8 Wild Beachfront Hotels in Miami Beach: Fora’s Guide

Ready to check into the best hotels in Miami Beach? We have you covered with eight wild and glamorous choices across Mid-Beach and South Beach, Miami.

Or: want tailored recs, insider intel and VIP hotel perks instead? Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip, and we’ll hook you up with all sorts of A+ extras to level up your stay at the coolest hotels in Miami Beach. Oh, and you'll pay no more than what you'd pay by booking online by yourself.

Is it better to stay in South Beach or Miami Beach? What’s the difference?

South Beach is actually a part of Miami Beach, which also collects the Mid-Beach and North Beach neighborhoods.

Chances are, when you imagine Miami Beach you’re picturing the famous, pastel-colored Art Deco corridor of South Beach with its glamorous parties on electric, white-sand beaches.

This area is famous for its wild, celebrity-filled nightlife and pristine ocean views. Plus, South Beach is super walkable and filled with things to do (see our 3-day South Beach itinerary for ideas)

Mid-Beach, on the other hand, tends to offer a more upscale and relaxing experience away from the party vibe to the south. And the accommodations here are generally seen as the best hotels in Miami Beach (don’t worry, there are still awesome hotels in South Beach, Miami). Mid-beach is also notably less walkable — there are pockets of ritzy shops and restaurants — but the emphasis is generally on the resorts themselves. 

Ultimately, deciding which neighborhood to stay in is totally a matter of preference.

The 8 coolest hotels along Miami beaches

Read on for the coolest hotels in Miami Beach. 

Or skip our guide and get tailored recommendations straight from the pros. All you have to do? Connect with Fora to book your stay, and we'll unlock awesome extras like complimentary daily breakfast, spa tickets and more.

1. 1 Hotel South Beach: an uber luxurious hotel on the border of South & Mid-Beach

Image courtesy of 1 Hotel South Beach

Staying at 1 Hotel South Beach is a rad way to kick off any weekend getaway to Miami. 

This five-star hotel features massive pools and beach access, a beautiful variety of guestrooms and suites (including expansive penthouses) and stellar dining options. In fact, there are eight different restaurants at 1 Hotel, including a rooftop Japanese-inspired restaurant, Watr, and beachside Mediterranean café (check out where to eat and drink in Miami for even more choices). 

As for style, 1 Hotel puts nature at the forefront with a breezy, plant-filled beach theme while also incorporating a variety of sustainable practices into its new-age design. 

You’ll find 1 Hotel at the northernmost tip of South Beach.

Fora Perks at 1 Hotel South Beach:

• $100 hotel / resort credit.

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

2. Fontainebleau Miami Beach: one of the most famous hotels in Miami Beach

Arguably the most iconic hotel in Miami Beach, Fontainebleau has been a Mid-Beach fixture since it first opened in 1954. Over the decades, Fontainebleau has maintained a reputation as a world-class hotel where celebrities and discerning travelers go to unwind amidst the elite amenities and stunning ocean views. 

Guests can enjoy lavish rooms — including condo-style offerings in the Trésor Tower — and high-end amenities ranging from the full-service spa to a plethora of fine and casual dining choices. 

Want more intel on Fontainebleau? Connect with Fora to plan and book your stay.

3. Faena Hotel Miami Beach: a bold and decadent Mid-Beach hotel

Image courtesy of Faena Hotel Miami Beach

Even among the ritziest hotels in Miami Beach, Faena stands out with its bold, unique decor and nearly unrivaled sophistication.

This luxe hotel sets the tone early, greeting guests with the works of acclaimed artists and a striking crimson and gold palette that extends throughout the property (there’s even a gilded mammoth fossil by Damien Hirst on display in the hotel’s manicured courtyard). The entertainment and gastronomy are also carefully curated to ensure guests enjoy an exceptionally classy experience. 

Accommodation-wise, expect to be wowed by the meticulous attention to detail and sumptuous furnishings. This is not your everyday hotel — Faena is where to stay in Miami if you want uncompromising luxury with an artful touch. Likewise, Faena is one of the most exclusive (and expensive) hotels in Miami Beach.

And if you needed any more convincing that Faena is an amazing place to stay in Miami Beach, locals love it so much they named the surrounding district after the hotel.

(Interested in a more budget-friendly South Florida vacation? Check out the top hotels in West Palm Beach.)

Fora Perks at Faena Hotel:

• $100 hotel / resort credit.

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

4. Loews Miami Beach: a ritzy contemporary hotel in South Beach near City Center

Image courtesy of Loews Miami Beach

Featuring a luxurious contemporary style, Loews Miami Beach distances itself from some of the more traditional or beach-themed hotels in South Beach. The effect is more approachable than Faena, for instance, yet still decidedly upscale. 

