The Betsy

Miami is a tale of two cities. By day, it's a haven of relaxation, with its long white sand beaches and watersports, fantastic eateries and designer shopping malls; by night, it's a world of star-studded glitz and glamour, with a wild and restless nightlife. Art Deco architecture is the name of the game in here, so many of the best boutique hotels in Miami are set in beautiful 1920s buildings. However we've scoured the city and uncovered a wide range of stays, from luxury guesthouses and pampering city-stays to Old World glamour and properties just dripping in vintage-cool. Coupled with that, the majority of them are only a stone's throw from the beach - so you're in for a real treat. Enjoy!

For All out luxury

  • You can't get more lavish and unique than The Villa Casa Casuarina. The former home of iconic fashion designer, Gianni Versace, this luxury boutique is as ornate, grandiose and classically-inspired as they come: handmade furniture, stained glass windows, painted ceilings, paintings of Greek goddesses spread along the walls, and outside, a gold mosaic swimming pool... Right on Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, you can book the suite where Madonna used to stay!
  • Casa Tua is a chic, Art Deco hangout, radiating a laid-back and vintage vibe that makes you want to stay forever. The plush, elegant rooms have polished, hardwood floors and European antiques, and some even have four-posters. The restaurant decor has a vintage feel, and you can dine alfresco, or enjoy a drink at the intimate club bar and listen to the live music. An intimate stay.

Value chic

Selina Miami River

  • Selina Miami River is very affordable, considering the quirky beauty of its design. Friendly and chilled-out, the decor is surfer-chic, with colour schemes of pastel blues and apricots, plants, antiques, modern art and murals. Pretty yet homely, it's a light-filled and intimate setting. The swimming pool, garden in the shade of palm trees, and the cocktail bar, make it a truly charming property, and one that's amazing value for money.
  • Urbanica the Meridian is really suited to young people on a budget. Cheap and contemporary, it's set in a charmingly renovated 1930s Art Deco building on South Beach; the rooms have plenty of wood, whitewashed walls, filled with a gentle light. The swimming pool and sun-deck have a definite house party vibe, and the lobby cafe - serving continental breakfast - and the cocktail bar, provide a great chance to mingle with fellow travellers.

House party vibe

Private Terrace

  • Cheerfully chic and laid-back, Blanc Kara is a cool adults-only boutique in the trendy South Beach neighbourhood, and its close proximity to the Miami nightlife scene make it a happening, partygoing place. The rooms are bright white and splashed with scarlets, mauves and sky-blues, scattered with fluffy chairs; some rooms come with a spacious private terrace, and these are a real draw - the perfect place to relax with a glass of orange juice while nursing your hangover.

For the beach life

Guestroom

  • Lennox Miami Beach is cool and knows it. The main draw is its private beach club, (the hotel is a stone's throw from Miami Beach), but this trendy, boutique has much more; the plush, tropical-rustic-chic rooms radiate an upmarket, surfer vibe of a 1960s San Franciscan beach house, with crisp white linens, handcrafted wooden furnishings, and splashes of cool art. The pool is a god-send, and the ornate, marble-topped bar is a great place to hang out. All set in a beautifully renovated Art Deco building, and a lower-middle-range pricetag!
  • For surfers and sunbathers, Circa 39's direct beach access is a reason to book in itself. But this playful, homely boutique hotel has a lot going for it, not least the playful decor of floral patterns and polka dots, blended with a nautical-chic style. The bar feels like somebody's posh living room, and the cafe has the vibe of a quiet, streetside cafe. Plus, there's a gym, and a leafy poolside terrace perfect for lounging on a hot afternoon. To top it all off, it's very affordable. A real gem!

A Taste of Old Miami

Guestroom

  • The last of Floridian Georgian architecture on Ocean Drive, The Betsy is a taste of the world that was: the gentle rooms are elegant and understated, yet full of luxurious touches including marble bathrooms and original artwork. Add to this Miami's only open-air rooftop spa, an award-winning steak restaurant, a sheltered pool, gym and rooftop lounge, and a short walk to the beach. Stunning!

For a vintage stay

The Langford

  • Located in the former Miami National Bank - a Beaux Arts architectural masterpiece - The Langford is a retro beauty. Vintage at its heart, with 1920s jazz flourishes throughout, the rooms are elegant with sleek tiled bathrooms, and the spacious suites are great for families. Great city views can be enjoyed from the rooftop bar, while you sip your martini like Hemingway.

