Five Laidback Boutique Hotels for a Relaxing Miami Stay

 

The Miami experience is multi-faceted. We offer good times for the party crowd, Zen times for the mellow crowd, and everything in between. This is especially true with people who come to Miami as their cruise port destination.   The hotel you select as your vacation HQ will largely dictate where your stay falls along this spectrum. And, while we are also fans of the larger resort-style hotels like the Fontainebleau, this article is all about our favorite 5 boutique hotels which are perfectly laidback for unwinding in a more intimate, Zen setting.

 

Sense Beach House

400 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach
(786) 574-9429

 

 

 

This chic 18-room hotel is located in Miami Beach’s quiet and upscale South of Fifth neighborhood offset by a five-minute walk from the hustle and bustle of South Beach. At Sense Beach House, you can relax at their rooftop pool or at the nearby beach, which is only one block away. Other popular highlights of this hotel are the rooms, some of which boast ocean views, and the on-site restaurant Local House, which serves brunch and dinner accompanied by the sweet sounds of local artists on weekends.

 

Standard Hotel & Spa

40 Island Avenue, Miami Beach
(305) 673-1717

 

 

 

We absolutely love The Standard! The sister property to NYC’s eponymous hotel encompasses zen from every angle thanks to its incredible spa facilities, the use of which is included with your stay. Because it is located on the Venetian Isles, The Standard has incomparable bay (and sunset!) views from its popular pool and the deck of its restaurant, Lido. Downtown Miami and South Beach are only a short drive or bike ride away, but you will probably be too busy exploring Biscayne Bay on a paddleboard to leave.

 

 

The Palms Hotel and Spa

3025 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach
(305) 534-0505

 

 

 

The Palms is an independent resort that is bringing old Florida’s easy breezy style to Miami Beach’s Mid-Beach neighborhood. Although it is not a true boutique hotel, it is family-owned which gives each stay the personal touch afforded by boutique hotels. In addition to its laidback ambiance, the hotel is focused on sustainable hospitality. One example is the delicious menu at restaurant Essensia, which is composed of seasonal and local ingredients. Some of the ingredients are even harvested from a small garden by the pool!

 

Hilton Garden Inn Miami Brickell South

2500 Brickell Avenue, Miami
(305) 854-2070

 

 

 

This modern hotel is hidden in a quiet corner of Miami’s bustling Brickell neighborhood with easy access to I-95. Hilton Garden Inn is inspired by and draws on Miami’s tropical and artsy vibes. The décor showcases the latest works of local artists, while the on-site restaurant offers a taste of the Cuban cuisine for which Miami is known. Take advantage of their private poolside cabanas to unwind or take a short taxi ride to explore the white, sandy beaches of Key Biscayne.

 

 

The Vagabond Hotel

7301 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami
(305) 400-8420

 

 

 

The Vagabond Hotel found its home in the recently renovated digs of the former Vagabond Motel. The landmark property was “re-defined, re-invented, re-imagined” to include a swimming pool, fitness center, business center, and one of Miami’s restaurants du jour. It is also a short distance from Miami’s burgeoning Design District and Wynwood Arts District, both of which are ideal for quick day trips. The Vagabond Hotel is the perfect setting to abandon your troubles while living your very own Miami daydream.