Top Art-Centric Hotels in Miami

From world-class Miami Art Week to artsy neighborhoods like Wynwood and the Miami Design District, Greater Miami & Miami Beach has made a name for itself in the art world. Hotels are also placing a major focus on the arts. Many new and historic hotels have been designed by renowned architects and feature museum-quality works. From permanent art installations to rotating exhibits, onsite art galleries and outstanding music offerings, these top art-centric hotels in Miami offer a culturally enriching place to lay your head.

The Betsy – South Beach

The Betsy – South Beach, a beachside oasis the middle of bustling South Beach, offers a strong calendar of art and cultural events for guests and locals. Cozy up in the lobby for nightly free jazz concerts by world-recognized musicians or ask for a tour to learn more about the rotating exhibits of visual arts and photography throughout the hotel. Something really unique: The hotel boasts Miami’s only Writer’s Room, a working studio space for visiting writers and artists. There are also two permanent public art displays that debuted when the existing Betsy Hotel merged with the historic Carlton Hotel on Collins Avenue. Venture midway to Española Way at 14th Place and peek into the restored alleyway to peep “The Betsy Orb,” a large orb-shaped structure that exquisitely connects the two historic properties. The Betsy’s Poetry Rail is an installation of poetry, etched into metal by water jets, by 13 poets who have contributed to Miami literature like Langston Hughes, Donald Justice and Muhammad Ali.

If you are visiting in April, you’re in for an additional treat. The hotel is connected with 10th Annual Overture to Overtown Jazz Festival and features a line-up of jazz performances that take place on-site.

Faena Hotel Miami Beach

For a fantasy-driven dive into the arts, it doesn’t get more epic than Faena Hotel Miami Beach, developed by Argentine real estate developer Alan Faena. Awe-inspiring pieces are everywhere you look. The most recognizable artwork on the whimsical property is Damien Hirst’s “Gone But Not Forgotten,” a gilded skeleton of a woolly mammoth majestically displayed in a glass box in the garden — it’s breathtaking to see the ocean glistening behind it. For more of Hirst’s work, dine at modern-Asian restaurant Pao by Paul Qui to stare at a towering golden unicorn sculpture, “Golden Myth,” situated in the middle of the restaurant. Wander into the Living Room to catch two grand chandeliers named “Storms” by Alberto Garutti —  they flicker every time lightning strikes the Pampas in Argentina. For an interactive experience, book an evening at Faena Theater, where there is always a rotating lineup of performances ranging from sultry cabaret shows to big-name concerts.

During Miami Art Week, the Faena is a hub of artistic energy. They’ve launched The Faena Prize for the Arts, a $100,000 award that encourages artistic experimentation. However, you don’t need to visit during that one busy week in December, the Faena Forum is now open with year-round programing in a stunning new building designed by Rem Koolhaas and the OMA team. This art space includes exhibit halls, an amphitheater and five meeting rooms.

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Brickell/Downtown

Also in the heart of Miami’s Brickell Financial District, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Brickell/Downtown will surprise guests with its exquisite collection of original art by 12 different artists and a small art gallery on the ground level. View one of Jeffrey Zachmann’s one-of-a-kind sculptural machines, a towering flower sculpture by Emilio Robba and thought-provoking paintings by Gregory Scott and Deborah Starbuck. Roam the sixth floor to gaze at Art Deco photographs and make a stop on each floor where inspiring murals make a statement at the elevator landing areas.

Kimpton EPIC Miami

In Downtown Miami, Kimpton EPIC Miami not only has a stunning view that many would consider a work of art, but a robust art program located on the 16th floor, EPIC Art. This Artist in Residency Program was created in 2021 to feature local artists and introduce guests to the Miami art scene. Explore the 16th floor gallery to see a rotating curation of local artists across a wide variety of mediums.

Loews Miami Beach Hotel

At Loews Miami Beach Hotel, a hotel tower was designed as an homage to Art Deco with a stunning cupola that’s now synonymous with South Beach. A $50 million revamp included adding a curated collection of permanent art pieces that ranges from murals to sculptures and even designer headboards in rooms. The works of Sarah Raskey, a Chicago-based visual artist, are woven throughout the hotel. The first thing guests will notice is Raskey’s sparkling art piece behind the reception desk called “Stardust,” comprised of minerals, precious stones, crystals, geodes and more. It’s like a fabulous piece of earthy jewelry on the wall. You’ll also find her work in the artfully designed carpeting in guestroom hallways and the guestroom headboards and murals, which are aptly called “Halo.” For gallery-like collections, head to the second and third floor meeting spaces for more than 40 pieces of multi-media works showcasing many local artists. If music is your art of choice, spend an evening at Bar Collins, the lobby restaurant and lounge, for occasional live music. Expect a rotating mix of local musicians who belt out everything from Latin tunes to playing moving music on an electric violin and DJs pumping out dance music.

Sagamore

Known as “The Art Hotel,” Sagamore Hotel has a long-standing reputation for its dedication to the arts. It’s one of the few hotels in the world with a year-round art program that changes every season. Past exhibits have included an extensive mix of art from greats like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein to Miami-based artists. The hotel hosts art talks and offers the unique opportunity to meet artists and all artwork is on view 24/7 and free to the public. There is a newly renovated sculpture garden which showcased award-winning Australian artist Gillie and Marc for its inaugural exhibit. Another new addition is the Sagamore Walls. This mural space gives artists an opportunity to contribute large scale pieces that will debut during Miami Art Week and remain on the wall throughout the year.

The Sagamore’s dynamic cultural programming ranges from concerts to lectures. One of the best times to visit is during Miami Art Week, when the hotel hosts the annual Sagamore Brunch where celebs and art lovers from all over the world converge to chat about the fairs’ best in show.

The Setai

Luxury and art go hand-in-hand at The Setai, a Zen hotel rich in architectural history. The sleek hotel is housed in a restored 1936 landmark building designed by renowned architect Henry Hohauser. within the historic Art Deco District. It oozes an Art Deco-Asian style. If one design element expresses the concept of Art Deco fusion, it would be the lobby’s gray antique bricks that were transported from Shanghai, which at one time had the largest array of Art Deco buildings in the world. Guests will be wowed by original paintings by Shanghai artist Christian de Laubadère, who paints on paper and canvas using lead pencils, smoke and charcoal as well as printed and embroidered fabric selected from China and France. Additionally, each room features a piece by de Laubadère. The lobby also features art by Korean artist Lee Jung-Woong who uses Chinese ink and oil paint on Korean paper, with a photorealistic finished product. The hotel also puts an emphasis on the art of music at Jaya restaurant’s elaborate Sunday Jazz Brunch.

W South Beach

Modern stunner W South Beach is home to more than just lively nightlife and trendy restaurants. The hotel also houses a multi-million dollar contemporary art collection with pieces by iconic artists like Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Julian Schnabel and more. Ask about the daily art walk available to tour the hotel’s extensive collection. The W’s support for the local arts also extends across the street to its neighbor, The Bass, Miami Beach’s contemporary art museum. With an exclusive partnership, hotel guests have the chance to experience VIP access to Creativity Center programs for all ages, exhibition openings, guided tours and more.