SLS Hotel South Beach, Photo Credit: SLS Hotels
When it comes to style, Miami unabashedly sparkles with high-end restaurants, a vibrant entertainment scene and, of course, beaches with endless ocean views. Now you can add dapper hotels to that impressive roster.
These four fashion-forward properties are where the stylish elite stay and play.
SLS Hotel South Beach
The playful SLS Hotel South Beach artistically combines the sophistication of 18th-century French aristocracy with modern-day flavor by rock star Lenny Kravitz, who designed the villa and penthouses. Once you mix in a bit of direction from iconic architect Philippe Starck and sbe Entertainment Group, you see the team was able to bring a unique sense of extravagance to Miami Beach.
With touches like French-inspired outdoor terraces, a rustic wooden reception desk and nostalgic camping photos in common areas, there’s a delightful blend of influences throughout the space.
Dine at The Bazaar by José Andrés, where an enormous white seashell-encrusted chandelier hangs overhead.
SLS also hits the mark on the night (and day) life with Hyde Park — 8,000 square feet of pool, beach and indoor-outdoor space that hosts pool parties by day and turns into a clubby scene at dark.
Faena Hotel Miami Beach, Photo Credit: Faena Group
Faena Hotel Miami Beach
Renowned Argentinian hotelier and developer Alan Faena handpicked visionary filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and Academy Award-winning costume designer Catherine Martin to lead the creative direction at this beachfront stunner.
The moment you step into a cathedral lobby, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a setting as opulent and imaginative as one of Luhrmann’s films. The space is imaginative and enticing, and that’s partially due to public spaces adorned with murals by Argentinian artist Juan Gatti.
As you make your way down the intricately patterned mosaic floor leading out to the garden, you’ll see a woolly mammoth skeleton encrusted in gold on the pool deck.
The 169 lavish guestrooms are similarly dripping in golden accents, animal prints, plush velvet and colorful murals.
The dining scene is also hot. Get a grillmaster-worthy plate at Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann or tableside binchotan (charcoal grilling) at Pao by Paul Qui.
For glittering nightlife, put in an appearance at lavish Living Room and speakeasy-esque Saxony Bar.
EAST, Miami
EAST, Miami, located in the heart of downtown, is an architectural wonder. From the outside, the 40-story hotel’s prism design resembles geometric cascading water. Inside, feng shui, bio-geometry and crystal healing harmonize the flow of energy throughout the hotel.
Take advantage of EAST, Miami’s ideal location near South Beach, the Design District and Wynwood, and use the hotel’s native app to plug into the must-see-and-do happenings.
Aside from the aesthetic, its prime location makes EAST a fashionista’s heaven as well. The property occupies the rooftop of the newly opened Brickell City Centre, an expansive, three-level, open-air retail center with roughly 500,000 square feet of fashion, dining and entertainment — the perfect place to see, be seen and buy.
Nearly a dozen stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Armani and Kendra Scott, made their debut in November. Once complete, the structure will be home to more than 100 shops, all at your doorstep when you stay at EAST.
Delano South Beach, Photo Credit: Delano South Beach
Delano South Beach
Luxury boutique hotel Delano South Beach is a Miami icon known for its fashion-savvy spin on Art-Deco design and whimsicalness. In the lobby, floor-to-ceiling white gossamer curtains, oversized columns and art by Dali and Gaudi breathe life into the space.
Here, the fashion elite perch up at Rose Bar, cocktail in hand, and watch the well-heeled passersby. The Alice in Wonderland–inspired pool-scape is a fantastical scene with its famous zero-edge pool. Life-sized chess pieces dot the well-manicured orchards.
For the late-night crowd, A-listers dressed to turn heads flock to FDR Lounge in the lower lobby where you can catch live performers and top DJs. During Miami Swim Week (2017 dates have yet to be announced), the hotel plays host to VIP parties, fashion shows and presentations by the likes of big-time designers such as Tory Burch.