Best Miami Hotels

Sophisticated and whimsical in the heart of downtown Miami, the Viceroy’s interior was designed by Kelly Wearstler, who deftly combines color, patterns and textures, from the gigantic lemon-yellow chandelier in the spa to the double-depth block patterned marble and granite in the elevator banks. Dine in the acclaimed Eos Restaurant, helmed by co-owner Chef Michael Psilakis and his partner, restaurateur and Food Network personality Donatella Arpaia. Even if you don’t stay here, you should still come to dance the night away at Club 50, the nightclub on the 50th floor that is known for its superb cocktails and amazing views of the city. Even at the height of season, rates for the 168 rooms, suites and one- and two-bedroom residences with kitchens, custom Sferra linens and more are on the reasonable side (starting at $245 for a Viceroy King room).

The Mandarin Oriental is far enough removed from the hoopla of South Beach to be relaxing, but close enough to the action to be convenient, a distinction that makes it one of the best places to stay in Miami. If you wanted to stay here and never leave you could be perfectly content but, of course, we don’t advise that given all that Miami has to offer. The property is infused with the chain’s trademark Asian-inspired touches, such as bamboo floors, wooden screens and lanterns, combined with a color palette inspired by its subtropical location. The 15,000-square-foot three-level spa is elegant in an understated way, with views of the water that can’t be beat (even if you can’t afford to stay here, we recommend splurging on a spa treatment in a beachside cabana). For years, the two on-site restaurants, Azul and Café Sambal, have drawn a steady stream of rave reviews. There are 326 rooms that run $435-$900 double; $1,300-$6,500 per suite. For details, specials and package rates, visit the website.

If you can afford the steep price tag ($950 for a studio suite in the high season; $475 per night in the off season), the Setai is the place to be. Not only is it perfectly situated in the midst of South Beach, it’s also the perfect reincarnation of international art deco style with its soothing, earthy color palette and Japanese-inspired forms. The best part is that each of the suites comes appointed with full kitchens (including Lavazza espresso makers), Aqua di Parma bathroom products and washer/dryers, so if you wanted to save money by eating in you certainly have the option. The elegant spa is a lesson in relaxation, as is the garden with its reflecting pools. Three bars, two pools, 24-hour room service and a fitness center round out the amenities.

A far cry from the minimalist cool of Miami Beach and the ultra-modern stainless steel and glass towers of Downtown, this European-style hotel was built in 1926 and its 28 rooms are filled with French and English antiques. Service is a priority here, and you can count on newspapers and continental breakfast delivered to guest rooms daily. The Gaetano Ristorante downstairs serves rustic Italian cuisine and is a bastion of Old World elegance—we recommend it for at least one dinner while you’re here. Another bonus: The location is central to all the best Coral Gables has to offer.

Uber-cool designer Todd Oldham designed the interiors for this boutique hotel that houses 53 rooms and suites, where Crayola colors brighten the rooms on bed linens, airbrushed tiles and tie-dyed robes. Flat-screen LCD televisions, iPod docking stations, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas are just a few of the amenities. The roof is home to the popular Spire Bar, so named because of the neon blue Tiffany sign that remains there today despite the hotel’s new name. Lounge on the plush couches and drink cocktails with LED-lit ice cubes, then venture down to the acclaimed AAA Four Diamond Wish restaurant for a sublime dining experience. Rates in the off season dip down as low as $175 per night for a double, a major bargain for a hotel of this caliber in such a prime location.

Just two blocks from the beach and the revelry of Ocean Drive, this art deco-style hotel built in 1936 has been given an Asian-inspired décor, with bamboo floors and floating Japanese furnishings in the room, along with modern conveniences, like 42-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars and refrigerators. There’s a restaurant on the premises, along with a bar (tip: hotel guests drink here free between 7PM and 8PM every night, a great deal as far as we’re concerned). Concierge services are available, and guests are given gym passes, as well as VIP passes to the hottest South Beach nightclubs. Rooms start at $151 per night.

Smack in the middle of the action in Coconut Grove, this clean, lovely hotel is popular for its Japanese hot tubs on the balcony (not every room has a hot tub, so be sure to request a room with one), flat-screen TVs and central location; however, with that location comes noise from the surrounding action in the neighborhood. Still, it’s stylish, and for rates starting at $92 a night, it’s a great deal, especially with the beautiful Asian orchid gardens to wander in and the hopping Cabana One rooftop nightclub right on the premises.

A quaint, unassuming spot with a rich history, The Clay Hotel harks back to the early days of Miami Beach. It’s not fancy or hip by any means—book your spa treatments elsewhere—but it is in the Art Deco District, central to the action and inexpensive considering its location. Rates in the off-season start at $60 per night for a room with a semi-private bath and at $75 per night for a room with a double bed and private bath. Rates during peak season are subject to change, so check with the hotel directly.