The best hotels in Miami from Coconut Grove to South Beach

The architecture of Richard Meier and the interior design of Joseph Dirand unite to transform Surfside’s historic Surf Club into a work of sublime luxury for the Four Seasons group – drawing on its roots as an illustrious 1930s hotspot of the rich and famous. Think minimalist oceanfront balconies with floating glass verandas, marble-decked rooms that are the definition of a jewel box, and an old Florida ballroom lovingly restored to create the ritzy Champagne Bar. The area is naturally peaceful, owing to Surfside's residential ZIP code, and the hotel abides by this serene atmosphere with its soft colours and furnishings that soothe the soul. Their on-site Italian eatery Lido is a hit with locals and therefore a must-visit in our book. There's also a terrace with beach views that celebrates Mediterranean flavours and ambiance.   

Mood? Surf's up.
Budget range? Bougieeee.
Time Out tip: There are multiple places to eat and drink within the hotel, but there's only one spot that has a Michelin star – make sure you visit The Surf Club Restaurant to try dishes dreamt up by honoured American chef Thomas Keller. 

A sleek tower rising from the heart of Brickell, EAST, Miami takes its design inspiration from the Far East with minimalist rooms boasting floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel’s 40th floor houses the buzzy rooftop bar Sugar, as well as the Honk Kong-inspired Tea Room and cafe-cum-cocktail bar Domain – found by the pool. You'll feel like part of the neighborhood thanks to the hotel's relaxed vibe and community ethos, thoughtfully located for urban exploration and authentic local living. Find Cuban cuisine, street art, museums and unexpected best kept secrets of the city. Latin American eats can be found at terrace restaurant Quinto along with an exposed open-fire BBQ to ignite the senses and ramp up the atmosphere.  

Mood? Sky high life.
Budget range? One to save up for.
Time Out tip: EAST, Miami is the anchor hotel of the new Brickell City Centre, a mixed-use, outdoor shopping center. Downtown’s first area mall features two Italian food halls, La Centrale and Casa Tua Cucina, CMX luxury cinemas, and tons of upscale boutiques. Plus, the genius climate ribbon means you’ll never get wet during an impromptu shower.

Modern elements, understated elegance, and plush design are the hallmarks of this fashionable lifestyle hotel: a collaboration between boutique hotel kingpin Ian Schrager and Marriott International to create one of the best hotels in Miami Beach. The 294 guest rooms and suites are individually designed with luxury comfort in mind, and there are even private bungalows available with sundecks and plunge pools. Backing the hip vibe are two restaurants by inimitable chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the upscale Matador Room and more casual Market. Tropicale is the place for al fresco dining with cocktails, beach views and island tunes. There's also a four-lane color-changing bowling alley in the basement and a deluxe spa that promotes deep relaxation with its extensive menu of treatments and beauty services. 

Mood? Chic design. 
Budget range? One heck of a price tag.
Time Out tip: In addition to a DJ-fueled dance floor, the semi-subterranean lounge Basement also boasts a small ice skating rink and a four-lane bowling alley.

Located on a manmade island just east of downtown Brickell, Mandarin Oriental is a true destination resort. With unparalleled service, the staff will ensure you have everything you need by the pool, at the five-star spa, or in your luxury suite with sprawling views of Miami Bay – and yes, every room comes with a balcony. Dining options include an eight-course multi-sensory tasting menu dreamt up by executive chef Diego Oka. La Mar by Gastón Acurio is a waterfront gem championing authentic Peruvian, and MO Bar + Lounge offers light bites and Asian cuisine in a glam setting. 

Mood? Oceanfront living.
Budget range? Splash the cash.
Time Out tip: Make a reservation for Sunday brunch at La Mar by Gastón Acurio – one of Miami’s best brunches. Experience hours of bottomless Champagne, pisco cocktails, a lavish Peruvian buffet, a tasty entrée that’s served tableside, and an adorable artisanal house that’s filled with desserts. The best part: it all happens on the terrace overlooking Biscayne Bay.

The huge swimming pool on the bayfront is the centerpiece of the Standard, where scenesters lounge on lemon-yellow chaises and sip frosé. The vibe is decidedly hip yet mellow as guests shuffle about in bathrobes from the pool to the third-floor spa, beloved for its expansive hammam with tiered seating, eucalyptus steam room and superb yoga programming. Lido Bayside Grill is their on-site restaurant, serving a globally-inspired menu including expertly-grilled dishes. 

Mood? Holistic healing.
Budget range? Surprisingly inexpensive. 
Time Out tip: The Standard provides a monthly membership to locals, so if you’re looking to mingle with the cool kids of Miami, you’ve found your place.

Faena is an all-encompassing experience dripping in gold, red, and animal print created by the flamboyant and visionary Argentinean hotelier Alan Faena. With such wild brushstrokes, he manages to make it all work from the moment you set foot in the gilded cathedral lobby to the moment your head hits the pillow inside your lavish luxury suite. On-site Asian restaurant Pao serves dishes with international influences. 

