It’s important to keep in mind that room rates in South Beach vary greatly depending on the time of year, where January 15 thru April 15 is the peak season, and by day of the week, where Friday and Saturday are usually the most expensive by far. Room rates can literally double within those periods. So, we’re presenting our hotel recommendations using a three-tier relative pricing scale of $$$$, $$$, and $$, and listing our hotel picks within those relative ranges. And for you poor college students and Spring Breakers, sorry, but there really are no South Beach oceanfront hotels in the $-range.

3201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
Our View… One of South Beach’s most elegant new properties, Faena Hotel is an upscale resort and spa featuring dramatic contemporary art, breathtaking seaside views and award-winning eateries helmed by globally renowned, celebrity chefs. Conceived as a “cultural corridor” in the mid-Beach area from 32 to 36 Streets along famed Collins Avenue, the property incorporates designer shopping, opulent hotel rooms and suites plus an ornate cabaret-style theater. Argentinean developer Alan Faena masterminded the elaborate reinvention of this once-quiet stretch of South Beach where large scale mid-century resorts required billion dollar updates. The completed property encompasses luxury condo towers, a performance and cultural pavilion and upscale retail spaces in the area that once housed The Saxony Hotel in the 1950s. Interior design inspiration in public spaces bears the magical touch of film director Baz Luhrmann and his wife, so guests should expect dazzling surprises at every turn.

2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Our View… Playful and energetic, the beachfront W South Beach hotel offers contemporary elegance in the center of the haute South Beach scene. Combining artful dining and lounge options, two oceanfront pools and rooftop basketball and tennis courts, the W South Beach is ready for action whenever you are. Host to the pampering magic that is the Bliss Spa and engineered so that every guest room has a truly inspiring view of the Atlantic coastline, this beachfront resort is designed to dazzle, delight and surprise, especially after midnight when the hotel’s Wall Lounge heats up with Miami’s star socialites hosted by South Beach’s top nightlife mavens.

2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Our View… Possibly the most elegantly appointed beach resorts in town, the Setai’s Asian-influenced design inspires a sense of peace and serenity at every turn. Simple lines, a soft color palette, and streamlined Art Deco motifs create an atmosphere that embraces the past but feels completely timeless. Guests enjoy a choice of dining options from fine cuisine to poolside snacks, a well-appointed spa and three swimming pools overlooking a vast stretch of Atlantic surf.

4385 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Our View… Soho Beach House is a private members club that joins the group of luxe, London-based gathering spots for those in film, media and the creative arts. Access to the posh spa, pool and beach club is restricted to members and those lucky travelers who reserve a room at the new 16-story Sovereign Hotel Tower which houses 50 rooms overlooking the pool, gardens and romantic dining terrace at Cecconi’s Italian Restaurant. In addition to the tanning deck and beachfront pool, the eighth floor of the main building offers guests a rooftop plunge pool which is reserved for adults and serves as an exclusive alfresco oasis overlooking all of Miami Beach.

4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Our View… This Mid-Beach landmark has a storied past and a dazzling future now that extensive renovations bring it up to Las Vegas standards including 5-star dining at Gotham Steak, Hakkasan, Scarpetta plus a host of smaller cafes and bars. Guests enjoy luxurious oceanfront suites, an elegant spa and poolscape with attentive VIP cabana service, and two of the city’s most popular nightclubs under the same roof, LIV and ArKadia. For full resort amenities and a dazzling stretch of Atlantic surf, the Fontainebleau is as good as it gets.

1 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL
Our View… Solid, stately and sophisticated, the Ritz-Carlton South Beach may feel a bit more casual than many in the R-C group, but the seaside location and proximity to the action of South Beach makes the easy breezy atmosphere feel entirely appropriate. Oceanfront rooms and suites overlook a busy pool area and golden coastline where food and drink service encourage guests to do little more than await the gentle attentions of the Tanning Butler. By night, the city shimmers just outside the door, offering countless options beyond the Lapidus Lounge, Bistro One restaurant and the breezy DiLido Beach Club.

1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Our View… Sexy and cool, the Delano creates an atmosphere that is both welcoming and exclusive, an adult’s playground in the heart of South Beach. From the bold sweep of the vast lobby space which gives way to a cozy bar, an elegant restaurant and the breathtaking expanse of manicured garden and poolside oasis, everything about the hotel is thoughtfully designed and meticulously crafted by Philippe Starck’s clever team. A rooftop spa and sundeck offer the perfect respite by day and Rose Bar in the lower lobby attracts a who’s-who of beautiful Miami habitués by night.

1671 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Our View… Offering the luxury of space and the proximity to the dazzling South Beach scene, this all-suite hotel is located right at the crossroads to all that makes the city sizzle! Truly a unique boutique experience, the Sagamore offers 93 suites plus lush, two-story bungalows and penthouse accommodations surrounded by some of the most important contemporary art, photography and design. Imagine a hotel that is actually curated by prominent art collectors who appoint the dining gallery and art video bar with ground-breaking works by leading modern artists. The result is a brilliant amalgam of luxury and culture that Conde Nast Traveler placed at the top of their Gold List.

1677 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Our View… Stately and elegant, this Art Deco landmark stands at the heart of all that makes South Beach shine. Steps away from Lincoln Road’s top nightclubs, restaurants and bars, the National maintains the luxurious glamour of a bygone era while providing all of the updated amenities discerning travelers demand. The focal point of the property is the tropical pool and beach club which make choosing an ocean view suite at this meticulously maintained property the easiest part of planning a Florida getaway!

1601 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Our View… Often considered the ideal destination for a family getaway, the Loews is a full service beachfront resort with a dedicated team that knows just what kids want when they travel with their parents. Recognized as one of the Top 10 Beach Resorts by Parents Magazine, kids can attend SushiSKool and learn how to roll their own sushi, enjoy a dip from the house ice cream parlor, check out the poolside kids camp or hang out in the teen lounge which was designed to let them do their own thing while Mom and Dad do boring adult stuff elsewhere!

1775 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Our View… Off the radar but right in the heart of the action, the Raleigh is the hotel you’ve probably never heard of where celebrities and socialites determined to avoid the fashion crowd hide out when they are on vacation. Chic, glamorous and decidedly old world, this charmingly restored Art Deco property has the most iconic pool and beach club on South Beach. Retro in styling and still totally modern, the hotel’s oceanfront rooms offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic surf. Guests can unwind at the historic Martini Bar and then dine on the tropically landscaped terrace at the Royal Restaurant, one of the town’s favorite foodie hangouts.

425 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
Our View… Currently completing a multi-million dollar restoration, the Savoy returns as one of the best boutique properties of the SoFi (South of Fifth Street) district with 75 luxurious one- and two-bedroom suites overlooking the twin pool deck and the sea. While many Ocean Drive hotels stand at some distance to the ocean, the Savoy offers over 2 acres of tropically landscaped gardens from the street to the beach which make the en-suite balconies the ideal spot to welcome the dawn or toast the end of another perfect South Beach day.

