South Beach is Miami Beach’s iconic playground of Art Deco glamour, powder‑soft sand, upscale dining, and buzzing nightlife. If you’re planning a luxury escape, this guide compares the top five‑star hotels and shares practical tips on when to visit, how to choose the right property, and what to expect for rates, beach access, dining, spas, and nearby attractions.
Quick Overview
- 🧘 Best for serene, ultra‑luxury: The Setai, Miami Beach
- 🎭 Best for art & spectacle: Faena Hotel Miami Beach
- 🌱 Best eco‑chic all‑rounder (great for families): 1 Hotel South Beach
- 🏛️ Best classic five‑star in prime location: The Ritz‑Carlton, South Beach
- 🎉 Best for trendy, social energy: W South Beach
Where is “South Beach”? Typically from South Pointe Park up to about 23rd Street (hotels just north—like Faena/EDITION—are “Mid‑Beach,” a 5–10 minute ride from the core). All properties below offer direct beach access or are beach‑adjacent with chair/umbrella service.
Comparison Table (At a Glance)
| Hotel | Star level | Vibe | Signature amenities | Typical price (low → high season)* | Who it’s best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Setai, Miami Beach | 5★ | Zen, refined, intimate | 3 temperature‑controlled pools; Valmont spa; beach butlers; Asian‑inspired suites | $600–$2,100+ | Couples, honeymooners, design lovers, privacy seekers |
| Faena Hotel Miami Beach | 5★ | Theatrical, art‑driven | Faena Theater cabaret; Tierra Santa spa; butler‑serviced suites; private beach club | $700–$1,900+ | Art/design fans, foodies, families who like glam |
| 1 Hotel South Beach | 5★ | Eco‑luxury, social | 4 pools incl. rooftop; large rooms; wellness classes; kids’ club; pet‑friendly | $520–$1,480+ | Families, wellness travelers, groups, pet owners |
| The Ritz‑Carlton, South Beach | 5★ | Classic, polished | Elevated oceanfront pool deck; Club Lounge; José Andrés concepts; spa | $416–$988+ | Couples, families, Marriott loyalists, business |
| W South Beach | 5★ | Trendy, high‑energy | WET pool scene; every room with ocean‑view balcony; rooftop basketball/tennis; AWAY Spa | $516–$1,364+ | Young couples, friends’ trips, party‑adjacent luxury |
*Room‑only, before taxes/fees; broad guidance for standard categories. Suites and peak events (Art Basel, Christmas/New Year, Miami Grand Prix, Spring Break) can be significantly higher.
The Setai, Miami Beach (5★)
Why stay here: A serene Asian‑inspired oasis blending restored Art Deco with a modern oceanfront tower. Consistently among Miami’s most luxurious, with discreet, personalized service.
Highlights
- 🛌 Suites: Art Deco Studios/Suites (boutique feel) and Ocean Suites (1–4BR apartment‑style; many with full kitchens and panoramic views).
- 🏊 Pools & Beach: Three temperature‑controlled pools (cool/medium/warm) facing the ocean; private beach club with padded loungers, umbrellas, beach butlers.
- 💆 Spa & Fitness: Intimate Valmont spa; well‑equipped gym; Clefs d’Or concierge.
- 🍽️ Dining: Jaya (Asian; courtyard shows on select nights), Ocean Grill (Mediterranean, beachside), elegant lobby/courtyard bars.
Location: 20th–21st & Collins (Collins Park). Walk to Bass Museum, 10–15 minutes to Lincoln Road; quick cab to Ocean Drive.
Good to know
- 🤫 Quiet, grown‑up vibe; families welcome but it’s not a “party” resort.
- 🌊 For guaranteed ocean vistas and space, book Ocean Suites in the tower.
- 💸 Prices are among the highest in South Beach year‑round.
Who it suits: Couples, honeymooners, small families/groups seeking top‑tier service and tranquility.
Faena Hotel Miami Beach (5★)
Why stay here: A cinematic, art‑soaked luxury playground—think red‑and‑gold glamour, a beachside gold mammoth sculpture, and a cabaret theater. Over‑the‑top in the best way.
Highlights
- 🛌 Rooms & Suites: Bold, maximalist design; many oceanfront suites with balconies; butler service in suites.
- 💆 Spa & Wellness: Tierra Santa Healing House (massive spa with hammam/wet area); daily classes.
- 🏖️ Beach & Pool: Full‑service Faena Playa with beach butlers; oceanfront pool and luxury cabanas.
- 🍽️ Dining & Nightlife: Los Fuegos (Argentine wood‑fire), Pao (Asian‑Latin), Saxony Bar, live‑music Lobby “Cathedral,” and Faena Theater shows.
