Miami Nice: Boutique hotels to book for your next trip to The Sunshine City

Miami has long attracted those seeking the sun, sea and definitely fun — and it’s no ordinary coastal escape. From celebrities like Matt Damon, J Lo and Shakira who have built homes in its exclusive enclaves to wealthy New Yorkers who decamped during the pandemic and decided to settle for good, it’s a well-known playground for the high-net worth community. Just ask Lionel Messi, who just made the move to Miami in July to play for InterMiami FC.

Beyond the luxury hotels and eye-wateringly expensive properties, Miami is also a veritable art and design capital thanks to events like Art Basel Miami Beach, which marks its 21st edition on Dec 8 to Dec 10. While glitzy venues like Sexy Fish and Cote dominate the scene — quiet luxury isn’t really the vibe in Miami — there are plenty of other places that embrace an artistic spirit even right in the centre of South Beach (or SoBe in local speak).

Next time you’re heading to Miami Beach, why not check in boutique hotels that showcase a different side to this thriving destination. And if there’s a hunger for more creative discoveries, cross the bridge to Wynwood to see the colourful Wynwood Walls and hop from one art gallery to another or roam the streets around Little Havana and immerse yourself in authentic eats.

LENNOX HOTEL MIAMI BEACH

Just a stone’s throw away from the expansive coastline that made South Beach a major tourist destination, Lennox Hotel looks like a home of a worldly bon vivant — especially when compared to the somewhat cookie-cutter big-name hotels that dominate this end of Collins Avenue. A lot of it has to do with its Argentinean owner, Analia Castellanos, who made sure that this wonderfully conserved 1930s Art Deco building feels relaxed and intimate, serving as a refuge from the frenetic energy of South Beach.

Pack your fabulous kaftans and LaDoubleJ pieces as you’ll want to bust them out once you arrive in this vibrant hotel bedecked in pastel hues and teeming with greenery. Each of the 118 light-filled rooms feature playful prints, natural materials like wood and wicker and plenty of foliage, a style that’s also reflected in the bijou lounge and courtyard pool. The best part for guests on a ‘bleisure’ trip? It’s walking distance to Miami Beach Convention Centre (where Art Basel and other major conferences are held) and less than a mile from Ocean Drive. You can #workfrombeach if you want, and if you plan to venture any farther, the hotel also has its own shuttle to take you around the area.

Tip: Don’t miss their in-house restaurant Amalia, which offers an amazing selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes like roasted cauliflower and pistachios as well as a killer pasta menu (the Trofie with Bolognese is a must!). Nearby foodie hotspots such as the venerable Casa Tua and the Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar are also a stroll away.

ESME MIAMI BEACH HOTEL

Even if you’re a perennial lurker on social media, Esme Hotel Miami Beach will compel you to post something on your dormant Instagram or TikTok account. That’s because it has perfected the art of the vignette — from an interesting assemblage in the lobby to a lovely nook in the tiled walkway, the hotel’s chic interiors by designer Jessica Schuster inspire you to whip out your phone and take a snap.

While its location is right smack in one of Miami’s most touristy sections along the pedestrianised Espanola Way, Esme is far from a tourist trap. Quite the opposite: It aims to honour the Spanish-Mediterranean revival property that it occupies and revive the energy of the area, which was originally built as an artist’s colony in 1927. After a US$40 million (S$53.7 million) renovation spanning five years, the hotel opened in late 2021 revealing 145 guest rooms characterised by bold-hued walls, wavy-shaped headboards, beautiful prints and brass accents that are an aesthete’s dream. Even if you’re not planning to stay the night, make your way to The Roof — a rooftop bar serving crisp sangrias and delicious small bites right by a sparkling pool.

Tip: What makes this jewelbox of a hotel stand out is its concept: It's more like a village than just a standalone property. Slink up in the tunnel to Casa Matanza, which is said to be the spot where Al Capone once ran a gambling syndicate. It has 45 rooms that embrace a more dramatic look and a stylish grill called The Drexel. 

LIFEHOUSE SOUTH OF FIFTH

Located far from the maddening crowds concentrated in Miami’s Art Deco District and Washington Avenue is the laid-back neighbourhood South of Fifth. Set at the edge of Miami Beach, this mostly residential area has seen a crop of design hotels open in recent years, including the arrival of Lifehouse Hotels — a new generation hospitality brand that truly delivers on their promise of rooting their “houses” in the locality.

Set in a Tudor-style cottage just steps away from the sands, Lifehouse South of Fifth appears more like a stylish self-catering spot but enhanced with perks like a concierge to serve you an Americano or a glass of rose while you chill in the tropical. The rooms take on the look of a classic beach house with whitewashed shiplap wood walls and other coastal accents, and comes with Revival bed linens and Le Labo bath.

Tip: This part of Miami Beach is blessed with plenty of amazing restaurants including the legendary Joe’s Stone Crab. Those looking to try another cuisine should head to Abbale Telavivian Kitchen, a small restaurant serving delightful dishes like Grilled Octopus Shashlik, Persian Braised Bone-in Beef Short Rib, and beautiful sides of tabbouleh, cous cous, and pitas. Those on a meat-free day would love the airy Planta, which crafts tasty ‘sushi’ made purely of vegetables.