The best hotels in Miami for 2023

Journey

Alexa Art Basel 2023

By Heidi Mitchell

To be fair, the Morris Lapidus-designed landmark on Millionaire’s Row has been a Miami icon since it opened in 1954 on the site of auto tire magnate Harvey Firestone’s mansion. Who could argue with a 17,000 square foot lobby that includes a “stairway to nowhere,” simply for photo ops (no selfies back then), and six acres of gardens that replicated those at Versailles? Its billion-dollar renovation in 2008 put it back on the map after three years of construction, and with the latest update to the all-suite Treasure Tower, the curvilinear MiMo gem is once again the place to rest your pretty head. Standard suites on the upper levels feature sapphire carpeting, majestic views, and all-marble bathtubs with water-saving low-flow showerheads. Bonus: The artwork in the room reflects images inspired by the Château de Fontainebleau in France. Splurge on the $10,000-per-night penthouse and get plenty of perks (two 80-minute treatments at Lapis Spa, daily cabana and breakfast, butler service, $1,000 yacht rental credit) as well as VIP entry to LIV, one of the most revered (and hardest to get into) nightclubs in the world.

You won’t find a sweeter property in Miami, especially now that the local cutie has adopted a pink and green palette that’s somehow more beachy than preppy. Each of the 118 rooms (some with adorable balconies) are now covered in tropical wall coverings or graphic rugs and are furnished with Patagonian-paneled wardrobes and four-poster or high-headboard beds. They all hover over the courtyard pool, heated to just the right temperature for late-night drinks. The whole place is now happy, vibrant, and as charming as your first high school crush. The ground floor has also been refreshed. Amalia Restaurant is now full of smartly dressed professionals hunched over their laptops during morning meetings, while a newly expanded lounge doubles as a collaborative workspace and cocktail bar. If you knew this years ago, take another look; the Lennox is one of those Art Deco gems that has finally regained its luster.

It didn’t really need a refresh, but 1 Hotels isn’t a company that rests on its palm fronds. Since October, the Miami darty kicks off at Tala Beach, the 50,000-square-foot spot formerly known as 1 Beach Club. Equipped with thatched umbrellas, quilted pillows and plenty of sand and shade, Tala Beach’s daybeds, restaurant and VIP lounge promise to keep it buzzing from noon to dawn – expect DJs and live artists throughout the year. Of course, it’s not all about raging at this 425-room property. This fall, the hotel also debuted the renovated rooftop restaurant Watr (below), a modern take on the Japanese restaurant. izakaya by day, which transforms into a sophisticated party scene by night. If you’d rather relax with your friends than spray champagne, book an updated Sky Cabana by the rooftop pool. Or, for a totally laid-back vibe, head to the 18,000 square foot Wellness Center, which includes the award-winning Bamford Wellness Spa…and relax.

The city center property brought in British interior designer Tara Bernerd, known for her light-flooded vision of the Four Seasons Hotel London in Park Lane and many of the moody designs of the Thompson Hotel. Here, it leans a little tropical, with whimsical, graphic carpeting in the renovated rooms and plenty of shades of creamy white to contrast with the ocean blue. The real action takes place on the seventh floor rooftop, where a swimming pool and paddling pool dotted with royal palm trees create a cosmopolitan ambiance. Grab a cabana or hammock and cool off after a long day of chatting, then dress in your summer best for dinner at Edge Brasserie and Cocktail Bar, an indoor-outdoor restaurant that’s as festive as it is hearty – don’t miss it. -roast branzino presented at the table for more style.

This 98-room, Mediterranean-inspired resort has been a destination in itself since its debut in 2006 on a stretch of sand between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. New life has just been breathed into the escape, from the coffered and barrel ceiling of the lobby (now punctuated with green carpets and rich black millwork) to the extravagant guest baths (now covered in Italian marble) with a view of the Atlantic. . All the excitement isn’t just confined inside. Young guests can explore the secrets of the ocean at the new aquatic-themed and educational AcquaMarine Kids’ Club (it’s free!), while adults can hang out at Avra ​​Miami Greek Restaurant, located in the new Estates at Acqualina and connected to the main. property near a flyover. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the ocean while tables are set under a pergola entwined with bougainvillea that will have you singing “Mamma Mia” between your meals. saganaki and the bar plaki.