There are so many incredible hotels and places to stay in Miami that it can be hard to find just the right spot for you and your group. If you’re looking for the best Miami hotels for a couples’ or friends’ weekender then look no further. To celebrate the launch of our Miami travel guide app for iPhone and Android, we undertook the tricky task of finding the brightest and best resorts for you to enjoy. Miami in South Florida is the perfect place to visit as a couple or with a group of friends owing to its stunning coastline, buzzing city vibe, lively nightlife, and lush restaurants on offer.
Build excitement for your Miami vacation, holiday or city break… count down the days, hours, minutes & seconds until your trip with our CAN’T WAIT! Vacation & Holiday Countdown app 😊
So, where should you stay in Miami for a couples’ or friends’ weekender?
The hotels on our list all offer a wide variety of amenities and open their doors to every type of traveller. However, we wanted to focus on hotels from the perspective of travelling as a couple or a group of friends. Without further ado, let’s get to grips with some of the best hotels in Miami for a weekender.
Table of Contents
1. Mandarin Oriental, Miami
Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Neighbourhood: Brickell Key
Distance from Miami International (MIA) Airport:12 km (27 minutes by car or taxi)
We’ve had the privilege of staying at a few Mandarin Oriental hotels in our time travelling the globe. This hotel chain never seems to let us down, and the Mandarin Oriental Miami is no exception! This hotel location is uniquely positioned on the exclusive island of Brickell Key. There are two cocktail lounges inside the complex, as well as trendy restaurants serving Peruvian and modern American cuisine.
If you want to spend time sun worshipping, you’ll find the outdoor infinity pool and hot tub the perfect place. An extensive spa and a private beach are among the other amenities that made us realise how great this hotel is for couples looking to kick back and relax.
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at Mandarin Oriental
2. The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Neighbourhood: Belle Isle / Miami Beach
Distance from Miami International (MIA) Airport: 17.5 km (27 minutes by car or taxi)
The Standard Spa is another hotel that could be just the ticket for couples. This shabby-chic, adults-only boutique spa hotel is located on an island (Belle Isle) just a mile from South Beach and features some of South Florida’s most recognised spas, trendiest bars, and hottest pool scenes. The attraction for many people visiting the Standard Spa is the abundance of relaxing spa activities, such as mud bathing, sea salt cleansing and yoga.
The crowd that stays here are stylish, yet relaxed and they seem to be most interested in chilling out around the pool followed by enjoying the hotel’s many spa facilities. The rooms are small and simple, but thoughtful details such as a picnic basket and embroidered fabric coverings for the small flat-screen TVs add to the experience of staying in this very chic and ‘grown-up’ hotel.
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at the Standard
3. 1 Hotel South Beach
Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Neighbourhood: South Beach (Collins Ave)
Distance from Miami International (MIA) Airport: 19.5 km (34 minutes by car or taxi)
The 1 Hotel brand is known throughout the travel world to be leading the way for environmentally sensitive stays. The entire hotel is built with recycled wood, has hemp beds, and uses take-home socks instead of disposable slippers. 1 Hotel is in the perfect spot to take advantage of direct beach access. If the beach isn’t your scene, the 1 Hotel has four pools (including a super sexy rooftop pool), three bars, a fine-dining restaurant, a fitness facility, and Tesla car service.
The resort is laid-back, so if you’re hoping for a more raucous party atmosphere, this isn’t the place for you. However, we recommend this hotel if you and your group want to spend time at a resort right at the forefront of sustainable travel, without compromising any of the fun.
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at the 1 Hotel
4. Loews Miami Beach Hotel
Hotel Rating: 4-Star ★★★★
Neighbourhood: South Beach (Collins Ave)
Distance from Miami International (MIA) Airport: 18 km (30 minutes by car or taxi)
The first time we ever set foot on American soil, this is where we stayed! We thoroughly enjoyed The Loews as a couple, but we noticed that it was super family-friendly too (even though we were childless at this point). We know, we know, this was meant to be about couples and groups of friends, but we wanted to sneak in just one Miami hotel that is great if you’re travelling with younger guests.
