Washed in a candy-coated palette of sky blues, turquoise, pastel pinks and creamsicle oranges of the boutiques, hotels, and restaurants that dominate; Miami’s South Beach neighbourhood begins with the ground and ends with the sky.
With South Beach being one of the biggest draws for a trip to Miami, we’ve curated a hotel selection that brings the beach to the forefront of your trip. Here are our top choices for South Beach hotels.
Between the Atlantic and Miami’s soaring skyline—the choice of floor-to-ceiling view is yours at the Loews Miami Beach. Elegantly appointed rooms are just the beginning at this beachfront stay. Choose between a beach chaise, a poolside daybed or the ultimate “treat yourself” with a Soak Cabana for six (full bathroom, three lounge chairs, butler service, jacuzzi access, etc.)!
A daily Resort Amenity fee includes streaming-friendly internet bandwidth, meditation class, beach chair, and watersport equipment use and a morning Banana Boat ride.
Travel back in time with the Nautilus Hotel. The retro-infused property was designed in the 1950s but has been updated with necessary modern touches like marble bathrooms, Nespresso machines and Bluetooth-ready docking station across all rooms.
The onsite Nautilus Cabana Club manages to meld the best local ingredients with sprigs of Southern France that can be enjoyed both indoors and al fresco. The decor here is an ode to the European beach house with carefully selected mid-century pieces that make you feel like you’re on the set of Mad Men. The large saltwater pool area opens onto direct beach access. It’s punctuated by swaying palm trees, food & beverage services plus delightful lawn games reminiscent of this glorious bygone era of South Beach chic.
The Pelican Hotel is part of the party-central scene of South Beach and no more than 15 strides from the expansive white sand beach across the street. Owned by clothing brand Diesel, the hotel’s decor is an ode to all things flashy. Rooms are uniquely decorated in everything from wavy neon paint to zebra stripes, vintage knick-knacks and an overwhelming atmosphere of cool.
The on-site Pelican Cafe is frequented by locals who return for the fabulous imported burrata, cocktails and Italian fusion specialties as a nod to the clothing brand’s home turf.
The concept at The Standard Spa Miami Beach is less so hotel than it is a spa. Encouraging the communal bathing rituals that are so prominent elsewhere worldwide, guests have access to hydrotherapy, private outdoor soaking tubs on their room terraces and yoga sessions. Other equally enticing options include the Aroma Steam Room, the Cedar Sauna, Saltwater sound pool, and a Hammam mud lounge.
Guests can expect to emerge refreshed and ready to take on the beach bodies of Miami, care of the magic workings of juice cafe and the relaxing atmosphere of this adults-only tropical garden enclave.
The Posh South Beach Hostel offers stylish accommodation just two blocks from the beach for travellers looking to save some dimes on their hotel stay. Clean, moderns bunks come with lockers and storage drawers and access to the spick and span expansive bathrooms with free toiletries.
A rooftop pool and sundeck bring in that South Beach vibe and a communal kitchen, happy hours, free breakfast and free WiFi makes this a solid budget South Beach stay.
The Redbury South Beach is a covetable stay. Drawing on bohemian style, the rooms feature record players and a vinyl collection from Capitol Records, large marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and rain showers. Upstairs, the 12,000-square foot rooftop pool is a prime place to bag a seat on a sunny afternoon, provided you aren’t at the property’s private beach area accessible via their sister property, The Raleigh, across the street.
Onsite restaurant Celo serves up Mediterranean influence shareable plates and mezzes either in the privacy of your room thanks to room service or in the buzzing atmosphere of the restaurant.
From its alluring oceanfront location to the impeccable level of service, the Beacon South Beach offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the best of Miami.
Wake up to a complimentary continental breakfast before grabbing beach towels and chairs and heading to catch some rays and swim in the azure Atlantic waters. You’re just steps away from the best restaurants and nightclubs in South Beach as well as shopping on Lincoln Road.
Wake up, slip on a bikini and walk straight out to the beach from the Royal Palm South Beach. This luxury boutique property is also home to two beautiful swimming pools, plus three bars and two restaurants. The South Beach landmark has preserved much of its Art Deco heritage with its elegant terrazzo floors and porthole windows. For those travelling with kids, a 24-hour playroom and beach toys are much welcomed.
Want to do a bit of exploring? Hop on one of the lender bikes and bike up the beach promenade, or catch the latest exhibition at the nearby Bass Museum.
Like most Kimpton properties, Surfcomber guests are privy to many freebies including complimentary wine hours, use of in-room yoga equipment and bicycle tours among others. Room decor is fresh and fun, with pops of aqua and surfer vibes throughout. Two pools complete with a waterfall, cabanas, a bar, and a very sunny patio. Guests can get free suntan lotion sprays and fruit-infused water.
Out through the back gates, you’ll find a path lined with seagrass that opens onto the beach area where rental chairs and bar service await sunseekers.
With a stunning white on white palette accented by the occasional jewel tone, the Blanc Kara is a hotel for the minimalist. This adults-only property puts you into ultra-chic studio suites, some with kitchens and others with private terraces. This is a quiet respite from the busy South Beach but still located within walking distance of shops and clubs and the beach.