Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida

Like many of Miami's hotels, Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club has history. Originally opened on New Year's Eve 1930, this hotel has had style and poise from the start, quickly becoming a favorite among the famous. Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and Winston Churchill have all stayed here. The Four Seasons brand took over and after renovations, reopened in 2017 with 77 guest rooms and limited residences. Thanks to the overall beautiful design that blends classic Art Deco decor with geometric metal fixtures and a boatload of interior plants, stepping into the hotel can feel almost like arriving in an exotic country. The feel throughout is bright, modern, and swish. There are two entrances/exits here: a smaller, residential-feeling spot off Collins Avenue, and a larger resort-style area off the residential portion of the hotel. This hotel draws lots of well-heeled couples and families drawn to the luxe brand and stylish furnishings. 

This Four Seasons has a beachfront location located in between Bal Harbour and North Beach. While it's just about a six-minute drive to either of these spots, driving to the popular tourist areas of Downtown Miami, South Beach, or Wynwood will take about a half-hour. The hotel's location within the Surfside district gives guests a quieter beach vacation, though there's not much within the immediate area. A few restaurants and a Starbucks are within a 10- to 15-minute walk. Miami International Airport is between a 25- to 40-minute drive, depending on traffic. 

Rooms have modern, subtly luxurious decor designed by Joseph Dirand. Expect seafoam green and sand color tones, hand-cut travertine floors, fluted walls, and rattan paneling. Big windows let in lots of light, and all units have furnished terraces with either ocean or city views. Beds are slightly raised and have leather headboards, down duvets and pillows, and a selection of pillow-top mattresses. All rooms come with bathrobes, magnifying mirrors, and upscale bath products. Convenient features include dry bars with mini-fridges and tea- and coffee-making facilities, large flat-screen HDTVs with streaming capabilities, and Bluetooth stereo systems. There are also on-demand iPads that can be used for service requests and electronic controls. USB charging stations are built into the bedside tables and game consoles are available on request. Gorgeous white-marble bathrooms have big tubs and separate showers. City View Rooms boast views over Collins Avenue, while Oceanfront Rooms have full ocean vistas. Upgrading to Premier Oceanfront Rooms adds wraparound balconies with both ocean and city views. Bay View Rooms are located on upper floors. Designed by architect Russell Pancoast, the Cabana Studios are meant to be the heart and soul of the hotel. These have a slightly trendier vibe and bolder display of colors thanks to splotchy tile floors, painted half-walls, and French doors that open up to terraces with beach and garden views. Each of these studios comes with two loungers and a table and chairs set on the terrace and one king bed in the main room. 

The beautiful stretch of beach here is lined with free-to-use cushioned lounge chairs and umbrellas. Food and drink service is available here. Two heated outdoor pools can be found between the hotel and the beach. Kids are welcome at the main pool, but only adults are allowed at the quiet one. Staff occasionally pass out treats to guests sunning in comfy loungers, and guests just need flag someone down to get their hands on food, drinks, or sunblock (though reports on poolside service are mixed). La Sirenuse restaurant is a highlight here, led by Chef Antonio Mermolia, and in conjunction with its sister restaurant in Positano, Italy. This hip restaurant features highly regarded cuisine from the Amalfi Coast. Guests can dine here all day, or taste their way through mixologist-crafted cocktails and the largest collection of Champagne in Miami at the La Sirenuse Champagne Bar. Other food and drink options include casual Floridian fare at the poolside bar and room service. The hotel has a beautiful oceanfront spa and wellness center that draws from several worldwide techniques to create a menu focused on restorative and biologic principles. This luxurious environment shines thanks to a gorgeous marbled hammam, frosted glass, and gold Art Deco touches. Guests have access to a eucalyptus steam room, yoga classes, meditation workshops, and menus just for men. A large and light-filled fitness room is well-equipped for a workout. Families get special attention with the resort's family-friendly picnics and excursions, grab-and-play beach toys, and welcome gifts for kids. Things like a DVD library, sandcastle competitions, and poolside entertainment can appeal to both kids and adults. There's also a well-reviewed indoor kids' club with movies, activities, and lots of natural light. Freebies include overnight shoeshine service, newspapers, and Wi-Fi. Guests can also rent bikes and take advantage of the car service free of charge, but perhaps the biggest freebie is that children 18 and below stay for free. Valet parking, laundry and dry cleaning services, and breakfast (regardless of age) come with extra costs.