Miami’s Hotel Glow-Up

Miami is a city famously obsessed with the next big thing, but lately a wave of multimillion-dollar renovations has swept across the city, breathing fresh energy into both historic boutique hotels and towering beachfront resorts. These renovations include features like ultra-modern luxury suites, additional dining outlets, and design-forward guest rooms. Whether you are craving the social buzz of South Beach or a serene, oceanfront escape in Sunny Isles Beach, checking into one of these beautifully transformed properties promises a fresh new outlook on Miami.

Fontainebleau Miami
One of Miami Beach’s most legendary resorts, Fontainebleau Miami originally opened in 1954 and helped establish Miami’s reputation as a luxury playground. More than seventy years later, the hotel is still setting the standard for luxury. Earlier this year, hotel officials announced the completion of a multi-year transformation that included renovations to the resort’s four towers (Versailles, Château, Sorrento, and Trésor). The final phase debuted two new Versailles Tower Presidential Suites, a complete overhaul of Versailles Tower accommodations, and an upgrade of the historic Château Tower’s Presidential Suite. 

The 17-story Versailles Tower refresh features tranquil ocean-blue hues and subtle bow-tie motifs (a stylish nod to the resort’s legendary original architect, Morris Lapidus). Guests can choose from several tiers of accommodations, including oceanview guestrooms, junior suites with private balconies, and expansive one- or two-bedroom oceanfront suites designed for ultimate relaxation. The Versailles Tower Presidential Suite renovations are two all-new sprawling penthouses that feature hand-selected custom marble, saturated palettes, private wet bars, and panoramic Atlantic views. 

Residence Inn Sunny Isles Beach 
For a quieter stay, consider Sunny Isles Beach, less than 15 minutes from South Beach. Among the hotels in the area, Residence Inn Sunny Isles Beach offers a relaxed stay, especially for families who may need a bit more space.  The 194-room, all-suite hotel recently underwent renovations that capture the essence of a modern beach house. 

The hotel’s spacious studio and one-bedroom suites have been fully updated with crisp, contemporary coastal finishes, convenient workspaces, and fully equipped kitchens featuring sleek new appliances. The transformation extends to the rooftop pool deck, where guests can soak in panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway from refreshed lounge areas. By combining the comforts of home with upscale, resort amenities, the resort is an ideal haven for families or large groups. 

Delano Miami Beach
Delano Miami Beach is another beachfront icon in Miami. The property dates back to 1947 and reopened its doors this spring after a major six-year transformation.  The meticulous, ground-up restoration of the Art Deco icon honors its glamorous 1940s roots while introducing a sophisticated new aesthetic. The experience begins in the lobby: guests are greeted by polished terrazzo floors and white columns, sweeping white, surrealist design pieces, and a view of the hotel’s most iconic feature: the Delano Pool. 

Elsewhere across the resort, the property’s signature white-on-white palette has been beautifully recalibrated with light, organic textures across its 171 refreshed guestrooms, poolside bungalows, and penthouses. Guests can enjoy two stunning pools, the revived, star-studded Rose Bar, and the U.S. debuts of two acclaimed international dining concepts: the Italian eatery Gigi Rigolatto and the Japanese-inspired Mimi Kakushi. Delano Miami Beach is now also home to The Source by Delano, a new state-of-the-art wellness studio with wellness programming, curated treatments, and group fitness experiences.

Loews Miami Beach Hotel 
Loews Miami Beach Hotel has solidified itself as one of the area’s premier family-friendly, upscale resorts. Fresh off a spectacular $55 million transformation, this sprawling oceanfront resort is embracing contemporary coastal luxury. Envisioned by the acclaimed New York design studio Meyer Davis, the hotel’s 790 guestrooms have been entirely reimagined with serene, calming, neutral color palettes that perfectly channel the sand and sea. 

Beyond the rooms, the property has completely revitalized its culinary scene, debuting Bistro Collins, a stylish, coastal-inspired American bistro, alongside an intimate, upscale Sushi Bar. The hotel is also home to the legendary Rao’s Miami Beach, an iconic old-school Southern Neapolitan home-cooking spot in an upscale, lively atmosphere. After 27 years, Loews remains the ultimate upscale playground for families and discerning travelers seeking a fresh South Beach perspective.

The Shelborne By Proper 
One of the best examples of Art Deco architecture in Miami is The Shelborne By Proper.  Opened in 1941, the property was designed to showcase Miami’s distinct Art Deco style with bold geometric lines and a signature porte-cochère, a circular overhang that crowns the hotel’s entryway.  Located just down Collins Avenue, this historic landmark underwent a comprehensive overhaul last year under the visionary guidance of Proper Hotels. 

The redesigned rooms offer a fresh aesthetic that honors mid-century modernism without feeling dated. Drawing inspiration from Miami’s natural setting, all 251 rooms and suites at The Shelborne are designed with soft hues, earthy textures, and layered finishes. The interiors are styled with custom ceramic sconces, woven accents, and warm wood tones. Guests can also lounge at the newly elevated beach club, soak in the timeless pool scene, or discover Little Torch, the hotel’s chic cocktail lounge.