Vol 7, No 11 – Top Suites of Miami Beach Luxury Hotels
For many reasons – mainly the great weather – Miami Beach is currently one of the hottest destinations in the U.S. with restaurants and nightclubs galore.
While restaurants and clubs are open with indoor seating and dancing, there is also plentiful outdoor dining. Of course from the beach to boating, shopping, and so forth, the Magic City offers endless vacation opportunities.
From the family-oriented Sunny Isles to the beat of South Beach, Miami Beach’s resorts also have some of the most spectacular suites in the world. To narrow it down to just 10, we used U.S. News’ rankings which take into account awards from Forbes, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, AAA, and others.
1. Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach
2. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
3. The Setai, Miami Beach
4. Faena Hotel Miami Beach
5. The Miami Beach EDITION
6. 1 Hotel South Beach
7. Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club
8. The Betsy South Beach
9. W South Beach
10. The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour
Miami Beach’s Most Amazing Suites
1. Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach
Key Awards: Fodor’s Choice, AAA/CAA Five Diamond Awards 2020, Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards 2020, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2020, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards 2020, Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020
U.S. News reports: This spa resort doesn’t take any of its five stars for granted, particularly when it comes to delivering first-rate customer service. Guests can’t help but keep the compliments coming: Travelers say the resort staff takes extra care to personalize each experience. However, one problem you might face is exclusivity. Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach only has 98 guest rooms and suites, so be sure to book early for an upcoming trip to Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. The rooms come with flat-screen TVs and private balconies, as well as double sinks and glass-enclosed showers. Meanwhile, the property also features two in-house eateries, a grab-and-go market, four pools, a spa, and beach amenities.
Grand Deluxe Three Bedroom Oceanfront Suite
The 2,031 sq. ft. Grand Deluxe Three Bedroom Oceanfront Suite offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean with an expansive 344 sq. ft. balcony. The suite’s elegant styling and contemporary glamour carries ocean grandeur throughout the interior design with its contemporary fabrics, soothing color palette, and marble.
The entry foyer with marble flooring has three round, mirrored sconces, linear polished-nickel light fixtures, and hand-painted wallpaper. The suite’s living room features modern end tables with a geometric design pattern, a 65-inch 4K TV, and a flush mount chandelier.
A full gourmet kitchen has designer Arctic white quartz countertops with a full backsplash, a Sub-Zero built-in refrigerator/freezer, microwave, dishwasher, stainless-steel sink. The dining area has a Ralph Lauren Baxter-metal shade chandelier, bay window, and floor-to-ceiling views of the ocean with two bar stools and a dining table that sits four people.
There are three bedroom options including an oceanfront master bedroom with a king-size bed, a large bedroom with two twin beds and a wall-to-wall panel, and another with a queen bed.
More suites at Acqualina Resort & Residences.
2. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
Key Awards: Fodor’s Choice, AAA/CAA Five Diamond Awards 2020, Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards 2020, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2020, and Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020
US News writes: Although it only opened its doors in 2012, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort has made a lasting impression on Miami Beach, Florida, visitors. Travelers describe their experiences here as phenomenal, primarily due to the property’s attentive staff and prime location. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from its seat in Bal Harbour, [the hotel] provides a less frenzied setting much appreciated by couples and travelers with children…You can pass the time at one of two outdoor pools, the 14,000-square-foot Remède Spa or the adjacent 1,000-foot-long beach. The resort also features three on-site restaurants, including one with a wine vault.
Presidential Suite
Reach the two-bedroom Presidential Suite by a private elevator and step into this 24th-floor accommodation with a 1,200 sq. ft. wraparound balcony. An elegant entryway features an accent wall with exclusive wallpaper depicting an aquatic scene, as smooth marble floors open into the expansive living area with a galley-style chef’s kitchen. Supplemented by the butler’s pantry with a sub-zero refrigerator and a separate service entrance, it features a wine refrigerator, a four-burner stove, and a sink.
