Top 10 Ocean Drive Hotels

Booking an Ocean Drive Hotel means you will be in the "center of it all", Ocean Drive IS the destination, an exciting and vibrant place to be... exquisite art deco, chic sidewalk cafes and legendary nightclubs... You haven't seen Miami if you haven't seen Ocean Drive.

Ocean Drive is South Beach's legendary strip and a destination on its own. It is lined with a fantastic array of gorgeous Art Deco buildings, home to swanky boutique hotels which may be sharing the sidewalk with crowded cafes and the traffic that spills over the lively dance club next door...

This is one busy stretch and the raucous atmosphere gives way once the sun goes down and the neon lights switch on. If you want to party, you are in the right place!

Ocean Drive is the most lively at around the mid-point between 5th and 12th streets. To be in the middle of the action, choose a hotel in this area. Top picks are The Clevelander, on 10th, with its legendary pool party scene, the Room Mate Waldorf and Towers, a smaller art deco boutique hotel with 44 rooms, the chic and modern Beacon Hotel on 7th Street, or the charming Leslie with its fantastic rooftop terrace and pool from which to take in all the action without leaving your hotel.

Keep in mind that art deco buildings date back to the 1930's and 1940's and tend to be smaller properties. Spaciousness is not one of the main qualities of these historical buildings. For the most part, they have all been refurbished to comfortable and more than suitable standards with some bordering on the ultra-luxurious.

If you want to be just a little removed from the action so you can still stumble into all the fun but not have to hear it loud and clear into the wee hours of the morning, then hotels north of 12th or south of 5th will fit the bill. In addition, for a relatively quieter stay, you can try to book a room in a higher floor or facing a side street or back.

On the north end of the strip and convenient to Española Way and the Lincoln Road Mall, the all-suites Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, the art deco boutique McAlpin-Ocean Plaza, and the upscale Betsy are top picks.

All the hotels mentioned above are located between 5th and 15th Streets and will face the ocean-front Lummus Park, so although the hotels technically enjoy "ocean views" they are NOT on the beach. You will have to cross Ocean Drive and a nice short stroll through the park to get to your surf and sand.

For Ocean Drive hotels with direct beach access consider the Hilton Bentley and the Marriott Stanton, both in the SoFi area (South of Fifth). This area is a considerably quieter neighborhood and very convenient to South Pointe Park at the very tip.

To round up our top 10 and also in the SoFi area the charming boutique hotel Sense Beach House offers great value in Ocean Drive.

Ocean Drive is not the place to stay if you are looking for quiet time, every night is party night here. Being in the center of the action also means being in the midst of non-stop pounding music into the morning hours and the somewhat intoxicated crowds at night...

The rowdiness level and crowds increase exponentially during major holidays and celebrations. Roads in the area including Ocean Drive are closed and parking is substantially impacted and expensive (yeah, even more). Getting to and from your Ocean Drive hotel might not be as smooth an experience. There is a substantial increase in noise, especially late at night, and beach access may be limited with a heavy police presence. This is specially true during:

• Spring Break in March - April, Miami in Spring Break is the epicenter of some major world-class partying with Miami Music Week, the Winter Music Conference and ULTRA
• Memorial Day Weekend in May, when the exciting Air and Sea Show takes place in the sandy shores and Urban Beach Week takes over South Beach
• New Year's Eve, one of the busiest weeks of the year with the Orange Bowl crowds on top of party revelers...

Please be aware of the many extra fees you may encounter and check what is included in your quoted rate.

Most hotels charge a "Resort Fee" which can run from $20 - $40 per day extra and cover things like beach chairs and umbrellas (yes, seriously, whether you use them or not). Parking and valet services can tack on an extra $35-$50 per day.

