The season's almost over, yet you still are fielding hotel questions from out-of-town friends. Bookmark this list of the best places to sleep in the city and feel free to whip it out next time you need to make recommendations or are planning your own staycation.
When staying at the swanky deco throwback, you may as well go full 1940s chic with this suite named after
the aqua-musical starlet. The sprawling 1,100-square-foot apartment with oversize bathtub and 7th-floor
views of the iconic pool is ideal for your next midcentury-themed bikini party. Or any bikini party.
Why here: Celebs who have slept in the master bedroom include Donna Karan, Zaha Hadid and
Demi Moore.
The rooms at the tony One Bal Harbour are pretty grand—dark wood floors, 42-inch flat-screens and
panoramic terraces. But we're most intrigued by the possibilities awaiting you in the egg-shaped
freestanding tub in the Deluxe Ocean View bathroom. Big enough for two and situated in front of windows
framing views of the Atlantic, this is probably the finest soak in the city.
Why here: Far enough removed from the South Beach bacchanalia, but still on the beach.
Every room faces the beach and is 550 square feet or larger (almost twice the size of its deco neighbors).
Hollywood socialite Kelly Wearstler redesigned the place two years ago, giving it a Poseidon-like feel with
brass mirrors and sand-colored furniture, a nice change from the austere whiteness of other South Beach
spots.
Why here: Personal assistants assigned to every room.
If you need to work and stay close to downtown, your best bet is one of the Executive rooms at the Mandarin.
Floor-to-ceiling views of the bay and the Miami skyline, a private balcony and a ridiculously comfortable
desk chair make this the ideal setting to draft your next magnum opus (or PowerPoint presentation).
Why here: "Tapas on the Bay" happy hour every Friday from 6-8pm, with half off cocktails.
All the studios are generously sized (at over 500 square feet), and all come with kitchens and quirky Marcel
Wanders-designed furniture (like a trompe l'oeil mirror). To get the best views of the bay, go for the
Deluxe level (floors 10 to 16) and make sure to ask for a balcony.
Why here: The Sunday morning brunch is a Jay-Z video come to life, complete with bikinis,
bling and boats.