Location: Mid‑Beach (32nd & Collins); 5–10 minutes by rideshare/trolley to Lincoln Road/Ocean Drive; quieter beachfront.
Good to know
- 👗 Lively, fashion‑forward crowd—especially weekends/events.
- 🎂 Excellent for special occasions and families who want spectacle + service.
- 💸 Rates trend very high in peak season.
Who it suits: Art/design lovers, celebratory trips, foodie couples/families, culture‑curious travelers.
1 Hotel South Beach (5★)
Why stay here: Eco‑chic, spacious, and activity‑rich. Giant rooms, four pools (legendary rooftop), strong wellness program, and one of the best high‑end family choices in Miami Beach.
Highlights
- 🛌 Rooms: Starting ~700 sq ft; natural textures, many with balconies and ocean views; condo‑style suites with kitchens; in‑room filtered water, yoga mats.
- 🏊 Pools & Beach: Huge main deck + adults‑favored rooftop pool with panoramic views; serviced beach with daybeds/cabanas.
- 🧘 Wellness: Big Anatomy fitness center; spa; daily yoga/meditation; lobby Farmstand fruit.
- 🍽️ Dining: Habitat, WATR Rooftop, Plnthouse (plant‑forward), Neighbors café, Sandbox pool eats; lively sunset scene.
Location: 23rd–24th & Collins (edge of SoBe, near Faena District); easy stroll or short ride to Lincoln Road and Bass Museum.
Good to know
- 🎶 Weekends can be buzzy at the rooftop; families still have plenty of quieter space.
- 🐶 Pet‑friendly (welcomes dogs, supplies beds/bowls).
- 📏 Strong value for room size versus peers.
Who it suits: Families, wellness‑minded couples, groups wanting upscale fun without sacrificing relaxation.
The Ritz‑Carlton, South Beach (5★)
Why stay here: Classic, polished five‑star with a prime address at Lincoln Road & Collins—steps to shopping, dining, and the Art Deco District—plus refined service and an elevated beachfront pool.
Highlights
- 🛌 Rooms & Suites: Bright, modern rooms (many with ocean views); Club Level lounge access categories; suites with terraces.
- 🏊 Pool & Beach: Tranquil oceanfront pool deck; serviced beach club with chairs/umbrellas.
- 💆 Spa & Fitness: Full Ritz‑Carlton Spa with ESPA treatments; 24/7 gym.
- 🍽️ Dining: Concepts tied to José Andrés; elegant Lapidus Bar; poolside beach club fare; 24/7 in‑room dining.
Location: Unbeatable walkability—Lincoln Road at your doorstep; 5–10 minutes to Ocean Drive.
Good to know
- 🤫 Calmer atmosphere than “scene” hotels; great for couples/families.
- 🍹 Club Lounge adds all‑day bites/drinks (can offset dining costs).
- 💸 Rates often slightly below ultra‑boutiques in shoulder/summer periods.
Who it suits: Couples, families, business/conference travelers, Marriott Bonvoy loyalists wanting consistent five‑star service.
W South Beach (5★)
Why stay here: High‑energy, stylish beachfront resort where every room has an ocean‑view balcony—rare in South Beach. Big studios/suites, lively pool, and strong nightlife adjacency.
Highlights
- 🛌 Rooms: Studios ~570+ sq ft; floor‑to‑ceiling glass; sleek marble baths; condo‑style suites; Bungalows with plunge pools.
- 🏀 Play: WET pool with weekend DJs; rooftop basketball & tennis; serviced beach; AWAY Spa; 24/7 FIT gym.
- 🍽️ Dining & Bars: Mr Chow (glam Chinese), The Grove garden dining, Living Room lounge/DJ, pool grill.
Location: 22nd & Collins—upscale pocket near Bass Museum/Convention Center; 10–15 min walk to Lincoln Road.
Good to know
- 🎶 Pool scene can be lively; request higher floors/city‑facing if noise‑sensitive.
- 🎂 Strong pick for birthdays/bachelorettes and stylish groups.
- 🐶 Pet program (PAW) welcomes small dogs (fee applies).
Who it suits: Trend‑oriented couples, friends’ trips, conference‑goers who want a resort vibe.
Other Notable Luxury Options (Nearby)
- 🏖️ The Betsy – South Beach (4.5★ boutique): Elegant, artsy Ocean Drive icon with rooftop pool, great steakhouse, and a calm, cultured vibe. Perfect for couples who want Ocean Drive without the chaos.
- 👨👩👧 Loews Miami Beach Hotel (4.5★ resort): Large, family‑friendly oceanfront with big pool, kids’ club, spa, multiple restaurants; extremely central at 16th & Collins.
- 🌟 The Miami Beach EDITION (5★, Mid‑Beach): Chic Schrager design, two pools, beautiful beach, Jean‑Georges dining, and a nightlife‑ready Basement (bowling + ice rink).