By no means did Loews Miami beach hotel give us holiday camp vibes, but it’s good to have at least one place to consider if you are travelling with children. Although an adults-only pool area is available, this resort foregoes pool parties and the club scene in favour of more family-friendly amenities that can be enjoyed by everyone in your party amongst the ultra-chic surroundings.
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at the Loews
More articles and travel guides for Miami and Miami Beach
- 10 of the best Miami restaurants for casual and fine dining in 2024
- Miami nightlife! The 10 best nightclubs and bars in Miami for 2024
- Our FREE Miami travel guide app for iPhone
- Our FREE Miami travel guide app for Android
5. EAST Miami
Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Neighbourhood: Brickell
Distance from Miami International (MIA) Airport: 11.5 km (21 minutes by car or taxi)
As you step into the elegant Asian-inspired foyer at EAST Miami, you know you’re in for a unique experience. The rooms at EAST all seem to have the most stunning views and around every corner, there are surprise details that keep you intrigued. On the 40th floor, Sugar, the hotel’s rooftop bar and garden, is a beautiful place to relax with a drink in hand. The lush foliage and jungle-themed decor provide the ideal backdrop to bring out your adventurous side and try something new.
Just because you’re not on the beach doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the sunshine. There are four pools to choose from on the hotel’s massive pool deck: a lap pool, a spa pool, a cold plunge pool, or a hot tub. A great choice for a group of sun lovers or a couple looking for an exciting stay somewhere new.
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at EAST
6. The Goodtime Hotel
Hotel Rating: 4-Star ★★★★
Neighbourhood: Miami Beach (Washington Ave)
Distance from Miami International (MIA) Airport: 16 km (24 minutes by car or taxi)
As long-time lovers of American R&B and hip-hop music, we were excited to hear about The Goodtime Hotel. This new Washington Avenue hotel was opened in April 2021 by musician Pharrell Williams and his business partner, Miami hospitality billionaire David Grutman. The hotel fits in with Miami Beach’s Art Deco architecture but offers a fresh vibe with its corrugated front and pastel colours, florals, and palm tree motifs dotted throughout.
On weekends, there’s a line out the door of locals and visitors eager to attend the giant Las Vegas-style pool parties. Local DJs and celebrities host the event which is always amazing to be a part of. One thing we hear a lot about is the size of the rooms. There is no denying they are small but can still work fine for you as a rest stop at the end of the night. The rooms are, nevertheless, beautifully designed, as is the rest of this chic hotel. The Goodtime Hotel won’t disappoint, and we thoroughly recommend this hotel as one of the best hotels in Miami for a weekend with friends.
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at the Goodtime
7. W South Beach
Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Neighbourhood: South Beach (Collins Ave)
Distance from Miami International (MIA) Airport: 19 km (34 minutes by car or taxi)
The Bass Museum of Art is located directly across the street from the opulent, all-suite, beachfront, W South Beach hotel. Yes, you read that right, there are no rooms here, only suites. Amenities include elegant Chinese and seafood restaurants, a busy poolside bar and grill space, two outdoor pools, and a nightclub. Andy Warhol and Kenny Scharf are among the artists represented in the lobby’s collection of high-end contemporary art.
Outside the property, look for the massive Hello Kitty fountain which will totally take you by surprise! A spa and a garden lounge are also available, as well as rooftop basketball and tennis courts. As with many of the best hotels in Miami, there is a daily resort fee, so our tip is to take advantage of extras like a complimentary beverage upon arrival, internet access, and beach chairs.
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at W South Beach
8. Hyatt Regency Coral Gables
Hotel Rating: 4-Star ★★★★
Neighbourhood: Coral Gables
Distance from Miami International (MIA) Airport: 6 km (16 minutes by car or taxi)
The Hyatt Regency is located in Coral Gables, which is Miami’s very own Beverly Hills-style neighbourhood. It’s just two blocks from Miracle Mile shopping, dining, and entertainment. The hotel is only four miles from Miami International Airport and 10 minutes away from the upscale Coconut Grove neighbourhood. The Alhambra Palace in Spain inspired this magnificent Mediterranean-style luxury hotel, which you can see as you take a peek at some of the 254 elegant guestrooms.
