Miami, with its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and pulsating nightlife, is a city that never ceases to amaze. I recently had the opportunity to explore this dynamic city and experience some of its finest hotels.
In this extensive guide, I will share my personal experience at one of Miami’s top hotels and provide a detailed look at five other highly recommended hotels that promise a luxurious stay in this sun-kissed paradise.
My Stay at The Setai, Miami Beach
Location
The Setai, Miami Beach, is an oasis of serenity amidst the bustling South Beach area. Located at 2001 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, the hotel is perfectly situated with direct access to the pristine sands of South Beach. It is within walking distance to the Miami Beach Convention Center, the Lincoln Road Mall, and a plethora of fine dining establishments and vibrant nightlife spots.
Booking and Price
Booking a room at The Setai was a straightforward process. I made my reservation through the hotel’s official website, which offered detailed descriptions of the various room categories and special packages available. Additionally, the hotel is listed on major travel booking platforms like Booking.com and Expedia, which can be useful for comparing prices and securing the best deal. The price for a studio suite starts at approximately $700 per night, which reflects the high level of luxury and service provided.
Arrival and Check-in
Getting to The Setai from Miami International Airport was hassle-free. I opted for a taxi, which took around 20 minutes and cost approximately $35. Alternatively, guests can choose from various transportation options, including private car services and rideshares.
Upon arrival, I was immediately impressed by the hotel’s striking façade and tranquil atmosphere. The doorman greeted me warmly and guided me to the reception area. The check-in process was smooth and efficient, with the staff providing a comprehensive overview of the hotel’s amenities and services. The lobby exudes an air of understated elegance with its Asian-inspired design, dark wood accents, and soft lighting.
Environment and Facilities
The Setai, Miami Beach, is renowned for its blend of Asian-inspired décor and Art Deco heritage. The hotel’s design focuses on creating a serene and luxurious environment, with a harmonious blend of natural materials and modern amenities.
Rooms and Suites
I stayed in a Studio Suite, which was spacious and beautifully appointed. The room featured a king-size bed with luxurious linens, a sitting area, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the ocean. The suite was equipped with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a Nespresso machine. The marble bathroom was a highlight, with a deep soaking tub, a separate rain shower, and high-end toiletries.
Dining
The Setai offers several dining options that cater to a variety of tastes. The Ocean Grill provides an al fresco dining experience with a menu that includes fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Jaya, the hotel’s signature restaurant, offers a menu that draws from various Asian cuisines, featuring dishes like dim sum, sushi, and curry. The Bar & Courtyard is perfect for enjoying cocktails and light bites in a relaxed setting.
Wellness and Spa
The Spa at The Setai is a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body therapies, all using high-quality products. The hotel also features three temperature-controlled swimming pools, each set at a different temperature, providing a unique experience for guests. The fitness center is well-equipped with modern exercise machines and offers personal training sessions upon request.
Experience and Rating
My stay at The Setai, Miami Beach, was truly exceptional. The combination of luxurious accommodations, impeccable service, and serene environment created a memorable experience. The staff were attentive and went above and beyond to ensure my comfort. The dining options were diverse and delicious, and the spa treatments left me feeling rejuvenated. Overall, I would rate my stay a solid 9.5 out of 10.
Other Highly Recommended Hotels in Miami
1. Faena Hotel Miami Beach
The Faena Hotel Miami Beach is a luxurious beachfront hotel located at 3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140. The hotel is part of the Faena District, a cultural and artistic hub that includes a variety of dining, entertainment, and wellness options. The hotel’s design is a blend of opulence and art deco, with a focus on creating a vibrant and immersive experience for guests.
Key Features
- Rooms and Suites: The Faena Hotel Miami Beach offers 169 guest rooms and suites, each designed with luxurious furnishings, vibrant colors, and unique art pieces. The rooms offer stunning views of the ocean or the city.
