Hotels On South Beach’s Famed Ocean Drive
- February 18, 2025
From star cameos in popular movies to splashy scenic postcards, Ocean Drive in Miami Beach is famous all over the world. Fronting the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the sands of South Beach, it's dotted with open-air cafes, bars and restaurants, where music often spills onto the sidewalk, along with architectural Art Deco beauties. To soak up the iconic street’s history, style and nonstop entertainment, book a stay at one of the many historic hotels that line Ocean Drive.
The Gabriel South Beach
Spread across four historic but modern buildings, The Gabriel South Beach, Curio Collection By Hilton flaunts spaces meshing both posh Art Deco and playful Florida styles with fresh perks. While there’s a serene courtyard pool, one of the hotel’s biggest draws is its rooftop pool with a glass bottom that can be viewed from the lobby (which definitely warrants a social media post). There are several room styles to choose from, including a King Oasis Suite with a main living area and views of Ocean Drive. Guests are treated to thoughtful amenities, like beach chairs and towels, beach cruiser rentals and a shuttle to Downtown Miami.
Avalon Hotel
Presenting a front-row seat to all the excitement of Ocean Drive, the iconic Avalon Hotel is an Art Deco boutique hotel where you’ll know you’ve arrived the moment you spot the bright-yellow 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 parked out front. Its 57 guest rooms are accented with pops of color and live orchids and feature large windows that let the sunlight stream in. For the best views of the ocean, book a corner-view room. Grab your complimentary beach chairs from the guest room closet and walk across the street to the beach. Feel the ocean breeze on the street-side patio of A Fish Called Avalon, where you can savor creative seafood dishes and a slice of Key lime pie while listening to live music nightly and enjoying Ocean Drive’s unparalleled people-watching.
Beacon South Beach
Stay at the Beacon South Beach to be steps away from the sands of South Beach and the green spaces of Lummus Park. Begin each morning with an in-room Nespresso coffee before heading over to the beach for a day of sunbathing. The hotel offers complimentary beach chairs and towels, and guests can use hotel bikes free for one hour. Those looking for more space can upgrade to a one-bedroom suite. Guests also have easy access to oceanfront Osteria del Mar restaurant, where Italian fare and seafood rule the menu.
The Betsy South Beach
If you love art, culture and music, then The Betsy South Beach is the place to stay on Ocean Drive. This family-owned MICHELIN one-key hotel features a curated art collection that covers nearly every wall and is ever-changing, especially before Miami Art Week, and there’s nightly jazz (which is free whether or not you’re a hotel guest). The Betsy’s two pools have different vibes, from the serene courtyard pool to the scenic rooftop pool, which is a great place to catch the sunset. Enjoy breakfast on the terrace and watch Ocean Drive come alive in the mornings, and make dinner reservations at LT Steak & Seafood, which has been a staple in South Beach for more than 15 years.
Hotel Victor South Beach
The 1930s Hotel Victor South Beach has held on to its Art Deco charm while offering modern conveniences and amenities. It’s easy to fall for the property’s centerpiece, a rooftop pool with cabanas hovering over Ocean Drive and the beach. Guests also love the on-site K’alma Spa, a hidden sanctuary that will pamper you with facials and massages. There’s a great selection of rooms with sleek wooden floors and beachy-chic decor, including two spacious penthouse suites boasting private terraces with hot tubs. Dining options include Café Americano, which serves American food with an Italian twist.
Hotel Breakwater South Beach
You may immediately recognize the historic Hotel Breakwater South Beach by its cheerful white, yellow and blue facade that’s often seen in photos and videos promoting Ocean Drive. Guests can choose from a variety of modern rooms and suites, including rooftop penthouse suites with private pools. Take a swim in the glass-enclosed plunge pool, explore the area on complimentary beach cruisers or zap calories at the 24-hour gym. For authentic Cuban cuisine, sip a refreshing mojito, the unofficial drink of South Beach, and dine on the sweeping terrace of Havana 1957. An extra bonus: Guests have access to the amenities, including the spa, of Hotel Victor South Beach, only two blocks away.
The Villa Casa Casuarina
Owned by the same group that runs the neighboring Hotel Victor South Beach, The Villa Casa Casuarina offers the chance to stay in the opulent Italian-style mansion where designer Gianni Versace lived and threw lavish parties. You can swim in the luxury boutique hotel’s 54-foot mosaic swimming pool, roam the property to see its ornate decor and dine alfresco at Gianni’s Restaurant. The 12 guest suites include Versace’s decadent master suite and a safari-inspired suite.
The Cardozo
The Cardozo hotel has been featured in several Hollywood movies, including “The Birdcage,” “There’s Something About Mary” and “Marley & Me.” Owned by Miami music royalty Gloria and Emilio Estefan, who unveiled a renovation in 2019, this 1930s gem now boasts a modern, white motif sprinkled with furniture, art and accessories from the Estefans’ homes. The king and double-double rooms and luxury suites feature sparkling mother-of-pearl headboards, glossy cabinetry and bathrooms decked out in gold fixtures. Start your day with breakfast at the Call Me Cuban cafe, which also serves lunch and dinner, and cross the street to spend a sun-drenched day on the beach.
Clevelander South Beach
With a longtime reputation as the life of the party, the Clevelander South Beach is the place to stay when you want to enjoy revelry from morning till night. There’s always something happening, from pool parties to dancing under the stars at the C-Level rooftop terrace. The hotel’s bar is known for its frozen drinks, perfect for sipping in the sun, and when you’re craving a burger and a sports game, check out Kush at Clevelander Sports Bar. Keep an eye on all the action with a pool-view room or book one of the Rock Star Suites with beach and pool views.
Leslie Hotel
If you’re looking for an intimate stay, the canary yellow-and-white Leslie Hotel dates back to 1937 and offers Art Deco charm. Choose from 35 rooms with three styles that range from king to ocean suites with spa-like bathrooms, some with Jacuzzi tubs, as well as in-room mini-fridges and free Wi-Fi. Other amenities include a business center, a gym with weight and cardio machines, and a rooftop oasis with a pool, hot tub, covered cabanas and beautiful views of the beach and ocean. Dine on-site at La Trattoria for street-side dining and an Italian-inspired menu.
The Local House
A quiet gem, The Local House is your go-to hotel for a peaceful vacation. Located in the upscale South of Fifth neighborhood, this intimate hotel is dripping in calm coastal hues and is within walking distance of many South Beach attractions. Request a room with a private balcony for ocean or city views and enjoy perks such as complimentary chairs and umbrellas at the beach. Spend the day lounging on the rooftop pool deck, and don’t miss their on-property restaurant for dinner or a popular brunch that draws a local crowd.
Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach
The Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach is an oceanfront hotel where you can wake up and gaze at the sea from your room. You’ll find luxe amenities at this expansive property, which features spacious king bed suites and a penthouse with its own pool. Alternate between the pool and the Bentley Beach Club or slip away to outdoor communal areas meant for quiet relaxation. If you’re looking to be pampered, indulge in a facial or massage at Spa 101. Enjoy a Greek feast at on-site restaurant Santorini by Georgios, which serves authentic Mediterranean dishes. If you’re traveling with a pet, the hotel allows one dog up to 30 pounds per room.
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