While New York may have its cool buildings, Los Angeles may be great for star-spotting, and Palm Springs brings the colour, if it’s sun and fun you’re after, there’s only one place to make a beeline for. Thanks to its southern location that sees it littered with beaches and multicultural offerings and a number of international shows, including Art Basel, Miami is one of the best places to vacay in the USA. And if you’re looking for a trendy place to lay your head (or carry on celebrating) these are the best boutique hotels in Miami, Florida.

All the best boutique hotels in Miami, Florida

1. The Vagabond Hotel Miami | MiMo

The Vagabond Hotel Miami interior of guestroom
The Vagabond Hotel Miami

A wee gem in Miami’s MiMo district, The Vagabond Hotel is all about capturing that 1950s vibe. Guests can expect a blend of Mid-Century Modern design coupled with a retro colour palette, and just the right amount of kitsch.

Rooms offer coffee machines, comfy beds, and four different sizes. Hit the pool for some sun and grab a drink at Aqua Pool Bar while Ensenada serves up Mexican seafood coupled with an array of mezcals.

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2. The Local House | Miami Beach

The Local House

Designed to feel less like a hotel, more like a beach house, the Local House has white-washed wood and a pastel colour palette throughout making it the perfect retreat. Itโ€™s owned by real estate developer Ciro Campagnoli who made sure the interiors are an oasis of relaxation, with plenty of eggshell blue and wicker furniture, plus a rooftop pool deck and terrace. 

In close proximity to some of Miamiโ€™s best art galleries, the hotel is an escape from the cityโ€™s hustle and bustle while still being central. It houses a popular restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine featuring dishes such as truffled lobster mac ‘n’ cheese and shrimp po’ boy. The corresponding bar is renowned for its innovative drinks which use ingredients such as oysters and caviar. 

Find out more about The Local House or Book through Booking.com

3. Casa Faena | Miami Beach

Casa Faena

Casa Faena sits in Miamiโ€™s colourful Faena district and its interiors reflect its Spanish roots. Originally designed by Martin L. Hampton, the architecture and rooms blend Art Deco style with Mediterranean influences and flashes of rich colours. Rooms are simple, with unexpected touches like terracotta tiles, handcrafted coloured furnishings ,and antique rugs, while main spaces have white arched walls, cosy sofas, and plenty of greenery. 

The dining options take the hotel to another level, serving American and Argentinian inspired food in their Los Fuegos grill, as well as a host of other options including Mexican, Asian, an outdoor breakfast terrace and theatrical dining experience. To really immerse yourself in luxury, check out the Tierra Santa Healing House on the third floor, for an array of holistic spa experiences. 

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4. Soho Beach House | Miami Beach

Soho Beach House

No list of boutique hotels in Miami would be complete without a mention of world-renowned group Soho House, where you need to be a member to book. Its Miami offering occupies a tower overlooking Miami beach, with a range of elegantly furnished rooms ranging from small to extra-large, all with touches of opulence such as grand wooden headboards, sea views and free-standing tubs, themed on Cuban 40โ€™s glamour.

The interiors were designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, who used unique pieces of reclaimed furniture throughout, such as timber from Wyoming, tiles from Spain and British-style bathrooms. There are two expansive pools with bars and private cabanas that can be enjoyed by members and hotel guests, as well as the Cowshed spa and health club. The hotel also has exclusive bars and restaurants, most notably Soho Houseโ€™s famous Cecconiโ€™s, as well as Ocho, the rooftop pool bar serving poke bowls and tequila, and the Club Bar. 

Find out more about Soho Beach House

5. The Mutiny Hotel | Coconut Grove

The Mutiny Hotel

The Mutiny Hotel opened its doors in 1969 and was hailed as the go to spot for the international rich and famous to party the days away at the world-renowned Mutiny Club. It has since had a rebrand and is now a tranquil, luxury option open to anyone, with beautiful bay views. Most rooms were designed by Carolyn Robbins, who has worked on many popular local clubs and residences, and range from one or two bedrooms to the most lavish penthouse apartment.

After a day of adrenaline and sunshine on the bay, Table 14 is the Mutinyโ€™s signature restaurant at Coconut Grove, owned by Cristina and JC Digon, which offers up delectable international cuisine โ€“ the seafood paella is particularly good. Alternatively, if youโ€™ve partaken in some fishing you can cook up your catch in your suiteโ€™s own kitchen.