101 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
Our View… The tiny jewel Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach stands at the southern end of one of the most fabulous stretches of golden shoreline, moments from the town’s top restaurants, nightclubs and bars. This beachfront oasis offers modern guest suites with flat panel televisions, gourmet kitchens and one or two bedrooms that are ideal for family travelers. The poolside dining room De Rodriguez Cuba is home to one of Miami’s top chefs who brings his particular brand of Nuevo Latino fare to the scene alongside Prime Italian is a restaurant known for prime beef, hearty rustic recipes and more than a few celebrity fans from the Miami Heat.

1801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Our View… A fully restored Art Deco landmark just moments away from the sidewalk cafes of Lincoln Road, the Shelborne is newly renovated to make the guest experience even better than ever! Offering rooms, suites and townhouse accommodations facing the Atlantic surf, the terraced pool and beach club is a tropical oasis of swaying palms and gentle breezes. Enjoy a poolside sunbed or rent a luxuriously-appointed private cabana where you and your guests can while away the hours enjoying the Florida sun.

1545 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Our View… A truly exceptional South Beach location, the Royal Palm stands at the crossroads of the busy Ocean Drive Strip and the popular pedestrian playground that is the Lincoln Road Mall. No better address for a busy South Beach vacation, this beachfront paradise offers newly updated guestrooms and suites with flat panel TVs and balconies overlooking two swimming pools and a glorious stretch of golden Atlantic coast. Tan, swim, spa and dine at this full service resort or just step out the front door to a boundless variety of top restaurants, nightclubs and sidewalk cafes. 255 tower rooms have just completed renovations as 2011 draws to a close.

Brazilian cherrywood floors and 18,000 feet of white gossamer curtains set the perfect stage for a mix of surreal furniture that pay homage to the likes of Antoni Gaudi and Salvador Dali. The lobby’s Rose Bar is the just the aperitif for two of South Beach’s most popular dining destinations. First find UMI Sushi & Sake Bar, an elegant communal dining table in the center of the lobby serving Japanese seafood, craft cocktails and a variety of sakes. At the back of the property, overlooking the garden and pool terrace is Bianca, a modern eatery featuring Chef Jason Bamford’s Italian-inspired menu. Terra-cotta stairs lead the way from the restaurant to the Orchard where one would hardly be surprised to see the Mad Hatter or Queen of Hearts playing with the life-size chess pieces, or Alice herself peering into one of the full-length mirrors propped against the trunk of a ficus tree.

A museum-like gift shop (not a flamingo magnet in site), a well-appointed fitness center, a pristine private beach and rooftop Agua Spa that embodies what sitting on a cloud must be like are only a few reasons visitors ignore the beckoning of the outside world for the enchanting haven of relaxation that is the Delano. Late night guests gravitate to FDR Lounge in the lower lobby where a mixed format of live performers and top DJs sets the mood.

With plans to revitalize the entire area, the footprint of the new Faena District spans 32nd through 36th Streets and incorporates the 175 room Faena Hotel, an 18-story Faena House condominium, an arts and cultural organization plus twin condo towers dubbed Faena Versailles. The beachfront guesthouse Casa Claridge’s and Faena Bazaar retail development round out the impressive roster of branded properties.

Guests at the Faena Hotel marvel at the carefully curated interior and exterior appointments conceived by theatrical powerhouse Baz Luhrmann and Academy Award winning costume designer Catherine Martin. Their artful touches incorporate Art Deco glamour and seaside charm at every touchpoint. Throughout the property, the Faena Hotel features important modern artwork by Damien Hirst, Jess Koons and Alberto Garutti.

The hotel’s celebrated dining room, Los Fuegos is run by world-renowned Chef Francis Mallmann who brings his fiery approach to Argentinean asado cooking to Miami Beach, his first restaurant in the United States. Alan Faena said, “Francis Mallmann’s cuisine captures the vibrant spirit of South America and we are thrilled to bring such a remarkable talent to Miami to help us make our vision a reality. We look forward to working with Francis to create an exceptional dining experience and to share a piece of Argentina’s rich culinary culture with Miami.”

James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Qui launched Pao by Paul Qui at the Dome to critical acclaim earlier this year. This Asian fusion eatery showcases the chef’s innovative approach to modern cuisine. His menu encompasses Filipino, Spanish, Japanese and French flavors and the influences of smoke and charcoal cooking in the Japanese binchotan tableside style. A molten piece of charcoal is brought into the diningroom and dishes are seared at the moment of service.

A 3,000 square foot theatrical showplace, the Faena Theater is about to launch a weekly cabaret show called C’est Rouge by Blanca Li. Born in Granada Spain, this former gymnast founded her own contemporary dance troupe in Paris and now brings a fantastical group of dancers and musicians to the stage Friday and Saturday nights this summer starting in June. The 150 seat theater is decked in gold leaf and red velvet decor. Serving as an intimate showplace for a variety of performances, the Faena has recently welcomed Gilberto Gil, Miike Snow and Caetano Veloso.

Faena District is located at 3201 Collins Avenue on Miami Beach.

As Miami Beach prepared for the global art market Art Basel 2014, the Miami Beach EDITION at 2901 Collins Avenue made final preparations for its formal debut. For one very special week in December, some of the most wealthy and influential travelers descend upon the city and major media outlets provide wall-to-wall coverage of the cultural and social events in the pivitol weeks leading up to the Christmas holidays. As cold weather takes over global capitals, images of the jetset partying on South Beach make a lasting impression on many future tourists.

Located in a historic oceanfront section just north of South Beach, the EDITION is built to satisfy the next generation of traveler, combining the best elements of a guest’s stay; a great vacation, an opportunity for relaxation and a reliable place to work. Travelers can move seamlessly through a resort that is totally in tune with their digital devices, leaving them free to work, network and socialize everywhere or flip that switch and embrace the soothing sounds of the sea.

Crafted from the landmark 1955 Seville hotel, architect Melvin Grossman’s MiMo masterpiece, the fully renovated EDITION preserves the historic significance of the property as it celebrates the era’s tropical elegance. Designed to evoke a sense of barefoot chic, the lobby offers a panoramic ocean view and pristine Carrara marble floors that reflect the sunlight. A classic Miami Beach coffee shop called Market serves gourmet fast food as imagined by Michelin star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Schrager wanted the restaurant to be the perfect spot to start the day or to end up after a night on the town.

Closer to the sea, the Ocean Bar offers an elegant oasis for cocktails overlooking the Atlantic coast and the Matador Room restaurant gives Chef Jean-Georges the opportunity to showcase his modern riffs on classic Latin cuisine. Creating a seasonal menu of large and smaller plates, the kitchen takes its cue from the fresh produce, meat and seafood that are so abundant in South Florida. The adjacent grounds of the resort, named “Tropicale” in honor of the historic Havana nightclub, were landscaped by Madison Cox into a series of outdoor rooms where guests can wander under the stars. The Terrace Bar faces the swimming pool and a private beachside area offers outdoor movie screenings, a romantic fire pit, and twenty-eight private bungalows.

Downstairs, guests can enjoy a unique Basement entertainment complex with a nightclub, a bowling lounge with artfully customized shoes and an indoor ice skating rink with dynamic music and swirling lights. Upstairs, 294 guestrooms and suites are luxuriously appointed with warm wood finishes and beach house styling. More than twenty years ago, the Delano Hotel offered a bright white canvas upon which guests could paint all the colors of a Miami Beach vacation. The brand new EDITION serves up a colorful, tropical oasis where guests can do everything – or nothing – in absolute comfort and true Florida style.

