Images
|
|
|
|
|
Tours in Miami |
All hotel bills will have a room tax of 13% that is levied by the city. On top of this, it is normal to tip porters (around US$1 a bag), cabstand attendants (US$1-3 depending upon amount of people per taxi), valet parkers (US$2) and housekeepers (US$2-5 per night).
The hotels below have been grouped into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over US$300)
$$$ (US$200 to US$299)
$$ (US$100 to US$199)
$ (under US$100)
These rates are the starting rates for a double room per night, excluding all taxes and breakfast unless otherwise stated.
Business
The Grove Isle Hotel and Spa
Nestled amidst tropical gardens and palm trees on a private 8-hectare (20-acre) island, The Grove Isle Hotel and Spa overlooks the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay and Miami's skyline. The 49-room luxury boutique hotel provides intimate suites with private balconies opening to either Biscayne Bay or the island's private marina. Expect terracotta tile floors, Italian marble bathrooms, canopied beds, plush white linens, plasma TVs, and exotic extras such as snack basket with Godiva chocolates, gourmet bars, nuts and crackers. The tropical pool deck and sandy beach is perfect for weddings, with outdoor and indoor venues for receptions or conventions up to 250. Guests can also enjoy the exotic Thai/Indonesian-inspired SpaTerre, 12 courts at the new Patrick McEnroe Tennis Center, jogging trails, whirlpool spa and beachside fire pit. Baleen Restaurant is possibly the most romantic restaurant in Miami, featuring organic food, freshly caught seafood and inspired fusion cooking.
Four Grove Isle Drive, Coconut Grove
Tel: (305) 858 8300.
Website: www.groveisle.com
Price: $$$$
Mandarin Oriental Miami
Situated in one of Miami's most prestigious commercial districts, this 5-star waterfront hotel is also convenient for the major shopping and nightlife centres of Bayside and Coconut Grove, making it the ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers. Business executives will want for nothing here, with facilities including Internet access from the palatial guest rooms, 12 multiple-sized function and meeting rooms, a 24-hour business centre offering all the latest technology and secretarial services, a first-class restaurant, Azul, and a sophisticated cocktail bar. But it is also easy to combine work with pleasure here, thanks to the luxury health spa, tennis courts and a splendid swimming pool.
500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell Key
Tel: (305) 913 8288.
Website: www.mandarinoriental.com
Price: $$$$
Marlin
At the heart of Miami Beach's celebrated art deco historic district, this candy-coloured boutique hotel, just one block away from the ocean, is a veritable gem, attracting celebrities, entertainment executives, trendy business clientele and others in the know. Each of the 12 suites contains a state-of-the-art entertainment centre, two-line cordless telephones, web-TV with Internet access and private e-mail addresses for every guest, CD players and CD library. All have kitchenettes. Special massage, aromatherapy and ‘energy management' treatments provide the perfect antidote for stressed-out business executives. The Marlin is also home to the South Beach Studios, drawing artists such as Aerosmith, U2 and Grace Jones, and enjoys a reputation as the ‘rock 'n' roll hotel of South Beach.'
1200 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
Tel: (305) 604 5063.
Website: www.marlinhotel.com
Price: $$$-$$$$
Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
The landmark art deco DiLido hotel, designed by Lapidus in the 1950s, was reborn as the Ritz-Carlton in 2003 after a US$200 million restoration. The art moderne style hotel looks more like a luxury liner when viewed from the pool deck, with two poolside wings. The 376 spacious guest rooms are decorated in bold nautical colours that accent dark cherry furniture, luxury linens with goose down pillows, and sumptuous marble baths complete with European toiletries. The DiLido Beach Club restaurant overlooks the pool and sparkling Atlantic, where the world's only Tanning Butler strolls the beach and pool deck offering guests his tanning services - applying lotion, cleaning glasses or teaching classes of water aerobics and beachfront bootcamp. Ample banquet facilities, 10 meeting rooms and fully equipped business centre cater to business executives. The renowned spa offers a luxurious array of treatments for every need or occasion - the pampering in exotic techniques and aromatic oils could go on for days. The Ritz lives up to its reputation in Miami's hottest neighbourhood.
One Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
Tel: (786) 276 4000.
