Top 20 Cool and Unusual Hotels in Miami 2023

With miles of turquoise waters, golden sands, pastel-colored Art Deco architecture, a strong Cuban and Hispanic influence, and a truly intoxicating vibe, Miami – the cosmopolitan city located at Florida’s southeastern tip – is one of the trendiest and glitziest places to visit in the USA. 

In this art-loving and style-conscious city, there’s definitely no shortage of amazingly unique places to stay – in fact, Miami is positively filled with gorgeously hip hotels each with its own funky and original design. From chic Art-Deco-inspired boutiques to trendy modern hotels perfect for fun pool parties, here are some of the best cool, hip, and unique hotels in Miami, Florida (in no particular order) to suit all budgets…

1. Dream South Beach – a funky, art deco-influenced Miami boutique hotel perfect for partying Millenials and Gen Zs

The last word in dreamy opulence, this whimsical but stylish 4-star highly rated Dream South Beach Hotel really lives up to its name. Housed in a registered historic Art Deco building, in a great position on South Beach inside you’ll find many of the rooms at this chic and trendy Miami hotel are bathed in an atmospheric blue light – all very zen!

Guest comfort is taken very seriously here – you will have access to all the latest technology including flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth-enabled smartphones, iPod docking station as well as unique modern furniture (including the signature Dream bed).

Opt for a lush upgrade and add impressive dressing quarters, sundeck, and outdoor showers. When you’ve finished quaffing champagne by the decadent rooftop infinity pool you can ease off the hangover with a trip to the hotel’s own Ayurvedic spa. Fashionable and unique Miami luxury for a decent price!

• To book, check prices or availability for Dream South Beach Hotel

2. One South Beach Miami – an upscale eco-chic hotel with a wow-inducing poolscape perfect for Instagrammers

Situated in the northern section of South Beach on Collins Avenue, this swish Miami abode with an eco-friendly ethos has a modern beach feel with softwood furnishings throughout. If you like to catch plenty of rays and enjoy the water, you can’t really go wrong with the 5 star exceptionally rated One Hotel South Beach.

The cool and fun party hotel sits directly on the seafront so expect sublime ocean views, but it also boasts two swimming pools and 70,000 square-foot of decking space. Its rooms are modern and elegant, with soft furnishings, custom-made beds, ocean views, walls lined with driftwood, and all the mod-cons you’d expect.

The trendsetting Miami accommodation is located near plenty of popular attractions, including the Lincoln Road Mall, the New World Center, and the Miami Beach Convention Centre.

A large swimming pool occupies the hotel’s central grounds, while there’s a smaller but equally stunning beachside terrace and pool area – complete with bar, sun loungers, daybeds, and cabanas. Besides its popular pool areas, the hotel features a gym, a rooftop bar, a hair salon, and also a modern spa. If you’re a golfing fan, the hotel is ideally located near to Miami Beach Golf Club, so don’t forget to pack your clubs!

• To book, check prices or availability for One Hotel South Beach

3. Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel – a beautiful, unique and very hip beachfront boutique hotel housed in a striking Art Deco building 

With its stunning and historic Art Deco frontage, the 4-star highly-rated Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel is a trendy and popular boutique hotel situated in the heart of Miami’s South Beach.

It’s just a short stroll away from the high-street stores at Lincoln Road Mall, the beach on Ocean Drive, or the Mediterranean vibe of Espanola Way.

Among palm tree-lined gardens, you’ll find a beautiful pool area that’s great for relaxing, dining outside, or enjoying a cocktail in the sun. If you’re a partygoer, the Surfcomber is a great place to stay, especially on weekends when the pool becomes a hive of activity.

The rooms at the stylish and unique Miami hotel are elegant and functional, offering plush beds, a flat-screen TV, an en-suite bathroom, designer toiletries Wi-Fi, iPod docks and some have ocean views and furnished balconies. Other hotel highlights include an on-site American restaurant, a fitness center, a funky espresso and juice bar, a full-service spa, and a cute beach playground – bliss!

• To book, check prices or availability for Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel

4. Esmé South Beach – a funky and artistic boutique with a hip retro/vintage vibe located along the lively Española Way

This new boutique hotel has revitalized historic Española Way, known for its past associations with diverse characters like the gangsters of Al Capone’s gambling syndicate, musician Desi Arnaz, and assorted writers and poets who made it their hangout in the 1920s and ‘30s.

Starting with the name which recalls Golden Age glamor and the tapestries adding a grand Europe touch, you’ll find the comforts and excitement of a bygone era at Esmé – South Beach

The Spanish-Mediterranean architecture with red-tiled roofs and Art Deco-meets-Mediterranean decor provides a chic background for the luxurious beds with Bellino Fine Linens, smart TVs, in-room tablets, and all the tech necessary to your comfort.

The rooftop pool and El Salon speakeasy bar are favorites spots to relax and socialize, and just out the door are the beach, bars, restaurants, music venues and cabanas.

• To book, check prices or availability for Esmé – South Beach

5. The Vagabond Hotel – a cool 1950s-inspired retro boutique Miami hotel perfect for partying hipsters

For all you hipsters out there, the midrange exceptionally rated Vagabond Hotel on Biscayne Boulevard is conveniently located in Downtown Miami. The funky Miami hotel has a timeless retro theme with a relaxed vibe that is sure to suit you if you’re a stylish, discerning traveler.

Although a small hotel with only 44 rooms, the hip Miami boutique has plenty to offer, from its 1950s-style kitschy furnishings, bold geometric art, and comfy beds to flat-screen TVs and a cool outdoor pool.

The ultra-hip cocktail bar is ideal for grabbing a relaxing drink, while the upscale restaurant offers a variety of international cuisines. The recently refurbished rooms are surprisingly spacious, with many opening onto well-kept gardens awash with palm trees. And if that doesn’t tempt you, this fun and funky party Miami abode also includes high-speed Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge in every room, and a gymnasium.

• To book, check prices or availability for the Vagabond Hotel Miami

6. East Miami – a hip, sleek stylish and very Instagrammable hotel set in a hip and fun area of the city

Located just 15 minutes drive from the main airport, the 4-star exceptionally rated East Hotel Miami is an upscale lifestyle hotel with an airy, contemporary design.

Located in Miami’s bustling hip Downtown area in Brickell City Centre, this cool Miami hotel is a fabulous choice if you’re a shopping addict and want to access the nearby top-brand stores.

As well as the amazing views of Miami and Biscayne Bay (the hotel is a 6-minute walk from Biscayne Bay), the uber-trendy Miami hotel has over 300 rooms, each with walk-in rain showers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and super comfy mattresses.

Upgraded rooms have wraparound balconies and/or gorgeous bay views. EAST Miami’s poolside area is spacious and inviting, featuring a poolside cocktail bar and plenty of sun loungers.

If you want spectacular bay views, head to the rooftop bar and there are no less than four swimming pools to choose from. But if you prefer top-notch cuisine, the high-end Quinto La Huella restaurant is sure to satisfy your every taste!

• To book, check prices or availability for East Hotel Miami

7. The Confidante – an award-winning upscale hotel offering gorgeous Ocean views set in a 1940s art deco skyscraper

The 4-star exceptionally rated Confidante Hotel on Miami Beach adds a touch of old-school glamour with its 1940s Art Deco skyscraper, Art Deco furnishings, and a relaxed style that’s typical of Miami.

Located on the popular Collins Avenue and overlooking the beach, the award-winning hotel is in a prime spot for exploring the wider city area. Upon arrival, you’ll notice the hip Miami hotel is equipped with two outdoor heated pools, an open-air rooftop, a fully equipped gym, and even a spa and hair salon.

If you like to sunbathe, the well-maintained outdoor areas have plenty of loungers and cabanas. But if you prefer the beach, direct access is available from the hotel. The rooms are stylishly quirky and well-decorated.

Rooms have a private balcony, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen television and upgrades offer separate living areas and kitchens with wet bars and fridges. Also expect a rooftop spa, a hair salon a variety of contemporary restaurants, and cocktail bars are also available for you to enjoy.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Confidante Hotel

8. Standard Miami – a lush upscale spa hotel with a beautiful chic design spectacularly located on a Biscayne Bay island

Following hot on the heels of the popular Los Angeles Standard is the Florida-based version. More like a high-end spa with guest rooms than a hotel, the lush Miami accommodation provides a wellness experience that is said to be “part recovery center, part hydrotherapy playground, part new-age ashram.”