The Miami Beach EDITION, 2901 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach 786.257.4500. There are currently EDITION hotels in London & Istanbul and plans for properties in multiple cities throughout the world.

Serving a contemporary interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine, the kitchen specializes in seafood and a tasty variety of “bocadito” small plates meant to be sampled and shared. Highlights on the menu include grilled octopus, goat cheese croquettes, locally-sourced burrata cheese with heirloom tomatoes and plenty of tangy marinated olives. In addition to nightly blackboard specials, a 26-foot cold bar features fresh hamachi crudo (a marinated yellowtail dish), plus a variety of seasonal salads. Guests are encouraged to order 2 or 3 tasting plates per person to enjoy a distinctive selection of tapas or one of the larger entrees like a whole salt-crusted fish or perfectly-seasoned lamb chops.

The 50-room hotel has a popular lobby bar, a scenic rooftop terrace, a waterfront dining patio and an entirely romantic vibe. Wednesday nights are all about the “Sunset Chill,” an evening of food, drinks and music with a local DJ creating a festive mood. Sunday brunches are a specialty of Chef Keith Suarino who crafts a rustic Mediterranean feast that includes bottomless sangrias and mimosas. The buffet service features a chilled soup, plenty of salads, a fresh seafood raw bar, grilled lamb, pork and beef tenderloin and a savory seafood paella. Guest can also customize omelettes made to order or sample the heavenly nutella banana stuffed French toast. Showcasing bold graphics, the work of local artists and a kitschy selection of old Floridiana, Vintro’s “vintage + retro” styling creates the perfect oasis for a unique South Beach escape.

Vintro Hotel & Kitchen is located at 2216 Park Avenue on South Beach. 305.704.3680. Breakfast 7am-11am, Lunch 11am-7pm, Dinner Sunday – Wednesday 7pm-11pm & Thursday – Saturday 7pm until midnight.

Guest rooms are fully refurbished with every contemporary comfort added to enhance the hotel’s historic design. Designer Richard Misaan once stayed at the popular oceanfront property and updated the suites, hallways and public meeting spaces with luxurious appointments and timeless elegance. “Shelborne’s history is so rich and so beautiful; we couldn’t resist the opportunity to restore this property to its rightful glory,” said hotelier Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos. “This new space will reflect its authentic old-school glamour and opulence, while incorporating the modern day comforts and conveniences of Wyndham Grand Hotels and Resorts, melding the best of both eras into one extraordinary destination.”

Staff wardrobes will reflect the heritage of the location and are being developed by Hollywood costumer Carol Ramsey. Providing the perfect backdrop, designer Meg Sharpe brings the lobby area and the cocktail lounge back to their original Art Deco sophistication with rich jewel tones, muted lighting and stunning woodwork. The overall effect is dazzling and dynamic. The pool and cabana areas have also been treated to a chic revival under Sharpe’s watchful eye.

Located in one of the most desirable South Beach locations, the Shelborne South Beach offers 15,000 square feet of meeting and event space just steps away from the best the city has to offer. Guests can enjoy countless shopping and dining options along Lincoln Road Mall or stroll in the neon glow of the historic Ocean Drive scene. Respecting the splendor of this stunning Art Deco property and bringing it back to life with every modern convenience has been a labor of love for all concerned.

340 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL
Family travel to Downtown Miami can be simple and cost conscious at the Holiday Inn Port of Miami just across the street from Bayside Marketplace, and best of all, the Port of Miami is less than a mile away.

With 200 newly renovated guest rooms and suites offering panoramic views over Biscayne Bay, it’s easy to feel like the Prince of the City without blowing the holiday budget on fancier accommodations.

The Holiday Inn Port of Miami overlooks the cruise docks and provides easy access to the city’s best shopping, dining and entertainment facilities. The American Airlines Arena, home of the Miami Heat and host to an international array of big name concerts is just steps away. The hotel offers a health and fitness center, an on-site guest laundromat to help tidy up before or after a cruise, and a full service business center for executives traveling on a budget.

With a central Downtown location, the Holiday Inn Port of Miami is minutes away from sightseeing destinations like Coconut Grove, Little Havana’s Calle Ocho and the Art Deco playground of South Beach. An outdoor pool deck and the continental cuisine at the Bistro Lounge make it easy to spend a quiet afternoon swimming and tanning just steps away from the busy business district.

After hours, enjoy the restaurants, shops and tour boat cruises that launch from Bayside Marketplace, one of Miami’s premier tourist attractions just across the street from the hotel. Miami’s MetroMover provides free monorail service all around the city giving guests access to the museums, performing arts district and nightclubs nearby. With a convenient stop just in front of the hotel, sightseeing and transfer to public transportation (trains and busses) at the Government Center is just minutes away by elevated train.

The hotel offers double- and single-bedded rooms plus 8 luxury suites. Families can take advantage of connected adjoining rooms to help keep an eye on the little ones just next door. Limited parking is available on site and many private parking facilities and rental car agents are just steps away from the property making it simple to drive in and drive out of the busy metropolitan area. Just 15 minutes away from the Miami International Airport, the Holiday Inn is an ideal location for price conscious travel in the heart of the city.

500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami, FL
As the Miami skyline grows and transforms, the quiet reaches of Brickell Key beckon as an oasis to travelers and wealthy residents who are lucky enough to call the tropical island paradise their home. The Mandarin Oriental Miami offers a sense of quiet Asian serenity and a luxe island vibe with a man made private beach, a 15,000 square foot spa and fitness facility and two of the top-rated restaurants in the city.

Families on holiday can take advantage of two- and three-bedroom suites offering all of the comforts of home. Kids can participate in the Mini MO program of organized kid-frendly activities while their parents relax and unwind by the infinity pool. If your holiday is an escape from the kids, book a luxurious suite and enjoy a couple’s massage, a gourmet dinner at Cafe Sambal or Azul and take some time to relax and reconnect in the cozy comfort of a king-sized bed.

Mandarin Oriental is one of the city’s most luxurious destinations with a tri-level holistic spa and fitness facility featuring 17 private treatment rooms, six VIP suites and floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay. Serenity is just a splash away at one of two Mandarin Suites where couples can cuddle in personal multi-jet tubs, an oversized shower and two Thai massage tables offering a unique shared relaxation experience. Celebrate an anniversary, a getaway weekend or just remind your partner how much you care at the Five-Star Mandarin Oriental Spa.

Rooms and suites at the hotel offer anywhere from 377 to 2365 square feet of space with Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay views. All rooms have a marble bathroom and a separate glass-enclosed shower and some have private balconies or larger deluxe bayfront verandas. Roomy luxury suites for VIP-style entertaining include large plasma screen TVs, iPod sound docks, en suite spa style bathrooms and spacious living areas.