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6. Mr. C | Coconut Grove

Mr. C Coconut Grove

The culmination of work by Ignazio and Magio Cipriani, one of hospitalityโ€™s leading families, Mr. C sits on Biscayne Bay with sweeping views of the water and skyline. The interiors were designed by world-renowned firm Arquitectonica, also featuring a motif by previously mentioned Martin Brudnizki Studio, so you can tell this hotel takes design seriously.

Its 100 rooms and suites all have private terraces, and combine old-world simplicity with sleek European style. To really splash out, the Presidential Suite has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and three furnished balconies with panoramic views. The hotelโ€™s restaurant, Bellini, is inspired by the Cipriani familyโ€™s strong Italian connections with a range of grilled fish dishes and an excellent choice of fresh pastas. 

Learn more about Mr. C or Book through Booking.com

7. The Betsy | South Beach

The Betsy Hotel

The Betsy is a renowned Miami beach icon, built by Art Deco architect L. Murray Dixon in 1942. In 2017, it expanded to combine with the Carlton Hotel, designed by Henry Hohauser, connected by a skybridge to create a new luxury hotel vision. Its rooms and suites range from a Classic King, to the lavish Skyline Penthouse which houses a wraparound terrace and baby grand piano.

Just because the hotel has its roots in the 40s, donโ€™t expect it to be behind the times โ€“ with a rooftop deck for yoga classes, dedicated Peloton classes and two pools, as well as a spa and library, its amenities are consistent with the most luxury of hotel brands. LT Steak & Seafood combines French and Asian flavours from Chef Laurent Tourondel, while The Alley serves a laid-back menu of homemade pizza and pasta. Also offering a hole in the wall pizza and gelato stand, lobby bar and cafรฉ, the food and drink options here are truly endless. 

Find out more about The Betsy or Book through Booking.com

8. Life House, South of Fifth | Miami Beach

Life House South of Fifth opens
Life House, South of Fifth

Rami Zeidanโ€™s Life House collection has residences throughout New England, Denver, and Miami.  South of Fifth is one of the brand’s newest properties and sits inside a former beach cottage, once home to an artist living in the area.

Rooms are inspired by the coastal location and feature shiplap wood walls alongside Le Labo toiletries, and a selection of carefully curated local art and curios. The restaurant here serves a selection of plant forward and sustainable seafood dishes or head to the cocktail bar for a sundowner.

Read more about the design behind Life House, South of Fifth.

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9. SLS Lux Brickell | Downtown Miami

SLS Lux Brickell Miami swimming pool

SLS Lux Brickell is the very definition of a stylish urban retreat. With design by the world-renowned team at Yabu Pushelberg, all 76 suites here feature muted colour ways with little pops of delight around every corner.

The fitness centre is decked out in everything you need to break a sweat, plus there’s a dedicated lap pool, an access to a multi-use sports centre for tennis, volleyball, and basketball, there’s even a mini golf putting green.  The Altitude Pool & Lounge serves light lunches and excellent poolside cocktails.

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10. Hotel Trouvail | Miami Beach

Conveniently situated just one block away from the beach, Hotel Trouvail promises guests a contemporary stay in the heart of Miami Beach. Located in a wonderfully restored Art Deco building, the vibe is somewhere between Europe and Miami with spacious rooms decorated in an eclectic mix of muted colours and prints.

Greenbrier Swim & Social Club is the main space for dining, with an all-day menu serving international delights. Donโ€™t miss a dip in the stunning swimming pool while youโ€™re at it.

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11. The Goodtime Hotel | Miami Beach

The Goodtime Hotel

The popular Goodtime Hotel provides everything its name would suggest. Founded by music icon Pharrell Williams and nightlife entrepreneur David Grutman, it comprises an entire Miami block. Designed by Ken Fulk, the 266 rooms are simple and stylish with pops of pastel colour. A series of intimate spaces include a meditation space, Strawberry Moon restaurant, and a cosy pink panelled library. 

The hotel strikes a good balance between wellness, with yoga and fitness classes, and letting loose, with a range of events, dinner parties and a beach club. To soak up some Miami sun, the famous Pool at Strawberry Moon (lead image) is 24,000 feet of rooftop luxury, with cute pink and green private cabanas and a pool bar perfect for a sundowner. 

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