrobe and a hairdryer. A bowling alley, nightclub, and fitness centre are available for guests to enjoy on site at The EDITION. Bars and cabanas are offered poolside, and an outdoor movie theatre is also featured. Matador Room prepares Latin cuisine while Tropicale serves light snacks poolside. The Market at The Miami Beach EDITION includes cocktails, sandwiches, and a raw bar. The Matador Bar and the Lobby Bar offer wine, champagne, and other beverages. Bass Museum of Art is 3 minutes’ drive away from the property. The Art Deco District is 3.4 km away. The Bayshore Municipal Golf Course is 6 minutes’ drive away from this Miami Beach hotel.

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The Setai Miami Beach

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Located directly on the beach in Miami’s famous Art Deco district, this resort offers yoga and tai-chi classes. Suites are furnished in Asian-style décor. Free WiFi and an iPod docking station are provided in every spacious suite at The Setai, Miami Beach. Rooms are equipped with espresso and coffee facilities along with a mini-bar. Miami Beach Setai features 3 infinity swimming pools and a business center. The on-site spa offers a number of massages and treatments, including a 60-minute Nepalese Body Polish. Concierges are available to provide recommendations. Guests can dine at 4 on-site restaurants including The Setai Grill, an American steakhouse serving Asian-inspired dishes. The Bar & Courtyard offers nightly drinks and snacks. Bayshore Golf Course is 1 mi from the resort. The Setai, Miami Beach is 1 mi from Lummus Park and 1050 feet from Bass Museum of Art.

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1 Hotel South Beach

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This historic oceanfront hotel features a private beach area and on-site dining options. There are 4 swimming pools, including an adult exclusive rooftop pool, available at 1 Hotel South Beach. A tablet with daily digital newspapers comes standard in every room, as does a 55-inch smart flat-screen TV. A mini bar, in-room water filtration system, and espresso machine with organic coffee are included. 1 Hotel South Beach guests can access the on-site fitness centre and spa and wellness centre. Guests looking for adventure can enjoy watersports activities while kids can explore the children's club activities. Four on-site snack and beverage bars, as well as 24-hour in-room dining are available. Shopping at Lincoln Road Mall is 1.2 km away from this hotel. Guests will be 5 minutes’ drive from the nightlife and dining of South Beach city centre. This is our guests' favourite part of Miami Beach, according to independent reviews.

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Loews Miami Beach Hotel

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This Miami Beach beachfront resort features a full-service spa and 6 restaurants and lounges. Guests can relax at the outdoor pool and hot tub or escape to the Art Deco District, just 5 minutes’ walk away. A city or ocean view is featured in all rooms at this Miami Beach hotel. A flat-screen cable TV, Keurig® coffeemaker, and free public WiFi are provided. Room service is available 24 hours per day. Kayaks, parasails, boogie boards, and complimentary banana boat rides are available for guests' enjoyment. The reception is open 24 hours and shops are located on site. The on-site fitness centre offers cardiovascular and strengthening equipment. A hairdresser is provided on-site. This family-friendly hotel has a state-of-the-art Kids Club and Rec Room featuring video and arcade games. Preston's serves a breakfast buffet featuring an omelet bar, local pastries, and a la carte items while Bar Collins serves Latin-inspired entrees for lunch and dinner. Traditional fares and seafood options are available poolside at Nautilus. The resort is also 9 minutes’ walk from Lincoln Road Mall and 8 km from the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Jungle Island theme park is 4.6 km away.

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The Betsy Hotel

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Located amidst the shopping, dining and entertainment on Ocean Drive, The Betsy Hotel, South Beach offers direct beach access, along with a courtyard and rooftop pool with 360 degree views. Adorned with fresh orchids and original art, every room offers hardwood floors and marble bathrooms. A flat-screen TV and a minibar are included in all rooms at The Betsy Hotel, South Beach. Betsy's rooftop Ocean Deck serves cocktails and guests can enjoy the sun loungers, ocean views and sunrise yoga. A fitness centre with Peloton bikes is also available on site. Private beach service offering chairs and umbrellas, an on-property library, and Carlton Room Lounge are also part of The Betsy. LT Steak & Seafood at The Betsy, South Beach is a contemporary American steakhouse located in the hotel’s lobby. Guests can enjoy cocktails at the Lobby Bar. Coffee beverages are provided at the Carlton Room Café. Miami Beach Convention Centre is also 1 km from the property.

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Brickell

My Uber driver was raised here, and it’s still his favorite part of town. Neat, right? These hotels are great for views, restaurants, and of course, for business (if that’s what brings you to town!). Around Brickell, start by visiting the Institute of Contemporary Art, a museum showcasing modern art and design. This museum features exhibitions from local and international artists and is a perfect spot for art lovers.