Dining at the Mandarin Oriental encompasses casual bites poolside, happy hour drinks at the M Bar, gourmet dining at Cafe Sambal and Chef Clay Conley’s award winning cuisine at Azul. Blending Mediterranean flavors with Asian flair, the menu at Azul is prepared in an expansive open kitchen which just might distract diners from the extraordinary bay views. Cynthia Betancourt supervises the wine selection with over 700 world-class pours to pair with your dinner. Cafe Sambal offers contemporary Asian fare including a sushi and sake bar where guests can discover an impressive selection of rice wines. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Sambal has seating indoors or al fresco.

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group operates some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and residences in 25 different countries. Mandarin Oriental Miami brings this international class of luxury to the sizzling skyline of Miami providing you the perfect getaway.

485 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL
The Brickell Avenue Financial District has long been considered a very traditional destination by Miami standards; a place where banks and international corporations conduct multi-million dollar deals within the quiet confines of staid high rises. When the ultra-sophisticated Viceroy Hotel opened recently, just a mile and a half away from the Port of Miami, the “cool factor” for this quiet stretch of Downtown Miami skyrocketed off the charts.

Suddenly Brickell Avenue became glamorous – a night time destination for jetsetters seeking luxurious dining and the posh Club 50 with it’s panoramic views from the 50th floor. Set within a vast 50-acre tract of waterfront land, the Viceroy offers 5-star luxury including a 28,000 square foot spa, a two-acre outdoor tanning terrace and a 300 foot long swimming pool. A second swimming pool and 9,000 square foot tanning area is reserved for quiet contemplation high atop the 50th floor.

Business travelers and families on holiday can enjoy 162 plush rooms and one- or two-bedroom suites with amenities like iPod docking stations, extensive cable and film library selections, in-room coffee bars, organic mini bars and designer linens and robes. “Top Design” celebrity judge Kelly Wearstler helped to craft unique residential rentals on the top floors of the hotel providing a luxurious 1,400 square foot living space done with a modern East Asian sensibility, gourmet kitchens, spa style bathrooms and dazzling views. These chic city apartments utilize private guest elevators and afford a superior level of privacy and pampering to VIP guests.

The Viceroy Miami offers guests a lavish 15th floor pool patio with two acres of lounge space that serves as a focal point for Eos, a gourmet Greek restaurant. Casual poolside snacks are also available at Cafe Icon. The Spa at Icon Brickell was designed by internationally renowned designer Philippe Starck to include a media room for private film screenings, 2,500 square feet of fitness training equipment, plus a 5,000 square foot water lounge with plunge pools overlooking Biscayne Bay. Guests can be pampered in 10 private treatment rooms or bask in redwood saunas and eucalyptus steam baths.

For a vacation that’s glamorous, sophisticated and exceedingly whimsical, check into the uniquely composed spaces that comprise the brand new Viceroy Miami. See the unique transformation Brickell Avenue has made from stodgy bankers to upscale hipsters in a single year!

200 SE Second Avenue, Miami, FL
Situated in the heart of Downtown Miami and just a mile from the Port, Marriott’s Courtyard Hotel offers easy access to the central shopping and entertainment district of the Magic City. A popular location for locals to spend the night following a late Miami Heat basketball game at the American Airlines Arena, a concert at the Gusman Cultural Center or while attending a convention at the James L. Knight Center, this budget-conscious property is just 8 miles from Miami International Airport.

Newly renovated, the Marriott offers 231 king and double guest rooms and suites with 32″ flat panel TVs, mini-fridges and ample workspace with free WiFi for business travelers. Enjoy a spectacular view of the city while lounging at the rooftop swimming pool and enjoy a work out on the road at the brand new Star Trac fitness complex. Business meetings can be scheduled in over 2,500 square feet of conference area just moments away from the Miami Convention Center next door.

Port of Miami visitors enjoy the Courtyard’s easy access to shopping on Miami’s Flagler Street where it’s easy to find a last minute swimsuit, an extra suitcase or a few presents for loved ones back home. Miami’s top Art Museums, Cultural Centers and Performing Arts Arenas are just minutes from the hotel, perfect for a day of sightseeing via the free MetroMover train a half block from the hotel door.

With easy access to major attractions, the Convention Center and the best Downtown Miami has to offer, the Courtyard by Marriott is an ideal hotel for cruise or business travelers seeking luxury for less.

400 NE Second Avenue, Miami, FL
With a reputation for quality accommodations and excellent service, the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Miami is just over a mile from the Port of Miami offering ideal accommodations for cruise passengers. The building housing the hotel also encompasses a covered platform for Miami’s free monorail service making it safe and simple to travel around the city and explore the restaurants, bars and nightclubs that make Miami one of the most popular and culturally diverse destinations in the United States. The Miami Convention Center and the James L. Knight Performing Arts Center are also part of the Hyatt complex.

Recently refurbished, the Hyatt’s 612 guest rooms and 57 suites include T-Mobile high speed wireless internet access, full deluxe bathrooms, flat screen televisions and ergonomic workspaces. The property is close to golf, tennis and water sports facilities and has a large, outdoor heated swimming pool and exercise facility on site. Business travel planners often book events at the Hyatt Regency to avail their clients of the 100,000 square feet of meeting and convention space including the 444 seat Ashe Auditorium and 12,000 square foot Regency Ballroom.

Cruise passengers who stay at the Hyatt enjoy easy access via Miami’s MetroMover to the Bayside Marketplace, Mary Brickell Village and simple transfers to the rail system connecting the City of Miami to Fort Lauderdale, Coral Gables and Coconut Grove. Overlooking Miami’s busy riverfront, fine dining, nightclubs and casual family fare is just steps away. The hotel’s lobby lounge is a popular meeting place for local office workers from the Brickell Avenue Financial District and provides a comfortable atmosphere for a relaxing cocktail after a busy day exploring the city.

Hyatt Regency Miami offers a non-smoking environment on all but one floor of guest rooms. With in-room safety boxes, a club level with private lounge space and a friendly multilingual staff, the Hyatt offers cruise passengers and business travelers an ideal location for exploring the city, relaxing by the pool or recharging before the next important meeting.

Miami Beach travelers may experience the Setai, the Ritz-Carlton South Beach, The Villa by Barton G and the brand new W South Beach Hotel. Other visitors prefer their five-star hotels on the quieter side and choose Acqualina in Sunny Isles Beach or the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Miami. These top tier locations feature plush amenities such as pampering spas, gourmet dining and attentive service to facilitate a dream vacation for every guest.

2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
One of the most serene and truly breathtaking hotels in Miami Beach, The Setai is an Asian-accented oceanfront oasis of calm in the very center of the scene. A unique combination of tranquility and luxury just steps away from the city’s top restaurants and nightclubs makes this one of the most desired destinations for the discerning traveler.

Interior Designer Jaya Pratomo Ibrahim crafted this breathtaking resort in dark woods with tropical gardens, sparkling reflecting pools and relaxing sundecks overlooking a stretch of white sand beach.

A Pacific Rim-inspired spa offers private suites overlooking the surf where guests enjoy pampering treatments targeting the restoration and realignment of the body.

Choose a casual meal at the hotel grill, an alfresco cocktail with lunch poolside or a more formal dinner service at The Restaurant where a battalion of international chefs crafts a unique menu at the demonstration kitchen in view of the dining room. The hotel offers three temperature-regulated pools and direct beach access with food and drink service, magazines and iPods; making it easy to relax and enjoy the sun.

