World's Hottest Hotels: Miami Beach

If you’re looking for a lavish getaway, Miami Beach has several properties that offer opulence and over-the-top luxury. From an extravagant 24-karat gold woolly mammoth enclosed in a hurricane-proof glass box to a nightclub with an ice skating rink and even Gianni Versace’s former mansion, these are just a few of Miami's hottest hotels.

Faena Hotel

Did you even go to the Faena if you neglected to pose in front of the woolly mammoth and find the perfect filter for Instagram? The answer is, no. The Faena opened its doors to the public in 2015, when prominent Argentine real estate developer Alan Faena brought to life one of Miami’s forgotten spots. The golden mammoth isn’t the only jaw-dropping attraction, with the South American inspired spa, the lavish lobby and dining room decor and of course, the ocean-front penthouse suites.

Contact Info: 3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140, (305) 534-8800

Rooms: Guest rooms, suites and a penthouse


Restaurant(s): The Faena offers two restaurants, Los Fuegos by Francis Mallman and Pao by Paul Qui. Los Fuegos features Argentine grillmaster Francis Mallmann who creates a live-fire cooking experience in an open-fire kitchen, and he cooks with local ingredients to create his famous savory dishes. Pao offers modern Asian cuisine with ocean views, featuring a range of international styles that include Filipino, Japanese, Spanish and French.

Pool: Known for their signature candy-striped umbrellas, the Faena pool provides a luxurious, comfortable area for sun-bathing and outdoor activities. With the beach just steps away, the outdoor area makes for the ultimate relaxation getaway.

Extras: The Faena offers the Tierra Santa Healing House, a 22,000-square-foot hammam, the largest on the East Coast. It features shaman-developed body-healing rituals and treatments, along with facials and massages.

Villa Casa Casuarina

Built in 1930, this boutique hotel’s rich history and deluxe design is what attracts both tourists and locals to this destination. The Villa Casa Casuarina, also known as Versace’s mansion, was once a private, mysterious mansion, where Gianni Versace roamed around comfortably in his lavish home. A few years after he was killed on the steps in front of his villa, his sister Donatella sold it, and it now serves as a hotel and a restaurant.

Contact Info: 1116 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, (786) 485-2200

Rooms: The boutique hotel offers suite-style rooms that feature royal designs such as Italian marble floors, lavish mosaics and balconies with views of Ocean Drive.


Restaurant(s): Whether you're in the historical dining room or the under the stars poolside, dining at Gianni's, the hotel's restaurant, is an experience unique to the hotel. It features Italian-Mediterranean style food and wine collections.

Extras: The world-renowned pool at the Versace mansion was inspired by Gianni Versace's "Marine Vanitas" collection, and it contains thousands of 24-karat gold tiles. Stargazing on the rooftop lounge beats any view nearby.

Miami Beach Edition

The iconic Miami Beach Edition features lavish rooms with ocean views and a serene spa-like atmosphere. With nine spa treatment rooms, executive services and a 2,300 square-foot bungalow penthouse, the hotel prioritizes luxurious living for its guests.
Contact info: 2901 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140, (786) 257-4500

Rooms: Guest rooms, suites, bungalows and a penthouse

Restaurant(s): Featuring Michelin-star Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the Matador Room offers Latin-inspired cuisine with a taste of South America, the Caribbean and Spain. The 1940s dining atmosphere is representative of the luxurious hotel experience.

Extras: Basement Miami features a nightclub, an ice skating rink and a bowling alley. The state-of-the-art sound system and dramatic lighting make it a desirable place for both locals and tourists to enjoy in the hotel.

The Setai

The Setai exemplifies embellished living combined with a serene yet playful atmosphere. Filled with the historical culture of Miami Beach, the Art Deco landmark features ocean-front suites nestled in a secluded enclave for the ultimate retreat, holistic spa treatments and three temperature-controlled pools.