Bordered by floor-to-ceiling windows, the dining area houses an eight-guest glass-topped table. To the left, a curved couch frames an entertainment area with a 70-inch Sharp LCD HDTV, a Blu-ray player, and a surround-sound speaker system. In the center of the room, a sitting area – furnished with a plush couch and chairs – faces the breathtaking ocean, which harmonizes with the suite’s cool hues.
Rattan couches, oversized recliners, and lounge chairs invite guests to enjoy the panorama comfortably. Presidential Suite guests also enjoy a complimentary poolside Presidential Cabana.
On either side of the living room, a foyer separates a bedroom with a recliner and a 50-inch LCD HDTV. An adjacent deck provides a private space for communication – courtesy of complimentary high-speed internet access and a dual-line telephone. An antique mirror headboard frames a king-size signature St. Regis pillow top bed, wrapped in 400-thread-count Pratesi bed linens and topped with a plush down comforter and pillows. Bedside tables house a touchscreen panel which controls the room’s technology from lighting to temperature, and places the resort’s amenities at guests’ fingertips.
Adjacent to each bedroom, a walk-through closet with mirrored drawers leads to an en-suite bathroom. Lined in smooth marble, it houses a double vanity (which is split in the master bathroom), a soaking tub, and a separate walk-in, dual-head rainforest shower. A WC is privatized by opaque frosted glass. An additional smaller guest bathroom houses a shower.
View more suites at The St. Regis Bal Harbour.
3. The Setai, Miami Beach
Key Awards: Fodor’s Choice, AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2020, Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards 2020, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2020, Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020
US News writes: The Setai, Miami Beach blatantly spurns Miami Beach, Florida’s neon reputation in favor of a classier ambiance, and recent guests appreciate it. Rather than funky decor and bright colors, the art deco-era property is filled with classy Asian-inspired design elements (think: muted beige and brown color palettes), plus amenities like Frette linens, flat-screen LED TVs and rainfall showers. Although The Setai’s environment may induce relaxation on the spot, previous guests highly recommend a visit to the in-house spa, which offers a wide array of massages and skin treatments and houses private baths, steam rooms, and a fitness center. You’ll also have access to not one, but three on-site infinity pools, as well as gourmet Mediterranean, American or Asian cuisine at The Setai’s three restaurants.
The Penthouse Suite
The Penthouse is situated atop The Setai’s Ocean Suites spanning the entire 40th floor.
The four-bedroom 10,000-sq. ft. residence boasts a private roof-top pool with panoramic city and beach vistas, a gourmet kitchen, and a dining room that can seat up to 10 guests.
There are two master suites with king-sized beds, one bedroom with a queen, and a kids media room with two twin trundle beds. Four and a half bathrooms include two large Jacuzzi tubs and a steam shower, as well as a half-bath powder room for guests. Double living rooms include a music foyer outfitted with a Steinway piano. The rooftop terrace offers 3,000 sq. ft. with an infinity pool, Jacuzzi, and lounge area.
More suites at The Setai.
4. Faena Hotel Miami Beach
Key Awards: Fodor’s Choice, AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2020, Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards 2020, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2020, Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020
U.S. News reports: Recent lodgers said their stays at the Faena Hotel Miami Beach were next to perfect. Past guests gushed about the staff’s attention to detail and genuine friendliness. Accommodations received tons of praise as well and were described by reviewers as spacious (the smallest rooms measure 464 square feet), well appointed, and downright chic. Rooms are decorated in a modern, South American style and come outfitted with sleek wooden furnishings and colorful accents.
Dining here is also a big attraction. Travelers say you can’t leave without grabbing a bite at Pao by Paul Qui (just make sure to reserve a table in advance). The hotel’s other dining venues include Los Fuegos By Francis Mallmann, which specializes in South American grilling, in addition to the Veranda, which serves breakfast by the pool. There is also an outdoor bar, as well as a lobby lounge and another bar with live DJs. Additionally, the Faena boasts an Old Hollywood-style theater that hosts cabaret shows, as well as the Tierra Santa Healing House spa.
Penthouse Suite
Showcasing panoramic turquoise ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows, the 14,507 sq. ft. Penthouse Suite is designed for harmonious indoor/outdoor residential living.