1 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL
The Ritz-Carlton South Beach offers families and business travelers a unique combination of sophisticated luxury and quick access to the shops and sidewalk cafes along Lincoln Road Mall making it one of the best locations for exploring this dynamic city

Few properties in the area are large enough to provide full resort amenities including a full-service pool and beach club, 7-day fitness, spa and salon services, an in-house designer shopping mall plus gourmet indoor and outdoor dining options.

Located within walking distance of the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Ritz-Carlton has more than 20,000 square feet of conference facilities and a dedicated business center for executives on the go.

Enjoy cocktails in the lobby bar, fruit-flavored hookah pipes at the Morroccan-inspired beach oasis, lavish brunch buffets in the hotel bistro or a classic martini in the Lapidus Lounge. Parents can relax and reconnect while the tots are safely entertained in the hotel’s Kids Club and couples and singles can enjoy a pampering getaway at the spa or inside one of the poolside VIP cabanas overlooking the sea.

1116 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
Experience true splendor by the sea at The Villa by Barton G, a boutique luxury hotel housed in the palazzo designer Gianni Versace once enjoyed as his private South Beach escape on busy Ocean Drive.

No other destination in the city embraces La Dolce Vita quite like this 19,000 square foot resort which features millions of dollars in hand-crafted mosaics, dazzling pools, shaded grottoes and private lounges. A dazzling fantasy, this historic Ocean Drive villa is the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway or a dream honeymoon. Guest preferences are noted prior to check-in so that each room reflects their personal taste in flowers, food and level of service (from attentive to invisible).

Restaurateur Barton G, who is famous for his imaginative events and whimsical dining destinations, supervises the hotel’s exclusive restaurant which offers just 30 seats and one of the most innovative menus in town. Butlers attend the hotel’s 10 custom suites where king-sized beds, marble baths, cozy sitting rooms and private balconies overlook the Art Deco District and the sea. Enjoy the pool, two private lounges or star-gazing on the rooftop patio where the Versace family spent many happy days enjoying the glorious South Beach scene.

2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL
Brand new from top to bottom, this full-service, state of the art resort offers guests whatever they want whenever they choose which makes it a popular choice for celebrities, athletes and discerning travelers from all over the world.

Each of the W’s 334 rooms and beachfront bungalows are strategically engineered to offer dazzling ocean views as well as comfy beds, breezy balconies, high tech entertainment centers and unparalleled service.

The resort boasts 5-star dining at Mr. Chow and Solea restaurants plus pool and beachside service day and night. Evening action focuses on the W Living Room, the poolside WET nightclub and Wall dance club just steps way.

In a unique partnership with top-rated Bliss Spa, the W tailors targeted treatment options perfect for a girls’ getaway, a couple’s retreat or a quick pick me up on the road. Guests can tone up at the fitness center, shoot baskets on the roof or simply relax and enjoy over 300 feet of white sandy beach.

If the heated pool isn’t enough, rent a waverunner, paddle a kayak or test your skill at horseshoes, bocce ball or board games. The W also provides transport around the city by bike, skates or free rides in their chauffeur-driven Acura SUVs. The W Hotel makes it easy to relax or explore all the nearby sights, restaurants and nightlife that makes South Beach one of the world’s most popular destinations.

17875 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, FL
Acqualina is located 150 streets to the north of the Art Deco District in Sunny Isles Beach where city fathers decided to transform the local landscape from a sleepy group of retro snowbird motels into a glittering Vegas-style strip of luxury beachfront high rises.

While South Beach incorporates historically significant properties with newer luxury hotels, this tiny city by the sea called upon real estate developers like Donald Trump to transform the guest experience into a full service mega-resort destination.

Acqualina takes it’s design inspiration from a posh Mediterranean villa facing 400 feet of unobstructed Atlantic coast. The property comprises 188 private residences and just 97 hotel rooms and suites with two gourmet restaurants, three swimming pools and a 20,000 square foot spa. Guests enjoy elegantly appointed havens with private terraces, flat panel TVs and oversized marble baths.

Parents can take advantage of a fully staffed marine biology-based kids program to entertain the tykes while mom and dad reconnect. The beach club features a zero-entry pool, an adults-only recreation area, private cabanas and food and drink service.

The world-renowned spa has steam and sauna, ice fountains and invigorating showers plus a full menu of body and facial treatments designed to pamper and restore. While Sunny Isles Beach is at a quiet remove from the city’s most popular restaurants and nightclubs, a 24-hour multilingual concierge staff can arrange transport to the shops at Bal Harbour, Aventura or South Beach.

500 Brickell Key, Miami, FL
Steps away from Miami’s international financial district, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is designed to offer a tranquil respite for romantic vacations, business travelers and pampering family getaways.

Crafted in a tasteful Asian decor, the hotel features dazzling bay views, private beaches, an infinity pool and 5-star dining at two world-class restaurants.

Hotel guests can spend the day at a luxurious spa and fitness center practicing yoga, pilates, belly dancing and Tai Chi. The Oasis Beach Club’s 20,000 square-foot white sand beach adjoins the swimming pool, jacuzzi terrace and sushi pool bar. Guests can relax on shaded day beds, snooze in comfortable hammocks or experience a deep-tissue massage inside a private VIP cabana.

For more personalized pampering, the 17 treatment rooms set over a massive full-service spa offer his & her therapies inside an Asian-inspired oasis. Offering traditional Chinese medicinal rejuvenation, Thai massage, sauna and steam rooms, the Mandarin Oriental is one of Miami’s most popular destinations for a day of rejuvenation or a longer and more relaxing escape.

Mandarin Oriental guests can enjoy a tropical cocktail at M-Bar, an exotic meal overlooking the exhibition kitchen and Biscayne Bay at Azul or a sake-tini and a sushi roll at the more casual Cafe Sambal. What distinguishes a vacation at the Mandarin Oriental is surely the level of service which is known the world over to be discrete, well-informed and always on hand. For full-service resort amenities that put the pleasure back into traveling, the elegant rooms and suites at this Brickell Key retreat provide the ultimate luxury escape in South Florida.

With bold interiors crafted by French artist Philippe Starck, the SLS South Beach blends elegance and a bit of humor to update a classic Art Deco landmark. Originally designed by Miami’s own L. Murray Dixon in 1939, the original structure was once the tallest Art Deco building on the shore. Now home to Hyde Beach poolside lounge, restaurants Katsuya and Bazaar by José Andrés, the hotel skyrocketed to the Top 10 list of savvy travelers from the moment it opened.

Guest rooms feature high-speed WiFi, 42″ flat panel TVs, elegant Starck interiors and spa-style bathrooms. A choice of panoramic city and sea views is available and a few suites offer elegantly furnished terraces. Lucky patrons can book poolside villas with private balconies overlooking all the action at Hyde Beach Day Club. Elegant penthouses top both the main tower and the oceanfront oasis offering exclusive accommodation envisioned by rock & roll star Lenny Kravitz’s Miami design firm.

