With a mix of buzzy cosmopolitan culture and relaxed coastal vibes, “The 305” invites a wealth of visitors seeking the ultimate vacation experience. The perfect neighborhood to enjoy the best of both worlds is undoubtedly the Art Deco District in Miami’s South Beach area — a boutique hotel positioned at the heart of it is the Moxy South Beach.
A stylish ambiance is apparent at first glance when entering the hotel through the main entrance on Washington Avenue. The open-air lobby, designed by Rockwell Group and Saladino Design Studios, leads to the outdoor courtyard, blurring the lines between an indoor and outdoor space: colorful terracotta flooring, al fresco dining sets, and lush greenery shade the sun-drenched deck. Cheeky trappings dot the space, including a foosball table whose players are vintage pinup dolls and a carnivalesque, Zoltar-inspired pay phone that provides complimentary horoscope readings from resident astrologers.
In typical Moxy fashion, the elevators resemble a public pool with clean white tiles, a metal step rail, and signs in all caps that read: “NO SKINNY DIPPING” or “EAT, SLEEP, SWIM.” Florida sunshine infiltrates the 202 beach-inspired, Miami-tinged accommodations: sand-toned tiled floors, colorfully woven headboards, and floor-to-ceiling windows give way to oceanfront views. Custom art by Miami artist Aquarela Sabol depicting iconic artists — Frida Kahlo, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí — dress bedroom walls, adding vibrant pops of color.
When it comes to soaking up the Miami sunshine, Moxy South Beach hosts two private enclaves on the sixth and eighth floors: a 72-foot swimming pool surrounded by tiered poolside lounge chairs and a shallow circular pool fringed by posh cabana-style seating with 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, South Beach, and the downtown Miami skyline are your options. If you’re more interested in having your toes in the sand, guests receive complimentary access to the Moxy Beach Hut’s chairs on the premiere South Beach and Ocean Drive.
For brunch, lunch, or dinner, head to Serena’s open-air rooftop restaurant and bar. Serving shareable items that take a modern twist on traditional Latin and Mexican cuisine, the menu features ceviches, salads, tostadas, and more. Lounge and table seating spawn an inviting atmosphere for small bites and sipping cocktails while the sunsets over the lively terrace.
For nightcaps, Mezcalista is the hotel’s swanky, intimate lounge that serves up a medley of mezcal and tequila drinks.
Oh, and one more point: The hotel is both trendy and affordable — in comparison to other Miami hotels, this stay won’t break the bank.
Top Takeaways
Location: South Beach, Florida
Rating: Four-Star
The Vibe: A stylish yet affordable boutique hotel in Miami’s Art Deco Historic District.
Food + Drink: Bar Moxy is the indoor/outdoor oval-shaped bar mixing craft cocktails; Tiendita is the hotel’s all-day café and bodega with Cuban-style coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and snacks; Serena is a lushly planted, open-air modern Mexican restaurant on the second floor; and Mezcalista is the hotel’s swanky, intimate lounge serving an assortment of mezcal-and-tequila drinks.
Our Favorite Part of the Hotel: We loved the rooftop pool and sundeck on the eighth floor called “The Upside” for its 360-degree views of South Beach and the Miami skyline.
Amenities: Outdoor swimming pools; Beach access; Fitness center; Air conditioning; Restaurant; Bar
What’s Nearby? Lincoln Road; Española Way; Ocean Drive; South of Fifth; Art Deco District; Miami Beach
Any personal neighborhood recs? Dulce Vida Mexican Restaurant is a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant serving authentic dishes in the heart of South Beach — and it’s just a short five-minute walk from the Moxy South Beach. Without question, you must order the Dulce Vida Birria Tacos… seriously, we’re not the same after trying these.
Rooms: 202
Pricing: Rates start at $143/night
Closest Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA)
Other articles you may like:
