When you tell people you’re heading to Miami Beach for the weekend and follow it up with, “I’m staying at The Setai,” you can almost always expect an approving smile or an ‘ooh-ahh.’ That’s the effect this legendary hotel, celebrating 20 years in South Beach, has on anyone who has stayed, dined, or even just walked past its iconic doors.
Housed in a landmark Art Deco building on Collins Avenue, history runs deep in The Setai’s grand lobby. Established initially as the Dempsey-Vanderbilt Hotel in 1936 and designed by Henry Hohauser, its extensive 2004 renovation didn’t diminish its historic charm. Instead, it enhanced the Bauhaus-meets-Oriental flair, ultimately elevating it to Leading Hotels of the World status.
Personal touches, like the black-tiled flooring in the entryway, were salvaged and transported brick-by-brick from Shanghai’s Old City, while floor-to-ceiling windows flood Jean-Michel Gathy’s opulent aesthetic with light. Thoughtful details amplify The Setai further, such as signature red rose accents adorning every dining table at the open-air restaurant Jaya, and the bouquets in the foyer. Swapped out every two weeks, the hotel uses 210,000 flowers annually. (We know it’s not the most sustainable, but it undeniably adds that extra je ne sais quoi.)
Across its 91 guest rooms in the historic Art Deco building, three Pool Villas, and 62 Ocean Suites in the exclusive Ocean Tower, the warmth of Asian hospitality is evident. Each minimalist space combines Balinese textures with early 20th-century modernist principles: pristine white walls, rich teak accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows frame these captivating ocean views. Expansive bathrooms boast rain showers, freestanding bathtubs, and custom soaps in collaboration with chic fashion label Palm Angels.
You might stroll by the grand Ocean Suites unnoticed as you pass through the serene walkway from Jaya, the ground-floor restaurant, to the outdoor amenities. Many of these villa-like rooms are owned or rented as residences, with their personal valet service, check-in desk, and even a discreet entrance for celebrity guests.
Kim Kardashian famously stayed in The Setai’s Grand Suite, telling her mother, Kris Jenner, “I want the best room they have—with a couple of bedrooms—and it needs to become magically available for me.” While that was her pick in 2008, she likely now chooses the ultra-luxe penthouse, priced between $30,000 and $50,000 per night. Extravagant? Yes. But with a private entry point and stars like Travis Scott and soccer legend Lionel Messi nearby, it’s easy to see why this deluxe suite is reserved for a select few.
We’ll move from the rooms to the lush outdoor swimming pool area, sporting three lidos, each set at a different temperature: 75°F, 85°F, and 95°F. Sumptuous cabanas and lounge chairs beckon guests to relax in the Miami heat all day with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other. You might even indulge in one of their “Setai Coconuts”—a whole coconut with the hotel’s logo carved out, filled with elixirs like the whiskey and coco cream “Coco Walker.” But if you’re more of a sand-and-sea type, feel free to lounge on the beachfront recliners.
As for the dining scene, it’s quintessentially over-the-top and perfectly suited to the Miami vibe. (For more restaurant recommendations, check out our article about Miami’s must-visit eateries and bars.) There’s the highly acclaimed South Asian eatery Jaya, the Mediterranean-inspired Ocean Grill—the only oceanfront restaurant and bar in South Beach, dressed with crystal chandeliers and sleek dark wood accents—and the eagerly awaited Japanese gastronomy spot, Japón, which opened earlier this month in celebration of The Setai’s anniversary.
As The Setai marks its 20th anniversary, it’s clear why the hotel remains the pinnacle of luxury on Miami Beach. Its unwavering attention to detail—from design to guest experience to exceptional gastronomy—continues to set it apart, ensuring its place as a timeless icon of sophistication.
Top Takeaways
Location: Miami Beach, Florida
Address: 2001 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: The Setai evokes an exclusive members-only experience on South Beach, leaving passersby wondering, “Who is staying there?” and sensing its effortless sophistication.
Food + Drink: Besides the glitzy restaurants Jaya, Japón, and the Ocean Grill, there’s a full-service breakfast buffet and à la carte menu each morning. The spread includes an omelet bar, Greek salad ingredients, fresh fruits, pastries, and a lox-and-cream-cheese tower for bagels. Additionally, we’d be remiss not to mention the
Our favorite part of the hotel: It’s tough to choose just one thing to love about The Setai, but if we had to pick, our favorite would be the new restaurant, Japón. Its design transports you to an authentic, high-end dining experience in Japan (stay tuned for more on this).
Amenities: Beachfront; 3 outdoor swimming pools; Fitness center; Spa; Yoga classes; 3 Restaurants; Bar
What’s nearby? Miami Beach Boardwalk; Miami Beach Botanical Garden; Art Deco Historic District; Gianni Versace Mansion; Miami Beach
Any personal neighborhood recs? We love the famed News Cafe on Ocean Drive, just a short five-minute stroll from the hotel. A South Beach staple, it also holds a poignant place in history as the last spot Gianni Versace visited before his untimely passing.
Rooms: 91 rooms, 62 Ocean Suites, and three pool villas
Pricing: Rates start at $568/night.
Closest airport: Miami International Airport (MIA)