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com/en/properties/SouthBeach
Price: $$$$
Luxury
Acqualina Resort
The ultra-luxurious Acqualina Resort, mid-way between Miami and Fort Lauderdale on a 122m (400ft) stretch of stunning Atlantic Ocean coastline in tranquil Sunny Isles, is the last word in opulence. Modelled after a Venetian palace, the 51-storey resort features 97 luxurious rooms and 188 lavish residences, all enjoying terrace-views of the sparkling ocean and Miami's glittering skyline or the Intracoastal Waterway. Mediterranean styling includes stately iron gates, sculpted archways, baroque fountains and marble columns. The renowned ESPA provides the ultimate pampering in its luxurious two-storey spa, combining the best of ancient and modern therapies. In-room check-in, marine biology-based children's programme, baby butler services, children's beach activities, romantic escape packages, plus oceanfront meeting spaces, ensure Acqualina is the perfect luxury resort for both business and leisure travellers or families, with every imaginable amenity. It is a mere five minutes to the world-famous Bal Harbour shops, or 20 minutes to vibrant nightlife in South Beach. Three ocean-front swimming pools, including a tranquility pool for adults only, a private beach club and intimate cabins, all overlook white sand beaches. Enjoy a romantic private candlelit dinner on the beach at night, take in the ocean views from Aaria's verandah at lunchtime, or dine in the refined Il Mulino New York for an evening to remember, replete with the finest selection of Italian wines.
17875 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach
Tel: (305) 918 8000.
Website: www.acqualinaresort.com
Price: $$$$
The Biltmore Hotel
A 1926 landmark in prosperous, fashionable Coral Gables, The Biltmore Hotel is still one of Miami's finest, inspired by the grand castles and cathedrals of Spain. Handpainted ceilings, magnificent crystal chandeliers, marble Corinthian columns and the imposing 15-storey tower, modelled on Seville's splendid Giralda belltower, blend with impeccable, old-world service. Choose from 276 luxuriously appointed bedrooms and suites, with travertine marble baths, spacious sitting rooms with writing desks and Wi-Fi connections, Mediterranean-style balconies enjoying views over the 18-hole golf course, 10 lighted tennis courts and the largest, most magnificent hotel pool in the Continental US. The ultimate in elegant luxury is the 13th floor Evergreen Suite, once Al Capone's speakeasy, and now the choice of presidents, world leaders and celebrities. Wind down and relax in the Zen-inspired spa, designated one of the ‘Leading Spas of the World,' or stay in shape with your personal trainer or one of over 30 programmes in the fully-equipped fitness centre. Sunday brunch at the hotel's outstanding signature French restaurant, Palme d'Or, in the fountain courtyard, is legendary in Miami.
1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables
Tel: (305) 445 1926.
Website: www.biltmorehotel.com
Price: $$$-$$$$
Moderate
Dove Creek Lodge
Situated on Key Largo's oceanside, at the gateway to the Florida Keys, Dove Creek Lodge is the perfect base for a Keys vacation or wedding. Fourteen rooms, including 10 suites, range from rooms for two to luxury family-size two-storey apartments complete with pool table and verandah overlooking the Atlantic. Dove Creek's 14-slip marina allows guests to bring their own boat for a fee, or receive charter-boat pickup for their exploration of the Keys. Ideally situated for offshore backcountry exploring, ecotours, diving daytrips and fishing expeditions, Dove Creek is friendly and intimate and caters to individuals or small groups, weddings, business retreats or avid fishermen. The two-year-old lodge is modern and bright, with pool, Jacuzzi and comfortable lounge for free continental breakfast and guest socialising.
147 Seaside Avenue, Key Largo
Tel: (305) 852 6200 or 1 800 401 0057.
Website: www.dovecreeklodge.com
Price: $$
Miami River Inn
Miami's only bed and breakfast, the Miami River Inn is one of the city's best kept secrets, tucked into its own tropical oasis overlooking the Miami River in the heart of downtown. Listed on the National Historic Register, the five restored clapboard buildings dating from 1906 face on to a charming, secluded courtyard where palms and tropical foliage shade the swimming pool and Jacuzzi. The 38 rooms and 15 one- and two-bedroom apartments are all homely and individually furnished with polished hardwood floors, antiques, brass beds and flowered wallpaper. Each of the cottages has a fireside sitting room, where complimentary wine is served in the afternoons. Breakfast (including home-baked muffins and fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice) in the courtyard is the perfect way to mingle with other guests, often an eclectic mix of poets, artists, dancers or musicians. Despite Miami's many attractions, guests are often found relaxing by the pool or on the verandah simply watching cargo ships ply the Miami River. The Inn has Wi-Fi and is pet friendly.