Soho House of London was founded in 1995 and expanded to include private clubs, guest rooms, restaurants and spa facilities designed to pamper lucky affiliates wherever in the world they might travel. Soho provides chic and private hideaways for jet-setters and their guests in Europe, New York, Los Angeles and now, Miami Beach.

Originally built by architect Roy France in 1941, the Sovereign Hotel is nestled in the daunting shadow of the enormous Fontainebleau Resort which eclipsed the symmetrical austerity of its neighbors when it opened in 1954. Morris Lapidus, the notorious architect who originally conceived the highly theatrical sweeping curves and “cheese holes” of the Fontainebleau, deftly drew all attention up and away from the pre-war buildings that lined lower Collins Avenue with a flourish of his pen.

In an odd parallel, Allan Shulman + Associates were tasked with quietly updating the Sovereign/Soho property just after the Fontainebleau borrowed more than $620 million to help fund massive renovations that transformed the historic destination into a giddy Las Vegas style resort. The neighboring hotels are at once paired opposites; the Soho Beach House is a tailored private refuge while the sprawling Fontainebleau Resort delivers the limelight.

Shulman crafted a slender 16-story tower behind the existing hotel to house state-of-the-art oceanfront guest rooms and then set about the delicate task of blending the updated historic property with the new tower to create a homogeneous experience for Soho’s discriminating clientele.

The Soho brand is steeped in British country living, thus Soho Beach House interiors are paneled in dark woods and are furnished in antique furniture and overstuffed sofas that fill the lobby lounge, the private screening room and even the outdoor terraces. While most Miami properties cultivate a sense of space and serenity with sparse furnishings, white walls and towers of glass, the creative brief at Soho Beach House is entirely opposite. Guests roam reclaimed barnwood paneled halls, tread on jewel-toned oriental carpets and sit cheek by jowl on striped loungers that line both sides of the slender lap pool.

“The design of Soho Beach House is the type of challenge our firm cultivates,” says Shulman. “I appreciate the projects where, to an historic site, we can introduce contemporary pieces that speak more about today’s concerns; sustainability, transparency, amenity and iconography.”

Working with designer Martin Brudnizki, 50 guest rooms are available in six different sizes with a mix of antique appointments, flat panel TVs, iPod docking stations, rainforest showers and ocean or Indian Creek views.

By day, interaction around the 100-foot long pool is encouraged with communal lounge beds and a cozy beachfront seating area that’s perfect for socializing. The new building features a “screening snug” where digital screening services are available for gatherings and parties. The full service Cowshed spa overlooks the Atlantic with a dedicated fitness room, treatment suites and a blow dry bar.

Unlimited access to Soho Beach House is available to members and hotel guests, but the elegant courtyard restaurant, Cecconi’s, is open to the public and offers a romantic al fresco fine dining experience nestled between the original Sovereign lobby and the private seaside pool deck.

Shulman worked with a team of engineers to install a translucent retractable Teflon awning that can be deployed to cover the restaurant in inclement weather or withdrawn to allow an evening under the stars. A wooden pergola festooned with strands of tivoli lights sparkles overhead and adds to the enchanting effect of the space. Because the Soho Beach House protects the privacy of its members, the view to the pool is obstructed by a suitably English hedgerow—yet another seemingly counter-intuitive element in a city where everyone wants to see and be seen.

Sunny Florida boasts miles and miles of pristine Atlantic coastline with seaside communities that offer non-stop action or a quiet escape. From South Beach to Surfside, from Mid-Beach to Sunny Isles, hundreds of hotels in every class from luxurious to bare-foot-basic welcome thousands of travelers annually. Miami Beach tourist districts encompass South Beach from 1-23 Streets, Mid-Beach through 75th Street, Surfside & Bal Harbour through 102 Street and Sunny Isles Beach & Aventura through 195 Street. The distance from the southern tip of Miami Beach to the northern border is a dazzling 14 mile stretch of Collins Avenue/ A1A.

The most popular area, South Beach is a glowing Art Deco neon-lit strip of some 23 streets packed with nightclubs, restaurants, bars and sidewalk cafes operating around the clock. Attracting families, singles and international travelers, the area offers all manner of accommodations from hostels to mega-resorts and everything in between. Ideal for the vacationer who needs no rental car, South Beach boasts great shopping, beaches from busy-to-blissful and truly memorable vacations for less money than you might expect. A 25 cent local shuttle bus circles the city offering unlimited access to attractions near the sea or on the quieter west side of town.

Attractions on South Beach include the city’s hottest nightclubs, upscale and ethnic eateries, the historic Art Deco District along Ocean Drive and the 24 hour pedestrian-friendly Lincoln Road Mall. South Beach is home to the Bass Museum, the Wolfsonian Collection, the Jewish Museum and the Holocaust Memorial. Parrot Jungle animal theme park and the Miami Children’s Museum are just a 5 minute ride along the MacArthur Causeway. What makes this area so popular is the opportunity to stay busy 24 hours a day or to find a quiet lounge under a shady palm tree and do absolutely nothing at all.

Top tier hotels include the Setai, the Tides, the Delano and the Ritz-Carlton South Beach. Families and young travelers enjoy the Loews Miami Beach and the W South Beach Hotel. Budget-conscious visitors like the Marriott South Beach, the Clevelander and the Sense Hotel on busy Ocean Drive.

Travel time from Miami International Airport to South Beach is around 20 minutes. Travel time from the Port of Miami to South Beach is about 15 minutes.

Just north of the Art Deco district, the Mid-Beach area features larger hotels and a number of mega-resorts where it is possible to check in and experience celebrity-style pampering for the duration of your stay. Streets and beaches are quieter than South Beach so it is possible to opt for a more luxurious hotel, a less hectic pace and still have all that “Miami Vice” action just a quick taxi ride away.

The newly renovated Fontanebleau Resort & Spa and it’s neighbor to the north the Eden Roc Hotel attract the lions share of upscale traffic with the new Grand Beach Hotel offering affordable suites.

Travel time from Miami International Airport to Mid-Beach is around 25 minutes. Travel time from the Port of Miami to Mid-Beach is about 20 minutes.

Surfside has a small town vibe with a shady main street of shops and bars to explore in the evening and miles of beaches with smaller hotels and motels for moderate-priced travel. Considered a hidden treasure by snow birds who come south for the winter, the area encompasses a number of condos and apartments for rent plus the Solara Hotel and the Best Western Oceanfront Resort. By contrast, tony Bal Harbour is home to the most upscale shops in town and multi-million dollar condo developments lining the shore. Once you’ve had your fill of Chanel, Prada and Gucci, check into the Seaview, the boutique Daddy-O or the brand new ONE Bal Harbour Resort.

Travel time from Miami International Airport to Bal Harbour is around 35 minutes. Travel time from the Port of Miami to Surfside & Bal Harbour is about 30 minutes.

Just north of Haulover State Park and Beach, the luxe new high rise hotels along Sunny Isles Beach offer guests a range of resort amenities like fine dining, spas and drinks on the sand. Popular with older visitors and families looking to relax on site and enjoy the weather, there are but a few restaurants and bars within walking distance along a strip shopping district across busy A1A. To augment the guest experience, the cities of Sunny Isles and Aventura provide shuttle busses to nearby restaurants and shopping malls just a few miles away on US-1.