The suite features two levels of spacious gathering areas and dining rooms that are ideal for entertaining. The suite’s gracious five bedrooms each have furnished balconies to enjoy sunrise to sunset views. The suite’s elegant design and custom furnishings by Frank Pollaro offers light colors of ivory and beige with gold and black accents that highlight the vibrant colors of the Atlantic.
More suites at The Faena.
5. The Miami Beach EDITION
Key Awards: Fodor’s Choice, Forbes Travel Guide Four Star Awards 2020, AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2020, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2020, Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020
U.S. News reports: Slightly removed from the noise and action of South Beach, The Miami Beach EDITION is a 3.5-acre, beachfront hotel with a wealth of distinctive amenities. The resort-style hotel features the unique BASEMENT complex, which includes a nightclub, a bowling alley, and a 2,000-square-foot ice skating rink – all accessible for an additional charge. If you’re more interested in relaxing, you can schedule a treatment at the spa – meditate in the relaxation lounge or at the outdoor Sandbox, lounge on the 1950s-inspired pool deck, or play in the sand on the hotel’s stretch of shoreline.
Other amenities include a 24-hour fitness center that offers group classes and personal training (for an extra fee), the Limited EDITION boutique gift shop and two bars. After working up an appetite, guests can enjoy Latin cuisine from chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten at the Matador Room. For something more casual, however, hotel-goers can grab a bite at Market at EDITION, or the hotel’s alfresco eatery, Tropicale.
Penthouse
The 2,284 sq. ft. Penthouse features five balconies with ocean views, a large living room, a study, and a King master bedroom. The bathroom has a large marble soaking tub and a walk-in rainforest shower.
More suites at The Edition.
6. 1 Hotel South Beach
Key Awards: Fodor’s Choice, Forbes Travel Guide Four Star Awards 2020, AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2020, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2020, Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020
U.S. News reports: Formerly The Perry, South Beach (and the Gansevoort Miami Beach before that), this property completed a $500 million renovation in March 2015. And, according to recent visitors, if you stayed at the hotel during its previous ownership, you likely won’t recognize it now. Because it’s under the helm of the 1 Hotel brand, the entire property is eco-friendly. Rooms feature tree trunk coffee tables, organic cotton sheets, custom Keetsa organic cotton mattresses, and salvaged driftwood decorations.
Aside from the rooms, past lodgers were also impressed with the direct beach access the hotel affords, plus its four pools, one of which sits on the roof. When you’re not sipping cocktails, sampling Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine and admiring the view from the rooftop, you can grab a meal at Habitat, the signature restaurant serving dishes made with fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients
Sky Penthouse
At 4,207-sq.-ft., this two-story suite features four bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, an expansive living and dining area, a kitchen, a pool table, a den, and a 5,300 sq. ft. rooftop terrace with sweeping ocean and Miami skyline views, as well as several daybeds and sofas for lounging.
More suites at 1 Hotel South Beach.
7. Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club
Key Awards: AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2020, Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Awards 2020, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2020, Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020
U.S. News says: Recent visitors raved about this Four Seasons hotel, saying it lives up to expectations with its stunning design, incredible ocean views, and attentive staff members. The Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club is removed from the buzzy South Beach area in Surfside, Florida, and it is set on 9 beachfront acres. The property’s 77 accommodations feature floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi access, sitting areas, marble bathrooms, and a convenient room service menu.
Outside the rooms, there are a spa, which offers a wealth of treatment options, and a fitness center with cardio and weight-training equipment. Additionally, Four Seasons guests have access to three outdoor pools (including an adults-only option) and a beach. Families visiting the property will appreciate the designated family pool, the kids’ program, the child-size robes, and the available babysitting services. When it’s time for a meal, head to Winston’s on the Beach for a casual bite, or dress up for an upscale meal at The Surf Club Restaurant.
Marybelle Penthouse Suite
Named after the yacht where Harvey Firestone and his peers discovered the land on which to build The Surf Club, the 7,200 sq. ft., four-bedroom Marybelle Penthouse Suite is the largest, most exclusive suite.