You’ll probably leave a few toxins lighter staying at the Standard Hotel Miami with its up-to-the-minute center for integrated wellness including a hydrotherapy spa, a hot tub with a waterfall, a cold plunge and mud baths and healthy vegan options on offer – all perfectly complementing its tranquil and lush Belle Isle location (just off Miami beach).

Rooms at this gorgeous Miami hotel are equally swish with tasteful wooden floors and upgrades have terraces complete with soaking tubs. Also, expect an onsite bayside Mediterranean restaurant and a divine infinity pool – a beautiful Miami gem!

• To book, check prices or availability for Standard Hotel Miami

9. The Goodtime Hotel – a gorgeous, elegant and trendy vintage chic boutique hotel with cool art deco-themed decor and amazing pool parties

This cool hotel lives up to its name, which is not surprising when you consider that one of its creators is Pharrell Williams, who knows a little bit about being happy.

Covering an entire city block with views of Biscayne Bay on one side and the ocean on the other, the breezy pastel coastal decor, outdoor living, and quirky touches like leopard print accents highlight the luxurious, quintessentially South Beach experience.

They’re serious about comfort and wellness at The Goodtime Hotel, with light-filled rooms with endless views, meditation and yoga space on the third floor, the library with reading nooks, and the poolside Strawberry Moon restaurant, serving a high-energy Mediterranean menu. There’s also an all-day outdoor cafe on the terrace, a spa, an indoor-outdoor gym, and bike rentals are available for guests.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Goodtime Hotel

10. Moxy Miami South Beach – one of the most fun, trendy and Instagrammable party hotels perfect for sociable Millenials and Gen Zs

Miami is a city that oozes cool, and the Moxy hotel in South Beach perfectly sums up everything that is great and fun about Miami. Located just a few minutes away from the beach, the Moxy Miami is a great home base for partying or Instagram fans that’s just this side of tastefully rowdy.

The sleek, elegant rooms come with ocean views and the hotel boasts its own beach hut, but it does not rely on South Beach alone for its charms. Kick back by the pool or have drinks in the brightly colored open-air restaurant.

• To book, check prices or availability for Moxy Miami South Beach

11. KAYAK, South Beach – a cute, intimate and quirky new boutique hotel housed in a 1934 art deco building located on the banks of the Collins Canal

This elegant boutique hotel is tucked away on the Collins Canal, close to all attractions like the Bass Museum of Art, Miami City Ballet, and the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. It’s just a 4-minute walk to the beach and makes a great base to explore the arts, culture, entertainment and shopping at South Beach.

The sleek decor at KAYAK – South Beach is complemented by lush greenery, rattan furniture and light shades and handwoven fabrics for a cool tropical look. The rooms and suites are outfitted with Revival New York linens, connected TVs, Marshall speakers and coffee makers, and open to a terrace garden.

You’ll love the spectacular rooftop bar, the canalside terrace and middle eastern menu at the Layla restaurant, and the grab-and-go food and drinks options at Parasol.

• To book, check prices or availability for KAYAK – South Beach

12. Yotel Miami – a cool, fun and funky centrally located design hotel with a youthful vibe puts you in the middle of Miami’s lively downtown scene

A fun and trendy waterside hotel in downtown Miami, Yotel Miami is close to Miami Beach, Port Miami, and the trendy neighborhoods of Brickell, South Beach, Miami Beach and Ocean Drive. Breezy. The convenient location means that you can walk to the pier, Bayside Market and the metro stop.

The clean, modern decor, breezy open spaces, and room service delivery robots all add up to a perfect energizing home base for your Miami vacation. It’s also tech-friendly, with comfortable SmartBeds, adjustable lighting, wireless chargers and work stations with power and USB points.

The poolside FLOAT restaurant with its fantastic views is a favorite with guests, as is the middle eastern menu at Mazeh. Amenities also include a gym and Grab+Go food service.

• To book, check prices or availability for Yotel Miami

13. SLS Hotel – a chic, stylish and romantic boutique hotel brought to you by Philippe Starck, chef José Andrés, Lenny Kravitz and sbe

This 1930s boutique hotel occupies a prime spot on Miami’s South Beach and is well-positioned if you want to sample Miami’s nightlife, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

With its Art Deco architecture but playful French-style interiors, the 4-star highly rated SLS Hotel South Beach has a classic, elegant feel that manages to combine a relaxed vibe with plenty of sophistication. In particular, the cool and unusual Miami hotel is renowned for its pool parties and colorful nightlife. It has a classy feel that’s fun but well-mannered.

Inside the creative accommodation, you’ll find the rooms are spacious and sumptuous, offering high-end luxury alongside Miami’s lively beach scene.

Additional benefits include a fitness center, flat-screen TVs, and fast Wi-Fi. The SLS South Beach boasts two fantastic restaurants offering a range of international food dishes. Besides this, you’ll find an inviting swimming pool, poolside bar, and amazing views across the ocean.

• To book, check prices or availability for SLS Hotel Miami

14. Hotel Victor – a hip art-deco-style hotel which features a pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean located in South Beach’s world-famous Ocean Drive

In an area filled with hotels desperately trying to be hip, the 4-star highly rated Hotel Victor Miami Beach keeps it chic and stylish courtesy of French designer Jacques Garcia. Housed in an Art-Deco building in Downtown Miami and decorated with tasteful colors, rich fabrics, and offering gorgeous sea views the result is a luxurious hotel without the exorbitant room rates.

Rooms at this sleek Miami accommodation come with some lavish touches including a well-stocked mini bar, 300-thread-count sheets, and flat-screen TVs while suites have kitchenettes and private balconies or terraces with hot tubs. 

In all the rooms you can also connect to Neiman Marcus personal shoppers at the touch of a button. Other highlights include an on-site spa, Turkish bath, access to iPads, a sushi bar, and a cabana-dotted pool.

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Victor Miami Beach

15. Nautilus by Arlo – a beautiful, unique and refined oceanfront hotel located in Miami’s iconic Art Deco district 

Located near the city center, Nautilus by Arlo is one of Miami’s original art deco hotels, designed by Morris Lapidus. Its laid-back atmosphere is perfect for young travelers looking to have a good time without worrying about impressing anyone else.

The 250 rooms and suites offer modern luxury features such as rainfall showers, bedside charging stations, and an adorable vintage mini bar chest. The hotel has several food options, including a unique Bodega and pool or beachside menu.

Take advantage of the beach access, the pool’s comfy cabanas for a little privacy during your days, and proximity to some of Miami’s best clubs at night.

• To book, check prices or availability for Nautilus by Arlo

16. W South Beach – a sleek and contemporary all-suite celebrity haunt perfect for pool parties

Set overlooking Miami’s beautiful South Beach and the Atlantic Ocean, the 4-star exceptionally rated W South Beach is a large oceanfront hotel with a stylish but relaxed vibe.

Numerous shops, bars, restaurants, and clubs are within a 10-minute walk and the striking decor is modern and tasteful, with the hotel making use of quirky furniture pieces throughout. The suites at this ultra-trendy Miami hotel let in plenty of natural light and feature private balconies, comfortable beds, walk-in showers, and large flat-screen TVs.

Upgraded rooms are even more special with kitchenettes, living rooms, barbecue grills and/or plunge pools. If you’re into your fitness, you’ll be pleased to hear that a 24-hour gym is available on-site.

The hotel also has its own nightclub with a full bar serving a mixture of cocktails, beers, wines, and spirits, two swimming outdoor pools, a contemporary spa, and even rooftop basketball and tennis courts – you’ll never want to leave! 

• To book, check prices or availability for W South Beach

17. Broadmore Miami Beach – a budget boutique hotel with a retro theme located across the road from the Atlantic Ocean

This newly renovated boutique hotel is a classic art deco property located on the beach and just a few miles from the hottest South Beach restaurants and nightlife. The hoteliers have masterfully preserved the hotel’s 1950s charm while updating it with modern touches.

This hip lower-priced hotel is located in a peaceful corner of North Beach, close to the legendary Versace mansion. The beaches at this end are quieter, and the Broadmore Hotel charges a modest daily fee for chair rentals.

The Broadmore is ideal for travelers looking for a truly unique, retro experience without the hefty price tag that more luxurious hotels carry. It is easily walkable to a variety of top-rated restaurants and other South Beach attractions.

• To book, check prices or availability for Broadmore Miami Beach

18. Albion South Beach Hotel – a unique design hotel with a 1930’s vintage nautical-inspired theme located in the Art Deco District

Channeling a 1930’s style Miami chic, the highly-rated Albion Hotel Miami Beach is a unique midrange boutique only a very short hop from South Beach.