The hotel has been recently renovated so expect modern conveniences tied in with traditional Spanish-influenced design and in keeping with Coral Gables’ Mediterranean culture. An outdoor sundeck with a pool, hot tub, and sauna is available. Perfect for couples, this is very much a luxury resort where your every need can be met by its experienced staff.
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at Hyatt Regency
9. Mondrian South Beach Hotel
Hotel Rating: 4-Star ★★★★★
Neighbourhood: South Beach (West Side)
Distance from Miami International (MIA) Airport: 16 km (23 minutes by car or taxi)
The beautiful lobby at The Mondrian was inspired by the fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty and was created by Dutch designer Marcel Wander. To enter the lobby, you must walk up a floating stairway that connects to the stunning outdoor area. On the west side of South Beach, this hotel is a fair distance from the beach (an 18-minute walk). However, with a pool like the Mondrian’s, you won’t miss the sand between your toes. The hotel is also home to a man-made beach area that is worth checking out, or you could simply pull up a daybed and relax.
The Mondrian bar is a popular hangout for hotel guests as well as locals who love the weekly pool party just as you will too! This upscale establishment does an excellent Sunday brunch buffet, we discovered that for a little extra, you can upgrade your brunch to include bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys.
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at the Mondrian
10. W Miami
Hotel Rating: 5-Star ★★★★★
Neighbourhood: Downtown / Brickell
Distance from Miami International (MIA) Airport: 11 km (17 minutes by car or taxi)
The W Miami hotel is located in the Brickell urban development centre in downtown Miami. The hotel’s 300-foot infinity pool overlooks Biscayne Bay, and it’s also home to a club with a private rooftop pool. This is one of the more contemporary hotels we’ve included in our guide so rooms and suites at W Miami come with some sleek extras such as robes, an iPod docking station, and a 42-inch flat-screen TV with a movie library.
The pool scene is also on top form here with a floating library, a reflecting pool, and hot and cold plunge pools. With a view of the pool and Biscayne Bay, Vine Kitchen and Bar serves seasonal American food. During your stay don’t forget to visit FIFTY Ultra Lounge with its private rooftop pool with a city view, as well as some great wines and beverages available to try.
Visit Booking.com for more photos, availability and the lowest prices for a hotel room at W Miami
We absolutely loved looking at places to stay in Miami and discovering the best hotels for a weekender. These Miami hotels really do have something for everyone whether you’re travelling with friends, family or as a couple. If you’re looking for upmarket luxury or unbridled, pool party fun, we hope our list has given you some great options.
Plan Your Trip to Miami & Miami Beach
The first thing you should do… Download our FREE Miami Travel Guide App for your iPhone or Android device. This will help you to plan your entire trip – from giving you the top 10 restaurants, attractions, nightlife and top things to do in Miami, to giving you instant access to the very best guided tours. Excited? Count down the seconds until your Miami trip with our CAN’T WAIT! Vacation & Holiday Countdown App !
We always look for the best deals when it comes to flights, accommodation and tours. Over the last 20+ years of enjoying trips together, we’ve come to rely on a few providers that have saved us money and given us a great service…
GUIDED TOURS, ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO IN MIAMI
- GetYourGuide.com – Excellent guided tours and all of the best things to do in Miami, hand-picked by local, English and Spanish speaking tour guides.
HOTELS & PLACES TO STAY IN MIAMI
- Booking.com offers the lowest prices from a huge choice of 1,356 hotels and resorts in Miami !!
CHEAP FLIGHTS TO MIAMI
- Skyscanner will get you up to 20% OFF your flight price by comparing flight prices on hundreds of websites including Expedia, United, American Airlines, Opodo, British Airways, Emirates and more! Book a few weeks in advance and you’ll find cheap flights to Miami, including international flights flying direct to Miami International Airport (MIA) from major cities.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR MIAMI
- World Nomads – Simple, flexible and affordable worldwide travel insurance which includes 24/7 emergency assistance before & during your trip, valuables protection, trip cancellation cover and more
Pingback: 10 Best Miami Restaurants in 2023: Casual, Romantic & Fine Dining