Party Central: The Clevelander South Beach

• The Clevelander IS party central... all year 'round... with its iconic pool party scene day and night... this has been one of South Beach's pioneer Art Deco Classics with over 75 years of history and certainly one of the original party spots in the area... and still going strong.
• Facing Ocean Drive and on the ground level is the Clevelander's signature POOL+PATIO with live outdoor music and entertainment from 10 pm to 5 am, anything goes here with people from the street walking up at all times, it is a happening place. On weekends, there is the epic Splash Saturday Pool Party...
• If the pool action is a bit much, head for one of the two rooftop terraces with private access for guests only. They overlook Ocean Drive and the pool scene below, while also offering stunning views of the city and South Beach.
• If there's a game on, the Sports Bar is your place, right next to POOL+PATIO
• Food and drink is available at all venues and of course a mind-boggling assortment of frozen drinks and cocktails. Dishes are casual and menus change with the season.
• There are 60 rooms arranged over 6 floors. Accomodations are basic, small and comfortable, you are not here for a good night sleep. However, rooms are sound-proofed if you do happen to get a couple of hours of shut-eye...
• Or choose the Clevelander's sister property, Essex House, located just behind, where you can chill and unwind in a retro-cool setting, with all the party perks of staying at the Clevelander, the best of both worlds!
• Clevelander is adults only
• Free Wi-Fi in all areas
• No Onsite Parking, private parking available nearby for $46/day

The Clevelander South Beach:

1020 Ocean Drive, South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Essex House By Clevelander:

1001 Collins Avenue, South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Art Deco Boutique Ocean Drive: Room Mate Waldorf Towers

• This is a small Art Deco Boutique hotel, also in the heart of the action, next to Mango's Tropical Cafe, which will keep things lively to say the least...
• It offers 44 rooms arranged over 3 floors beautifully designed in classic art deco with modern touches.
• Staff is welcoming and accommodating.
• Beach towels, umbrellas and chairs provided
• One restaurant at street level serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, offering Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. (The restaurant is NOT part of the hotel i.e. you can't charge meals to your room)
• No other amenities, no swimming pool, lounge, terrace, etc.
• Non-smoking throughout
• Free Wi-Fi in all areas
• Onsite Parking $35/day
• The Room Mate Waldorf Towers also manages a nearby property on Ocean Drive, the Room Mate Lord Balfour, a small Designer hotel in the much quieter neighborhood South of Fifth for a more relaxing stay.

Room Mate Waldorf Towers Hotel:

860 Ocean Drive, South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Life House, Ocean Drive formerly Room Mate Lord Balfour Hotel:

350 Ocean Drive, South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Chic Excellent Value: Beacon South Beach Hotel

• A cozy, modern Art Deco decor hotel with 75 deluxe rooms and suites spread over five floors.
• Rooms are spacious for South Beach standards with many perks: Nespresso machines, smartTV, luxury toiletries. Double rooms sleep up to 4 people. Suites with separate sitting area offer over 500 square feet of space.
• Beach towels and chairs provided
• Mojito Bar and onsite restaurant, offers FREE continental breakfast, in or outdoor dining offering American fare
• Fitness center and rooftop seating area
• Non-smoking throughout
• Pets allowed (restrictions apply)
• Free Wi-Fi in all areas
• Valet Parking $30 per day.

Beacon Hotel South Beach:

720 Ocean Drive, South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Fantastic Rooftop Pool Terrace: Leslie Hotel

• Delightful and intimate 35-room boutique hotel in a historical Art Deco property built in 1937.
• The fantastic rooftop terrace is your retreat from the hustle and bustle below on Ocean Drive. It features a swimming pool, hot tub, sunbeds and full-service cabanas alongside direct sky views of South Beach, Ocean Drive and the Atlantic Ocean. The vibe here is more upscale and refined.
• Rooms and suites are spacious and luxuriously appointed, with spa-like bathrooms and many amenities: safebox, espresso coffee maker and complimentary coffee, mini-fridge, flat-screen TV.
• Gym features free weights and machines, exclusively for guest use. A weekly Aqua Aerobics class is hosted at the pool.
• Beach chairs, towels and umbrellas provided.
• Free breakfast for guests
• Cala Cafe, a signature restaurant with a Mediterranean-style menu. The indoor/outdoor cafe offers a wide selection of signature dishes, cocktails and wines to be enjoyed in the lobby, on the terrace, by the pool or in the privacy of your room.
• Non-smoking throughout
• Free Wi-Fi in all areas
• Parking $34 per day.