Mood? Next level glam.
Budget range? Pretty damn spenny.
Time Out tip: Home to jaw-dropping contemporary art, this is the hotel that houses the very Instagrammable "Gone But Not Forgotten" by Damien Hirst. The iconic woolly mammoth skeleton dipped in gold is immortalized inside a glass case on the pool deck. Don’t forget to snap a selfie.

If you’re planning a visit to Miami’s Coconut Grove, you’re likely already privy to the many qualities that make the area unique and, yes, worth sacrificing the beach for. This leafy swath of bayfront just south of the city core has a chic bohemian vibe, and Mayfair House Hotel & Garden perfectly encapsulates the neighborhood’s essence. The hotel opened in 1984 with an eye-catching organic design by the architect and sculptor Kenneth Treister. In 2022, it reopened following a meticulous renovation by New York-based studio Goodrich. You’re coming to Mayfair House to chill out and experience a mellower slice of Miami, where shady sidewalks are lined with funky shops and cafes, plus incredible food concepts from award-winning chef Giorgio Rapicavoli and intricate, romatic tropical details laced throughout the property. 

Neighborhood. Home to festivals and book shops, marinas and sailing clubs, independent restaurants and architectural gems, Coconut Grove is a free-spirited, historic enclave in Miami and a unique, low-key alternative to the flashy scene in South Beach. It’s a bit self-contained, meaning you’ll have to commute to other popular areas in Miami, like Brickell, Downtown and Wynwood, but there’s still plenty to explore, including a number of cultural institutions and amazing dining options.

Nearby. El Bagel for the best bagels and breakfast sandwiches in Miami. Vizcaya Museum & Gardens for a tour of the storied mansion and some of the most iconic photo backdrops anywhere in Miami. Ariete for the pinnacle of Miami Michelin-starred dining. 

Time Out tip. Admit it: You still kind of want to go to the beach. (Come on, you’re in Miami!) If so, skip South Beach and head to Key Biscayne. The beautiful Crandon Beach is closer—15 to 20 minutes from Mayfair House by car—with plenty of parking, rentable loungers and a much more relaxed atmosphere.

This beacon of decadent Mediterranean Revival comes to us from Coral Gables’ brilliant city planner and developer George Merrick. With a fascinating history that spans across the 20th century (it was once a wartime hospital!), the Biltmore remains a lavish resort complete with a golf course, spa, and several fine-dining restaurants.

Mood? Historic resort.
Budget range? Incredible value for money.
Time Out tip: The Biltmore is home to one of the largest swimming pools in the world, boasting a reported 600,000 refreshing gallons of water for swimming and lounging.

The 1 is a luxury destination with an eco-driven mission and design aesthetic that brings the outside in—think lounges draped in airy white linen, driftwood accents, and vertical gardens. The LEED-certified hotel is home to some of the largest and most tranquil guest rooms in all of Miami, where plush platform beds and spa-like bathrooms await.

Mood? Unreal scenes.
Budget range? Book well in advance – and expect a price tag.
Time Out tip: With four pools spread throughout the property, there are plenty of options for places to lounge. Head up to the rooftop pool for maximum sun and panoramic views of Miami Beach, plus the liveliest scene and delicious bites and frozen cocktails at the Asian fusion restaurant Watr.

As one of the only South Beach hotels on Biscayne Bay, the stylish Mondrian offers unparalleled sunset views you can’t quite get from one of the properties on the Miami Beach sands. Designer Marcel Wanders was inspired by Sleeping Beauty’s castle so expect dreamy guestrooms, lacquer accents, and dramatic poolside cabanas designed to an enormous scale.

Mood? Glam beach club. 
Budget range? Pretty affordable. 
Time Out tip: Speaking of poolside views, the Mondrian hosts gratis yoga classes on its expansive poolscape every Sunday morning. Bring your mat, chill out and take in the views for free.

The luxury Aventura resort doubled in size in 2019, following a major renovation that added a new 16-story tower, a water park, and two eateries, and redesigned its two renowned golf courses. It’s certainly larger now but still ever so pleasant as the 300-acre property gives guests plenty of space to unwind and relax.

Mood? Uber luxe.
Budget range? A great range of options.
Time Out tip: The new Tidal Cove water park is a treat for kids and adults. Guests get free admission but locals can purchase day passes to experience all of its attractions, including a surf simulator and a thrilling, sling-shot–style waterslide. 

The Cipriano brothers decided on Coconut Grove for their first Florida property, and the neighborhood couldn’t be more thrilled to have its first new hotel in decades. The nautical-inspired property (how adorable are those circular windows?) comprises 100 guest rooms all reflective of Mr. C’s signature clean, mid-century look and subtle Italian accents. There’s a pool on the roof with 180-degree views of Biscayne Bay. 