- Dining: The hotel features several dining options, including Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann, which offers Argentine cuisine with a focus on wood-fired dishes. Pao by Paul Qui serves contemporary Asian cuisine with a twist. The Saxony Bar and Faena Theater provide sophisticated settings for cocktails and entertainment.
- Wellness: The Tierra Santa Healing House is a 22,000-square-foot spa offering a range of treatments inspired by ancient South American healing traditions. The spa features a hammam, steam room, sauna, and relaxation areas. The hotel also has a well-equipped fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool.
- Cultural Programs: The Faena Hotel Miami Beach is known for its cultural programming, which includes art installations, live performances, and exhibitions. The Faena Theater hosts regular shows and events, adding a unique cultural dimension to the hotel experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Luxurious and art-inspired design
- Exceptional dining options
- Comprehensive wellness facilities
- Unique cultural programming
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Can be busy during peak seasons
Pricing
Room rates at the Faena Hotel Miami Beach start at approximately $600 per night, with suites and specialty rooms priced significantly higher.
User Reviews
Guests consistently praise the Faena Hotel Miami Beach for its luxurious accommodations, vibrant design, and exceptional service. The dining options and spa facilities are frequently highlighted as standout features, and the cultural programming adds a unique and enriching dimension to the stay.
2. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is a luxurious oceanfront hotel located at 9703 Collins Ave, Bal Harbour, FL 33154. Known for its refined elegance and exceptional service, the resort offers a tranquil and sophisticated retreat in the exclusive Bal Harbour area.
Key Features
- Rooms and Suites: The resort offers 227 guest rooms and suites, each designed with contemporary elegance and luxurious furnishings. The rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning ocean views, private balconies, and modern amenities.
- Dining: The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort features several dining options, including Atlantikós, which offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, and The Grill at St. Regis, which serves American classics. The St. Regis Bar & Wine Vault provides a sophisticated setting for cocktails and wine tastings.
- Wellness: The Remède Spa offers a range of treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate, using high-quality products. The spa features a sauna, steam room, and relaxation areas. The resort also has two outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, and direct beach access with private cabanas.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: The resort offers a range of family-friendly amenities, including a children’s club, babysitting services, and family activities. The spacious rooms and suites are also ideal for families.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Luxurious and elegant design
- Exceptional dining options
- Comprehensive wellness facilities
- Family-friendly amenities
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Located further from South Beach
Pricing
Room rates at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort start at approximately $800 per night, reflecting the high level of luxury and service provided.
User Reviews
Guests praise The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort for its refined elegance, exceptional service, and luxurious accommodations. The dining options and spa facilities are frequently mentioned as standout features, and the family-friendly amenities make it an ideal choice for those traveling with children.
3. The Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables
The Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables is a historic luxury hotel located at 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134. The hotel is known for its grand architecture, lush gardens, and world-class amenities, offering a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury.
Key Features
- Rooms and Suites: The Biltmore Hotel offers 271 guest rooms and suites, each designed with elegant furnishings and modern amenities. The rooms feature high ceilings, large windows, and views of the golf course or the gardens.
- Dining: The hotel features several dining options, including Palme d’Or, which offers French cuisine in an elegant setting, and Fontana, which serves Italian cuisine in a courtyard setting. The Biltmore Bar and Cascade Lounge provide sophisticated settings for cocktails and light bites.
- Wellness: The Biltmore Spa offers a range of treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate, using high-quality products. The spa features a sauna, steam room, and relaxation areas. The hotel also has a 23,000-square-foot swimming pool, a fitness center, and an 18-hole golf course.
- Historic Charm: The Biltmore Hotel is known for its grand architecture and historic charm. The hotel has been designated a National Historic Landmark and offers guided tours that provide insight into its rich history.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Historic charm and grand architecture
- Exceptional dining options
- Comprehensive wellness facilities
- Large swimming pool and golf course
Cons:
- Located further from the beach
- Some rooms may feel dated
Pricing
Room rates at The Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables start at approximately $400 per night, with suites and higher room categories priced higher.
