The Best Luxury Hotels in Miami
The coastal city of Miami is one of the most popular tourist destinations not just in the Sunshine State but also in the entire country. Nicknamed the “Magic City” because of how fast it evolved into a buzzing metropolis, Miami is known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, incredible art scene, friendly neighborhoods, and diverse culture makeup. These are just some of the many reasons why travelers from all parts of the globe are drawn to this thriving city.
As a world-renowned holiday destination and a favorite among extravagant travelers and celebrities, it’s no surprise that Miami is home to numerous luxury hotels that go above and beyond for the comfort and satisfaction of guests. If you’re looking to splurge a little and enjoy the VIP life, you won’t run out of lavish accommodation options in the Magic City.
Below is a round-up of the best luxury hotels in Miami. (Pro tip: If you need to store your excess baggage before exploring the city, look for a luggage locker and store your things there.)
Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club
The Four Seasons has long been synonymous with first-class hotel service and facilities and their location in Miami’s The Surf Club is no exception. The historic clubhouse and hotel in Surfside was built in 1930 and has hosted some iconic individuals such as Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra. After a major expansion, the hotel is now one of Miami’s finest luxury hotels that boast modern glass towers, a fine-dining restaurant (The Surf Club Restaurant), and an array of top-notch amenities and facilities.
Faena Hotel Miami Beach
Just by looking at the Faena Hotel Miami Beach, you can immediately tell that it is a great place to experience ultimate luxury in the city. Located in Miami’s Faena district, the hotel boasts an almost theatrical appearance; after all, the hotel was visualized by Hollywood filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and his designer wife, Catherine Martin.
This luxury hotel boasts various five-star facilities, including a 22,000 square-foot spa, fitness center, beachfront pool, and round-the-clock butler service on each floor. The Faena Hotel is also home to the Los Fuegos restaurant by Argentine celebrity chef and grillmaster Francis Mallmann.
Mandarin Oriental
Boasting an exclusive location in Brickell Key, the Mandarin Oriental provides the ultimate luxury experience for guests when in Miami. Away from the city’s hustle and bustle, the Mandarin Oriental has over 300 rooms outfitted with fancy items and furnishings and overlooks the beautiful Biscayne Bay.
Guests of the hotel are treated to an array of amenities, including a private, man-made beach, fitness gym, and a lavish, tri-level spa that offers various wellness treatments. The Mandarin Oriental is also home to La Mar, a Peruvian restaurant that is often regarded as one of Miami’s best.
Acqualina Resort & Spa
Situated in the city’s Sunny Beach Isles, the five-star Acqualina Resort & Spa is one of the best options for a plush staycation in Miami. Voted the top beachfront hotel in the continental U.S. by both the U.S. News and World Report and TripAdvisor, Acqualina has four pools, 98 luxurious rooms with oceanfront views, a 20,000 square-foot spa known as the Acqualina Spa by ESPA, and a range of on-site restaurants offering international cuisines.
St. Regis Bal Harbour
Located in the exclusive Bal Harbour in Miami Beach, the 27-story St. Regis is one of Miami’s most renowned luxury hotels and a designated Forbes Five-Star resort. The hotel, whose interiors were designed by renowned company Yabu Pushelberg, is the very definition of opulence.
St. Regis boasts a pristine beach, 243 rooms with balconies overlooking the ocean, two lavish infinity pools, three world-class restaurants and the five-star Remède Spa. The hotel is also conveniently located across the posh Bal Harbour Shops, which is considered the number one place in Miami for serious retail therapy.
The Setai
Nestled in popular Miami Beach, The Setai is a unique luxury hotel with an Asian-inspired theme and world-class hospitality. The hotel is among the most prominent in all of Miami and names celebrities such as Madonna and Beyonce as regulars. Entering the lobby, you can already get a sense of what’s in store; the zen-inspired lobby has two levels and adorned by French limestone and black granite floors.
The Setai has 135 swanky suites (yes, all the rooms here are suites!) that feature lavish amenities such as Swedish DUXIANA beds, Jacuzzi tubs, black granite baths, and unbeatable views. Other facilities at The Setai include three temperature-controlled infinity pools, two on-site dining options and the indulgent Valmont Spa.
1 Hotel South Beach
Opened in 2015, the 1 Hotel South Beach is a grand five-star hotel and a top choice for a luxury stay in Miami. Formerly known as the Perry South Beach, the hotel went through a major renovation and rebranding and has since become one of the city’s most popular hotels. Located along Collins Avenue in South Beach, the 1 Hotel has 426 nature-inspired rooms and has several topnotch amenities such as a 600-foot long private beach, a Tesla car service, four pools, a fitness center, events space, and two restaurants.
Additionally, 1 Hotel South Beach is known for its extremely eco-conscious practices, boasting a range of environment-friendly features such as hemp mattresses, organic bedding, reclaimed furniture, and take-home socks in place of single-use hotel slippers. They also go to great measures to reduce their carbon footprint and created an app where hotel guests can do everything from ordering room service to turning off their room’s air-conditioning.
EAST
While most luxury hotels in Miami can be found by the beach, those who want lavish accommodation right in the heart of the city will definitely appreciate EAST. Situated in the center of the Brickell district, this modern hotel is a great option for travelers who want to experience the true culture of Miami and get to “live like a local”.
EAST also reflects the city’s multicultural nature with international influences – from the Bali-inspired rooftop bar to the on-site South American restaurant Quinto La Huella. Guests can also enjoy a massive pool deck, 24-hour fitness center, and function rooms for business travelers.
