Lobby Bistro

Just beyond the majestic columns near the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove’s entrance, the in-house restaurant, Bistro, calls out to foodies who flock here to eat, drink, and socialize from happy hour through dinnertime. This divine dining destination is smack in the middle of the lobby, an ingenious touch that also places Bistro right in the center of hotel activity. As a result, you come to the lobby for the food and you stay because that’s where the party is. As guests are checking in, enjoying dinner, and sipping wine by the fireplace, the atmosphere smacks of a chic yet casual gathering in a friend’s home. This intimate atmosphere pervades the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove with such other impressive touches as a carefully planned boutique spa, an intimate outdoor pool, and an attentive staff who routinely remember your name and greet you with such personal pleasantries as, “Is there anything I can do for you, Mrs. Conway?” or “Have you tried the cookie bar this evening?” Impeccably hospitable, our Ritz-Carlton hosts.

3300 S.W. 27th Ave.
305-644-4680
www.ritzcarlton.com/coconutgrove

Fantasy Island

Uniquely tucked away on Key Biscayne, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne is possibly one of Miami’s best-kept secrets, if only because so few know this hidden gem exists. The idyllic causeway that stretches out to Key Biscayne makes it seem a galaxy away, yet this destination resort — the only luxury playland on Key Biscayne — offers everything your heart desires. It’s home to one of the world’s largest tennis complexes and one of the nation’s top 50 public golf courses, as well as to a 20,000 sq.-ft. luxury spa, international dining, and gold-star service at the pool and beach. Amazingly, all this rests only 10 minutes from downtown Miami. The only drawback: You’ll never want to leave.

455 Grand Bay Dr.
305-365-4500
www.ritzcarlton.com/keybiscayne

Glam Dame

The Fountainbleau emerges from its weary former self after an impressive $1 billion facelift. This rejuvenated Miami native — first hatched in 1954 — is once again the talk of the town with its abundant attributes, from 20-inch Apple computers and high-def TV in every spiffed-up accommodation, to the sleek hipster nightclub LIV, one of South Florida’s best sushi bars, and an astounding poolscape that includes VIP cabanas (featuring wooden decks and privacy curtains) and walls of water connected to a freeform pool. All in all, the refreshed grand dame is now just as glamorous as The Fountainbleau was when James Bond’s nemesis, Auric Goldfinger, cheated at poker on a balcony as rugged 007 spied on him.

4441 Collins Ave.
305-538-2000
www.fontainebleau.com

Versace Slept Here

Gianni Versace’s home symbolizes Miami’s high fashion and luxury. Now called Casa Casuarina, this exclusive hotel and club features amenities for which the uber designer would be proud, like a hand-carved king-size bed dressed in sumptuous Anichini linens in a suite complete with a plasma TV, and carved marble baths. At rates starting at $1,200 a night, this haven for celebrities and would-be entrepreneurs also hosts extravagant events from its world-famous Ocean Drive perch.
1116 Ocean Drive.
305-672-6604
www.casacasuarina.com

Drink Up

Raising the bar isn’t such a tall order at the Townhouse Hotel’s Rooftop. On Friday and Saturday nights, this friendly, al fresco meeting/drinking space high in the sky is the place to be. Giant umbrellas shelter conversations taking place on clustered ottomans and water chaises. Another plus: No dress code, so go as you are or dude it up for the occasion. Just plan for a real good time.
150 20th St.
305-534-3800
www.townhousehotel.com

On Your Toes

Shower shyness — is it too cold, too hot? — led designers of the new Regent Bal Harbour to include a unique faucet groove at the base of guest-room showers that lets you determine the perfect water temperature. To use, simply dip your big toe in the H2O. The floor-to-ceiling ocean views from the shower are pretty nifty, too.
10295 Collins Ave.
800-545-4000
www.regenthotels.com/balharbour

Miami Nice

Waiting for your room to be ready has never been better. Upon arrival at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, simply retire to the rear of the glam MiMo (Miami Modern) building, where a comfort zone of cushy chairs and plush sofas includes complimentary Champagne and soft drinks from white-gloved waiters. A perfect vantage point, too, to take in architect Morris Lapidus’s landmark 1953 building, once the fashionable DiLido Hotel before it was reborn in 2003 as the Ritz.
One Lincoln Rd.
786-276-4000
www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/SouthBeach

Making a Splash

With two infinity-edge pools, 309 rooms with Mexican sandstone bathrooms, a bar with 75 different rums, custom-tufted poolside beds, and a bevy of beautiful people, you may never want to leave The Shore Club. While something of a newcomer to South Beach, this glamorous complex has burst on the scene with top-notch accommodations, two restaurants (Nobu and Ago), a spa and Skybar, the most in vogue of all celeb hangouts.
1901 Collins Ave.
305-695-3100
www.shoreclub.com

Old-Time Favorite

Tried and true, the luxurious Delano Hotel, originally built in 1947, was the first hotel in the United States to boast both an indoor and an outdoor lobby. In keeping with its theme of “going both ways,” the water salon pool features classical music pumped through underwater speakers and furniture in the water. Also available: luxe guestrooms, suites, lofts, and poolside bungalows in case you prefer to stay dry while sleeping.
1685 Collins Ave.
305-672-2000
www.delano-hotel.com

SoBe Swank

The brand-new Angler’s Boutique Resort may be slightly off the beaten path, but spacious rooms with plasma TVs, iPod docking stations, and full bar of top-shelf brands make for a welcome retreat from the mega-resorts of Collins Avenue. Beautifully restored to its Art Deco splendor, interior credit goes to J. Wallace Tutt, who designed for Gianni Versace. Suites offer private rooftops, gardens, and outdoor spas, and the exclusive yet attitude-less Maison d’Azure restaurant is conveniently on-property.

660 Washington Ave.
305-534-9600
www.theanglersresort.com