Leslie Ocean Drive:

1244 Ocean Drive, South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Charming Art Deco All-Suite: McAlpin - Ocean Plaza

• This is a beautiful Art Deco property featured in many travel brochures along with the neighboring low-rise hotels all following on that original pastel palette characteristic of Art Deco designs in South Beach. The historical properties built in the 1930s have been beautifully revamped. McAlpin and Ocean Plaza are two separate buildings, both managed by the Hilton Vacations brand and together offer 52 one or two-bedroom suites.
• Suites are spacious and comfortable, offering HDTVs and a fully-equipped kitchen including refrigerator, two-burner cook top, microwave, dishwasher, coffeemaker.
• Both McAlpin and Ocean Plaza offer a rooftop terrace with whirlpool spas, a great area to unwind with stunning views of the ocean or to watch comfortably from your lounge chair the helter-skelter frenzy of Ocean Drive pass by just below.
• There is also a fitness center, a business center and complimentary washer/dryers for guest use.
• There is no restaurant on premises but Room Service is supplied by a neighboring establishment and don't forget you have a great selection of restaurants, cafes and bars right at your doorstep and a fully-equiped kitchen to prepare quick bites and keep cold drinks at hand!
• Non-smoking throughout
• Free Wi-Fi in all areas
• Valet Parking $40 per day

Hilton Grand Vacations at McAlpin-Ocean Plaza:

1430 Ocean Drive, South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139

An Ocean Drive Oasis: The Betsy South Beach

• This beautiful and luxurious boutique hotel on Ocean Drive reminiscent of a grand colonial estate has recently undergone a complete renovation that merged two properties, the original colonial Betsy Ross Hotel and the adjacent art deco Carlton Hotel. The two wings are connected by "The Orb", a giant beach ball perched four stories up in the air, a public art piece of its own which serves as a seamless transition from the very distinct styles of both historic hotels. The Betsy is more than a charming space, they have a busy monthly calendar and regularly are host to many cultural endeavors, art exhibits, literary events, string-quartet concerts, etc. Even though in the midst of South Beach's frenzied strip, the vibe here is subdued and refined.
• 130 well-appointed rooms and suites arranged over 5 floors, many with balconies. Hardwood floors, marble baths, luxury bath amenities, modern gadgets, and curated guest libraries are standard features in all rooms
• 3,200 square foot rooftop terrace and outdoor pool with incredible ocean and skyline views
• State-of-the-art Fitness Center, Spa, Conference Center
• 5 Superb dining options, from an award-winning Steakhouse to casual al fresco on the Skyline Deck or poolside
• Free Wi-Fi in all areas
• Pets allowed!
• Public parking at $45 per day

The Betsy South Beach:

1440 Ocean Drive, South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Great Value All-Suite: Marriott Vacation Club Pulse South Beach

• A beautiful Mediterranean Revival property is home to 49 studios and one and two-bedroom suites spread over 5 floors on the north end of Ocean Drive, some offering balconies with stunning ocean views
• Equipped with kitchenettes with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances including a microwave
• Stunning views from the Rooftop Terrace
• Casual dining at Havana 1957, the hotel's restaurant serving Cuban and Spanish cuisine
• Concierge services
• Free Wi-Fi in all areas
• Non-smoking throughout
• Valet Parking $40/day

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse South Beach:

1410 Ocean Drive, South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Oceanfront All-Suites: Hilton Bentley South Beach

