TopEight

Ranking everything eight at a time

Top Eight Hotels in Miami Beach

  1. The Tides
  2.      While this is the only hotel not on the ocean itself, there's a reason why it's one of the most expensive. Every apartment faces the beach -- which is just across the street anyway. Elegance. Charm. In the heart of the art deco district.

  3. Savoy
  4.      The ideal oceanside resort on the South end of South Beach, this is an all-suite hotel that makes the most of its friendly, intimate hotel.

  5. The National
  6.      The 205 foot long reflecting pool may be more eye candy than swimming pool practicality (and the narrow stretch excludes lounge chair amenities) but the classy beachside bar, classic martini bar and French Fusion elegance of Tamara (opt for an outside table) it's a posh tribute to Art Deco.

  7. Sonesta Beach Resort
  8.       Key Biscayne is a ritzy coastline artery just South of Miami Beach and the Sonesta is the area's finest resort. Just down the shoreline from the famous Crandon Park and signature lighthouse, the Sonesta is a tropical oasis.

  9. Delano
  10.      It's a high-end celebrity magnet. Too hip even for the terminally hip South Beach! Staying at the resort is the surefire way to make sure you wind up at the right side of the velvet rope of the hotel's entertaining Rose Bar.

  11. The Raleigh Hotel
  12.      As the most romantic -- and surprisingly affordable -- hotel in South Beach, Raleigh is a fantastic boutique hotel. Barely 100 rooms strong, the entrance is unassuming but the hotel quickly wins you over with its earthy lounge, amazingly creative pool and the most intimately lit beachside resort at night with wood-planked cabanas, art deco lighthouse and private entry into the Atlantic.

  13. Loews Miami Bach
  14.      New on South Beach, the renovated and enhanced St. Moritz is now a classic Loews property. In the heart of hip, the resort also has an elaborate kid activities program. Now with an Emeril's to complete its impressive portfolio of onsite eats, Loews is the class of Miami Beach.

  15. Fountainbleau Hilton
  16.      This classic hotel just turned 50 but it's no longer showing its age. Thanks to its amazing Cookie's World pool and lazy river innertube course, it's pool area is heads and shoulders above that of any other resort in Miami Beach. Beyond the water park is the huge, original pool complete with cascading waterfall. This is where classic movies like Scarface, The Bodyguard, Goldfinger and Jerry Lewis' Bellboy were filmed. It's also on the best part of Miami Beach itself. On Saturday nights guests can attend a free Chinese acrobatic show at the world-famous Tropigala Club.


    List by: Rick Munarriz

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