It somehow seems that everyone is always in South Florida, from your grandma to college best friend to former colleague, and acquaintance you haven’t spoken to in three or four years but still follow on Instagram. And for good reasons: the sun, turquoise ocean water, idyllic beaches, Latin flair, and art scene galore are just a few factors of many that reel Americans into the vacation oasis. For your next trip, in true HAP fashion, we’ve rounded up our favorite boutique hotels across South Florida (remember to bring your sunscreen and floral-printed shirt):
White Elephant Palm Beach (Palm Beach)
4 Stars | Website | Palm Beach International Airport
32 | 1 outdoor swimming pool; Fitness center; Bar | 1
Peanut Island; Central Square; Mar-A-Lago National Historical Site
This 32-key boutique hotel occupies a landmark building right off Main Street in Palm Beach. Expect 120 original pieces of museum-worthy art, a U-shaped outdoor courtyard and pool deck, and walks on the beach right at your doorstep.
Arlo Wynwood (Miami – Wynwood)
4 Stars | Website | Miami International Airport
217 | 1 outdoor swimming pool; Fitness center; Bar | 1
Miami Art Museum; HistoryMiami Museum; Jungle Island
Located in the eclectic, hipster Miami neighborhood of Wynwood (Forewarning: The beach isn’t close by, but pulsating culture is at your doorstep) Arlo Wynwood is the area’s major boutique hotel. With a vibrant, abstract mural decorating the exteriors, Arlo Wynwood’s interiors boast over 250 pieces of artwork throughout its creatively designed common areas and guestrooms that serve as a nod to the locale. Soak up resort pool vibes at the hotel’s crown jewel: a 76-foot-long heated pool that couldn’t be a better place to enjoy the Miami sun.
Esmé Miami Beach (Miami – South Beach)
4 Stars | Website | Miami International Airport
140 | 1 outdoor swimming pool; Sun deck; Room service | 4
Ocean Drive; Española Way; Lincoln Road; Miami Beach Design District
Set on Miami’s Española Way — a pedestrian-only corridor resembling Europe’s lively thoroughfares — is Esmé Miami Beach. Design lovers will revel at the hotel’s Spanish-Mediterranean exteriors, which equip white stucco walls and tiled roofs. Inside, guests will find artfully detailed rooms with either rose or emerald colors plus subtle gold accents across furnishings.
The Brazilian Court Hotel (Palm Beach)
4 Stars | Website | Miami International Airport
80 | 1 outdoor swimming pool; Fitness center; Spa | 1
Mar-A-Lago National Historical Site; Peanut Island; Central Square
Boutique hotel enthusiasts can retreat to The Brazilian Court Hotel for a dreamy, upscale South Florida getaway. Located in tony Palm Beach, the uber-chic hotel offers lush gardens, courtyards, and 80 elegant accommodations. The property’s Spanish- and Colonial-inspired architecture is also not to be missed, as is the palm tree-lined swimming pool.
The Goodtime Hotel (Miami – South Beach)
4 Stars | Website | Miami International Airport
266 | Outdoor swimming pool; Private beach area; Fitness center | 3
Ocean Drive; Art Deco Historic District; Lincoln Road
The Goodtime Hotel is a blissful oasis amidst the bustling streets of Miami’s South Beach neighborhood. Hospitality guru David Grutman and international musician Pharrell Williams joined forces with legendary designer Ken Fulk to create a design-centric, Instagrammable stay that imbues “a good time” at all capacities. With its playful design featuring tufted couches, rotary-dial telephones, and a pink-striped rooftop pool plus an outdoor sundeck, guests are sure to have a “good time” here.
The Shelborne South Beach (Miami – South Beach)
4 Stars | Website | Miami International Airport
220 | 1 outdoor swimming pool; Beachfront; Fitness center; Spa | 4
South Pointe Park; Miami Beach; Jungle Island; Art Deco Historic District
Dating back to the 1940s, Shelborne South Beach has long been an Art Deco gem in the heart of South Beach. Guestrooms and suites boast light blue and tan embellishments, with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from the rooms’ expansive windows. When it’s time for tasty libations, The Drawing Room — the hotel’s sleek lobby lounge — nods to Shelborne’s mid-century past with its retro interiors.
The Gabriel South Beach (Miami – South Beach)
4 Stars | Website | Miami International Airport
132 | 1 outdoor swimming pool; Fitness center; Bar | 2
Jungle Island; Bayfront Park; Miami Freedom Tower
The Gabriel South Beach is situated along Miami’s famed Ocean Drive allowing guests to soak in the vibrant culture at any given time. Classically-styled Art Deco exteriors give way to naturally lit contemporary interiors, from guestrooms to common areas. When it’s time to soak up some Florida sun, guests can head to the hotel’s two outdoor swimming pools — including a show-stopping, glass-bottom pool on the roof overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Isla Bella Beach Resort (Florida Keys)
4 Stars | Website | Key West International Airport
199 | 1 outdoor swimming pool; Beachfront; Spa | 5
Marathon City Marina; Bahia Honda State Park; Sombrero Beach
Nestled within the Florida Keys, this 24-acre resort is surrounded by lush greenery and excellent sea views. Here, guests can enjoy luxe accommodations — plus a private mile-long stretch of sand. Other amenities include a stunning spa, five oceanfront pools, and five dining options, including a Roberta’s Pizza pop-up. On-site activities include bocce ball, giant chess, star gazing, yoga, and biking. Kayak rentals are also available.
The Betsy South Beach (Miami – South Beach)
4 Stars | Website | Miami International Airport
130 | 2 outdoor swimming pools; Beachfront; Spa | 2
Versace Mansion; South Pointe Park; Jungle Island
This Miami hotspot offers a central downtown location and striking art deco design. The Betsy attracts savvy, well-heeled travelers with its rooftop pool, several drinking and dining venues, a specially curated library that’ll delight any bookworm, and a gallery-worthy art collection. Each of the 130 guest rooms and suites offers luxe touches like marble bathrooms, curated artwork, plush linens, and playful pops of color.
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