Best Historical Hotels in Miami

The Shelborne By Proper, a member of Design Hotels, is a 251-room oceanfront icon that celebrates the golden age of Miami Modernism while embracing contemporary artistry and design. Located on 18th Street along the city’s famed Collins Avenue, the hotel stands as a reimagined landmark infused with nostalgic charm and refined sophistication.

Originally designed by Igor Polevitzky and Thomas Triplett Russell in 1940, later enhanced by architect Morris Lapidus in the 1950s, its rebirth under Proper Hospitality and ADC Atelier sees original Art Deco features such as the signature façade and platform diving board—beautifully restored.

Inside, honed marble, travertine, and soft tropical tones define serene guest rooms and suites, some with terraces or kitchenettes overlooking the Atlantic. The property’s five distinct dining and bar venues, including the seafood-led Pauline and cocktail lounge Little Torch, channel Miami’s Latin-Caribbean flair under Michelin-starred chef Abram Bissell. Leisure unfolds around the iconic 1950s pool deck, the private beach club, and vibrant social spaces showcasing Latin American art.

Located on Ocean Drive, directly across from South Beach, The Gabriel South Beach is a 132-room boutique hotel set across four buildings. Combining midcentury modern design with classic Floridian style, the hotel offers a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere, capturing the essence of Miami’s Art Deco Historic District with a contemporary twist.
The hotel features a lush courtyard pool beside its outdoor eatery, providing a peaceful escape amid the city’s vibrant energy. Guests can also unwind at the glass-bottom pool, an architectural highlight perched six stories above the atrium. Wellness offerings include rooftop yoga classes throughout the week and a fitness centre equipped with free weights and cardio machines.

Located in Miami Beach’s Mid-Beach district, Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club is a 357-room oceanfront resort on 39th Street and Collins Avenue, offering direct access to the famous Beachwalk. Originally designed by renowned architect Roy F. France in 1940, the hotel underwent a 2018 renovation by Bill Rooney Studio, drawing inspiration from the glamour of the 1940s European Riviera. The preserved Art Deco aesthetic features original terrazzo floors, lush greenery, and a wraparound mezzanine overlooking the elegant lobby. Guests can enjoy The Lobby Bar, perfect for a relaxed drink. Outside, the resort-style family pool, lined with palm trees and Miami pink design elements, offers a vibrant setting, while the adult pool provides a peaceful retreat with private cabanas for relaxation. The hotel also offers direct beach access with full towel and chair service for an enjoyable seaside experience. Dining options include Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill, a charming beachside spot for wine and cocktails, Donna Mare, the hotel’s signature Italian restaurant, and Il Merkato, an Italian market, coffee bar, and gelateria, ideal for a quick snack or espresso.

Located in South Beach’s Art Deco Historic District, The Betsy is a Michelin Key-recognised, family-owned luxury oceanfront resort that combines historic charm with contemporary style. The boutique property offers 130 elegantly designed rooms and suites. Dining options include LT Steak & Seafood, helmed by award-winning Chef Laurent Tourondel, and The Piano Bar, renowned for its live jazz performances. The hotel’s facilities feature a 3,200-square-foot rooftop complex with a swimming pool, a property library, and nearly 25,000 square feet of event space, making it ideal for gatherings and special occasions. Celebrated as a world-leading literary hotel, The Betsy hosts jazz nine times a week, classical music pop-ups, major art exhibitions, poetry readings, and a renowned artists-in-residence programme, which has welcomed over 1,000 creatives. Its public art installations include The Betsy Orb, an architectural bridge, and The Betsy Poetry Rail, an homage to 12 poets who shaped Miami’s cultural history. The hotel’s philosophy, “Expect no more. This is happiness.”, is inspired by poet Hyam Plutzik, father of owner Jonathan Plutzik, whose literary legacy influences The Betsy’s distinctive approach to hospitality.

The Setai, Miami Beach, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, features 87 Art Deco rooms in the original building, 50 Ocean Suites in the tower, and one exception Penthouse with a pool. Facilities include the Valmont Spa and a Clefs d’Or Chief Concierge. The gardens, punctuated with water pods, sculptures and tropical plants, are where guests will find three temperature-controlled pools, and then the private full-service beach. Dining is led by Executive Chef Vijayudu Veena, and includes the vibrant Jaya restaurant, and on the beach, The Ocean Grill. It is a fusion of intimate, boutique personalised hospitality with the flair and style of one of the best Florida resorts. Staying at The Setai is to experience something truly unique in Miami Beach. This is undeniably a landmark breach resort, yet the landmark architecture and ingenious design creates a welcoming boutique feel that reflects the hotel’s commitment to exclusive, personalised hospitality.

Located in the Faena District, this luxury hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Its look is that of a theatrical fantasia, covered in gold, red and tiger print and dusted with stunning contemporary art. The service and facility are of high standards. There is a fitness centre, a bar, a pool, a steam room, spa and room service among others. The attendants are hospitable while the food and drinks are outstanding. Master chefs at the Los Fuegos restaurant are there to offer great meals while exceptional cocktails are available at the Saxony Bar. This hotel generally offers value for money and is family-friendly.

This hotel occupies a revived mid-century grand dame along the Atlantic Ocean. The design of this hotel toes the line between restrained modernity and sumptuous mid-century glamour with its sprawling, all-white marble lobby. The service and facility are excellent. Some of the facilities include a sauna, laundry, beach, room service and spa. The rooms all maintain their clean lines with some of them having private oceanfront balconies. Bluetooth speakers, as well as data-port connections, are available in every room. Food and drinks are offered by the eminent chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The Matador Room is the place for all the great delicacies.

The Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Surfside, Miami, is a luxury beachfront retreat that combines the elegance of its 1930s origins with modern sophistication. The property offers a range of accommodations, including oceanfront rooms, suites, bungalows, and private residences, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel boasts three swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and a wellness spa offering bespoke treatments.

One of the standout features is the dining experience, with options including Le Sirenuse Miami, an outpost of the Michelin-starred restaurant from the Amalfi Coast, offering Italian cuisine in a refined setting. The Champagne Bar provides a glamorous spot for pre-dinner drinks, and the Churchill Bar pays homage to the hotel’s history with its vintage-inspired décor.

For those seeking relaxation, the Surf Club Spa offers a range of treatments that blend modern techniques with traditional therapies. The hotel also provides direct access to a pristine beach, where guests can enjoy watersports or simply unwind in the Florida sun.

Additionally, the hotel features unique historical elements, such as the Peacock Alley, a gathering space that recalls the golden age of Miami, and the legendary ballroom, which has hosted many notable events since the hotel’s opening.