Angela Caraway-Carlton

Decided it’s finally time to pay a visit to Miami? We don’t blame you. This coastal metropolis is packed with gorgeous restaurants, stylish cocktail bars and fun things to do—not to mention amazing nightclubs where you can dance the night away. And that’s before we get started on the city’s jaw-dropping beaches.  So, if you’re looking for somewhere to stay while you visit this center of coastal cool (you deserve a comfy bed after all of that sight-seeing and indulgence, of course), then look no further. Miami also happens to have its fair share of excellent hotels for you to rest your head in, from South Beach mega resorts to Downtown boutiques and beachfront spas. Read on for our pick of the best hotels in Miami—we’d be surprised if at least one isn’t the ideal spot for you.  📍 Discover our ultimate guide to the best spa hotels in Miami How we curate our hotel lists Our team of writers and travel experts review hotels all over the world—new openings, old classics and everything in between—to bring you fresh, honest recommendations, all year round. We have reviewed many of the hotels featured below, but we may not have stayed at every single one. Any we haven’t stayed in have been selected by experts based on their amenities, features, pricing and more. By the way, this article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 🛏 Check out the best Airbnbs in Miami

In Brickell’s booked-and-busy financial district, where glittering high-rises stand tall and buttoned-up finance bros and altheisure-donned young professionals are on a constant march, EAST Miami stands as a high-end home base. Staying there means experiencing the daily hum of Miami’s urban core, then retreating to sleek skyscraper-rooms and a pool deck that’ll almost fool you into thinking you’ve landed in Bali.  With a dark and moody Asian-inspired design, the high-rise hotel and residences defy Miami’s typical coastal blueprint—it’s sexy, in the best way, with cinematic views that paint this city in the best light. Oh, and you can zip down the elevator to a city-chic mall, thanks to its perch atop Brickell City Centre. Why stay at EAST Miami? Not everyone that comes to Miami wants to stay on South Beach. For those city-savvy travelers who aim to experience Miami’s big live-work energy, yet still feel like they’re on a vacation—tanning by the pool and sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar—EAST Miami is your move. Plus, if walking is your way of getting to know a city, the hotel is convenient to neighboring downtown Miami’s cultural and entertainment attractions. You’re also at EAST Miami for the views, with floor-to-ceiling windows that scan the skyline, Biscayne Bay and the Miami River. The hotel’s biggest power move is its location within Brickell City Centre, where you can take the elevator down to the three-story mall to set your credit card on fire at stores like Saks Fif

With its sleek profile, glassy façade and rooftop pool towering over the busy streets of downtown Miami, The Elser Hotel Miami easily stands out as the ‘cool kid’ among the neighborhood’s more conventional hotel chains. Part residence, part hotel, it draws a diverse mix of guests, from business travelers to giddy cruise-bound vacationers and pet-toting visitors, who easily intermingle with residents going about their daily lives. The hotel’s welcoming, contemporary vibe envelops one upon arrival—perhaps even prompting a relaxed exhale amid the downtown rush—with industrial brick walls, warm lighting and a defining signature scent: Diptyque’s 34 BLVD St. Germain, which boldly wafts through the lobby. (The front desk attendant rattled off the fragrance’s name instantly—apparently, guests regularly ask.) While the woody scent channels the bohemian spirit of Paris, the hotel experience is pure Miami—from a welcome drink spiked with tequila and mango juice, to elevators with artsy backdrops and club-like music, and a prime location within easy walking distance of the city’s top attractions. Why stay at The Elser Hotel Miami? If you’re a first-timer or looking to check off a Miami bucket list, from kitschy tourist stops to top-tier cultural attractions, The Elser offers a sophisticated home base for easy exploration with all the comforts of home. That is, if your home is a posh condo in the sky. With a bevy of attractions located just across the street, you can skip the rental car

While the InterContinental Miami, an IHG hotel, has lorded over the sparkling turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay in Downtown Miami for more than 40 years, it has evolved – much like the city itself. Fresh off a multi-million-dollar renovation, the iconic hotel shed its former business-centric persona in favor of a more luxe vacation vibe, with rooms and suites that match the enviable bayfront setting. What hasn’t changed? It’s prime perch near Miami’s top cultural and entertainment attractions. From some rooms, you can even spot the cruise port – so, cruisers may catch a glimpse of their ship before setting sail. Why stay at InterContinental Miami If you want a pulse-check on Miami, the hotel’s lobby scene captures the city’s international energy. A swirl of languages babbles through the air as a steady stream of global travelers passes through. You’ll still spot the suits riding the lobby escalators to the sprawling conference rooms and ballrooms, but there’s also a solid mix of groups and families celebrating milestone occasions, pre-and post-cruise guests, and dog parents like me, who want to take advantage of the hotel’s pet-friendly perks. Everyone is here for the convenient location: parks, museums and the Miami Heat sports arena are just steps outside the hotel’s front doors. It’s also close to public transportation that will zip guests to the airport and around Miami. The massive lobby is a lot to visually unpack—grandly wrapped in Florentine marble and bathed in neon l