118 SW South River Drive, Little Havana
Tel: (305) 325 0045 or 1 800 468 3589.
Website: www.miamiriverinn.com
Price: $-$$ (including breakfast)
Other Recommendations
Ambrosia Key West
No trip to Miami is complete without a stay in Key West, at the southern end of the Keys. Ambrosia is a perfectly charming bed and breakfast in the centre of the historic district, just one block off Duval Street and walking distance to everything. Guests are greeted with exotic pick-me-up elixir health tonics. Restored buildings nestle in a tropical retreat overlooking a shady, poolside courtyard. Nineteen spacious rooms and suites feature private verandahs and patios, original local artwork, lush linens, refrigerator and coffee maker, and overhead fans. Luxury themed suites also have full kitchens, Jacuzzi tubs and spiral staircases. Full breakfast with homemade bread and muffins is served at umbrella-topped tables beside the pool. The personal touch and friendly staff at Ambrosia make it hard even for pets to say goodbye.
622 Fleming Street, Key West
Tel: (305) 296 9838 or 1 800 535 9838.
Website: www.ambrosiakeywest.com
Price: $$-$$$
The Tides
The tallest and most elegant art deco hotel on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, this chic hotel is minimalist without being entirely white. It offers genuine style for the incurably hip, with an interior that is sophisticated, spacious and sumptuous, decorated in soft tones of white, taupe and sand. The 45 light, airy and spacious suites all have incredible views of the beach and the Atlantic, and contain complete entertainment centres and the very latest in telecommunications, with three two-line telephones and modem points. The telescopes in every room are a clever bonus (the ultimate tool for people-watching), as are other creative touches, like in-room chalk boards and non-generic furnishings. The bar and alfresco restaurant, 1220 (see Restaurants), beside the Olympic-sized swimming pool on the Mezzanine Terrace, overlooking Ocean Drive, is the place to see and be seen.
1220 Ocean Drive, South Beach
Tel: (305) 604 5070.
Website: www.tideshotel.com
Price: $$$$
The hotels below have been grouped into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over US$300)
$$$ (US$200 to US$299)
$$ (US$100 to US$199)
$ (under US$100)
These rates are the starting rates for a double room per night, excluding all taxes and breakfast unless otherwise stated.
Business
The Grove Isle Hotel and Spa
Nestled amidst tropical gardens and palm trees on a private 8-hectare (20-acre) island, The Grove Isle Hotel and Spa overlooks the sparkling waters of Biscayne Bay and Miami's skyline. The 49-room luxury boutique hotel provides intimate suites with private balconies opening to either Biscayne Bay or the island's private marina. Expect terracotta tile floors, Italian marble bathrooms, canopied beds, plush white linens, plasma TVs, and exotic extras such as snack basket with Godiva chocolates, gourmet bars, nuts and crackers. The tropical pool deck and sandy beach is perfect for weddings, with outdoor and indoor venues for receptions or conventions up to 250. Guests can also enjoy the exotic Thai/Indonesian-inspired SpaTerre, 12 courts at the new Patrick McEnroe Tennis Center, jogging trails, whirlpool spa and beachside fire pit. Baleen Restaurant is possibly the most romantic restaurant in Miami, featuring organic food, freshly caught seafood and inspired fusion cooking.
Four Grove Isle Drive, Coconut Grove
Tel: (305) 858 8300.
Website: www.groveisle.com
Price: $$$$
Mandarin Oriental Miami
Situated in one of Miami's most prestigious commercial districts, this 5-star waterfront hotel is also convenient for the major shopping and nightlife centres of Bayside and Coconut Grove, making it the ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers. Business executives will want for nothing here, with facilities including Internet access from the palatial guest rooms, 12 multiple-sized function and meeting rooms, a 24-hour business centre offering all the latest technology and secretarial services, a first-class restaurant, Azul, and a sophisticated cocktail bar. But it is also easy to combine work with pleasure here, thanks to the luxury health spa, tennis courts and a splendid swimming pool.
500 Brickell Key Drive, Brickell Key
Tel: (305) 913 8288.