Great for families

Casa Faena

  • Casa Faena is another good option for families. Emanating the laid-back vibe of a Mediterranean bistro, the elegant suites are spacious, coloured in palettes of salmon pinks and whites, scattered with polished antiques and ornate mirrors, and some come with a private terrace. The original artworks are for-sale; the blue floral-patterned, light-filled restaurant serves up Argentinian-meets-American fare (expect handsome portions of steak and fries); and the childcare facilities are great for families.

Foodie heaven

Mr C Coconut Grove

  • Mr C Coconut Grove has it all: a fancy Bellini restaurant, spa, rooftop pool and tropical cocktail bar. Run by the renowned Italian restauranteur family - the Cipriani's - it's got a nautical, beach-side chic vibe. Think floor-to-ceiling windows, antiques, sky-blue walls and private terraces.

For a city stay

Guestroom

  • For a smart city base The Angler's is a good place to start. Only a few minutes from South Beach, it offers a lot in the way of spoiling amenities: spa treatments, fine dining, a seriously elegant rooftop pool, and of course, the Minnow Bar. The rooms themselves are light and contemporary. Sophisticated and refined, a great city stay.

Still not sure?

The 13 Best Boutique Hotels in Miami

Casa Faena

Miami (Mid Beach)

Inspired by the relaxed lifestyle of the Mediterranean, rooms are bright and welcoming with Spanish tiled flooring, light fabrics that flutter in the ocean breeze and luxurious four-posters in some rooms. Library, gym. The restaurant serves a delectable combination of American and Argentinian fare.

  • Restaurant - Argentinian-American restaurant with relaxed bistro-style atmosphere and idyllic veranda
  • Sights nearby - 4 minutes from the Bass Museum of Art
  • Kids Club - Babysitting/childcare available
  • Lively area
from $160 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Betsy Hotel

Miami (South Beach)

Hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, original art and fresh flowers create a low-key, refined aura for this beachside hotel. Miami's only open-air rooftop spa, a sheltered outdoor pool, and exclusive and highly-acclaimed BLT steakhouse make your stay memorable - just don't forget to explore Miami too!

  • Restaurant - BLT Steak, an American steakhosue which won Miami Steakhosue of the Year 2014
  • Outstanding location - Located directly on Ocean Drive in Miami's South Beach district
  • Swimming Pool - Secluded outdoor swimming pool, year-round.
  • On the beach - Direct beach access
from $225 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Casa Tua

Miami (South Beach)

Relaxed boutique hotel offering ultimate comfort and a familial atmosphere. Mediterranean-inspired design with terracotta tile, wood floors, white sheets and marble evoke the allure of elegant Italy. Exclusive, cosy club and bar. Intimate Italian dining experience in the restaurant and garden.

  • Four poster beds - In select rooms
  • Kids Club - Babysitting
  • Romantic
  • Boutique
from $400 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Angler's

Miami (South Beach)

This Mediterranean revival hotel, a bastion of old Miami architecture, offers a breath of fresh air, discretion and supreme comfort, a sanctuary just a few minutes' walk from the buzz of downtown South Beach. Restaurant, pool, bar, spa treatments. Interiors with light fabrics and natural woods.

  • Spa - Spa treatments offered in-room and by the pool
  • Restaurant - fresh local seafood and pastas
  • Swimming Pool - Year-round outdoor pool
  • Outstanding location
from $235 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Langford

Miami (Downtown)

A cool boutique hotel in a striking Beaux Arts-style building. Retro throughout; find delicately patterned wallpaper and 1920s style furniture in the light and airy rooms. The trendy rooftop bar (serving fantastic concoctions) and boasting epic views is what this place is all about. A chic choice.

  • City Style - A chic boutique hotel complete with rooftop bar, 1920s design and epic city views.
  • Views
  • Boutique
  • Restaurant
from $177 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Villa Casa Casuarina

Miami (South Beach)

Versace's home turned luxury boutique on the famed Ocean Drive, Miami Beach. This is a treasure trove of remarkable handmade furniture, stained glass windows, murals, exuberant design and over-the-top everything! Not to mention the gold mosaic pool and ornate restaurant dining room. Spectacular!

