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The Rundown
- Best Overall: SLS Brickell — See Rates at TripAdvisor, "Conveniently located for exploring the cultural and retail highlights of downtown."
- Best Budget: Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton - Miami/ Brickell-Downtown — See Rates at TripAdvisor, "This two-star hotel manages to get the balance right."
- Best Boutique: The Betsy - South Beach — See Rates at TripAdvisor, "A refined atmosphere that belies its location in the heart of bustling South Beach."
- Best for Families: Loews Miami Beach Hotel — See Rates at TripAdvisor, "The Loews Loves Kids program makes this hotel special."
- Best for Romance: Fisher Island Hotel & Resort — See Rates at TripAdvisor, "A seven-minute ferry ride from South Beach on an island that once served as a Vanderbilt retreat."
- Best Luxury: Mandarin Oriental, Miami — See Rates at TripAdvisor, "From the gold-toned lobby to the exquisite guestrooms, the decor is inspired by contemporary Asian opulence."
- Best for Nightlife: Delano South Beach Hotel — See Rates at TripAdvisor, "Privileged Sunday pool parties offer live DJs and occasional celebrity sightings."
- Best Oceanfront: COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach — See Rates at TripAdvisor, "Set aside a long stretch of white sand for guests, with loungers and umbrellas."
- Best Hostel: Posh South Beach Hostel — See Rates at TripAdvisor, "Includes discounts to major attractions such as Miami Seaquarium and Bass Museum of Art."
Best Overall: SLS Brickell
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Courtesy of SLS Brickell
Located amidst the towering skyscrapers of the financial district, SLS Brickell is conveniently located for exploring the cultural and retail highlights of downtown Miami. Personally designed by Philippe Starck, it exudes understated contemporary style. Rooms ensure your comfort with 55-inch TVs, rainfall showers, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Relax on your private balcony, surrounded by panoramic downtown views. Suites offer a range of luxury additions, including a wrap-around balcony, soaking tub, and Nespresso coffee machine.
Throughout the day, savor uncomplicated cuisine at one of two award-winning restaurants. Bazaar Mar serves locally caught seafood in a white-hued space adorned with a maritime mural. Fi’lia is your choice for gourmet Italian fare and fine wines. On the rooftop, classic cocktails are served beside the pool and DJs spin relaxed tunes every Sunday. For a moment of true indulgence, book a treatment at Ciel Spa.
Best Budget: Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton - Miami/ Brickell-Downtown
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Courtesy of Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton
Quality affordable accommodation is hard to come by in Miami, but this two-star hotel manages to get the balance right. Located a stone’s throw from Downtown in sophisticated Brickell, it offers a choice of air-conditioned rooms and suites. All of them include free high-speed Internet and an HD TV with premium cable. Upgrade to a suite for higher-end amenities ranging from a wet bar to a whirlpool bathtub. Hampton Inn & Suites ensures value for money with plenty of complimentary add-ons.
These include local calls, tea, and coffee available around the clock in the lobby, as well as a hot breakfast. There are three restaurants on-site (a Chinese eatery, a spot for healthy subs and salads and a gastropub specializing in comfort food). You can workout at the fitness center or relax by the rooftop pool with a cocktail from the Pool & Lobby Bar. A selection of meeting rooms and a 24-hour business center makes this hotel ideal for the budget-conscious business traveler, too.
Best Boutique: The Betsy - South Beach
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Courtesy The Betsy
Situated a few steps from the beach, The Betsy enjoys a refined atmosphere that belies its location in the heart of bustling South Beach. It is a fine example of Florida Georgian architecture with shuttered windows and slender columns. The 130 ocean-inspired rooms and suites either channel the romance of the colonial era or offer Art Deco sophistication. All rooms have dark walnut wood floors, original artworks, carefully curated guest libraries and marble bathrooms.
A highlight is the Ocean Front Deck, a spectacular space for early morning yoga or sundowners overlooking the Atlantic. It also boasts the only outdoor spa in Miami Beach. There’s a fitness center on-site, as well as two pools. In the evening, sample the finest surf and turf at LT Steak & Seafood restaurant or visit the Conservatory for cocktails. On Wednesday and Thursdays, the Lobby Bar hosts an atmospheric live jazz series.
Best for Families: Loews Miami Beach Hotel
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Courtesy of Loews Miami Beach Hotel
Loews Miami Beach Hotel is located on the South Beach oceanfront - allowing you to enjoy a wide range of activities, including snorkeling, kayaking, banana boat rides and surfing lessons. Guestrooms offer additional sleeping space in the form of cribs and roll-away beds, while suites include a living room with a pull-out sofa bed. Complimentary Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV keep kids of all ages entertained.
