The Best Beachfront Hotels to Book in South Beach, Miami

Sitting on the beachfront, the Delano is a South Beach icon. Conceived by Ian Schrager (considered the founder of the boutique hotel concept), the pristine white rooms have welcomed the likes of Madonna, Prince, and J-Lo. Backing onto the oceanfront, the hotel’s infinity pool terrace defies even the highest expectations – the pool bar’s chairs and tables are perched in the shallow end, and cabanas swathed with white curtains hide private outdoor lounges with TVs. Dining comes in the form of Argentine-Japanese fusion, served on the terrace overlooking the pool and ocean beyond, while the hotel’s Delano Beach Club holds its own amid South Beach’s finest nightlife offerings.

Towering above Miami’s South Beach in white and sparkling glass, this lavish hotel has views out to the horizon. Suites are modern in bright white, with a few mid-century velvet touches and kitchenettes for a bit of independence. You can book anything from a standard “splendid” studio to a poolside bungalow or splash out on the “amplified” penthouse for your own rooftop pool and soaking tub overlooking the ocean. The hotel’s own Wall nightclub rivals some of the best South Beach hotspots. Rejuvenate in the Asian-inspired spa or lounge in one of the cabanas by the poolside.

In the heart of the Art Deco district, this plush hotel still retains the air of a Hollywood starlet’s beachside getaway in the 1950s. Indeed, it was designed by famed architect Morris Lapidus in 1953 and his winged swimming pool still stands proudly in the center of the sprawling terrace. If you prefer your water more natural, hotel daybeds line the soft sand of the beach. Balconied rooms overlook the ocean or the pool, or both. For dinner, choose between sea-fresh ceviche served oceanfront and alfresco at Dilido Beach Club or head inside to sample the Latin-American offerings cooked on an open flame at Fuego Y Mar.

Dating back to the 1940s, the Shelborne enjoys a prime spot on South Beach’s Collins Avenue. This place is shining with art deco design, starting with the lobby’s sunburst chandeliers and curved seating nooks in the library, through to the geometric patterned carpets in each plush room. The pool terrace is a vision of palms and loungers, and here the Shelborne Cafe serves fresh juice, coffee, and snacks in boho-beach surrounds. Miami establishment, David’s Cafe, has set up shop in the hotel lobby where you can grab Cuban street food to go and Cuban milkshakes.

Although the Royal Palm stands in the Art Deco district of Miami’s South Beach, there are some distinctly modern flourishes to this luxe resort. The pool terrace, shaded by lush palms, is a riot of color in canary-yellow and royal blue and the lobby feels like a 1950s sci-fi author’s vision of the 21st century. The Florida Cookery, the hotel’s signature restaurant, showcases the best of southern Florida’s natural bounty while the Grove focuses on Latin dining and Byblos offers fine dining with a touch of Mediterranean flair.

This South Beach luxury hotel is a minute’s walk from the Collins Avenue bus stop, a mile (1.6km) from the bustling Lincoln Road, and 1.4mi (2.3km) from the Miami Beach Architectural District. You can book a gorgeous room that looks out over the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. Rooms with balconies and full kitchens are available if you choose to upgrade and live the truly opulent lifestyle that is representative of South Beach. A fabulous 600ft (183m) of beach belongs to 1 Hotel, and this spot uses only recycled and sustainable materials in its sheets and towels, as well as embracing locally sourced and organic foods.

The Breakwater in Miami Beach is famous for its colorful accents and furnishings, and the rooms come fully equipped with all the accessories that discerning travelers have come to expect. Renowned for its art deco stylings, this beachfront boutique is less than a mile from the shops of Lincoln Road as well as the lively scene at Miami Beach. Hotel amenities include a rooftop terrace, an upper-level pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and two restaurants.

This upscale suite hotel is ideally situated on Collins Avenue and within walking distance of the shops on Lincoln Road. It’s an elegant hotel with tasteful design and artwork, featuring everything you could want from an upscale luxury hotel. Visit the bar and lounge for a cocktail or relax in the spa, or head for the sunny beach, where you can pass the hours soaking up the sun or playing in the waves.

With a modern-chic interior and a classic art deco design, this beachside hotel offers the best of both new and old Miami. With excellent service and beautiful views, everything has been recently renovated and amenities include beachside cabanas, hammocks, and floating water beds. An added bonus is that the Marseilles Hotel is just a mile away from the famous Miami Beach Botanic Gardens.

The Betsy is committed to being green and solution-oriented wherever possible, with conscious decision making apparent both inside and out – from LT Steak & Seafood’s locally sourced products and farm-to-table ingredients, to organic, environmentally friendly cleaning products and eco-conscious appliances and interiors. The Betsy is also one of the lone surviving examples of Florida Georgian architecture on Ocean Drive. Experience the colonial design while enjoying the electric lifestyle of Miami Beach.