  • City Style - You can't get more stylish than Versace's house, turned chic hotel on Miami Beach
  • Four poster beds
  • Romantic
  • Views
from $793 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Mr C Coconut Grove

Miami (Coconut Grove )

A luxury stay run by the renowned Italian restauranteur family, the Cipriani's. Interiors have a real Miami feel, beachy yet chic and contemporary. There is, of course, a Bellini restaurant - set beside the roof terrace pool - and a decadent spa. A real Miami gem.

  • Total relaxation - Complete with a spa, a Bellini Restaurant, a roof top pool and some real Italian hospitality, this is a relaxing stay
  • Local markets - Wander through the bohemian boutique outlets, and stop for a coffee in one of the cafes, on coconut grove
  • Restaurant - Bellini Restaurant serves wonderful Italian cuisine
  • Swimming Pool - Rooftop pool
from $159 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Lennox Miami Beach

Miami (South Beach)

A trendy, modern boutique hotel overlooking the colourful streets of Miami Beach. Rooms are tastefully decorated with handcrafted wood furnishings and spacious bathrooms. Only a two-minute walk down to the private beach club with full service provided including chairs and towels. A chic city stay.

  • Beach Life - The hotel gives access to guests to a private beach club where you can relax on the loungers on Miami Beach
  • City Style - Located close to restaurants, nightlife and bars
  • Sights nearby - The hotel is conveniently located steps from Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, and the Miami Beach Convention Center
  • Boutique - A modern reinterpretation of an iconic and preserved 1930s Art Deco Mediterranean Revival building
from $169 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Blanc Kara

Miami (South Beach)

A small, adult-only boutique hotel in one of the trendiest areas in South Beach-South of the Fifth. The hotel offers stylish, bright, and chic studio rooms with a kitchen and terrace. Within walking distance to the beach, great restaurants and the fun nightlife scene that South Beach has to offer.

  • City Style - The hotel is walking distance to the hippest spots in South Beach including great restaurants and fun bars
  • Sights nearby - The Bass Museum of Art and the Miami Beach Botanics are a 10 minute drive, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens are a 15-minute drive
  • Adult Only - Guests under the age of 21 cannot be accommodated
  • Boutique
from $108 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Circa 39

Miami (Mid Beach)

An unpretentious beachside boutique hotel. Inviting rooms have an eclectic décor-scheme with bright and spacious bathrooms. There is a lively low-key cocktail bar and great cafe, plus pool and beach access with towels and loungers provided. A fun option that won't break the bank!

  • Local exploring - A short journey from the lively areas of South Beach, Little Havana and Haiti, all full of culture, art, history and design
  • Beach Life - Situated just a two minute walk from the beach. The hotel offers cold brews and loungers for guests
  • Value chic - Beautiful interiors, direct beach access and a pool; great value for money
  • Restaurant - On-site casual café-restaurant, Jules Kitchen, offers dishes and flavours from around the world
from $97 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Meridian

Miami (South Beach)

An affordable 1930s-renovated modern hotel located in the trendy area of South of the Fifth. White and wooden furnished rooms with chevron-patterned tiled bathroom. The hotel's cocktail bar is a neighbourhood staple and ensures a great deal of fun with the locals. A friendly and authentic stay.

  • Local exploring - Whilst the hotel is located in South Beach, hotel guides can offer local knowledge and secret spots ensuring an authentic stay
  • Foodies - Easy access to South of the Fifth where you can find great restaurants including the iconic Joe's Stone Crab
  • Value chic - Chic city style offered at very reasonable rates
  • Restaurant - Reginas Grocery- serves freshly made salads and hot and cold sandwiches
from $84 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Selina Miami River

Miami (Miami)

A charming, affordable townhouse hotel with a tropical island vibe, in the upcoming area of Miami River. Rooms are spacious with natural furniture and quirky art. There is a huge garden with an alluring pool and fun cocktail bar- perfect for lounging on a scorching day. A very relaxing atmosphere.

  • Local exploring - The hotel is located in the heart of the emerging Miami River scene and offers great access to hip bars and restaurants
  • Value chic - Spacious rooms and a great location offered at very appealing prices
  • Sights nearby - Bayside Marketplace is a fun and colourful shopping experience with live music and restaurants less than a 10 mintue drive away
  • Minimum Stay - Two nights minimum
from $90 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

Written by Edmund Wise

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