Afterward, head to the Design District and explore the high-end shops, galleries, and restaurants. This district is a perfect spot for shopping, and you can find brands like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. In the afternoon, head to Brickell City Centre, a luxury shopping mall with stunning architecture. This mall features several high-end brands like Saks Fifth Avenue, Armani, and Valentino.

W Miami

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This hotel is located in downtown Miami’s Icon Brickell urban development center. It has a 300-foot infinity pool overlooking Biscayne Bay. Linens and robes, an iPod docking station, and a 42-inch flat-screen TV with a film library are all included in the contemporary rooms and suites at W Miami. The rooms also feature a microwave and mini refrigerator. W Miami has an on-site spa that includes a water lounge. The lounge has a reflecting pool, hot and cold plunge pools, and a floating library. The W Miami’s fitness center features state-of-the-art equipment and expert trainers. A seasonal American menu is served at ADDIKT Modern Kitchen with a view of the pool and Biscayne Bay. The Miami Art Museum is less than 1 mile from the W Miami. Miami Riverwalk is adjacent to the property and Miami Beach is just 10 minutes' drive.

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Mandarin Oriental, Miami

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With stunning views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay, this hotel on Brickell Key Island offers luxurious spa services. The Shops at Mary Brickell Village are located just 950 metres away from the Mandarin Oriental, Miami. A balcony, flat-screen cable TV with a DVD player, and iPod docking station are included in all guest rooms. Guests can enjoy a well-stocked minibar, evening turndown service, and marble bathroom with walk-in shower and separate bathtub. Mandarin Oriental, Miami offers an infinity-edge outdoor pool with butler service as well as a state-of-the-art fitness centre. After a yoga class or personal training session, guests can relax with a massage in the full-service spa. La Mar by Gaston Acurio prepares Peruvian dishes while MO Bar + Lounge paires classic cocktails with a light fare menu. Miami city centre is only 3 minutes' drive away from the Mandarin Oriental hotel, and South Beach district is located 10.1 km away. The Wynwood Arts District is 5.4 km away, and Coconut Grove is 13 minutes' drive from the property.

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Bal Harbour/Surfside

Okay, so let’s talk some hotels that take you into the depth of the resort experience. At the northern tip of Miami Beach, Bal Harbour is tranquil and peaceful, and is famous for upscale shops, fine dining, and resorts. Beaches and parks are uncrowded, so if that's your vibe, try booking one of the following spots.

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

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At 14,000 square feet, The Spa at St. Regis at St Regis Bal Harbour Resort offers a number of spa services, including 11 treatment rooms, an aromatic steam room and Finish saunas. The resort is located 3 minutes' walk from Bal Harbour Shops. Rooms feature a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, and modern decor curated by Yabu Pushelberg. Select suites include a kitchenette, complete with stove top and kitchenware and spacious balconies with views of the ocean. The resort includes 17,651 square feet of meeting and event space. St Regis Athletic provides an on-site fitness centre with ocean views and group classes that include yoga, cardio and Pilates. Internet access is included and butler service is available. Atlantikós, the indoor-outdoor Mediterranean restaurant, features both lounge and bar seating, while BH Burger Bar serves American fare such as USDA prime cut steaks and fresh seafood. St Regis Bar and Wine Vault features live music, vintages wines. The resort is 14 km drive from the sights of South Beach and 25 minutes' drive from Brickell, Miami's financial centre. Miami International Airport is 24 km drive from St Regis Bal Harbour Resort.

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Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida

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This 1930s-era Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club is in the northern Miami Beaches on Collins Avenue 9.2 km from South Beach and 20.5 km from Downtown Miami. Features include on-site restaurant, beach, and pool area. Oceanfront dining is possible at the Amalfi Coast-inspired Le Sirenuse Miami and Champagne Bar & Lounge, which is a sister restaurant to the Michelin-starred Le Sirenuse's La Sponda in Positano, Italy. The property boasts architecture by Pritzker-prize winning architect, Richard Meier, and interior designer Joseph Dirandan. A holistic spa, fitness centre, and kid's club are offered. The front desk is open 24 hours. Custom furnishings, a flat-screen TV, and floor-to-ceiling windows in addition to a marble bathroom are standard in every Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club room. Some rooms have a balcony with an ocean or city view, and 5 unique Cabana Studios are offered as well. Bal Harbour Shops is 16 minutes' walk away, while the Miami Beach Convention Center is 9 km from Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club. Lincoln Road is 10 km from the property, and Miami International Airport is 23.5 km away.

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Enjoy your trip!

I’m excited for my next trip out to Miami for food, more luxurious stays, spas, and boats. Definitely would be tempted to stay in Mid-Beach again, but would also love to try a different area! Miami is a city that has something for everyone, from beautiful beaches to vibrant nightlife to delicious food.

With the above recommendations, experience the best of Miami and enjoy the sun, food, and nightlife of Miami! Check back soon for full day or week itineraries.

☀️🐠✨

Until next time, have fun and be well,

Stephanie