The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach

With the turquoise ocean and the Miami Beach Boardwalk at its back door, and an unmatched perch at the intersection of the open-air Lincoln Road Mall and Collins Avenue, this resort is an elevated base for experiencing all that South Beach has to offer. At the compact Ritz-Carlton property, you swap the South Beach revelry for relaxation, and a mix of families, business execs and romantic couples can all find space for the vacation they desire. Even pets (with a fee) are welcomed with a gratis toy and house-baked treats. And when it comes to the internationally attended Art Basel Miami Beach, the property is an official host hotel that goes all out with its own special exhibitions. 

Last renovated in 2020, the Art Deco hotel leans into its past—it was originally designed in 1953 by famed architect Morris Lapidus as the DiLido Hotel. In stark contrast to its sunny,

palm-fringed surroundings, the hotel lobby feels dark and moody, featuring black terrazzo floors and a sky-high curved wall with rows of glowing circular sconces that steal the visual attention at check-in. Lapidus Bar adds to the lobby’s retro-glam glory, complete with brass palm leaf chandeliers hovering above. By evening, the bartenders are shaking up stellar martinis, often drawing locals who sneak in for a nightcap.

What are the rooms like at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach?

That moody atmosphere dissipates into tropical bliss when you hit the guest room floors, where hallways are dressed in sophisticated flamingo-print wallpaper and blue palm-frond carpeting. Rooms, though, harken back to the Art Deco lineage, with curvy blue headboards, crystal chandeliers hanging over bedside tables and marble-drenched bathrooms.

My oceanfront room on the Club Level was comfortable and spacious, with a balcony high enough that I could spy on the pool and watch the ocean’s shifting blue hues. While I could hear my neighbors hanging out on their balcony, it didn’t affect my sleep, especially tucked into the pillowy-soft king bed. Since it’s South Beach, opt for a room away from the street-level noise.

What are the best restaurants at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach?

When the José Andrés Group is in charge of the resort’s food and beverage, you’re in good hands. Snag a poolside table on the patio of Zaytinya restaurant, which is draped in a dreamy hanging garden and bistro lights. From the Mediterranean mezze menu, order the dip sampler with warm pita bread, the grilled lamb or chicken skewers—and my personal favorite, the Hünkâr Beğendi, tender braised lamb over a decadent eggplant and cheese puree.

I lived blocks from the hotel for years, and still to this day, the al fresco DiLido Beach Bar is a treat. It’s tucked away on the beach/boardwalk side, nearly hidden behind hedges, only given away by its bright orange and yellow-fringed umbrellas. Set to ocean breezes, the menu features refreshing dishes like the aguachile, poached shrimp in a cucumber-mint bath, tempura-battered fish tacos and beef skewers dressed in a miso glaze with crispy shallots.

If you spring for The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, you’re treated to five culinary presentations a day, including globally inspired plates by the José Andrés Group that change daily. At lunch one day, I sampled chili garlic shrimp with noodles and a chicken katsu sandwich, and then watched them shave Jamón Ibérico dusted with gold flakes at the evening presentation. Most importantly, you can’t miss the freshly baked cookies.

What is the pool and spa like at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach?

Shaped like a cross with two wide entrances, the pool is large enough for families and couples to comfortably coexist. If you really want prime pool access, book one of the poolside lanai rooms. My insider’s tip: Grab coffee and start the morning at the pool’s long table that faces the boardwalk to watch South Beach wake up.

While The Ritz-Carlton Spa could use another refresh, it offers all the amenities needed for a relaxing spa day, including a steam room, sauna and a relaxation room with curtained nooks meant for quiet napping. Though the spa is known for their standout nail services, I had an excellent HydraFacial, which brought my summer-parched skin back to life.

What’s the area like around The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach?

Everything you’ll want to do in South Beach, from Lincoln Road’s shopping and dining to famous Ocean Drive and cultural institutions like The Bass, are within easy walking distance. Step out the hotel’s back entrance to join locals exercising on the Miami Beach Boardwalk, or simply sink into a Ritz lounger on the sand and order a tropical cocktail.

DETAILS

Address: 1 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Price per night: Starting at $400 off season $1,000 in season

Closest transport: Miami International Airport is 12 miles away, about 45 minutes in traffic.

Book now: via Booking.com

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