In a bygone era, Miami was the epitome of a lavish coastal retreat. During the 1930s, the city was a magnet for iconic figures such as Lucille Ball and Frank Sinatra, who were drawn to the allure of its sandy shores, vibrant nightlife, and Art Deco architecture. Fast forward to the present day, Miami, particularly its famed South Beach area, serves as a nostalgic nod to this golden era of travel. Here, vintage glamour and modern sophistication coalesce as celebrities of yesteryears are echoed in poolside loungers, while the spirit of legendary figures like Al Capone is palpable in the hidden corners of Española Way.
Exploring Miami transcends beyond the mere aesthetics of palm-lined beaches and cerulean pools; it’s an opportunity to journey through time by choosing to reside in exquisite boutique or heritage hotels that celebrate the city’s rich tapestry of culture and history. Whether you’re seeking lodging in the bustling heart of downtown, an oceanfront haven on South Beach, a tranquil resort in Coral Gables, or aiming for the legendary opulence of the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, you’ll find a plethora of options that encapsulate the enchantment that defines this Floridian metropolis.
Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club
Inaugurated on the eve of 1931, the Surf Club stands as a venerable Four Seasons establishment with a star-studded history that includes guests of the caliber of Elizabeth Taylor. Originally conceptualized by business titan Harvey Firestone, who was inspired by its captivating beachfront while sailing by, the Surf Club was envisioned as an exclusive sanctuary for celebrities seeking respite from public scrutiny. In the present day, the Four Seasons at the Surf Club continues to honor its illustrious heritage by offering premier beachside lodgings accompanied by an array of top-tier amenities you’d expect from a luxury establishment.
A standout feature of the Four Seasons at the Surf Club is its Lido Champagne Bar, notable for boasting the most extensive collection of Champagne throughout Miami. After a day of basking in the sweeping ocean vistas, retreat to this tropical haven replete with palm trees to savor a glass of exquisite bubbly.
St. Regis Bal Harbour
The St. Regis Bal Harbour epitomizes five-star coastal luxury, conveniently situated adjacent to the elite Bal Harbour shops—Miami’s upscale counterpart to New York’s famed Fifth Avenue. Just a stone’s throw away from the vibrant South Beach enclave, the hotel’s location is merely one of its many compelling features. One of the crown jewels of this Marriott establishment is its Remède Spa, renowned as one of Florida’s premier wellness sanctuaries, offering an array of sumptuous treatments and massages.
For those with the means, securing a stay in the Presidential Suite is highly recommended. This opulent space not only offers exclusivity with its own private elevator, but also features a sprawling wraparound balcony that provides breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Miami Beach.
Mr. C Coconut Grove
Nestled amidst the stunning vistas of Biscayne Bay and the stylish Coconut Grove district, famous for its trendy sidewalk cafes and diverse retail experiences, this luxury hotel offers a unique appeal. Though it’s situated a moderate 25-minute drive from the bustling South Beach, that distance serves as an asset rather than a drawback. Savvy travelers understand that opting for accommodations outside of Miami’s primary tourist hubs often results in securing a more attractive deal, without compromising on those captivating waterfront panoramas.
Moreover, the hotel’s proximity to the iconic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens—a picturesque Italianate villa that seems as if it’s been magically transported from the Amalfi Coast to Florida—is an added advantage. However, if your heart is set on experiencing South Beach, consider the Freehand Hotel. It provides an inviting, trendy atmosphere at a price point that’s more accessible compared to other high-end hotels in the vicinity.
The Betsy
Situated at the quieter end of Ocean Drive in the lively South Beach district, The Betsy stands as a four-star establishment that warmly welcomes both humans and their canine companions. In keeping with Florida’s balmy climate, the hotel features an array of open-air amenities, such as a verdant atrium, a courtyard swimming pool, and multiple terraces and decks where guests can revel in the Miami sun.
What sets The Betsy apart is its outstanding work-from-home environment, equipped with high-speed, complimentary Wi-Fi, concealed work nooks, poolside cabanas, communal spaces, and a continuous supply of freshly brewed coffee courtesy of local artisan roaster, Panther Coffee. Contrary to the notion that South Beach is solely a hub for revelry, The Betsy offers a tranquil retreat that allows for focused work while still being in proximity to the bustling nightlife and dining options that draw visitors to the area. If the monotony of working from your living room has worn thin, The Betsy presents an ideal setting that harmoniously blends work and leisure.
The Faena Hotel
While Miami’s South Beach may be best known for its vibrant parties and beach attire, it’s also a treasure trove of Art Deco architecture. Owing to its surge in popularity as a holiday destination in the 1930s, the area now boasts the world’s largest concentration of Art Deco structures, earning it status as a historically preserved district.