Mood? Glitzy glam.
Budget range? A super sweet deal.
Time Out tip: Book a reservation at rooftop restaurant Bellini and have yourself a proper Italian feast complete with a namesake cocktail – created by Harry’s Bar founder, Giuseppe Cipriani.

Located across the street from the famed Bal Harbour Shops, the five-diamond St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is the pinnacle of luxury. From its plush suites designed by Yabu Pushelberg and its exceptional, 14,000-foot Remède Spa to its ritzy poolside cabanas decked in Roche Bobois’ high-end furniture, the property pulls no punches when it comes to offering guests a sumptuous experience. There’s even a nightly Champagne sabering ritual to kick off your evening in style.

Mood? Coastal bliss.
Budget range? Put it on the plastic.
Time Out tip: If you have a spare $30,000 lying around, maybe you’d like to spend the night in the 23rd-floor Grand Palace Suite, featuring eight bedrooms, a private balcony, multiple living rooms, kitchens, a poolside day villa, and butler service.

A bastion of elegance in the otherwise frenetic, neon-splashed throes of the South Beach Miami hotels scene, the Betsy plays up the charm of its historic architecture with neat literary programs for guests and aspiring writers. The entire building is stocked with books you can freely borrow as you please. Home to the excellent LT Steak & Seafood by Laurent Tourondel, you’ll also find the more casual but equally delicious pizzeria The Alley beneath the Betsy orb, a mind-bending architectural installation wedged aloft between two buildings.

Mood? Ocean Drive dreamin'.
Budget range? On the pricier side of life.
Time Out tip: The Betsy is dedicated to the cultural arts, so check its schedule of weekly programming for everything from poetry readings and art exhibitions to live jazz, most of which is free to experience.

If you're looking for an affordable four-star hotel in Miami, look no further. From fitness centers and swimming pools to rooms with balconies overlooking the (you guessed it) harbor, the Altair Bay Harbor Hotel has something for everyone. Rooms include A/C, a kettle, a fridge, and a coffee machine, along with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Other amenities include a sun terrace and hot tub – ideal for soaking up the afternoon rays before heading to dinner at one of the local restaurants. 

Mood? Instant vacay vibes.
Budget range? A decent deal for what's on offer.
Time Out tip: Be sure to check out on-site Ovo at the Altair for Kosher ranging from delectable breakfast to authentic Shabbat options.

Fresh off a $50 million renovation, Loews Miami Beach is a sprawling family-friendly resort with impeccable hospitality. It’s home to multiple dining venues, a gorgeous pool, and an outpost of Exhale Spa. Dreamy indeed.

Mood? Big spa energy.
Budget range? Incredible value.
Time Out tip: There are a number of family-friendly perks, including free meals for kids under 12, discounted attraction tickets and Kids Club savings.  

SLS South Beach is the epitome of the trendy South Beach hotel: Philippe Starck’s sleek and surreal aesthetic, a celebrity chef-helmed eatery, DJ-led day parties at the pool and all-day outdoor restaraurant with a 10pm to midnight happy hour. If all of that is your idea of a good time, then you’ve found your place.

Mood? Eclectic aesthetic. 
Budget range? A wide range of options.
Time Out tip: Dine at Katsuya for contemporary Japanese – and they serve new food and drink items at a special price between 6pm to 8pm each day. 

A hip hostel born from a pop-up cocktail bar inside a defunct hotel on the outskirts of South Beach – that’s the brief origin story of the Freehand and its famous laid-back patio bar, Broken Shaker. And the rest, as they say, is history. The perennially popular spot reinvigorated local culture in Miami Beach by slinging masterfully creative cocktails and providing curious travelers with some of the cheapest lodgings in town.

Mood? Get the party started.
Budget range? Cheap and cheerful.
Time Out tip: The Freehand’s pool throws a different kind of Miami Beach pool party. Check the hotel’s website for details on the latest knitting parties, cocktail events, and more kitschy fun.

New to the spate of boutique properties in South Beach, the Plymouth oozes Art Deco charm with its glossy lobby, cheeky indoor tiki bar, and courtyard swimming pool decked in checkered tiles and coral lounge chairs. Head past the quaint reception desk to find Miami’s outpost of the celebrated Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, where omakase dinners juxtapose ridiculous fried chicken with quite the cult following. 

Mood? Beach vibes all round.
Budget range? Surprisingly affordable.
Time Out tip: Each guestroom has its own unique floor plan and classic design, including some with a clawfoot bathtub at the foot of the bed. No two experiences at the Plymouth are ever the same.

This first U.S. outpost of one of Europe’s most popular chain of hostels is a hip, revamped Art Deco property bursting with Art Deco charm. Accommodations range from shared rooms with the option for bunk beds to private king rooms. There are two distinct food and drink sites on the premises: funky Mexican spot Pikio Taco, and the pool bar serving all kinds of frozen cocktails and snacks.

Mood? One for the birthday trip.
Budget range? Sooo cheap.
Time Out tip: Generator Miami offers regular programming for guests and locals, including yoga, meditation, and cooking classes.