Where to Stay in Miami Beach, Florida

Nightly jazz, sunrise yoga classes and poetry readings make this family-owned hotel a serene and refined retreat from the nonstop whirlwind of Ocean Drive. As a guest at the Betsy, you can wind down in stylish rooms with personal libraries, walnut floors and alpaca bed throws or order drinks in the art-filled lobby. The hotel also has a cafe, a pizzeria and an ice-cream counter for casual meals, but the upmarket LT Steak & Seafood is a must-visit for wagyu skirt steak served with hand-cut parmesan fries and truffle aioli.

Inspired by the decor of a 1930s ocean liner, the Albion Hotel gives you a chance to live the art deco dream without blowing your budget. Rooms are equally nautical with bold navy accents and Aveda bath products, while the elevated palm-fringed pool has peekaboo portholes for the full-ship sensation. Lincoln Road Mall, South Beach nightlife and the powder-soft beach with a private lounge are all within walking distance.

This retro-chic hotel on Collins Avenue is a colorful alternative to Miami Beach’s flashier big-name options. Instead, this independently owned property has a laid-back feel perfect for younger couples and solo guests, with a pretty courtyard, travel-themed artwork and a tranquil pool. The beach is just across the road, and you can toast Florida’s sunshine with a fruity rum cocktail in the hotel’s secret WunderGarden, which also hosts live music and yoga sessions.

Understated Nobu is tucked inside the huge Eden Roc at the northern end of Miami Beach, giving you two hotels for the price of one. The Japanese-inspired hotel has a simple, streamlined feel with paper lanterns, natural materials and Natura Bissé amenities. You’ll have access to a tranquil spa and pool, plus priority reservations at the celebrated Nobu restaurant, which you can also order from via room service. For livelier days, you can also use Eden Roc’s three pools, restaurants and beachfront cabanas.

Within strolling distance of clubs, restaurants and shops, but in a calmer enclave of Miami’s liveliest neighborhood, the art deco Plymouth is a sophisticated South Beach option. Lounge by the chic 1940s pool or on the private beach. Shape up with a morning bootcamp session or sunset yoga, or linger over home-made sushi in the renowned Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill. Tasteful rooms in shades of white and blush pink come with illy espresso machines and cocktail trolleys.

This hip eco-hotel on Collins Avenue is as popular with Miami residents as it is with well-heeled tourists, thanks to its healthy cafe, stylish Bamford Wellness Spa and weekend Barefoot Brunch at Wave, complete with a live DJ, elaborate seafood dishes and bottomless rosé. Those lucky enough to be staying can also enjoy an adults-only rooftop pool with 360-degree views, a pool-size hot tub and attentive service on the hotel’s 600ft (183m) beach. Rooms are stylish with yoga mats, Nespresso machines, filtered water taps and organic cotton sheets.

Get a taste of the high life at this exclusive members-only club, set on a private island reachable only by ferry or helicopter. A champagne check-in will welcome you to the 15 sumptuous Mediterranean-inspired suites, housed in the original Vanderbilt Mansion from the 1930s. Each suite comes with a golf cart to whisk you away to the island’s tennis courts, spa, elegant restaurants, observatory, theater and private aviary, where you can catch a glimpse of flamingoes and tropical birds.

Whether you choose a shared same- or mixed-sex dorm, a private room or a sleek, contemporary suite, Generator’s priceless location on Collins Avenue means you’ll be on the beach in two minutes flat. If even that sounds like hard work, relax by the budget hotel’s pool with a craft cocktail, hang out in the airy, Cuban-influenced communal areas or enjoy lazy lunches at Jim & Neesie, where standout dishes include the classic cacio e pepe with house-made fettuccine and black truffle.