Family-friendly resorts along Sunny Isles Beach include the casual beach club at the Newport Resort to the more upscale Doubletree Oceanpoint, the Trump International Beach Resort, Marenas and (at the top end), Acqualina.

Travel time from the Miami International Airport to Sunny Isles Beach is about 45 minutes. Travel time from the Port of Miami to Sunny Isles Beach is about 35 minutes.

Miami’s Downtown is most densely populated during business hours when streets and parking can be quite congested. After hours and on weekends, the city teems with tourists enjoying off-priced shopping, museums, the Bayside Marketplace and a lively nightclub district bordering a rather desolate stretch of industrial development. Popular for it’s proximity to the Port of Miami, the lower 20 streets of US-1 offer hotels ideal for cruise transfers, weekend visitors and business travelers. Access to the Performing Arts district via a free monorail also makes Downtown Miami hotels perfect for theater goers and concert fans visiting Bicentennial Park and the Bayfront Amphitheater.

The most popular budget spot Downtown is the Holiday Inn Port of Miami but nearby properties like the EPIC, the Intercontinental Miami Hotel and the Hyatt Regency often offer rates that make it tempting to explore more upscale accommodations. The brand new Casa Moderna Miami Hotel & Spa still in its finishing stages occupying the lower floors of the 67-story Marquis Building overlooking all of Downtown.

Travel time from Miami International Airport to Downtown and the Port of Miami is around 15 minutes. Travel time from the Port of Miami to Downtown is less than 10 minutes.

Just south of the city, the Brickell Financial District is home to Miami’s international banking offices and a number of luxurious condo residences on tony Brickell Key. Rapidly expanding to satisfy a vast number of new families, Mary Brickell Village offers restaurants, bars and shopping early morning until late night. A quick ride to the Little Havana historic district and Coral Gables, Brickell Hotels are an ideal spot for cruise passengers or visitors more interested in exploring Miami’s architectural, cultural and urban scene. Most hotels have resort quality pools and spas and can set you up with a 15 minute taxi to the beach. Deep sea fishing, jet ski rentals and windsurfing along nearby Key Biscayne or a day of drinks and shopping in Coconut Grove are just minutes away.

Upscale resorts like the Four Seasons, the Mandarin Oriental (photo above) and the Viceroy Miami pamper guests in wall-to-wall luxury. The Conrad, the JW Marriott and the smaller boutique Urbano Hotel offer more affordable lodging.

Travel time from Miami International Airport to Brickell Avenue is around 15 minutes. Travel time from the Port of Miami to Brickell Avenue is about 10 minutes.

(Opening photo: Opium Beds at the Mandarin Oriental Miami’s beautiful Oasis Beach Club)

Whether your party is big or small the Royal Palm makes every guest feel special by offering an atmosphere of barefoot luxury by the sea. With 133 newly appointed suites, families who need a little extra room can take advantage of the one- and two-bedroom accommodations with additional parlor space in three different buildings. The Royal Palm Tower, the Shorecrest Tower and the Lanai Bungalow each provide a distinctive atmosphere to suit every travel style.  The Royal Palm Tower is newly renovated and offers private balconies overlooking the ocean. The Lanai Bungalow is all one-bedroom suites where guests can easily walk barefoot to the pool or to rent a waverunner on the beach. One of the few all new properties on Collins Avenue, the Royal Palm affords guest all the modern amenities of resort travel.

Enjoy indoor and outdoor dining at Britto, the 130-seat Caribbean American oceanfront restaurant or grab a snack poolside at the bar. Spend a quiet evening at the Deco Lounge where elegant cocktail service makes a perfect start to a night out on  the town. The 15th Street location of the Royal Palm Resort is at the center of the Art Deco District, home to the city’s best restaurants and lounges. Ocean Drive stretches to the south with its historic landmark buildings awash in a buzzing neon glow. All the best  shopping along Lincoln Road Mall is just two streets away. Enjoy the shady sidewalk cafes, the action of nightclubs and bars and the city’s finest museums without bothering with a hired car.

With a variety of room styles and easy access to shopping, fine dining and all of the action of South Beach, the Royal Palm is an excellent choice for a pre- or post-cruise visit. Take advantage of all of the comforts of a full service resort where relaxation, recreation and exceptional service makes every guest feel like a VIP.

Royal Palm Hotel
1545 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, Florida

Part of the 8 property South Beach Group of boutique hotels, the Catalina offers each guest a full hour of open bar nightly, a free pass to two padded lounge chairs on the beach each day and two swimming pools at ground level or up on the rooftop overlooking the scene. The hotel lobby’s Red Bar is an impromptu Starbucks Coffee Shop by day and a relaxed cocktail party as the sun sets. And no matter how late you stay out on the town, Maxine’s Bistro serves breakfast until 3pm so guests can sleep as late as they like and still start the day on a sweet note. Next door, Kung Fu Kitchen attracts a lively crowd with Pan-Asian dishes, a full bar and the city’s best sushi.

Bright white lacquered guest rooms are simple, modern and comfortable starting at just over 125 square feet for a standard king and moving up to deluxe rooms with extended lounge space at nearly 300 square feet. Each room sports a Tempur-Pedic mattress, a flat panel television, an iPod docking station, 300 thread count sheets, down comforters, two bathrobes and a fully stocked mini-bar. The Catalina offers quick access to shopping mecca Lincoln Road Mall, SET nightclub, the Florida Room and South Beach Burlesque Club The Strip. Enjoy a laid back weekend, a shopping holiday or a budget friendly oasis for your next business or convention gathering at the Catalina Hotel & Beach Club.

Catalina Hotel & Beach Club
1732-1756 Collins Avenue
South Beach

One of South Florida’s premier resorts, the Eden Roc joins the nearby Fontainebleau at the top tier of full service Miami Beach hotels. Offering 535 rooms and nearly 100 suites, the scale of the Eden Roc is more desirable for some travelers who find the mega-resorts too imposing and impersonal. With a brand new swimming pool, a fully updated fitness center and spa and a lively cabana beach club offering lunch and dinner overlooking the sea, the Eden Roc is the perfect oasis for a family holiday.

South Beach’s smaller Art Deco hotels – located south of 23rd Street – often lack the space and scale of newer properties like the Eden Roc which is self-contained so guests can check in and simply relax; enjoying amenities like 24-hour room service, a fully appointed spa, wired and wireless internet access, and en suite jacuzzis. The resort offers critically acclaimed dining at Gia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar and easy access to all of the Fontainebleau’s 5 star restaurants right next door. For night time fun, all of South Beach is a quick taxi away.

Guest rooms feature flat panel HDTVs, iPod docking stations, spa style bathrooms and oceanfront balconies. The hotel is 100% smoke free and offers generous 432 – 600 square foot single rooms and luxurious suites with separate living rooms and whirlpool balconies that are over 750 square feet. Families can enjoy the main and children’s pool areas and there is also a separate adults only pool to provide guests with a bit more quiet time in the sun. The ELLE spa and private guest suites are available for massages, facials and beauty treatments guaranteed to leave you relaxed and renewed in no time! For family vacations, romantic getaways or pampering escapes, check in, chill out and enjoy the best of Miami Beach.