Located in the famous Art Deco district there are 100 minimalist guest rooms on offer which feature free WiFi and comfy furnishings.

Opt for a funky penthouse suite and expect terraces and cool original art. The outdoor swimming pool is pretty swish and is lined with palm trees, sun decks, and a bar but if you’re more of a beach bunny you’ll also have private access to the beach and hireable beach equipment. 

• To check prices or availability for Albion Hotel Miami Beach

19. Mondrian South Beach – a striking and trendy upscale modernist gem located on Biscayne Bay with incredible pool parties

Set overlooking Biscayne Bay, the 4-star exceptionally rated Mondrian South Beach Hotel offers simplistic modernist luxury in a relaxed part of Miami’s South Beach area. If you’re looking for a more tranquil setting, but still within easy reach of the resort, the Mondrian is perfect.

The unique and sophisticated Miami hotel combines a fresh, modern look with the added ingredients of classic furnishings. One particular example is the impressive floating staircase, which you’ll immediately notice upon access to the lobby.

The hip Miami hotel is just a 15-minute walk to South Beach with its many shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. In the stylish rooms, you can enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows with city or bay views, a 42-inch flat-screen TV, wall artwork, a rainfall shower, Wi-Fi, and kitchen facilities.

Some have balconies and the hotel’s main outdoor pool area provides plenty of loungers for relaxing in the sun, plus has stunning views across Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami. There’s also a hip indoor-outdoor bar alfresco and indoor dining, a private marina, and a 24-hour fitness center at this chic retro-inspired Miami abode.

• To book, check prices or availability for Mondrian South Beach

20. Kimpton Epic Hotel Miami – a modern downtown boutique hotel with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and popular pool parties

The 4-star exceptionally rated Kimpton EPIC Hotel located on the Miami River in Downtown Miami is a swanky, modern complex that guarantees fantastic views across Biscayne Bay and beyond.

Being a mere 15-minute drive from Miami International Airport, it’s really easy to get to, and it’s also a short drive from all the fun at Miami Beach.

Part of the ever-popular and exclusive Kimpton range, rooms are as lush as you’d expect from a high-end hotel, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a 55-inch flat-screen TV, a private balcony, rain head showers, yoga mats (of course!), freestanding bathtubs and many with ocean views.

The unique Miami boutique hotel also has its own private dockside port, so you can even rock up to the doorstep on your yacht (if you can afford one!).

A gymnasium and beauty spa are available to keep you fit and looking great, there’s a sociable evening wine hour, a marina, a modern gym, a spa with skyline views, two restaurants, a stunning 16th-floor rooftop with a pool area and cabanas which lets you experience the fabulous Miami sunsets!

• To book, check prices or availability for Kimpton Epic Hotel Miami

21. Townhouse Hotel – a hip and quirky-chic themed boutique hotel located on South Beach just a few steps away from the ocean

Bright and airy and heavy on the white, the midrange highly rated Townhouse Hotel is a great example of when a boutique hotel gets the shabby chic style just right (and that’s not an easy feat)!

From the moment you step inside this unique and creative hotel in Miami you’ll be able to tell the interior designer was in a playful mood – think oversized baby blue pillows, L shaped couches (suitable for crashing guests) giant poufs and the odd beachball. Penthouses have private terraces, and ocean or city views. 

There’s a funky rooftop terrace and bar and each room also contains a flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Modern relaxing accommodation with a hip, cool twist located right on South Beach!

• To book, check prices or availability for Townhouse Hotel Miami Beach

22. Mr. C Miami – Coconut Grove – a trendy and sophisticated upscale hotel and partying hotspot which overlooks Biscayne Bay

This gorgeous upscale hotel located in the heart of South Beach blends the best of old and new European styles.

Boasting spectacular views of both Biscayne Bay and the Coconut Grove skyline, almost all of their 100 rooms and suites feature some kind of view that can be enjoyed on privately furnished terraces.

The rooftop pool makes Mr C Coconut Grove one of the very cool hotels to stay in Miami, and their unique concept rooftop Italian restaurant, Bellini, is well worth a visit as well too. 

• To book, check prices or availability for Mr C Miami Coconut Grove

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