In terms of location, Loews Miami Beach is just a couple blocks from City Center in South Beach, so there are tons of cool places to check out in the immediate vicinity (Miami Beach really is more than a party town). You can enjoy the work of local artists or take a class at the Oolite Arts center, admire the architecture of the Arts Deco district, catch an event at Soundscape Park or New World Center…there are a lot of fun, culturally rich things to do here. 

(Planning a Miami bachelorette party or girls’ trip to Miami for no particular occasion? Check out our guides for itinerary ideas.)

Connect with Fora to level up your stay at Loews Miami Beach.

Fora Perks at Loews Miami Beach:

• $100 hotel / resort credit.

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

5. The Setai, Miami Beach: one of the best hotels in South Beach for group travel

Image courtesy of The Setai, Miami Beach

If you’re traveling with a large group of friends — or simply want uber spacious rooms to yourself — The Setai is an amazing, all-suites hotel in South Beach with an East-meets-West aesthetic. 

Each suite is artfully decorated yet wholly functional. And guests can choose between moody Art Deco suites on the city side and stylish ocean-view suites with floor-to-ceiling windows that take advantage of South Beach’s beautiful scenery. Oh, and Fora Advisor Lauren Cherney says, "on Saturdays, make sure you check out the legendary rosé brunch."

(Spending a long weekend in South Beach? Read our guide for itinerary ideas.)

Fora Perks at The Setai:

• $100 food / beverage credit.

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

6. The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach: an opulent hotel in South Beach inspired by the city’s Art Deco movement

Image courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach

Continuing our list of gorgeous hotels in Miami Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is a case study in elevated accommodations. As you can expect from a hotel of its pedigree, this location promises stunning accommodations inspired by Miami Beach’s famous architecture, world-class service and a great location. 

You’ll find The Ritz-Carlton just outside the Lincoln Road Mall and Ocean Drive in the most lively part of South Beach. 

Sidenote: Morris Lapidus, the architect who designed Fontainebleau, also designed the building that The Ritz-Carlton is now housed in.

Plan and book your vacation with Fora to get the most out of your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach.

Fora Perks at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach:

• $100 hotel / resort credit.

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

7. SLS South Beach: a seductively chic hotel in Miami Beach with an excellent nightlife

Image courtesy of SLS South Beach

Whereas many luxury hotels in Miami Beach aim for a look that fits somewhere between Miami’s classic Art Deco themes and traditional luxury, SLS South Beach’s look and vibe is perhaps best described by the architect who designed it, “radical chic that nods to the hedonistic excesses of the 18th-century French aristocracy, fusing Old World savoir-faire with high-end contemporary comfort.”

In other words, SLS South Beach Miami is wholly unique, beautiful and perhaps most importantly, fun. Above all, this hotel is an exceptional choice for travelers who crave a youthful energy and a fashion-forward design.

This is also one of the best hotels in Miami Beach for nightlife seekers. SLS Pool Party — a wild dance club by night and chic poolside lounge by day — is right next door and City Center is only a couple blocks away.

Fora Perks at SLS:

• $100 food / beverage credit.

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

8. The Miami Beach EDITION: an ultra-modern Miami Beach hotel with top-tier, adults-only entertainment

Image courtesy of The Miami Beach EDITION

Rounding out our list of the top hotels in Miami Beach, EDITION boasts an ultra-modern minimalist theme that’s as posh as it is comfortable. At a glance, the rooms appear understated, but closer inspection reveals a deeper sophistication and state-of-the-art amenities. 

What’s not included in the brochure might be EDITION’s coolest feature, though. Per our Miami Beach EDITION review, the basement floor turns into an adults-only nightclub, complete with a bowling alley, ice rink and elite sound system. If you’re looking for a fun hotel in Miami Beach, EDITION is an excellent option.

Fora Perks at The Miami Beach EDITION:

• $100 hotel / resort credit.

• Breakfast daily.

• Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
  
  

Want VIP treatment at the coolest hotels in Miami Beach? Book with Fora

If you’re eyeing a reservation at one of the coolest hotels in Miami Beach (or the best hotels in South Beach, specifically), let us level up your stay. Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip, and we’ll unlock awesome extras like complimentary property credits, daily breakfast and more for the same (or better) price you’ll pay if you book by yourself. 

Not sure the top hotels in Miami Beach are what you’re looking for? Check out our guides to these cool destinations, too:

• Hotels in Nashville, TN: 5 Choices Near Broadway & Music Row

• The Best Hotels in San Francisco: 5 Unique & Exciting Choices

• Rome, Florence & Beyond…All the Best Places to Stay in Italy 

• 10 Unique Places to Stay in New Orleans: Cool Hotels & Neighborhoods 

• The 12 Coolest Hotels in Vegas: Elite Resorts & Boutique Experiences

• Exploring Boutique Hotels in Miami
  
  

This article has been fact checked by Fora Advisor Lauren Cherney and Fora Advisor Daniel Goldstein, both experts on travel to Miami, Florida.