- 🎈 SLS South Beach (4★+, boutique): Philippe Starck whimsy, buzzy pool parties, Katsuya & Bazaar by José Andrés; rooms run small but fun.
Choosing the Right Luxury Hotel: Key Factors
1) Vibe & Scene
- 🤫 Quiet & refined: The Setai, Ritz‑Carlton, The Betsy
- 🎭 Glam & theatrical: Faena
- 🎉 Trendy & social: W South Beach, SLS
- 🌱 Eco‑wellness: 1 Hotel South Beach
2) Room Size & Layout
- 📏 Largest standards: 1 Hotel (~700 sq ft).
- 🏘️ Best for multi‑bedroom/condo style: Setai Ocean Suites, 1 Hotel residences, W Bungalows/Suites.
3) Pools & Beach
- 🌇 Best rooftop views: 1 Hotel.
- 🧘 Most tranquil pool trio: The Setai.
- 🎶 Buzziest pool scene: W South Beach, SLS.
- 🏖️ Most pampered beach club: Faena, Setai.
4) Dining & Nightlife On‑Site
- 🎭 Destination dining/theater: Faena.
- 👨🍳 Celebrity dining names: Ritz (José Andrés), W (Mr Chow).
- 🥗 Health‑forward options: 1 Hotel (Plnthouse, WATR).
5) Families
- 👨👩👧 Top choices: 1 Hotel, Loews, Ritz‑Carlton (kids’ programs, large rooms, calmer pools).
6) Value Windows
- ☀️ Summer & early fall (Jun–Sep) have better rates and promos; ❄️ winter holidays command the highest prices.
- 📅 Mid‑week stays often cheaper than weekends.
Practical Planning Tips for Tourists
Best Time to Visit
- 🌞 December–April (High Season): Sunny, dry, packed calendar; highest prices.
- 🍂 May & November (Shoulder): Great weather, lighter crowds, better value.
- 🌴 June–September (Low): Hot/humid, afternoon storms; best deals; check for summer packages.
- 🌀 Hurricane season: June–Nov; consider refundable rates or travel insurance.
What You’ll Pay
- 💵 Five‑star standard rooms: ~$400–$1,000+ most dates; ultra‑luxury/suites can be $1,500–$5,000+ in peak.
- ➕ Add taxes (14%+), resort fees ($35–$55/night typical), valet parking ($45–$60/night).
- 🏖️ Beach chairs usually included; cabanas/daybeds extra.
Location Logistics
- 🚶 Walkability is excellent in central South Beach.
- 🚗 Rideshare between hotels, Lincoln Road, Ocean Drive, Wynwood, Design District is easy.
- 🚌 Miami Beach Trolley is free and handy for Mid‑Beach/SoBe hops.
- ✈️ Airport to SoBe: ~20–25 min (traffic‑dependent).
Booking Smarts
- 📦 Look for packages (breakfast, spa/food credits) and loyalty perks (Amex FHR, Marriott STARS/Luminous).
- 🔕 For quiet: request high floors, non‑pool‑facing rooms at livelier hotels.
- 🌊 For views: book oceanfront (not just “partial ocean”).
- 👨👩👧 For families: confirm connecting rooms or multi‑bedroom residences in advance.
Dress Code & Etiquette
- 👙 Pool/beach: resort casual; many venues prefer smart‑casual at night.
- 💵 Tipping: 18–20% typical; many bills include auto‑gratuity—check before adding more.
Accessibility
- ♿ Major resorts have ADA rooms, step‑free beach access paths, and pool lifts; request in advance for specific needs.
Sample 3‑Day Luxury Itinerary (Flexible)
Day 1 – Settle & Savor
- 🏖️ Check‑in, beach/pool time.
- 🍹 Sunset cocktails (1 Hotel WATR rooftop or Ritz Lapidus Bar).
- 🍽️ Dinner: Los Fuegos (Faena) or LT Steak & Seafood (The Betsy).
- 🌃 Stroll Ocean Drive under neon Art Deco lights.
Day 2 – Culture & Wellness
- 🧘 Morning yoga (1 Hotel) or jog on the Miami Beach Boardwalk.
- 🖼️ Bass Museum / Art Deco Walking Tour.
- 💆 Spa afternoon: Tierra Santa (Faena) or Valmont (Setai).
- 🎭 Night: Faena Theater cabaret or cocktails at the W Living Room.
Day 3 – Explore Beyond the Beach
- 🍳 Brunch on Lincoln Road; shopping.
- 🎨 Short ride to Wynwood Walls / Design District (art & boutiques).
- 🌅 Sunset at South Pointe Park Pier, seafood dinner nearby.