Contact Info: 2001 Collins Ave Miami Beach, Florida 33139, (305) 704-7817

Rooms: Ocean-front suites and Art Deco suites

Restaurants(s): Jaya features modern Asian cuisine for its guests, and diversifies its food with turmeric, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, chilies, coconut milk and tamarind flavors.

Extras: The Spa at Setai by Themae Paris offers formulated treatments made from various teas, and features four private spa suites with ocean views, and a private bath and steam room. The fitness center also provides personal trainers and fitness classes accessible to all guests.

The Betsy Hotel

Filled with artsy corners throughout the property, the Betsy Hotel is committed to a sumptuous appreciation of arts and culture. This South Beach property hosts artistic events such as writing workshops, concerts and art exhibitions. Small but luxurious, the Betsy Hotel offers quality service and ocean-front views, plus complimentary yoga on the beach is held several times a week.
Contact Info: 1440 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139, (844) 539-2840

Rooms: Guest rooms (some ocean-view)

Restaurant(s): Award-winning Chef Laurent Tourondel brings American fine dining to the Betsy. LT Steak & Seafood offers a seasonal menu featuring steak and seafood at its best. The hotel also offers bars, cafes, ocean deck dining and private dining options.

Extras: The hotel offers various programs, such as literature events and music festivals.

Fontainebleau

Whether you're in the presidential suite or enjoying their body rescue spa treatment, the Fontainebleau never fails to exemplify luxurious comfort at its finest. With spacious suites, numerous dining options and one of Miami's most popular nightclubs, the Fontainebleau is always a must for tourists and locals to visit.

Contact Info: 4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Florida 33140, (800) 548-8886

Rooms: Guest rooms and suites

Restaurant(s): The list is long for their available dining options, but the main restaurants to check out are Hakkasan, which features award-winning Cantonese cuisine, and Scarpetta, which offers a regional Italian menu with views of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you're dining on the fourth-floor rooftop or enjoying their casual dining options by the pool, the hotel offers a range of restaurants to enjoy.

Extras: The Lapis Spa is one of many attractions at the Fontainebleau, offering a variety of spa treatment options for guests, with massage and body therapies, a salon, a gym, Ayurvedic rituals and more. The hotel is also home to Liv, one of the most popular clubs in Miami Beach, along with three other bars and clubs.

The Standard Spa Miami Beach

A well-deserved spa day at the Standard Spa Miami Beach is the best way to pamper yourself. With a Roman waterfall hot tub, indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy playgrounds, Turkish-style hammams and an aroma steam room, the Standard defines luxury spa living at its best.
Contact Info: 40 Island Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, (305) 673-1717

Rooms: Guest rooms and suites

Restaurant(s): The Lido Restaurant & Bayside Grill features a Mediterranean-inspired menu, with an emphasis on high-quality organic meats and fish, olive oil, fresh herbs, unprocessed foods and grilling with organic and bio-dynamic wines.

Extras: Focused on mental and physical health and wellness, the spa offers Pilates and yoga classes, retreats and fitness programs.

COMO Metropolitan

Overlooking the ocean, COMO Metropolitan is located in the heart of the Art Deco district and is preserved by the city’s Historic Preservation Board. The 1930s building features a Shambhala urban escape that provides holistic treatments, fitness services, a hydrotherapy pool and more. Prioritizing luxury and health, COMO embodies true customer service and holistic healing.
Contact Info: 2445 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140, (305) 695-3600

Rooms: Guest rooms and suites

Restaurant(s): What better place to eat Floridian seafood than in Miami? The Traymore features classic Floridian seafood dishes and American cuisine. The Shambhala cuisine offers healthy, fresh food that is rich in enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Whether it's poolside dining or enjoying seasonal seafood in their restaurant, COMO offers a variety of dining options.

Extras: The staff at the COMO Shambhala dedicates themselves to offering services focused on holistic healing and wellness for its guests. It offers massage therapy, facials and body care, fitness classes and wellness packages.