The Loews Loves Kids program makes this hotel special. It includes a closet stocked with toys, books and parenting necessities such as night-lights and strollers. For teens, there’s an Xbox lending library and music download cards, while the SoBe Kids' Camp keeps younger children entertained with scavenger hunts, sand castle contests and more. The swimming pool includes a shallow wading area, while the spa is a sanctuary for weary parents.
Best for Romance: Fisher Island Hotel & Resort
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Courtesy of Fisher Island Hotel & Resort
This exclusive resort is a seven-minute ferry ride from South Beach on an island that once served as a Vanderbilt retreat. Sculpted gardens and breathtaking ocean views make Fisher Island the ideal romantic getaway. There are just 15 suites, each with a decadent soaking tub and a separate living room with a sofa for intimate evenings in. For a truly indulgent experience, choose one with a private patio and Jacuzzi.
Spend quality time with your loved one at the beach or on the nine-hole golf course. Alternatively, opt for luxury treatments at the spa. A dedicated concierge attends to your every whim, while a complimentary golf cart provides transport for the duration of your stay. In the evening, dine at cosy La Trattoria; or celebrate a special moment at the Beach Club Restaurant with sushi and cocktails overlooking Biscayne Bay.
Best Luxury: Mandarin Oriental, Miami
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Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental
The five-star Mandarin Oriental enjoys an exclusive location on Brickell Key, resulting in breathtaking waterfront views of Miami’s glittering financial district. From the gold-toned lobby to the exquisite guestrooms, the decor is inspired by contemporary Asian opulence. All rooms offer a private balcony, a marble bathroom with designer toiletries and an interactive entertainment system.
Choose the Oriental Penthouse Suite for jaw-dropping Atlantic and skyline views and a living room complete with a piano and fireplace. There are four gourmet dining options, including award-winning Peruvian restaurant La Mar by Gaston Acurio. Enjoy classic cocktails overlooking the water at MO Bar & Lounge. An infinity pool, a state-of-the-art spa and a Grand Ballroom all add to the feeling of decadence.
Best for Nightlife: Delano South Beach Hotel
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Courtesy of Delano South Beach Hotel
Designed by Philippe Starck, Delano South Beach is perhaps the most iconic of the area’s many party hotels. Start your revels at the hotel’s famous Rose Bar, where sultry decor and an inventive cocktail menu set the tone for the evening ahead. The party continues at Delano Beach Club. Here, sun loungers and private cabanas vie for space alongside an infinity pool thronged with beautiful people. In summer, Privileged Sunday pool parties offer live DJs and occasional celebrity sightings. Rooms and suites create a post-party sanctuary with 300 thread count linens and rainfall showers, while the spa is perfect for morning-after pampering. Head to Leynia restaurant for Argentinian steaks or Umi Sushi & Sake Bar for light bites before the next night’s festivities.
Best Oceanfront: COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach
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Courtesy of COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach
The 74-room boutique hotel basically defines modern luxury in and of itself, but the beach is the jewel in the crown of the gorgeous property. This branch of the stylish COMO Metropolitan brand has set aside a long stretch of white sand for guests, with loungers and umbrellas, as well as staff who can take food and drink orders. Inside, the hotel is classic Miami Beach Art Deco, just translated into 2018 with a trendy-but-relaxing ocean-inspired color palette throughout the common areas and rooms. After a day taking in the sea and sun, indulge in a treatment at the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape spa —or head back to your oasis of a room with a rainfall shower, insanely comfortable beds, and COMO Shambhala toiletries. Oh, and if you like gin, look no further than the Traymore Bar where you'll find 40 artisanal varieties of the spirit paired with housemade tonics.
Best Hostel: Posh South Beach Hostel
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Courtesy of Posh South Beach Hostel
Posh South Beach Hostel is a block from Ocean Drive and the beachfront, and a far cry from your average hostel. It features co-ed bunk bed dormitories with memory foam mattresses, secure lockers, reading lights and privacy dividers. There’s a shuttle bus to Miami International Airport, high-speed Internet and complimentary fitness classes. You can cook in the hostel’s high-tech kitchens, and enjoy a free Happy Hour at nearby Whitelaw Hotel. The rooftop boasts a patio, sun loungers and a swimming pool. Your stay includes discounts to major attractions such as Miami Seaquarium and Bass Museum of Art.