8 of the Trendiest Hotels in Miami

Opened in November 2012 (with a celebrity-filled party), the SLS South Beach right on Collins Avenue has a highly stylized design by Philippe Starck and Lenny Kravitz -- check out the swanky white guestrooms with trompe l'oeil wallpaper. There are two pools, two restaurants, and two bars for guests to choose from, and each is all but guaranteed to be a scene.

It’s not all about the party, here. The 1 Hotel brand is known for its eco-friendly practices and features, from lush greenery throughout the property to hemp mattresses (they’re comfortable, we promise). While the vibe is more relaxed here than at some of the hotel’s South Beach neighbors, guests can expect a trendy, luxurious clientele. Did we mention that there’s free Tesla car service within a three-mile radius?

Between the two pools, the upscale restaurant, the spa, and the nightclub/bowling alley/ice skating rink -- yes, you read that right -- this Mid-Beach property has enough entertainment that you’ll never need to leave. The hotel is a collaboration between Marriott and hotelier Ian Schrager (of Studio 54 fame), so it’s no surprise that there’s such a lively atmosphere here.

Not all of the city’s trendiest hotels are on the beach. EAST, Miami, sits atop the Brickell City Centre in the Financial District. As such, it often caters to business travelers, though the property is hip enough -- with a trendy rooftop bar, a popular Uruguayan restaurant, and an outdoor pool area -- to draw fashionable tourists and locals alike.

It might be hard to believe, but yes, a hostel has made it onto this list. New York–based Roman and Williams outfitted this posh spot on Indian Creek Drive, and the vibe is a fun mix of hippie and chic. The hotel’s bar, the Broken Shaker, is one of the most popular venues in the area, and the cocktails are superb. Sip on them on the patio by the pool for a quintessential Miami experience.

South Beach is, of course, known for its Art Deco architecture, and the Gale South Beach is a prime example. Inside, it exudes old-school glamour -- with a flair for partying. It’s home to the ever-popular Regent Cocktail Club and a rooftop pool. Though the hotel isn’t on the beach, guests have access to the Shelborne Beach Club right across Collins Avenue.

Another downtown property, the waterfront EPIC has plenty of action between its two 16th-floor pools, two restaurants, lounge (which has live music five nights a week), and the free daily wine hour for guests. While the neighborhood might not be bustling outside of business hours, its central location makes for an easy cab ride to other areas of Miami.

The up-and-coming MiMo neighborhood (it stands for Miami Modern -- a style of architecture prevalent in the area) is home to the delightfully retro Vagabond Hotel. A 2014 restoration saw the preservation of many midcentury-modern details, like original wood flooring and salvaged furnishings. The party hub here is the pool area, complete with an outdoor bar.


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