We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Hotels + Resorts The 10 Best Hotels in Miami Beach Stay at these editor-loved properties and award-winning hotels. By Chris Dong Chris Dong Chris Dong is a travel reporter, editor, and strategist. He covers everything from the latest luxury hotels to the nuances of credit card rewards programs. Previously, Chris was a reporter and newsletter editor at The Points Guy. His work also appears in Lonely Planet, AFAR, The Washington Post, and Business Insider, among others. Chris lives in Los Angeles after spending nearly a decade in New York City. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on February 29, 2024 Photo: Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club With balmy temperatures year-round and a thriving Latin cultural scene, visiting Miami Beach almost feels like leaving the U.S. However, no passport is required to experience the city’s dazzling white sand, turquoise-blue waters, and colorful Art Deco architecture. The seven-mile island along the Atlantic Coast has something for everyone, from the party-until-the-wee-hours-of-the-morning nightlife of South Beach to the more serene and family-oriented North Beach. Then, there’s the Goldilocks compromise of Mid-Beach right in between, with a laidback atmosphere by day and a livelier vibe by night. With dozens of hotels to choose from — with many as eclectic as the city itself — this guide breaks down some of the best accommodations in Miami Beach. As a hotel aficionado and South Florida frequenter, here are some of my top choices, with help from Travel + Leisure’s staff editors and readers, as well as top picks from our World's Best Awards winners. Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com and Hotels.com What We Like Four Seasons at the Surf Club, at the northern end of the island, is a tranquil beachfront oasis in the otherwise busy commotion of Miami Beach. What to Consider It's one of the pricier options on our list. This World’s Best Awards winner for five years running (taking home the number 1 spot in 2023) is among Miami Beach’s most luxurious and secluded properties. The hotel stands out not only for its decorated history among Hollywood’s elite, but also for its transformation into a welcoming destination for families, couples, and full-time residents. The 77 guest rooms and suites offer floor-to-ceiling views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay, or the city alongside the contemporary style (and comfort) of French designer Joseph Dirand. Throughout the hotel's public spaces, from the stunning Champagne Bar to a library's worth of coffee table books, guests are encouraged to relax for a while and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. With “Serenity Lawns” and beachfront gardens perfect for a sunrise stroll, we like how Four Seasons at the Surf Club never feels overcrowded. The Details: Distance from Airport: 15.6 miles from MIAPet Policy: Pets allowed, freeParking Fee: $55 valet per nightResort Fee: $49 per nightStarting From: $615 per night The Setai, Miami Beach The Setai Book Now Also available to book at Hotels.com and Expedia.com What We Like We’re into The Setai’s minimalist aesthetic, with Asian-style decor and Art Deco accents; it’s an ideal South Beach address for those looking for privacy. What to Consider This is the place to stay if you’re seeking deep tranquility with the buzzy vibe of South Beach outside your door; just know that it’ll come with a higher price tag. As an all-suite enclave with 151 keys across 40 floors, The Setai somehow feels like a true hideaway in one of the busiest parts of Miami Beach. A two-story, zen-inspired lobby welcomes guests into this World’s Best Awards winner, where Beyoncé and Madonna have also happened to vacation. Polished attendants ensure guests have everything they need for a day of relaxation across three pools — one cold, one warm, one hot — and a gorgeous stretch of private beach. If catching up on sleep is on the agenda in between partying, this is the place to do it. King-size beds are dressed in Frette linens with handmade Swedish Duxiana mattresses. Meanwhile, bathrooms have double vanities, soaking tubs, and rainfall showers, plus bath amenities by Palm Angels. And we didn’t even mention the decadent Valmont Spa. The Details: Distance from Airport: 11.9 miles from MIAPet Policy: Pets allowed, freeParking Fee: $49 valet per nightResort Fee: NoneStarting From: $975 per night Faena Faena Hotel Miami Beach Book Now Also available to book at Tripadvisor.com and Hotels.com What We Like Whimsical decor and extravagant luxury provide guests with a certain “wow” factor that we think sets Faena apart from other Miami Beach hotels. What to Consider Faena is as much a luxury resort as it is a contemporary art exhibit – which is contrary to what you'll get with more traditional hotels. Faena has that Hollywood movie set magic, and for good reason. "The Great Gatsby" director Baz Luhrmann and his wife, Oscar-winning designer Catherine Martin, helped shape the reimagination of the property several years ago. Yes, that’s a woolly mammoth skeleton decked out in 24-karat gold inside a temperature-controlled glass cage near the beach. Thankfully, Art Deco style and bold Hollywood glamour coexist with genuinely luxurious digs and white-glove service. From bright turquoise velvet drapes to plush Deco area rugs, the 179 rooms and suites are every bit as opulent as the public spaces. Each floor has its own butler, too. Our World’s Best Awards winner houses the Tierra Santa Healing House, Faena’s sprawling 22,000-square-foot spa. It features one of the largest hammams on the East Coast (and you can bet you’ll find us there). Indulge in one of the shaman-inspired treatments or body-healing rituals after a nosh at Los Fuegos, Argentine super-star chef Francis Mallmann’s open-fire BBQ restaurant. The Details: Distance from Airport: 11.2 miles from MIAPet