Website: www.mandarinoriental.com
Price: $$$$
Marlin
At the heart of Miami Beach's celebrated art deco historic district, this candy-coloured boutique hotel, just one block away from the ocean, is a veritable gem, attracting celebrities, entertainment executives, trendy business clientele and others in the know. Each of the 12 suites contains a state-of-the-art entertainment centre, two-line cordless telephones, web-TV with Internet access and private e-mail addresses for every guest, CD players and CD library. All have kitchenettes. Special massage, aromatherapy and ‘energy management' treatments provide the perfect antidote for stressed-out business executives. The Marlin is also home to the South Beach Studios, drawing artists such as Aerosmith, U2 and Grace Jones, and enjoys a reputation as the ‘rock 'n' roll hotel of South Beach.'
1200 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
Tel: (305) 604 5063.
Website: www.marlinhotel.com
Price: $$$-$$$$
Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
The landmark art deco DiLido hotel, designed by Lapidus in the 1950s, was reborn as the Ritz-Carlton in 2003 after a US$200 million restoration. The art moderne style hotel looks more like a luxury liner when viewed from the pool deck, with two poolside wings. The 376 spacious guest rooms are decorated in bold nautical colours that accent dark cherry furniture, luxury linens with goose down pillows, and sumptuous marble baths complete with European toiletries. The DiLido Beach Club restaurant overlooks the pool and sparkling Atlantic, where the world's only Tanning Butler strolls the beach and pool deck offering guests his tanning services - applying lotion, cleaning glasses or teaching classes of water aerobics and beachfront bootcamp. Ample banquet facilities, 10 meeting rooms and fully equipped business centre cater to business executives. The renowned spa offers a luxurious array of treatments for every need or occasion - the pampering in exotic techniques and aromatic oils could go on for days. The Ritz lives up to its reputation in Miami's hottest neighbourhood.
One Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
Tel: (786) 276 4000.
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com/en/properties/SouthBeach
Price: $$$$
Luxury
Acqualina Resort
The ultra-luxurious Acqualina Resort, mid-way between Miami and Fort Lauderdale on a 122m (400ft) stretch of stunning Atlantic Ocean coastline in tranquil Sunny Isles, is the last word in opulence. Modelled after a Venetian palace, the 51-storey resort features 97 luxurious rooms and 188 lavish residences, all enjoying terrace-views of the sparkling ocean and Miami's glittering skyline or the Intracoastal Waterway. Mediterranean styling includes stately iron gates, sculpted archways, baroque fountains and marble columns. The renowned ESPA provides the ultimate pampering in its luxurious two-storey spa, combining the best of ancient and modern therapies. In-room check-in, marine biology-based children's programme, baby butler services, children's beach activities, romantic escape packages, plus oceanfront meeting spaces, ensure Acqualina is the perfect luxury resort for both business and leisure travellers or families, with every imaginable amenity. It is a mere five minutes to the world-famous Bal Harbour shops, or 20 minutes to vibrant nightlife in South Beach. Three ocean-front swimming pools, including a tranquility pool for adults only, a private beach club and intimate cabins, all overlook white sand beaches. Enjoy a romantic private candlelit dinner on the beach at night, take in the ocean views from Aaria's verandah at lunchtime, or dine in the refined Il Mulino New York for an evening to remember, replete with the finest selection of Italian wines.
17875 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach
Tel: (305) 918 8000.
Website: www.acqualinaresort.com
Price: $$$$
The Biltmore Hotel
A 1926 landmark in prosperous, fashionable Coral Gables, The Biltmore Hotel is still one of Miami's finest, inspired by the grand castles and cathedrals of Spain. Handpainted ceilings, magnificent crystal chandeliers, marble Corinthian columns and the imposing 15-storey tower, modelled on Seville's splendid Giralda belltower, blend with impeccable, old-world service. Choose from 276 luxuriously appointed bedrooms and suites, with travertine marble baths, spacious sitting rooms with writing desks and Wi-Fi connections, Mediterranean-style balconies enjoying views over the 18-hole golf course, 10 lighted tennis courts and the largest, most magnificent hotel pool in the Continental US. The ultimate in elegant luxury is the 13th floor Evergreen Suite, once Al Capone's speakeasy, and now the choice of presidents, world leaders and celebrities. Wind down and relax in the Zen-inspired spa, designated one of the ‘Leading Spas of the World,' or stay in shape with your personal trainer or one of over 30 programmes in the fully-equipped fitness centre. Sunday brunch at the hotel's outstanding signature French restaurant, Palme d'Or, in the fountain courtyard, is legendary in Miami.