Eden Roc Miami Beach
4525 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL

Each guest suite features soundproofed windows, two flat screen surround sound TVs, luxe featherbeds, spacious marble spa bathrooms, a fully stocked coffee bar, three telephones and fully furnished balconies. Guests can choose a private romantic hideaway or a more social poolside party suite to craft the holiday of their dreams.

For a girl’s shopping escape, a friendly bachelor’s weekend or fun family retreat, the Z Ocean offers ten suites that open directly onto the elevated pool deck so guests can host their own pool party on oversized cabana-style terraces facing South Beach’s only glass-bottomed pool. Couples who want to create a perfectly romantic seaside escape can opt for one of nine spa suites that offer a little extra space for an in-room massage or a cozy soak in a private hot tub on the extended outdoor terrace. At the roof level, the Z Ocean Hotel offers city and sea views in suites that feature an oversized balcony with a spiral staircase that leads to a private 600 square foot rooftop terrace. Lushly landscaped, this elevated oasis is a perfect spot to enjoy views of South Beach and the sea from a private hot tub or a cozy sun bed. A rooftop wet bar makes it easy to enjoy a cool cocktail as the sun sets over the city.

The Z Ocean Hotel is just steps away from the sexy sands of South Beach so a full time beach concierge stands at the ready for guests wishing to take advantage of two padded loungers tucked beneath an adjustable sun shade. The hotel offers en suite dining, a lavish terraced dining room overlooking Ocean Drive and stands in the heart of South Beach’s exciting nightclub district. The breezeway entrance to the hotel bar enjoys a unique view up through the bottom of the glass bottom pool which bubbles with excitement by day and offers a tranquil backlit water feature by night. Steps away from nightclubs, fine dining and the shops of Lincoln Mall, the Z Ocean Hotel is a luxe getaway at the top of the Ocean Drive strip.

Z Ocean Hotel South Beach
1437 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139

The heart of the hotel is the pool and beach club where guests can retire to private VIP California King canopy beds or join in the celebration of the full moon at monthly parties out on the sand. Executive Chef Anthony Le Pape serves a variety of seasonal tapas at the DiLido Beach Club where the night air is perfumed by shisha-filled hookah pipes and the sounds of Ibiza interpreted by resident DJs or live bands. Relax in a Moroccan-inspired setting surrounded by lush tropical foliage, swaying hammocks and the sparkling sea.

While it may be difficult to consider leaving the property, The Miami Beach Convention Center (home to the International Boat Show, Art Basel and the Fillmore Theater) is just  three blocks away.

Located at the center of the prime shopping district, South Beach’s Lincoln Road Mall and dozens of  sidewalk cafes fill your days with endless possibilities. Fine dining, top nightclubs, roof top lounges and the top cultural hubs can all be accessed in minutes. Guests at the Ritz-Carlton can enjoy the symphony, the art museums, the ballet or tour contemporary galleries discovering the best of the Beach less than a mile from the hotel.

After exploring South Beach, savor evening cocktails in the serenity of the Lobby Bar, light bites in the Lapidus Lounge and all day dining at Bistro One LR where the Sunday champagne brunch is one of the most popular on South Beach. After a long flight or one too many dances at a nearby nightclub, the Ritz Spa provides 14 treatment rooms designed to help you relax, refresh and renew your spirit under the watchful eye of professional therapists and the beauty team from La Maison de Beaute Carita. Traveling to South Beach to work, play or reconnect with loved ones, the Ritz-Carlton provides the perfect backdrop for a pampering Florida holiday by the sea.

The Ritz-Carlton South Beach
1 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Furnished in a streamlined comfort by Luminaire, the 69 guest suites start at 300 square feet and extend up to 550 square feet including a second lounge space set apart from the bedroom. Not satisfied with simply updating the smaller spaces of traditional Art Deco properties, the Congress offers custom millwork, stainless steel kitchen appliances, plus soaking tubs and rainfall showers in their newly restored granite bathrooms. Rooms are uniquely designated Deco, Tropical, Contemporary, and Retro in decor and each has a modern sensibility including flat panel TVs, wireless high speed internet access and large closet spaces.

A dazzling rooftop pool deck overlooks all of Ocean Drive and the Atlantic Ocean. Have the friendly attendant set you up with a cozy lounge chair and a cocktail or escape into a shaded massage cabana and relax in style. Should you decide to leave the property, you’ll discover that Ocean Drive is party central. All of the best restaurants, nightclubs and shopping are just steps away from the hotel. Explore the Wolfsonian Collection at 10th Street and Washington Avenue or check out the popular Irish pubs and look for celebrities in the VIP lounge at Mansion nightclub just two streets away.

In the hotel lobby, enjoy a quiet cocktail at the Atlantic Bar and Grill or the international cuisine at Cafe Medi where seafood and prime steaks are given a Mediterranean spin. Kitchen facilities en suite make it easy for guests to keep cocktails and snacks on hand or to start the day with breakfast in bed. What matters most at the Congress is a personal commitment to your comfort whether you require a little extra help with your vacation or want a fully independent stay. The Congress makes it easy to feel like you have a home away from home on fabulous South Beach.

Congress Hotel South Beach
1052 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL

Chill out at High Bar, a 70s inspired lounge adjoining the Dream Hotel’s rooftop pool that serves as an oasis by day and a glamorous nightclub after dark. In the main lobby, discover Naked Taco, a goofy Mexican-style eatery guaranteed to charm the most discerning diner. Guest rooms include double or king beds and spa style bathrooms. Suites have king- and queen-sized bedding plus a seating area with a 42-inch LCD television. Managed by Wyndham Hotels, the Dream is an eco-friendly boutique property with all the luxuries of a posh seaside resort.

Located in the center of the historic Art Deco District, the Casa Grande Suite Hotel is a new building with fully updated amenities in every luxurious apartment. Guests may choose from simple 650 square foot studios or one, two, and three separate bedrooms spanning over 1500 square feet. The property features chic interior design, fully appointed eat-in kitchens, in-room safes and spa style bathrooms. Some suites have oceanfront balconies and many can also accommodate the family pet. Enjoy the luxury of a glamorous apartment while exploring all that South Beach has to offer.

Families will appreciate the home style suites with adjacent beach access, but the petite hotel has no room for a swimming pool. A rooftop sundeck features a soothing whirpool spa with panoramic views of the main tourist strip and an appealing vista for stargazers who want to be surrounded by the buzzy neon that highlights all of the adjacent Art Deco hotels. Set in a prime vacation location, the Hilton Grand Vacations Club is steps away from great restaurants, busy nightclubs and bars plus many area attractions. A rental car is not really necessary in this bustling beachfront neighborhood.

Travelers utilize on-site fitness and business facilities or work in their rooms with complimentary high speed internet access. Parents can keep kids happy with a fully outfitted kitchen in each guest suite including a full-sized fridge, stove, microwave and dishwasher. The hotel offers a complimentary beverage area and free laundry facilities plus a limited room service menu from an adjacent restaurant. Stylish, sophisticated and simple, the Hilton Grand Vacations Club makes travel to South Beach a breeze.