The island city of Miami Beach in south Florida is known for its hedonistic nightlife, top class golf courses, glorious weather and wide stretches of soft, pearly white sand. Striking architecture can be found here too, most notably at the southern end, where early-20th-century buildings in the Art Deco Historic district capture the eye.
For visitors to Miami Beach, there’s a huge choice of accommodation. And as one would expect for such a chic and exclusive destination, stylish boutique hotels feature strongly among them. We’ve picked out seven of the best.
Townhouse Hotel
From $87/ night
A few minutes’ walk from one of Miami Beach’s sandy shores, the standout feature at this boutique property is its striking 5th floor rooftop terrace complete with waterbeds, pool umbrellas and a bar and lounge serving curated craft cocktails and rare beers. There also a Japanese-inspired on-site restaurant. Stylish guest rooms comes with a has a private bathroom and a TV, and some also have a cosy seating area. Guests can enjoy all-day coffee and tea in the lobby and private parking is also available. Bass Museum of Art is moments away on foot and Miami International Airport can be reached in 20 minutes by road.
Dream South Beach
From $118/ night
Located close to Ocean Drive amid the pulsating energy of South Beach, this fashionable 4-star hotel combines high-design architecture with exceptional service, dining and entertainment. Stylish guest rooms feature a flat-screen TV and iPod docking station. There’s a chic rooftop infinity pool with lush landscaping, chaises, cabanas, towel service and poolside dining and drinks – not to mention jaw-dropping Atlantic Ocean views. Other amenities include a start-of-the-art Spa offering a wide choice of luxurious treatments. Naked Taco, the fun-packed on-site restaurant, serves up signature tequilas and authentic Mexican cuisine. On the hotel’s doorstep is a pristine beach and there are shops, bars, clubs and restaurants a short walk away.
Room Mate Waldorf Towers
From $105/ night
Situated on the famous thoroughfare of Ocean Drive, this fully restored hotel is in a charming building dating back to the late 1930s. The beach opposite can be reached in just minutes by foot and a wide range of shops, restaurants and nightspots are also a short walk away. Guest rooms feature a private bathroom, flat-screen TV and minibar. Elsewhere in the hotel there’s a contemporary on-site bar. Concierge staff can help guests plan excursions and book restaurant reservations. Miami International Airport is less than 12 miles away.
Stiles Hotel
From $120/ night
Also within easy reach of the beach as well as some of Miami’s most vibrant nightlife venues, Stiles Hotel features an impressive three swimming pools in its large courtyard. All of the boutique hotel’s guest rooms are colourfully designed in a typically bohemian style and come with a flat-screen TV and an alarm clock with an iPod docking station. Hotel services and amenities include concierge staff and 24-hour reception. The city centre is a 10-minute drive away and Miami International Airport around double that.
Sense Beach House
From $159/ night
Centrally located in Miami Beach’s well-heeled SoFi district, Sense Beach House places a strong focus on environmentalism. Nonetheless, there’s no shortage of lavish amenities here, including a rooftop pool, a stylish on-site restaurant and iPod docking stations in every spacious guest room along with floor-to-ceiling windows and an eye-catching full wall mural. Some room also have a balcony with scenic views of the city. Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s 24-hour front desk with concierge services. Notable attractions including art galleries, boutique shops and renowned restaurants are all a short drive from the property and Bayshore Golf Course is less than 3 miles away.
Pelican Hotel
From $140/ night
Positioned in the beating heart of South Beach, Pelican Hotel features a fully equipped fitness centre where guests can book indulgent massages, a gift shop, and an on-site bar and restaurant serving international cuisine. Antique furnishings feature in all guest rooms along with a flat-screen cable TV and tea/coffee-making facilities, and some rooms also come with an iPod docking station and scenic ocean views. Hotel amenities include 24-hour reception and concierge services. Places of interest including the Miami Beach Convention Center, Bicentennial Park and Bayside Marketplace are just a few miles away.
Mondrian South Beach
From $130/ night
One of the city’s most distinctive hotels, Miami South Beach boasts striking custom-designed furniture and artwork throughout its communal areas and guest rooms. There’s also a full-service spa, 24-hour fitness centre, outdoor pool surrounded by lush gardens containing hammocks and lounge areas, and an on-site restaurant serving modern American cuisine and sushi with artisanal cocktails and views of Biscayne Bay. Modern suites come with a full kitchenette as well as an iPod docking station, 42-inch plasma TV, and free toiletries. Lummus Park Beach and Lincoln Road Mall are both just a mile away and Bayfront Marketplace is also within easy reach.