Why book?
For a family-friendly, upscale experience in Miami’s most bustling neighborhood—South Beach—complete with direct beach access, several on-site dining options, and a stay you can curate based on exactly the type of experience you want.
Set the scene
My boyfriend and I stayed at the Loews Miami Beach for one night, right before Christmas. We thought for sure the hotel would be packed considering the holiday season, but if it was, we had no idea—it felt like a private hideaway.
We were greeted by a speedy valet service ($59 per night) that took our rental car and directed us straight into the lobby, a luxurious open space with golden wall paneling and marble reception counters where check-in was also quick. The dining options are all located conveniently in the lobby through a grand and well-defined entryway that leads to a coffee shop/gelato bar hybrid, a full bar with TVs, and a hostess who will bring you into a wide seating area reserved for Bistro Collins and The Sushi Bar, the hotel’s main—and new—lunch and dinner restaurants. Beyond that, you’ll find the entrance to Preston’s Market, the sit-down breakfast restaurant. We were in our room within 20 minutes of arriving and ready to start relaxing and exploring the space.
The backstory
When the Loews Miami Beach Hotel first opened in 1998, it became the first new hotel to be built in Miami Beach in more than 30 years. (Other “new” hotels were merely renovated old hotels.) Yet they didn't start completely from scratch: a 17-story tower was built around the St. Moritz, a 1939 Art Deco gem, to create a new hotel with history. A $50 million renovation in 2017 and another $55 million renovation in 2025 (completed early December, right before our stay), helped make the space inviting and elevated—luxurious, but not intimidating.
The rooms
The hotel’s most recent renovation focused exclusively on the guest rooms and dining options, including new flooring and upgraded bathrooms in each room. There are 790 guest rooms and suites spread out across the main tower and the St. Moritz tower, where the rooms feel more boutique-like, but you can still find the same elegance and amenities. We stayed in a Grand King Suite in the main tower, an apartment-style space with a king-size bed, a furnished balcony with a sweeping ocean view, and a separate living room with a queen-size sofa bed and TV.
Immediately upon entering, the first words out of my mouth were, “I wish I lived here,” which, I think, speaks for itself. The space was bigger than most New York City apartments, and the balcony doors and ocean backdrop made it feel even larger and full of golden light. The marble bathroom featured a walk-in shower and Julien Farel toiletries, and while it didn’t have a bathtub (the only real con), you can count on a hair dryer and the fluffiest robes and towels imaginable (from Boca Terry and Garnier Thiebaut, respectively). My favorite part of the suite—besides the giant cozy bed—was the ocean-facing window in the bedroom. There’s nothing quite like falling asleep to the sound of the sea through blackout curtains that open to a stunning view of South Beach. If you’re a coffee-in-bed-with-a-view kind of vacationer, keep this in mind when you book.
Food and drink
Any and all Miami foodies should make their way to Bistro Collins immediately. It’s one of four (five if you count the pool bar and restaurant) full-service dining options available at the Loews Miami Beach, and is considered the “culinary centerpiece” of the property, alongside The Sushi Bar, a sushi counter located in the same lobby space as Bistro Collins. You can order from both menus at the same time and take advantage of the incredible cocktail and sake selection. I got the Bossman, an avocado fat-washed margarita that was just the right amount of sweet and boozy. The Old Man and the Bee, the bar’s version of an old-fashioned, came with a maraschino cherry and a hunk of honeycomb on top. Our server was friendly and attentive, and when I told him I was raised in Miami, we chatted nostalgically about all the ways the city has changed over the years. He was extremely knowledgeable about the menu, and we ordered every dish he recommended, including the Shrimp al Ajillo and Steak Frites from the Bistro Collins menu, and the salmon nigiri and Hamachi Tostada from The Sushi Bar. No matter how full you are, don’t skip the Passion Mango Torte for dessert.
For breakfast the next morning, we made our way down to Preston’s Market, where you can eat from the buffet or order à la carte. The homemade granola comes with the best vanilla-bean yogurt I’ve ever had (not an exaggeration), but I was really jealous of my boyfriend’s Arepa Benedict—a Latin American twist on the classic eggs Benny, featuring pulled pork and black bean purée. You can sit inside or opt for outdoor seating on the patio overlooking the walkway that leads to the pool area.
