W South Beach is a hotel that’s both a scene and an escape without sacrificing style or comfort. A splashy, sun-soaked high energy resort and nightlife destination, the W South Beach has always managed the delicate dance of being a luxe cosmopolitan hotel with a penchant for hosting celebrities and the fashion set, while also appealing to discerning travelers who prefer not to post every moment of their stay on social media. Despite a lively pool scene where designer swimsuits are the norm and cabanas come with bottle service, guests who want to unplug and relax will find plenty of room to reset in the hotel’s nicely-manicured groves with seating areas and loungers. A revamp resulted in a refreshing glow-up, with a sophisticated and serene feel that pays homage to Miami’s pastel-colored past while also feeling very of-the-moment.
It’s a 10-minute walk to the shops, clubs and restaurants along Lincoln Road and it’s surrounded by some of the glitziest hotels, restaurants and nightclubs in Miami.
The 400 rooms including suites and bungalows; each with balconies and expansive ocean views. Room categories vary from one-bed studios to more condo-like “Oasis” suites that feature full kitchens, living rooms, and media rooms decked out with oversized daybeds—the ideal setup for families or extended stays.
While there is a focus on nightlife here, spacious rooms and a big pool makes for a comfortable family stay. Kids will love SWISH & SWING, a tennis and basketball court complex where private lessons can be arranged. Pets are welcome and receive their own amenties upon arrival.
The Dutch restaurant serves an incredibly fresh and eclectic menu of American fare with an emphasis on fish and homemade pasta. The menu constantly changes with the season.
Mr. Chow serves haute Chinese cuisine in an opulent setting.
For a pre-dinner drink, Living Room is a stylish lobby lounge with craft cocktails and a buzzy crowd perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap.
Wall is a DJ-fuelled hotspot for late-night revelry in an intimate setting.
The gym is amazing with up-to-date equipment for weight trainging and cardio. Fitness classes like yoga, boot camp, and body work are offered daily. If you want to take your exercise outside, the labyrinthine poolscape offers your choice for swimming or inspired lounging in a lush, expansive oasis.
A bastion of calm and pampering, the Bliss spa is a light-filled sanctuary where chlorophyll-infused water greets you upon arrival and the locker room showers are festooned with Eucalyptus branches for uber-natural aromatherapy.
This staff is wonderful. Each guest is also paired with a “W Insider,” a dedicated concierge who can facilitate all types of requests, from dinner reservations to yacht excursions.
Fun fact: A complimentary art tour is offered to guests as part of the resort fee and even if you’re not a gallery lover it’s worth perusing the hotel’s $50 million contemporary art collection with 21 original pieces by Andy Warhol, three of which are collaborations with Jean-Michel Basquiat.