The 6 Hottest New Hotels in Miami

The luxurious, 426-room 1 Hotel South Beach in Miami Beach opened in March 2015 after a complete renovation (it was formerly Perry South Beach, and the Gansevoort Miami Beach before that). The 1 Hotel brand is extremely eco-conscious and the entire hotel has environment-friendly features including salvaged wood, hemp mattresses, and take-home socks instead of disposable slippers. Top-notch amenities include direct beach access; four pools, including one on the roof; three bars and a fine-dining restaurant; a fitness center; event spaces; and Tesla car service within a three-mile radius. The spa isn't set to open until 2016, but guests can arrange for in-room massages.

After a complete revamping of the former Seville Hotel, the Miami Beach EDITION opened in December 2014 to provide hip, luxury accommodations in the burgeoning Mid-Beach area. Mimicking the hotel's overall design, the 294 sleek, spare guest rooms feature light woods and white fabrics. Amenities are undoubtedly top-notch: There are two outdoor pools; a beachfront with chairs and umbrellas; fine-dining Matador restaurant; an upscale spa; and an underground nightclub/bowling alley/skate rink. While couples, families, and business professionals all frequent the hotel, the EDITION appeals primarily to trendy travelers who appreciate the Beats Bluetooth speakers and copy of PAPER magazine in each room.

The 74-room boutique Metropolitan by COMO is a gorgeous Art Deco property from the luxurious COMO brand. The pistachio and gray guest rooms are stylish, and outfitted with modern features like 42-inch flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel's other amenities include a pretty outdoor pool, beach service, a fine-dining restaurant and bar, elegant spa, and rooftop hydrotherapy pool. Service is genuinely friendly and doting, and the hotel attracts an upscale clientele of primarily couples. If you're looking for a calm, relaxing getaway in South Beach, Metropolitan by COMO is the premier pick.

Opened in late November 2014, the upscale 380-room Thompson Miami Beach has a beautiful beachfront, two pools, multiple bars, and staff that receive consistent praise. Guest rooms have a colorful, retro design and high-tech amenities, though views vary from city to oceanfront and there's some minor wear and tear. However, with ample amenities and a celebrity chef-helmed restaurant, it's a solid pick for couples, groups, and families who want to be a bit removed from the South Beach scene. Prices here also tend to be more affordable than at comparable hotels in the heart of South Beach.

After a 2014 renovation combined its Art Deco roots with modern luxury, the Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach became a stylish, upscale pick on Collins Ave in South Beach. The guest rooms have comfortable beds, digital music players, and stocked minibars, and some come with balconies. But standard rooms are on the small side, as are most bathrooms -- which have plush robes and custom toiletries but no bathtubs. Amenities, however, are top-notch, and include beach access and service, a heated pool, a spa and fitness center, and multiple dining and drink options that include the fine-dining Morimoto sushi restaurant. Rates are competitive for an upscale beachfront option in South Beach; most competitors, such as the Delano next door, are pricier.

Three blocks from the beach, Vintro Hotel South Beach is an upscale Art Deco boutique hotel. Part of the Small Luxury Hotels brand, the hotel opened in 2014 after renovations to the historic Art Deco property. The 50 guest rooms have retro furnishings in citrus tones, and feature flat-screen TVs, Illy espresso machines, and rainfall showerheads. However, some rooms have parking lot views, or lack views altogether. But, there are quite a few amenities to lure travelers: vouchers for beach chairs and towels; a rooftop plunge pool; on-site fine dining restaurant; lobby bar; free bicycles; and free Wi-Fi. For adults 18 and over only, the hotel is a great pick for couples who don't mind sacrificing direct beach access for a hip atmosphere.


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