The Faena, a luxurious five-star haven situated in this iconic neighborhood, skillfully marries its historic roots with modern sensibilities. Its guest rooms are a tribute to the Art Deco era, adorned with bursts of red and turquoise, gold embellishments, and balconies that offer sweeping views of the oceanfront. But the Faena’s homage to Miami extends beyond architectural nostalgia; it also serves as an annual venue for the renowned Art Basel event, underscoring the city’s contemporary artistic significance. A striking highlight of the property is the opulent Golden Mammoth sculpture by Damien Hirst, housed in a glass enclosure by the poolside and valued at an estimated $15 million.
Esmé
Esmé stands as a captivating boutique hotel steeped in an intriguing backstory. Taking its cue from the bohemian charm of New York’s Greenwich Village, Esmé evolved from what was once an actual community named Española Way. Conceived in the Roaring Twenties as a sanctuary for artists and free spirits, Española Way initially included a narrow alley intended to function as the community’s central artery. However, instead of fulfilling its idealistic aspirations, the area garnered a more disreputable reputation, even attracting notorious figures like Al Capone.
Fast forward to today, and the 145-room Esmé Hotel breathes new life into the heritage site. Comprising the original eight structures that once formed this micro-town, Esmé now features an array of eclectic offerings: a Basque-themed pub, a Mediterranean culinary haven known as The Drexel, the inviting cocktail venue El Salon, and its sister establishment, Casa Matanza, which is reputed to have been one of Al Capone’s old gambling dens.
Investment in transforming this erstwhile village into its intended paradise was not spared, making Esmé arguably one of the most singular and enchanting lodging experiences you could find in the whole of Florida.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
The Fontainebleau is not just a hotel; it’s a cinematic and cultural landmark perched on Miami Beach, gracing numerous films such as ‘The Bodyguard,’ ‘Scarface,’ and ‘Goldfinger.’ A longtime magnet for the glitterati, this iconic venue has welcomed an array of stars, from Judy Garland and Bob Hope to Elvis Presley. Such is its reputation that it hardly requires an introduction, well-known far beyond the confines of Miami and Florida.
In the early 21st century, the Fontainebleau underwent an extensive billion-dollar transformation, elevating its array of pools and cabanas to new heights of luxury. This is the place to see and be seen, particularly at its sun-drenched Beach Club-inspired ARKADIA—an exclusive, adults-only poolside fiesta featuring private cabanas, gourmet delicacies, and optional personal butler service for those ready to indulge.
For those seeking tranquility over revelry, the on-site Lapis Spa is considered a jewel among American wellness retreats, offering amenities like mineral pools, eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, and Marrakech-inspired hammams. Even if a stay at the Fontainebleau strains your budget, you can still capture a slice of its opulence with a cocktail at their in-house lobby lounge, the Bleu Bar.
1 Hotel South Beach
As the inaugural property of the 1 Hotel brand, this beachfront sanctuary seamlessly blends the company’s signature eco-friendly ethos with Miami Beach’s effortlessly chic ambiance. The building’s architectural grandeur is exemplified by soaring, floor-to-ceiling windows that not only provide awe-inspiring vistas of its 600-foot private beach but also minimize energy consumption.
The interior exudes a tranquil respite from Miami’s sultry heat, largely constructed from an eco-conscious palette of driftwood, reclaimed lumber, and recycled materials. Geographically, the hotel enjoys a prime location that sits on the cusp of diverse experiences. It’s ideally situated to give guests the best of both worlds: the pulsating energy of South Beach’s nightlife on one side and the sumptuous dining options in the Mid-Beach area on the other—making it the perfect locale for a rejuvenating night’s slumber.
Miami Beach Edition
While panoramic ocean vistas, secluded cabanas, sun-kissed Florida beaches, Art Deco design elements, and sparkling swimming pools are standard fare for Miami hotels, the inclusion of an ice rink is decidedly less typical. Yet, that’s precisely one of the unique attractions you’ll find at the Miami Beach Edition Hotel. This exceptional venue boasts an indoor ice rink spanning 2,000 square feet, complete with views overlooking the vibrant Collins Avenue.
But the surprises don’t end there. As a five-star boutique establishment, the Miami Beach Edition provides lavish accommodations set against a stunning beachfront backdrop. Moreover, it hosts an array of dining and beverage options—five to be exact. Among these, the Matador Room stands out, offering a culinary journey crafted by Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
The Standard
Situated on the idyllic Belle Isle, just a stone’s throw from South Beach, The Standard Hotel in Miami bills itself primarily as a sanctuary for holistic wellness, rather than just another lodging option. Enclosed by lush tropical gardens, each guest room features private terraces and, in select cases, exterior soaking tubs for a more immersive natural experience.
The spa facilities at The Standard are nothing short of extraordinary, offering both indoor and outdoor hydrotherapeutic indulgences. Guests can luxuriate in an array of aquatic retreats, ranging from multiple swimming pools and a serene infinity pool to a Turkish-inspired Hamam, invigorating plunge pools, and even sound showers designed to soothe the senses. Further amplifying its wellness credentials, the spa routinely invites some of the globe’s most renowned yoga instructors and therapeutic massage specialists to enhance your journey toward ultimate relaxation.