Whether it’s along the bustling beachfront of Miami’s iconic Ocean Drive or a more laid-back, European-inspired escape tucked away on charming Espanola Way, these five distinctly unique properties offer business and leisure travelers the opportunity to enjoy their idea of South Beach: America’s Riviera.
For the Luxury Seeker: Villa Casa Casuarina at The Former Versace Mansion
Built in 1930, the property caught the eye of the late designer Gianni Versace in 1992. Versace purchased the three-story villa as his residence, lavishly remodeling and expanding it. Today the boutique hotel boasts 10 extravagant suites, including The Villa Suite, Versace’s former boudoir and expectedly the most immoderate. The suite showcases two balconies, gold shower fixtures and an enormous bed (9 by 12 feet). Reminiscent of a Moroccan riad the suites surround an interior courtyard with carved wood doors and a gorgeous fountain. Each suite features Frette linens, a Sonos sound system, and lustrous bathrooms clad in Italian marble. The villa’s signature restaurant Gianni’s Onyx Bar is a popular spot for a romantic rendezvous, overlooking a 54-foot long pool lined with 24-karat gold, displaying Versace’s notorious Medusa logo. Additional amenities include the open-air courtyard, a rooftop oasis, private observatory overlooking Miami Beach.
For the Honeymooner: Hotel Victor
Welcoming guests to Miami Beach for generations, the 91-room hotel boasts a tropical beach house vibe and bespoke Art Deco design. Paneled walls and dazzling terrazzo floors are found in the lobby bar, as well as along the rim of the baroque pool. The pool’s tranquil, elevated deck includes 10 private cabanas overlooking Ocean Drive, Lummus Park, and the Atlantic Ocean, which further resonates the Art Deco feel. Spa V, located on the basement level, is a serene, hidden-secret retreat, especially for couples who can book side-by-side treatments. Hotel Victor offers a vast selection of suites and bungalows with ocean facing views and two spacious penthouse suites – one with a garden terrace, the other with direct ocean views, outdoor rain showers, and exclusive private pools. The hotel features one of the only rooftop pools in the area, Ocean Drive’s only full fitness center, complimentary bicycles and beach chairs, and room service and dining at the celebrity-clad Sugar Factory.
For the Europhile: Hotel Casa Victoria Orchid
Located on legendary Espanola Way, Hotel Casa Victoria Orchid is a charming, European-inspired escape from the hustle and bustle of South Beach but just a few blocks from the ocean. Originally built in the
For the Party Animal: The Breakwater
A trendy boutique hotel located on Miami’s famous Ocean Drive, The Breakwater is perfect for guests who want to be in the center of the action in the lively Art Deco District. The 99 room hotel boasts two historic towers with direct ocean views and eclectic design. The colorful property features a variety of stylish rooms and suites ranging in size from 350 to 450 square-feet in addition to recently renovated spacious penthouse suites with their own private pools. There is also a rooftop pool with plush daybeds perfect for people watching – overlooking the ocean and action on Ocean Drive. The hotel is home to newly opened Havana1957 restaurant and bar, offering authentic Cuban cuisine just off the hotel lobby and on its sweeping terrace. Guests at the Breakwater receive access to all of the amenities at the nearby Victor Hotel, located steps away.
For the Sun-Seeker: Hotel Ocean
Located steps away from the sand, Hotel Ocean offers guests a beachside oasis in the epicenter of South Beach’s most iconic neighborhood including newly renovated areas and rooms at approachable prices. Direct beach access is just across the street as are Ocean Drive’s lively restaurants. With a total of 36 rooms, The Ocean Hotel boasts a mix of modern and classic-style suites complete with natural wood finishes, gold accents and a beachy color palette. Like the other properties in the group, guests are welcome to use all of the amenities at the Hotel Victor and have access to complimentary bicycles and beach backpack chairs.