Policy: Pets allowed, $250 nonrefundable deposit per stay and $25 per nightParking Fee: $60 valet per nightResort Fee: $45 per nightStarting from: $500 per night The Miami Beach EDITION The Miami Beach EDITION Book Now What We Like A minimalist but chic approach to design is the star of the beachfront Edition — but there are amenities galore here, too. What to Consider With an ice skating rink, nightclub, and five F&B establishments, this 322-room property is a self-contained destination in and of itself; smaller boutique lovers take note. The Ian Schrager-designed hotel toes the line between mid-century decadence and restrained modernity with an expansive, all-white marble lobby and original mosaic columns. It’s all beautifully done in a stylish, minimalist way. Speaking of lobbies, the Edition has one of our favorite scents in any hotel, a Le Labo-customized fragrance that’s a signature offering. Basement, a subterranean entertainment space, is one of the most talked about amenities, as is the bowling alley and ice skating rink. Of course, this Mid-Beach property is right on the ocean, too. If you never left the hotel, no one would blame you – we wouldn’t want to take off the fluffy hooded robes, either. Even better, this World’s Best-awarded hotel can be booked using Marriott points. The Details: Distance from Airport: 11.3 miles from MIAPet Policy: Pets allowed, $300 fee (including $150 cleaning fee) per stayParking Fee: $45 valet per nightResort Fee: $49 per nightStarting From: $399 per night 1 Hotel South Beach 1 Hotel South Beach Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com and Hotels.com What We Like 1 Hotel South Beach is an eco-friendly, luxury utopia with a private beach and a stellar location (and it’s even a solid option for families with a kids’ club). What to Consider With over 400 rooms and the amenities of a sprawling resort, 1 Hotel manages to be an effortlessly chic retreat — but there’s no hiding that it’s massive. A World’s Best Awards winner, 1 Hotel South Beach doesn’t just say it is eco-conscious. This carbon-neutral property has a LEED Silver certification and interior elements made with reclaimed materials. (The house car is also an electric Audi). Every one of the 425 rooms and suites features driftwood walls, hemp blend-filled mattresses, recycled pine headboards, and clothes hangers created from recycled paper. Say goodbye to expensive bottled water, too, as every faucet in the hotel has Triple Clear Water filters – drink from the tap to your heart’s delight. The 1 Beach Club deserves a call out for its design, bringing a sense of island paradise to the heart of Miami Beach. It’s a certifiable oasis with palm trees swaying in the breeze and birds chirping amongst the foliage. If that wasn’t enough, we’re very into the pool deck and bar located 18 stories up above the water. The Details: Distance from Airport: 11.7 miles from MIAPet Policy: Pets allowed, freeParking Fee: $58 valet per nightResort Fee: $55 per nightStarting From: $449 per night The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com and Hotels.com What We Like We think the recent $90 million renovation breathes new life into the Ritz, cementing its status as a classic oceanfront luxury hotel in the heart of South Beach. What to Consider The 376-room property is right on the corner of Lincoln Road and Collins Avenue, so it's embedded in the (sometimes touristy) South Beach scene. While fully outfitted with modern amenities, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach embodies mid-century modern glamour as a 1953 original design by Morris Lapidus. Architecture enthusiasts may even notice the nod to an ocean liner, with curved lines and balconies similar to that of a ship’s deck. The expansive pool area, in a unique cross shape, offers plenty of loungers and umbrellas, plus some seating alcoves with chairs. We’re also big fans of the sturdy wood seats with thick padding (any high-end hotel that doesn't have plush cushions on top of its loungers just doesn’t cut it). With a Ritz Kids Club, spacious rooms, and ample facilities, this is also a family-friendly resort. The Details: Distance from Airport: 12 miles from MIAPet Policy: Pets allowed, $150 per stayParking Fee: $60 valet per nightResort Fee: $45 per nightStarting From: $599 per night Soho Beach House Soho Beach House Miami Book Now What We Like As one of the more boutique-y properties on this list, Soho Beach House has all the exclusive Miami Beach amenities (rooftop pool, library, and spa, just to name a few) one could want, with an intimate footprint of fewer than 50 rooms. What to Consider Non-Soho House members must sign up for Soho Friends, a $130 annual membership that gets you into Soho House accommodations around the world, among other perks. While Soho is known for its whole "private membership" charade, guests at this Mid-Beach property have access to all the amenities — without a full-fledged membership. The Beach House features a 100-foot private pool with loungers (along with a second pool on the roof), and a private beach with beds that come with fully-stocked coolers of Evian, coconut water, and fruit. Even better, we love that it’s all complimentary for guests. Inside, with a shabby-chic design, expect a refined yet charmingly jumbled aesthetic. There’s a library, screening room, and Soho’s famous Cowshed Spa, with a salon that harkens back to the days of old-school barbershops. The courtyard Italian restaurant Cecconi's serves world-class Venetian cuisine. The Details: Distance from Airport: 10.9 miles from MIAPet Policy: Service animals onlyParking Fee: $45 valet per nightResort Fee: None, but non-Soho House members are charged an additional $130 per stay (Soho Friends membership valid for one year)Starting From: $450 per night The Betsy The Betsy Hotel Book Now Also available to book at Hotels.com and Tripadvisor.com What We Like We like the unique architecture and history