If you’re craving something different but don’t want to venture too far out into the chaos of South Beach, The St. Moritz Tower is also home to one of Rao's two outposts (the other is in LA), where you can order the same classic staples you’ll find in the Manhattan location, plus some Miami exclusives. And of course, there’s always room service, with a diverse all-day menu that includes apps, heavier plates, desserts, and a few pet-friendly options for dogs and cats. (Yes, this place is pet-friendly, too.)
The spa
Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to check out the spa, Sea Spa, in person, but it’s easy to get to in the St. Moritz Tower. It’s an adults-only facility that offers massages (for individuals and couples), body treatments such as sugar scrubs and body wraps, facials, manicures, and pedicures. The nail and hair salon is also available for guests 12 or older.
If you never miss a workout, the daily resort fee for all guests includes access to the fitness center and classes like Pilates, barre, and yoga (including yoga on the beach!).
The neighborhood/area
The property is right on Collins Avenue and 16th Street—prime South Beach. It’s walking distance from the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, the Fillmore, the Bass Museum of Art, and the Miami Beach Convention Center (hello, Art Basel). You can also walk to the Lincoln Road shopping district for some retail therapy and great dining—don’t skip Havana 1957 for traditional Cuban food and delicious cocktails. Ocean Drive is also a short drive away, where you’ll find Art Deco architecture alongside bars and restaurants. Palace is great for a drag brunch!
The service
I can’t say enough good things about the staff. Every person we talked to was friendly, accommodating, and ready to answer all our questions, from what cocktails to order to where to find the ATM. When we arrived at our suite, we were stoked to find a charcuterie tower with a sweet note from the team and a complimentary bottle of bubbly, which we enjoyed on our balcony overlooking the ocean. Even better: After returning from dinner, they surprised us with a gorgeous display of cookies and sweets. Were we stuffed? Yes. Did we eat those cookies anyway? Also yes.
For families
This is a very family-friendly hotel—great if you’re prioritizing a vacation with your kiddos. There were plenty of tots splashing around the pool and enjoying sodas and chicken tenders. We also saw several signs promoting holiday programming designed specifically for kids every day, like a cookie decorating event, a pop-up play-zone, and a movie room. Even if you’re not visiting around Christmas, the hotel has a year-round kids club for children 4–10 years old, with daily activities curated in partnership with the Miami Children’s Museum and Frost Museum of Science. Just like summer camp, except they play while you lounge.
Eco effort
The Loews Miami Beach recycles used soap bars and plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash as part of the Clean the World program, an organization that turns hotel toiletry waste into hygiene supplies for communities in need. They’re also Green Key- and Well-certified.
Accessibility
There are several options available for guests who require accessible accommodations and amenities, including guest rooms with mobility features and open spaces in all the common areas. Service animals are also welcome. More info can be found on the hotel’s website.
Anything left to mention?
You can really choose your own adventure when you stay at the Loews Miami Beach. You have some of the city’s best nightclubs in your backyard, amazing dining at your fingertips, and access to the best beaches in the city just steps away. On the property, families have options to keep kids feeling included and entertained, but you can also find adults-only areas to relax and indulge. Honestly, in a neighborhood that’s known for its energy and nightlife, it’s nice (and convenient) to have such an inclusive and family-friendly place to stay. That said, if you want to lounge in your room and marathon Netflix while feasting on room service, you can do that too—with a view!
Fair warning: The main pool area might not be for you if you’re looking for total peace and quiet. But that's where Soak Cabanas & Daybeds comes in—a separate area by the pool with an adults-only hot tub and private rooftop sundecks. When we got to our cabana—which had private indoor and outdoor space—we were greeted by a hostess who showed us around. Each cabana features a bathroom with a shower, AC, a comfy couch for lounging inside, beach chairs for lounging outside, and concierge service exclusively for Soak guests. (I cannot stress enough how nice it was to have a private bathroom by the pool!) I loved the watermelon mojito. And the guac? Don’t miss it. The chips were perfectly crisp and fried to perfection.
On the top floor of the cabana area, you’ll find the sundeck with a sweeping view of the pool and beach—it's where I spent most of the day working on my tan. (Don’t worry, there’s complimentary Sun Bum sunscreen.) You can also reserve beach chairs or a private daybed if you want to take advantage of the property’s direct beach access. Also, watersports! Ask about paddleboarding, kayaking, parasailing, and banana boats.
1601 Collins Ave., Miami, Florida 33139
United States
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(305) 604-1601