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 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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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. It’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 Miami’s best art galleries, the hotel is an escape from the city’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. 

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3. Casa Faena | Miami Beach

Casa Faena

Casa Faena sits in Miami’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. 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 40’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 House’s famous Cecconi’s, as well as Ocho, the rooftop pool bar serving poke bowls and tequila, and the Club Bar. 

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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 Mutiny’s signature restaurant at Coconut Grove, owned by Cristina and JC Digon, which offers up delectable international cuisine – the seafood paella is particularly good. Alternatively, if you’ve partaken in some fishing you can cook up your catch in your suite’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 hospitality’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 hotel’s restaurant, Bellini, is inspired by the Cipriani family’s strong Italian connections with a range of grilled fish dishes and an excellent choice of fresh pastas. 

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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, don’t expect it to be behind the times – 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 café, the food and drink options here are truly endless. 

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8. Life House | Little Havana

Rami Zeidan’s Life House collection has residences throughout New England, Denver, and Miami, with Little Havana being one of the best. A 33-room design hotel inside a 1920s mansion, the interiors evoke serious Cuban vibes, with lots of earthy tones and monochrome tile flooring. Art is front and centre throughout, with entirely local photographs, prints and designs.

The warm and cosy rooms are themed with dark wood, woven rugs and brass detailing, while retaining Life House’s consistent luxury touches such as Le Labo toiletries and Revival linens. The two dining options are both exquisite – the Terras Rooftop is an overgrown jungle oasis with skyline views and Latin American cuisine, while Parcela Café is a 1940s Havana inspired courtyard spot perfect for sipping coffee under the hot sun. 

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9. SLS Brickell | Downtown Miami

SLS Brickell stops traffic in downtown Miami, with its brightly coloured striped frontage, and this playful design theme remains throughout the hotel. It has 124 unique rooms featuring designs by Philippe Starck, with elegant white furniture and florals, as well as high-spec minibars, rainfall showers, Ciel Spa toiletries and panoramic balconies.

There is a fitness centre and corresponding Ciel Spa, which gives you exclusive access to the hotel’s Altitude pool deck and offers an array of treatments and wraps. Three dining options await you – Fi’Lia, serving firewood oven pizzas, The Lounge, with light bites and more Philippe Stark touches, and Altitude Pool which serves light lunches and excellent poolside cocktails. For some on-site culture, check out the hotel’s international art collection curated by The Related Group, which includes pieces by names such as Fabian Burgos and Ana Isabel Martinez. 

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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. Don’t miss a dip in the stunning swimming pool while you’re at it.

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