The Best Boutique Hotels on Ocean Drive

Feel like you’re staying with old friends at The Betsy at the quieter end of Ocean Drive. Two golden retrievers will greet you at the door, encouraging you to set down your suitcase and follow them to the Skyline Deck for belly rubs. The spa, dual pools and fitness center all ooze private resort-vibes but the library’s around-the-clock comfort is where we know you’ll feel right at home – that is, when you’re not building a pint-sized beach home in the sand.

Oceanfront rooms? Check. Authentic Italian meals delivered by room service? Check. A great location near the beach and boutiques that’ll keep you too busy to enjoy your room? Double-check. Winter Haven anticipates that you’ll spend your trip engulfed in the South Florida sun – but just know that they’re ready to spoil you with service even if you’re only popping by to sleep and sip a few cocktails.

Renovated with warm, modern tones yet still embracing its vintage Art Deco origins, Cavalier Hotel is a stunning mix of minimalist, contemporary and artistic design. The room’s smooth rain showers and soft Egyptian cotton bedding are hugged by warm wood furnishings and Chicago brick walls. You’ll wake up every morning to a newsletter giving you the skinny on what’s happening around South Beach, so you can have your full day planned before you even brush your teeth.

Prime Hotel truly does have a prime location at the south end of Ocean Drive. From the cabana-lined rooftop pool, you can see just how close you are to South Beach and South Pointe, two relaxing waterfront spots that’ll fight for your attention. And if you think this boutique hotel knows a thing or two about serving up a fine stay, wait until you taste the truffle mac’n’cheese, dry aged steaks and fried clam strips at one of their four restaurants.

Live like a South Beach native at The Local House. Every morning should start with a weather update, available via the endless sky views in the rooftop pool, followed by ordering their signature seafood scramble with epic hotcakes. Make small talk with the bartender as they mix your mimosas before heading out on your complimentary cruiser, swearing to discover something new around town only to default to your favorite spot on the beach once more.

A studio room is all you’ll need at The Fritz Hotel. If you’re not spending all of your day on South Beach, you’ll be looking at it from the Fritz’s rooftop pool. Wrap a towel around your waist if you need a break from the water and dry off on your walk around the corner to Jalapeno Mexican Kitchen. Fair warning: their spicy totopos and fajita de carne will warrant another dip in the pool to cool your body down.

Wake up to blue walls and white linens, as the sun peeks into your room at the Beacon Hotel. Sip on a cup of espresso and slip into a swimsuit before grabbing the beach towel and chair waiting in your room. You can order up a Starbucks iced coffee in the lobby to drink as you make your way to your favorite patch of shoreline right across the street.

Trust us, you will not have any flatmate friction at Room Mate Waldorf Towers. Break the ice during your first night with drinks at your mini bar and feel no pressure to rise early for a breakfast – served until noon. Anytime you’re feeling out of place amongst South Beach’s visitors, ask the concierge to point you to a cozy cafe on Ocean Drive where you’ll find a chill spot to get to know the locals.

Desiring a little sand and sophistication between your toes? Hotel Victor will fulfill your wishes with custom 300-thread count linens and a marble soaking bath with an infinity edge. Tickle and tame your chakras in the Peruvian Crystal Color Therapy Spa. Alabaster, tektite and clear quartz in the steam, meditation and hamam rooms will leave your body, mind and soul renewed. Your palate deserves the same refined treatment, which is why you’ll receive a discounted meal at Gianni’s in the Versace Mansion with your stay at Hotel Victor.

Versace’s former mansion is your home away from home at The Villa Casa Casuarina. Drop your luggage on the double king-sized bed of his grand master suite and drop your jaw at the stunning murals elegantly adorning the walls and ceiling. Slide on your nicest pair of Crocs so you can tour every luxurious squarefoot of this gallery-like palace in comfort, taking them off only to dive into the Thousand Mosaic Pool.