The 9 best boutique hotels in Miami

At Uma House, there's twice the charm. Offering two styles of accommodation: one with a unique boho vibe, evoking South Beach's Hey Day, while the other serves up Miami nostalgia. Whichever camp you're in, rest assured your room is as comfy as comfy get with, blackout shades, luxury linens, premium mattresses, and complimentary toiletries from Malin and Goetz. There's a real social atmosphere at Uma House. You can chill out in the garden, go for a dip in the pool, or kick back on the rooftop terrace while sipping a cocktail. 

Best for: doing Miami your way.

Budget range? Pretty affordable for a four-star. 

This charming hotel—restored to its 1950s MiMo glory—features modern amenities with retro accents. At the center of the quaint, bi-level property is a glistening pool complete with tile mermaid. Most of the rooms are small, fitting only an armoire rather than a full closet, but comfortable and contemporary. Vagabond Kitchen and Bar, the on-site restaurant, serves modern gastro fare and a lively brunch on Sundays. 

Best for: Miami Kitsch. 

Budget range? Pretty affordable, especially if you're on the lookout for a last-minute beach getaway. 

The Betsy stands out among its South Beach neighbors, and not just because its colonial-style building à la Gone With the Wind is an anomaly in a sea of Art Deco. Situated on the northernmost end of Ocean Drive (read: the quieter part), the Betsy swaps bathtubs full of mineral water with charming little touches, such as a bookmark with poems left on your pillow in lieu of chocolates and a small library in each of the 61 guestrooms. The decked roof terrace is perfect for chilling or a romantic cocktail as the sun sets.

Best for: a dreamy terraced pool.

Budget range? Who knew breaking the bank could look this good?

Situated one block from South Beach and Lincoln Road's much-adored promenade and shopping district, this 1941 stalwart is a fabulous blend of contemporary design with Art Deco nostalgia. Rooms are kept simple and classic, with white linens, dark wood furniture, and black and white photographs of pinups and automobiles plastered on the walls. During your stay, you can look forward to complimentary beach access, cocktails on the rooftop deck, and an Italian-inspired menu at the on-site cafe/lounge. Welcome to the lush life.

Best for: modern nostalgia. 

Budget range? In the mid-high ranges.

Art deco glamor meets French Moroccan style, courtesy of designer Michael Czysz, with a result that somehow looks a bit space-age. Dream lives up to its name by creating the kind of guest room that makes you reluctant to get out of bed. Upstairs is Highbar, a 1970s-inspired rooftop pool and lounge, with comfy white seating and a couple private cabanas. Downstairs, Naked Taco serves up solid Mexican. It's all just one block from the beach too.

Best for: being just a few steps from the beach. 

Budget range? Moderately priced for a weekend getaway.

Just a block away from Ocean Drive, and housed in a Revival-style building, Kimpton's Angler's South Beach is a chic oasis where guests can enjoy a slower pace than is typical of the bustling South Beach area. Consisting of 132 accommodations, this not-so-small boutique is so relaxed that you'd be none the wiser about just how many rooms there are on offer. Head up to yours and you'll be pleasantly surprised by just how spacious and airy it is – rooms are thoughtfully decorated in soft shades of white and blue, paired with wooden feature walls, wood-carved ottomans, and chic lighting fixtures. When you want to kick back in the sun, head up to the rooftop pool complete with a bar and lounge to enjoy sweeping views of South Beach.

Best for: elegant coastal vibes. 

Budget range? On the pricier end, but totally justified by the top-notch amenities like Orange Theory Gym passes, complimentary beach bags, and bike rentals. Kudos indeed. 

If you’re looking to slow things down, Bal Harbour’s Quarzo Luxury Boutique Hotel is the perfect place to escape the sensory overload of South Beach while retaining some great waterfront views (and still being within walking distance from the beach). The Quarzo is about a half hour north of South Beach, but Bal Harbour offers no shortage of shopping and dining options. 

Best for: a luxe waterfront retreat.

Budget range? A little dearer for a true taste of Bal Harbour's high-life. 

The New Yorker Boutique Hotel is a safe bet among the vintage MiMo hotels of Miami’s Upper Eastside—which can certainly be hit-or-miss. But this baby blue boutique will have you feeling like Don Draper on a tropical vacation with its classic 1950s feel. The rooms reflect the neighborhood’s MiMo design backbone and there’s also a small pool and courtyard for some fresh air. Plus, you’re an easy commute from downtown and South Beach. 

Best for: retro vibes and relaxation. 

Budget range? A super affordable weekend of exploring shopping districts, nightlife and cultural venue of the artsy Upper East. 

Get whisked away from it all at this stylish boutique, housed in a stunning Art Deco facade just a block away from the beach. Trouvail has a unique, retro look to it that's almost Wes Anderson-esque – something they like to call the Euro-Miami experience – evoking all the glamour of St. Tropez and combining it with Miami's candied tropic vibes. Think aged materials and mixed-matched upholstery with a modern finish. Relaxation will be your only instinct at Trouvail, so claim your spot by the outdoor pool, take a bike for a spin or tuck into French-inspired dishes at the on-site restaurant. 

Best for: vintage allure and spacious rooms. 

Budget range? As indulgent as the decor, but oh so worth it for that pool lounge.