1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables
Tel: (305) 445 1926.
Website: www.biltmorehotel.com
Price: $$$-$$$$
Moderate
Dove Creek Lodge
Situated on Key Largo's oceanside, at the gateway to the Florida Keys, Dove Creek Lodge is the perfect base for a Keys vacation or wedding. Fourteen rooms, including 10 suites, range from rooms for two to luxury family-size two-storey apartments complete with pool table and verandah overlooking the Atlantic. Dove Creek's 14-slip marina allows guests to bring their own boat for a fee, or receive charter-boat pickup for their exploration of the Keys. Ideally situated for offshore backcountry exploring, ecotours, diving daytrips and fishing expeditions, Dove Creek is friendly and intimate and caters to individuals or small groups, weddings, business retreats or avid fishermen. The two-year-old lodge is modern and bright, with pool, Jacuzzi and comfortable lounge for free continental breakfast and guest socialising.
147 Seaside Avenue, Key Largo
Tel: (305) 852 6200 or 1 800 401 0057.
Website: www.dovecreeklodge.com
Price: $$
Miami River Inn
Miami's only bed and breakfast, the Miami River Inn is one of the city's best kept secrets, tucked into its own tropical oasis overlooking the Miami River in the heart of downtown. Listed on the National Historic Register, the five restored clapboard buildings dating from 1906 face on to a charming, secluded courtyard where palms and tropical foliage shade the swimming pool and Jacuzzi. The 38 rooms and 15 one- and two-bedroom apartments are all homely and individually furnished with polished hardwood floors, antiques, brass beds and flowered wallpaper. Each of the cottages has a fireside sitting room, where complimentary wine is served in the afternoons. Breakfast (including home-baked muffins and fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice) in the courtyard is the perfect way to mingle with other guests, often an eclectic mix of poets, artists, dancers or musicians. Despite Miami's many attractions, guests are often found relaxing by the pool or on the verandah simply watching cargo ships ply the Miami River. The Inn has Wi-Fi and is pet friendly.
118 SW South River Drive, Little Havana
Tel: (305) 325 0045 or 1 800 468 3589.
Website: www.miamiriverinn.com
Price: $-$$ (including breakfast)
Other Recommendations
Ambrosia Key West
No trip to Miami is complete without a stay in Key West, at the southern end of the Keys. Ambrosia is a perfectly charming bed and breakfast in the centre of the historic district, just one block off Duval Street and walking distance to everything. Guests are greeted with exotic pick-me-up elixir health tonics. Restored buildings nestle in a tropical retreat overlooking a shady, poolside courtyard. Nineteen spacious rooms and suites feature private verandahs and patios, original local artwork, lush linens, refrigerator and coffee maker, and overhead fans. Luxury themed suites also have full kitchens, Jacuzzi tubs and spiral staircases. Full breakfast with homemade bread and muffins is served at umbrella-topped tables beside the pool. The personal touch and friendly staff at Ambrosia make it hard even for pets to say goodbye.
622 Fleming Street, Key West
Tel: (305) 296 9838 or 1 800 535 9838.
Website: www.ambrosiakeywest.com
Price: $$-$$$
The Tides
The tallest and most elegant art deco hotel on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, this chic hotel is minimalist without being entirely white. It offers genuine style for the incurably hip, with an interior that is sophisticated, spacious and sumptuous, decorated in soft tones of white, taupe and sand. The 45 light, airy and spacious suites all have incredible views of the beach and the Atlantic, and contain complete entertainment centres and the very latest in telecommunications, with three two-line telephones and modem points. The telescopes in every room are a clever bonus (the ultimate tool for people-watching), as are other creative touches, like in-room chalk boards and non-generic furnishings. The bar and alfresco restaurant, 1220 (see Restaurants), beside the Olympic-sized swimming pool on the Mezzanine Terrace, overlooking Ocean Drive, is the place to see and be seen.
1220 Ocean Drive, South Beach
Tel: (305) 604 5070.
Website: www.tideshotel.com
Price: $$$$
View Our Airport Guides for Miami:
Miami International Airport
