Where To Stay In Mid Beach

While South Beach might get all the glory, its now thriving neighbor known as Mid Beach — which extends north from 23rd to 63rd streets and east from Indian Creek to the Atlantic Ocean — is a must-see destination. Don’t underestimate its quiet location. The area is now packed with a unique mix of luxurious new resorts, boutique gems and high-end hostels that boast buzzed-about restaurants, energetic nightlife and endless entertainment.

If you want to know where the recent revival of Mid Beach began — the iconic Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel lays claim to the bragging rights after a billion-dollar reimagination in 2008 and the newly designed Sorrento Tower in 2020. A longtime symbol of Miami Beach's glamorous golden era, where cool kids like the Rat Pack used to hang, the hotel still bustles with activity day and night. The sprawling resort built by famous architect Morris Lapidus offers 22 acres of nightlife, great restaurants and plenty of space to relax or meet for business. Retreat to Lapis, The Spa at Fontainebleau, known for its soothing water features, or join the sun-soaked parties and concerts at the expansive poolscape. In the evenings, a well-heeled crowd moves across the lobby’s bowtie-patterned floors to have cocktails at Bleau Bar, dine at a dizzying array of restaurants like Michael Mina’s Stripsteak, Pizza & Burger, or AAA Four Diamond Award Winning restaurants such as Scott Conant’s Scarpetta, or Hakkasan, or to party the night away at Liv.

4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL

Considered one of the most over-the-top additions to the neighborhood, the luxe Faena Hotel Miami Beach is the brainchild of Argentine developer and hotelier Alan Faena, who has transformed the surrounding blocks from 32nd to 36th streets into the culturally focused Faena District. From a dramatic red-carpet entrance to jaw-dropping art pieces like a 24-karat-gold mammoth by Damien Hirst, and rooms and suites draped in bright red, this hotel offers a glam stay. Dining is elevated thanks to Asian-fusion Pao by Paul Qui, live-fire cooking at Los Fuegos at Faena Miami Beach and Tree of Life, an outdoor tropical retreat with hand-painted mosaic seating and columns made of seashells. Mingle with other locals at the Living Room, which gives off the glam vibes of an old Hollywood movie; settle into a seat at intimate Saxony Bar; or reserve a table at Faena Theater, where shows range from seductive cabarets to a jazz series. Book a spa day at the colorful Tierra Santa Healing House for shaman-inspired treatments and body-healing rituals. 3201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL

An ice-skating rink in Miami? Yep, this cool hotel has one, and it’s a playground for nightlife and upscale dining. With the feeling of a boutique hotel, but the amenities and perks of a resort, Miami Beach EDITION offers 294 guestrooms and suites, including 28 private oceanfront bungalows and a posh rooftop penthouse. Michelin-starred chef and culinary genius Jean-Georges Vongerichten developed the dining scene with his signature restaurant, Matador Room, for a modern take on Latin cuisine and stunning views of the ocean; inventive and delicious pizzas at the casual Market; fun cocktails served in copper pineapples at Matador Bar and al fresco dining at Tropicale. Bounce between two large pools during the day, revitalize at the spa and then hit Basement — a nightclub, hip bowling alley and indoor ice-skating rink all in one hub. 2901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL

Housed in a building constructed in the 1940s, The Confidante Miami Beach is a beachside retreat that celebrates its retro-glam roots with 345 rooms and suites (some with wraparound balconies) decked out in mid-century modern décor. The airy hotel is all about bright colors and will make you happy. Beachside bites and drinks are served in coconuts at The Backyard and authentic Cuban coffee is on tap at Cafecito Bar. Rejuvenate at the rooftop spa for a treatment in an air-conditioned cabana and choose from the epic floatie menu to float in one of the resort’s two pools that are lined with chairs adorned in bright colors and stripes. 4041 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL

This shiny new upscale hostel by the hip UK hospitality brand Generator is a looker — meaning it doesn’t look like most hostels you’ve probably seen before. Your eyes will be drawn to all of Generator Miami’s design details meant for Instagrammable moments. The hostel is also packed with plenty of places to hang out. A stay here means all 103 rooms come with a view, whether it’s the Atlantic Ocean, Miami Beach's canals, Downtown Miami's skyline or the pool, and guests can choose between private and shared rooms. Kick back at the poolside bar, Driftway, for frozen cocktails and a photo of the bar’s giant iguana mural, then indulge in top-notch food at Jim and Neesie, the intimate lobby bar and restaurant that’s always buzzing with activity. 3120 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL

Freehand Miami is a hip hostel that knows how to draw a lively crowd of world travelers as well as locals. Known for being light on the wallet, thanks to a wide selection of shared and private guestrooms meant for every budget and style, it’s heavy on award-winning food and drinks. After a laidback day by the pool, mingle in the tropical courtyard of Broken Shaker, a staple for inventive drinks concocted with fresh-pressed produce and garnishes from the property’s onsite garden. For one of the best and most creative meals in the area, snag a candlelit table at 27 Restaurant and Bar, where the menu rotates seasonally and plates are served family-style. 2727 Indian Creek Drive, Miami Beach, FL

While located on busy Collins Avenue, just steps from the beach, this bright boutique hotel feels like a secret enclave tucked away from the masses. Circa39 offers a mix of vintage and tropical touches throughout. The ambiance immediately sets the tone for a laidback getaway. It feels like you’re staying at a friend’s beach bungalow. The centerpiece of the hotel is WunderGarden, where locals and visitors gather in the lush courtyard filled with palm trees, exotic plants and plenty of spots to relax. Expect weekend events like barbeques and yoga classes. You’ll want to grab a chair at the cheery WunderBar, where the cocktails are focused on rum — more than 80 different brands — and then indulge in global comfort food at the whimsical Jules Kitchen.

3900 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL

Now under Marriott's luxury chain banner, this recently refurbished, 357-room hotel on the ocean offers mid-century architecture and sea-inspired design for a true coastal getaway. Hang under the palapa-roofed Bungalow by the Sea for cocktails and frosé made with fresh strawberries. then dine at gorgeous Donna Mare Trattoria — an authentic Italian trattoria that serves seafood including traditional branzino, Neapolitan pizzas and house-made pastas. Make a splash at the main pool, unwind in a cabana at the adults-only pool, or choose one of the Cadillac Signature Experiences, where guests can engage in curated experiences ranging from a seaplane adventure to a day on a private luxury yacht or a chartered fishing trip.

3925 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL

Want to see more? Here is a comprehensive list of hotels in Miami's Mid Beach neighborhood.