The Setai
Although a little calmer than its party animal neighbours (some say boring, others say phew), the Setai's location in the heart of Miami's South Beach is spot on.
The rooms are split between two buildings - the art deco building which houses Studio Suites, Junior Suites and One Bedroom Suites, and the Tower which has larger suites perfect for families. All are spacious and the Asian influence resonates throughout - the décor is all dark wood and black granite bathrooms, and the result is resolutely calming. Each room has its own Nespresso machine and Asprey goodies, and the double glazing is so good that even rooms on the city side can't hear a squeak of traffic.
The Setai has a great range of food, from the aptly named Restaurant which serves delicious Asian food made for sharing, to the Setai Grill, a new Steakhouse. There is also a bar in the courtyard - the main hub of the hotel - and the Pool and Beach Bar.
The spa is as relaxing as the hotel décor and there are four treatment rooms overlooking one of the three pools (two of which are for adults only). The beach is close by with a private stretch reserved for hotel guests.
Why We Love It
The staff are at the top of their game and have the service nailed. Both hip and discreet, they're ready at every corner with a cooling drink or just about whatever you want.
The Tides
Located on Ocean Drive (the good end), Tides is just across the road from the beach and within walking distance of all the places a first time visitor should go.
There are 45 suites at Tides, all with an open plan bedroom and living space, as well as ocean views. All are neutrally decorated in golds and beige, with added touches such as tables that look like tree trunks and zebra skin rugs giving them an edge. Gold mirrors and flashes of white around the hotel add a dose of pure Miami. As with all Miami hotels, mod cons are a plenty, and Tides has free Wi-Fi and IPod docks.
The outdoor Le Marea restaurant is renowned throughout Miami, not least because of its dramatic ocean views. The Coral Bar serves delicious cocktails and there is also a fine dining restaurant.
Although no spa at Tides, treatments can be arranged in room and there is a gym. The beach is also just a stone's throw away.
Why We Love It
The Tides is perfect for a first time trip to Miami - close to the beach and many of Miami's sights, yet not all about the party so there is a chance for down time.
Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach
COMO's first foray into America, Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach is a new luxury hotel in, as the convoluted name suggests, Miami.
In the heart of the city's iconic Art Deco district, and just a few steps from the beach, the Metropolitan Miami (for short) has 74 rooms and suites with a distinctly Deco chrome and pistachio green feel, created by award-winning Italian designer Paola Navone.
The Traymore Restaurant is the main refuelling station at the hotel, with Floridian seafood featuring heavily (try the Key West pink shrimp) on the menu, under the expert eye of executive chef Jonathan Lane. At night the restaurant colonises the lobby and terrace. During the day, guests can order a selection of delicious crudo from the comfort of their poolside cabanas, while Traymore Bar stocks three dozen varieties of gin, the spirit of the moment, alongside an impressive cocktail menu. Finally, the rooftop Shambhala Juice Bar nods to COMO's commitment to health and wellbeing.
Time for a seamless segue to the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape spa, situated on the eighth floor of the hotel and featuring steam and fitness rooms alongside a rooftop hydrotherapy pool.
Why We Love It
We welcome healthy competition, and with this latest arrival there's something for pretty much everyone on Miami's magical beachfront strip.