The triplex features your own private rooftop pool and terrace. There’s a full kitchen, dining room, media room, and living room with a patio. Second-floor bedrooms, including the master, have private terraces to enjoy your exclusive refuge on the roof.
More suites at Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club.
8. The Betsy South Beach
Key Awards: Fodor’s Choice, AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2020, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2020
U.S. News reports: Travelers appreciate that the beautiful Betsy isn’t like the other hotels along Ocean Drive. As opposed to poolside parties and a lobby that doubles as a runway, this hotel is decidedly quieter and more laid-back than its competition. And the 130 rooms and suites definitely aim for substance rather than style – though that isn’t lacking either. In the accommodations, you’ll find marble bathrooms with Malin+Goetz beauty products and walk-in showers with shower wands and rainforest shower heads. Techie touches abound here, too: rooms and suites feature the basics, such as free high-speed internet access, plus over-the-top perks like TVs built into bathroom mirrors.
The Betsy’s lobby bar and main in-house restaurant, LT Steak & Seafood, also garner praise, while previous guests said that lounging in the rooftop infinity pool and The Betsy Wellness Garden & Spa helped ease them into a relaxing stay.
Skyline Penthouse with Terrace
Perched atop the Hohauser Wing, this loft-style room boasts 710 sq. ft. of living and entertainment space, as well as a 1,000 sq. ft. wrap-around terrace, a baby grand piano, and a Viennese chandelier that spent 70 years in the Zimbabwe home of the matriarch of the family that owns the hotel.
Accommodating up to two guests, find rest and relaxation in the king-size bed, alongside a kitchen pantry, walk-in-closet, and herringbone-patterned marble bathroom with a double-sink vanity.
Traveling with a larger group? Connect the Skyline Penthouse directly to three more one-bedroom balconied suites below via private elevator.
More suites at The Betsy South Beach.
9. W South Beach
Key Awards: Fodor’s Choice, AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2020, Condé Nast Readers’ Choice List 2020
U.S. News reports: This hotel’s trendy slate-gray color scheme and gorgeous pool beckon to the young and hip. Add to that a glamorous salon and five mouth-watering restaurants and lounges, and you’ve got yourself a Miami Beach hot spot. And did we mention the location? This W property dominates its central Collins Avenue address, making it a huge hit with guests. Suites feature ocean views, private balconies, high ceilings, and kitchenettes or kitchens, as well as contemporary amenities like flat-screen TVs and on-demand movies. The W South Beach even has amenities for your pets.
Amplified Penthouse Suite
The Amplified Penthouse features two bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Floor-to-ceiling windows and multiple balconies boast views of the ocean and Miami cityscape. Spacious indoor and outdoor living rooms offer a full kitchen and outdoor grill. There’s even a plunge pool on your deck. Located on the 20th floor, the 2,056 sq. ft. Interior can be expanded with a third connecting Oceanview room.
See more suites at W South Beach.
10. The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour
Key awards: Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Awards 2020, AAA/CAA Four Diamond Awards 2020
U.S. News says: You’ll have to adjust your expectations when staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Bal Harbour. This isn’t where you book if you want to stay in the nucleus of South Beach activity to shop all day and party every night. Rather, this is where you come for a little R&R with a taste of luxury. The standard rooms at this Ritz-Carlton outpost boast 42-inch flat-screen TVs and Bose surround sound systems, while suites bump you up to two flat-screen TVs and fully equipped kitchens.
The hotel also features a 10,000 sq. ft. spa, a heated outdoor pool and two dining venues: the oceanfront Artisan Beach House restaurant and the poolside Water’s Edge eatery. Some guests said the food and service were superb, while others were disappointed in the food quality and high prices – especially the $40 daily resort fee.
Presidential Suite
The 2,800 sq. ft. Presidential Suite on the 18th floor features four spacious terraces with panoramic views. If it’s a rainy day, hang in your six-person theater with a 62-inch plasma screen. There’s a dining room that seats eight. In the full gourmet kitchen, you’ll find a Wolf oven, Subzero refrigerator, Miele in-wall coffeemaker, and 46-bottle wine storage
More suites at The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour.
