By: Angela Caraway-Carlton
Greater Miami & Miami Beach is an enviable place to staycation or vacation, so it makes sense that Miami’s hotel scene is always growing and evolving. Whether it’s a historic hotel with old-time charm and revitalized glamour, or a modern hotel with playful amenities, visitors can find their desired vacation vibe. Here’s a look at some of the destination’s hottest, newest (or recently renovated) hotels.
AC Hotel Miami Brickell, Downtown Miami/Brickell
Enjoy city-cool vibes at this new hotel in always-lively Brickell. The AC Hotel Miami Brickell by Marriott is part of a new dual-branded property with Element by Westin, offering two hotels in one. Guests are treated to sleek, European-inspired guest rooms and places to wine and dine such as the AC Kitchen restaurant and the bustling AC Lounge. Enjoy shared facilities with the Element Hotel, including the fitness center and a rooftop decked out with a pool, cabanas and gorgeous views of Brickell and Downtown Miami. There’s also the trendy rooftop bar and lounge, Rosa Sky, where guests can drink in panoramic views while sipping handcrafted cocktails.
Cool off in the plunge pool
The Balfour Hotel, South Beach
Formerly the Lord Balfour hotel, the newly named Balfour Hotel has emerged from a $4 million renovation with reinvigorated public spaces and 82 updated guest rooms and suites. While it’s true that the landmark hotel is situated on bustling Ocean Drive in South Beach, The Balfour feels like a serene retreat. Guest rooms are spread out over two Art Deco-style buildings that are connected by an enchanting courtyard. Kick back on the east and west sundecks to watch the sunset, read a book in the tranquil courtyard under the shade of palm trees, or dip in the plunge pool with an underwater window. Bonus: You’re just steps from the ocean.
Experience the posh life at The Confidante Miami Beach
The Confidante Miami Beach, Mid Beach
Live the posh suite life at this playful hotel located in Miami Beach’s growing Mid Beach neighborhood. Known for its retro-glam stye and mid-century modern design, The Confidante recently revealed 35 new suites as part of a multi-million dollar renovation. The guest suites feature some of the largest bathrooms and walk-in showers in town. The new premium suite category has bragging rights to furnished balconies with ocean and city views, floor-to-ceiling windows and separate living rooms with Queen-size sofa beds. With all that room, it’s the perfect place for bachelor/bachelorette parties or for families to spread out and enjoy a comfortable stay.
Feel like you're in a Spanish Village at Esme Hotel
Esme Hotel, South Beach
Rich in history, the Esme Hotel on charming Española Way has a new life. Once an artists’ colony in the 1920s, it’s now a boutique hotel with 145 guest rooms across eight buildings. Even though the property is a historic landmark, guests will find all the modern comforts like a roof deck pool and lounge, as well as artfully decorated guest rooms and suites. Designed to feel like its own Spanish village, the hotel offers guests the chance to hop around to five different eateries and bars, as well as two neighboring restaurants, The Drexel and Tropezón (an Andalusian gin and tapas bar). The highlight is wandering the property’s Spanish-style paseos to hide away in quiet nooks and courtyards. The hotel is hyper-focused on bringing locals back to Española Way, hosting weekly happenings such as disco nights and DJ sets.
Don't miss the swimmers gliding over the lobby
The Gabriel South Beach
With a prime piece of real estate on Ocean Drive, the new and glamorous Gabriel South Beach offers guests very distinct stays in three original Art Deco buildings, including the iconic Park Central Hotel, and a new five-story atrium building. While guest rooms in the historic buildings are splashed with Art Deco flair and tropical touches, the new atrium building feels like an exclusive beach house. Balconies hover over Ocean Drive, and the atrium’s rooftop, glass-bottom pool offers Instagram-worthy snapshots, as those in the lobby can look up and catch swimmers gliding by. There’s also an incredible 30-foot mural by French street artist Mr. Brainwash. Guests can retreat to the peaceful courtyard pool and hang out at the indoor-outdoor central bar that pours into the Meet Dalia restaurant.
YOTEL & YOTELPAD, Downtown Miami/Brickell
For a stay that’s truly cutting-edge, check out the new YOTEL Miami in Downtown Miami. The brand is known for crafting innovative and fun stays for those who love technology and hassle-free accommodations. Recharge in cleverly designed rooms equipped with signature elements such as rain showers, relaxing mood lights, numerous charging points and smart TVs that can easily be connected to guests’ own devices. Escape to the tranquil swimming pool, hit the 24-hour gym, or mingle with others at the onsite restaurant and bar. You can also choose to stay at YOTELPAD (the Miami YOTEL is the first joint hotel and pad in the world), which offers condo-style residences made for longer-term stays. Both properties put guests within walking distance to Bayside Marketplace, the FTX Arena and cultural institutions.
What are you waiting for? Ask for that much-needed time off and pack a bag: Miami’s new-on-the-scene hotels are waiting for you.