of this boutique hotel, merging two iconic properties right in the heart of South Beach. What to Consider If you want to be within a stone’s throw distance of the bars, restaurants, and shops in the Art Deco District, this is the place to be. That said, Ocean Drive can get particularly touristy. The Betsy is tailored to a more grown-up crowd even though its Ocean Drive address might say otherwise. There are books everywhere here, from the dedicated hotel library to a personal collection in each room. Jazz evenings and literary events take place throughout the year. There is a lot of history at The Betsy, too, which opened in 2009 after a multimillion-dollar restoration of the property developed by architect L. Murray Dixon. In 2016, the hotel combined with the storied Carlton Hotel to become one larger (but still not too big) property. Best of all, the hotel is a couple of blocks removed from the raucousness and beating pulse of South Beach, yet offers the same excellent beachfront views and all the interesting people watching you can handle. The Details: Distance from Airport: 11.4 miles from MIAPet Policy: Pets allowed, $150 fee per stayParking Fee: $45 valet per nightResort Fee: $40 per nightStarting From: $349 per night The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort Book Now Also available to book at Expedia.com What We Like Far from the action up north in Bal Harbour, The St. Regis is about sophisticated luxury with an air of privacy and exclusivity; a 30-minute drive gets you into the commotion. What to Consider It’s a little sleepy this far north in Miami Beach, so just expect that you’ll be trading in late-night outings for Louis Vuitton boutiques. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, near North Beach's dual Bay Harbor Islands, is a peaceful enclave that offers what travelers have come to expect from the brand — an eye toward attentive service (there aren’t many other properties that give you a dedicated butler no matter which room you book). We like how the 216 rooms and suites evoke a sense of calm with neutral tones and textures. Balconies use glass partitions so as not to obstruct any views, and even base-level rooms are larger here than at some competing luxury hotels; a deluxe room with one king bed is 650 square feet. Guests can relax beside two pools — an adults-only "tranquility" pool, and one for families — as well as on the 1,000-foot white-sand beach. The Details: Distance from Airport: 15.7 miles from MIAPet Policy: Pets allowed, $100 fee per stay and $20 per nightParking Fee: $55 valet per nightResort Fee: $55 per nightStarting From: $589 per night Carillon Miami Wellness Resort Carillon Miami Wellness Resort Book Now Also available to book at Hotels.com and Expedia.com What We Like With the largest spa in South Florida and fitness classes galore, this all-suite property knows how to do wellness right. What to Consider If you’re looking to go off-property, Carillon’s residential location isn’t the most interesting; Uber a few minutes down to the action in South Beach or north to the upscale enclaves of Surfside or Bal Harbour. Carillon is an all-suite beachside retreat in the northern section of Miami Beach. It’s among the best for all things wellness, with dozens of workout classes, an impressive two-story rock climbing wall, and even a dedicated wellness concierge. We appreciate how the hotel’s wellness program is actually led by a medical doctor, combining Eastern and Western practices for holistic health. Clearly, if you’re looking to detox and truly unwind — and perhaps ignore the rest of the Miami Beach scene — this is the place to do it. Families will also love all the space that the accommodations provide; each one- or two-bedroom suite includes a separate bedroom and living space, including a full kitchen. It feels more like a high-end Miami Beach condo than a Miami Beach hotel. The Details: Distance from Airport: 13.4 miles from MIAPet Policy: Pets allowed, $250 fee per stayParking Fee: $40 valet per nightResort Fee: $49 per nightStarting From: $495 per night Know Before You Go No need to rent a car If you plan to stay in Miami Beach for the duration of your trip, a car isn’t really necessary. (Also, parking at any of these properties doesn’t come cheap). It’s easy to grab an Uber from Miami International Airport with the ride taking between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic. Ride-hailing is also readily available once you’re on the island. There’s even a free trolley that makes occasional stops along Miami Beach. It can get expensive during peak season Miami Beach is known to get pricey during certain winter weeks, with events such as Art Basel bringing international crowds — causing hotel rates to soar. In addition, it may be wise to avoid peak periods around college spring break in March and April. Don't be afraid to explore beyond the touristy sites Ocean Drive is great for its beaches, sights, and people watching, but it’s probably best to eat and drink elsewhere. The popular strip’s dining establishments (especially in the South Beach area) tend to be high on price and low on quality. How We Chose These Hotels These Miami Beach hotels were selected taking into account both reader and editor favorites, Travel + Leisure World’s Best award winners (see the 2023 winners here), as well as writer Chris Dong's personal experience visiting Miami Beach (as a former snowbirding New Yorker) on numerous occasions over the past ten years. And, as always, the hotels selected for all of our roundups adhere to our core T+L Hotel Values to ensure we are offering readers with the highest-quality recommendations possible. Edited by Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel and accessories for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 50 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than five years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter. learn more