User Reviews
Guests praise The Biltmore Hotel for its historic charm, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional service. The dining options and spa facilities are frequently mentioned as standout features, and the large swimming pool and golf course add to the overall appeal.
4. EAST, Miami
EAST, Miami is a contemporary luxury hotel located at 788 Brickell Plaza, Miami, FL 33131. The hotel is part of the Brickell City Centre, a mixed-use development that includes shopping, dining, and entertainment options. EAST, Miami offers a sleek and modern stay in the heart of the city’s financial district.
Key Features
- Rooms and Suites: EAST, Miami offers 352 guest rooms, suites, and residences, each designed with modern furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the city or the bay. The rooms feature high-tech amenities, including smart TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Dining: The hotel features several dining options, including Quinto La Huella, which offers Uruguayan cuisine with a focus on wood-fired dishes. Sugar, the hotel’s rooftop bar and garden, provides a sophisticated setting for cocktails and light bites with panoramic views of the city.
- Wellness: The hotel’s wellness facilities include a 20,000-square-foot outdoor pool deck with four different pools, including a lap pool and a hot tub. The fitness center is well-equipped with modern exercise machines and offers personal training sessions upon request.
- Location: EAST, Miami’s location in the Brickell City Centre provides easy access to a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The hotel is also conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to explore the rest of the city.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sleek and modern design
- High-tech amenities
- Exceptional dining options
- Comprehensive wellness facilities
- Convenient location in Brickell City Centre
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Can be busy during peak seasons
Pricing
Room rates at EAST, Miami start at approximately $350 per night, with suites and residences priced higher.
User Reviews
Guests praise EAST, Miami for its sleek design, modern amenities, and exceptional service. The dining options and rooftop bar are frequently mentioned as standout features, and the wellness facilities provide a relaxing retreat in the heart of the city.
5. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, is a luxurious beachfront resort located at 455 Grand Bay Dr, Key Biscayne, FL 33149. The resort offers a tranquil and sophisticated retreat on the exclusive island of Key Biscayne, with a focus on providing exceptional service and amenities.
Key Features
- Rooms and Suites: The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne offers 450 guest rooms and suites, each designed with elegant furnishings and modern amenities. The rooms feature private balconies with views of the ocean, the gardens, or the resort grounds.
- Dining: The resort features several dining options, including Lightkeepers, which offers coastal cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood, and Cantina Beach, which serves Mexican cuisine in a beachfront setting. The Dune Burgers on the Beach and The Ritz-Carlton Lounge & Bar provide additional options for casual dining and cocktails.
- Wellness: The resort’s wellness facilities include a full-service spa offering a range of treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate, using high-quality products. The spa features a sauna, steam room, and relaxation areas. The resort also has two outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, and a tennis center with 11 courts.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: The resort offers a range of family-friendly amenities, including a Ritz Kids program, babysitting services, and family activities. The spacious rooms and suites are also ideal for families.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Luxurious and elegant design
- Exceptional dining options
- Comprehensive wellness facilities
- Family-friendly amenities
- Tranquil location on Key Biscayne
Cons:
- Higher price point
- Located further from the city center
Pricing
Room rates at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, start at approximately $600 per night, reflecting the high level of luxury and service provided.
User Reviews
Guests praise The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne for its refined elegance, exceptional service, and luxurious accommodations. The dining options and spa facilities are frequently mentioned as standout features, and the family-friendly amenities make it an ideal choice for those traveling with children.
Miami’s hotel scene offers a diverse range of luxurious accommodations, each with its unique charm and character. From historic landmarks to contemporary urban retreats, there is something for every discerning traveler.
My stay at The Setai, Miami Beach, was a memorable experience, and the other highly recommended hotels promise equally exceptional stays. Whether you are visiting Miami for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, or pulsating nightlife, these hotels provide the perfect base for exploring this dynamic city.
