Miami has been a tourist destination since the early 1900s, after Henry Flagler extended the Florida East Coast Railway down to Miami. By the 1920s, the city began a boom with people moving to the area to enjoy the “frost-free” weather that only South Florida could provide. Hotels were constructed throughout the 20th century, and many of these are worth a visit to enjoy the special features that each provides.
Fontainebleau Hotel – Miami Beach
For the classic oceanfront experience, the Fontainebleau Hotel on Miami Beach provides the ultimate in ambiance and service. The Fontainebleau Hotel is one of the largest in the city, on the scale of Las Vegas hotels. With restaurants, nightclub, shops, spa, pool and children’s, the beach is just the beginning of your stay. BleauLive offers live entertainment with such big names as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Maroon 5. First opened in 1959, this historic hotel is integral part of the city’s history as a vacation destination.
Eden Roc Hotel
Another classic hotel from Florida’s heyday in the 1950s, the Eden Roc has been updated to fit the sophisticated tastes of today’s travelers. Today’s Eden Roc offers spas, beach, water sports, pools, fitness center, restaurants and coffee bar, all on beachfront property.
The Setai – Miami Beach
For a high-rise, luxury experience, The Setai in Miami Beach provides a quiet oasis away from the bustle of South Beach. With an elegant setting and professional staff, visitors can enjoy the pool and spa services, dining and Sunday Jazz Brunch in an atmosphere of tranquility and comfort.
Mandarin Oriental – Miami
For laid-back luxury, with a private beach, dining and spa services, the Mandarin Oriental offers a world-class experience with professional staff in a beautifully appointed Asian ambiance. This hotel offers a uniquely tranquil experience to soothe travelers’ minds and bodies. Mandarin Oriental is part of a global network of luxury accommodations with a reputation for excellence.
One Bal Harbour Resort & Spa – Miami Beach
For an ultra-luxury, the One Bal Harbour Resort & Spa can satisfy every craving for pampering and elegance. The resort offers elegantly appointed guest rooms, 1-bedroom suites, 2-bedroom suites, grand suites and penthouse accommodations. Spa services include hydrotherapy, couples massage, hand and foot therapies and other choices. With beach, pool, shopping and world-class dining, One Bal Harbour provides a complete luxury beach vacation.
The Ritz-Carlton – South Beach
Just steps from Miami’s best beach, the Ritz-Carlton offers classic service, comfort and amenities in the center of South Beach’s dining, shopping and nightlife. Built in 1953, the Ritz-Carlton has been completely renovated to provide chic and elegant lodgings with all the amenities of high-end resorts. Dining, spa and children’s activities are available for guests.
The Biltmore Hotel – Miami
With Sunday Brunch and Afternoon Tea, as well as a number of dining options, the Biltmore offers an experience of classic luxury and modern-day convenience. With golf, swimming pool, spa services, culinary boot camp and children activities, the Biltmore lives up to its historic reputation for hospitality and elegance.
The National Hotel – Miami Beach
A taste of 1930s Old Miami is here at the National Hotel on South Beach. Enjoy the 200-foot infinity pool, spa services and dining provides a relaxed but elegant atmosphere in the center of Miami’s most exciting district. With quiet bistro, poolside grill and martini bar lounge, the National provides all you need for the best in Miami vacationing.
The Tides – Miami Beach
Originally built in 1936, the Tides of Miami Beach is one of the most iconic lodgings on South Beach, with just a few steps away from the sands of the beach and within easy reach of the area’s many attractions. The 45 luxury suites all have ocean views with enough room to stretch out and relax. The hotel’s friendly, professional staff is always ready to assist guests in any way they can.
The Gale – South Beach
One of the most intriguing boutique hotels on Miami Beach is The Gales Hotel. Boutique hotels offer a different experience for visitors, with greater attention to providing individual attention and service to every guest. With rooftop pool and convenience to all that South Beach has to offer, the Gale has become the antidote to the cookie-cutter experience of larger hotels.
Fisher Island Hotel & Resort
If exclusivity is what you’re looking for on your vacation, visit the Fisher Island Hotel & Resort off Miami’s coast. On this small island that holds the vacation residences of a number of notable names, you will find a lodging of gracious, old-style hospitality with the best in amenities and service. The ferry brings guests to the island, which is just a short distance away from all the excitement of the city. Tennis club, pools, spa, beach, gym and classes offer visitors a relaxing retreat.
With such a wide range of choices in distinctive accommodations in Miami, you can find the perfect place to soothe your spirit and refresh your body during your trip to this great city.