• Beautiful beachfront all-suite property on Ocean Drive, next to Nikki Beach Club (read... party) all the way on the south side.
• They offer studio, one- or two-bedroom suites equipped with state-of-the-art furnishings, including kitchens or kitchenettes. Rooms are all newly renovated offering a sleek style and comforting design. All suites have private balconies with gorgeous views of the city or the ocean
• Relax at the pool and sundeck, rejuvenate at the Asian-inspired Spa 101, or keep in shape in the fitness room and sauna.
• The Hilton Bentley offers two world-class restaurants. Dine at Santorini by Georgios, offering authentic traditional and new age Greek flavors, or the prestigious Prime Italian Steakhouse.
• Pet friendly
• All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
• Free Wi-Fi in all areas
• Parking onsite is $40 per day

Hilton Bentley South Beach:

101 Ocean Drive, South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Beachfront: Marriott Stanton South Beach

• Luxurious oceanfront resort with direct beach access, has 224 rooms spread over 11 floors, many with private balconies with breathtaking views of the city skyline or the sea. The atmosphere here is a blend of modern sophistication with a laid-back beach vibe.
• Laundry facilities available onsite.
• Two restaurants on premises, you can enjoy Mexican classics at Lolo's Surf Cantina or authentic Japanese cuisine and fresh sushi at Azabu.
• Outdoor infinity edge pool, full-service spa and fitness center.
• Free Beach Cabanas
• Bicycle rentals and parasailing onsite
• Concierge services
• Valet parking is $42 per day
• Dogs up to 25 lbs welcome, $150 non-refundable fee

Marriott Stanton South Beach:

161 Ocean Drive, South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Great Value Boutique SOFI: The Local House formerly Sense Beach House

• Small boutique hotel in SoFi (South of Fifth) area, relatively quieter while still close enough to the Ocean Drive action.
• With only 18 rooms on 2nd and 3rd floors, acomodations are modern, bright and breeze, very spacious for South Beach, all with either city views or partial ocean views with private balconies.
• Cozy and relaxing rooftop splash pool and lounge area.
• The beach is only a 2-minute walk and the hotel will supply you with chairs, umbrella and towels.
• Restaurant on premises, The Local House, offers an array of eclectic American food with an extensive craft cocktail menu.
• Complimentary glass of wine every evening
• Free Wi-Fi in all areas
• Non-smoking throughout
• Limited street parking, Valet Parking is $29 per day

The Local House formerly Sense Beach House:

400 Ocean Drive, South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Complete makeover: The Celino

• The iconic Park Central Hotel just got a major makeover and has reopened as a totally redesigned property right on Ocean Drive, The Celino is a luxury boutique hotel complex which includes not only the historic Park Central Hotel but also the adjacent Imperial Hotel, Heathcote Apartments and a new five-story atrium structure.
• 132 smoke-free art deco inspired modern guestrooms, including floor to ceiling ocean view suites with balconies
• An exclusive rooftop glass bottom pool besides the ground-level pool
• The beach is only a minute walk
• Two restaurants Mia Cucina Italiana and Dalia and the Bar at Dalia
• Fitness Center
• Free Wi-Fi in all areas
• 24 hour Business Center
• Valet Parking is $45 per day with in-out privileges

The Celino:

640 Ocean Drive, South Beach, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Keep An Eye Out for These Ocean Drive Gems

Keep the following on your radar in the next couple of months as they are undergoing some works at the time:

The Tides South Beach: On 12th Street and originally built in 1936, the hotel's architecture is rich with Art Deco influences, creating a nostalgic environment for its unique brand of modern luxury. Unfortunately, the hotel suffered great damage during Hurricane Irma and is undergoing repairs. Check their FB page for latest news.

The Crescent: Another historical boutique hotel, this is a top property in a top location but at the moment the Crescent's facade is undergoing renovation. The hotel IS open for guests during the refurbishment, just be aware of any inconvenience this may entail. Check availability and rates for the Crescent.

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