Is it any wonder that travelers head to Florida for a beach getaway? The waters are gorgeous, the sun almost always shines, and the party-filled cities from Miami to the quieter Jacksonville Beach. Choosing a hotel for your vacation can be intimidating, with many options. So we decided to make it easy for you and visit hundreds of hotels throughout the Sunshine State to see which are the best. Look at our picks for the best beachfront hotels in Florida, where you can find beautiful beaches, gorgeous pools, and comfortable beds, among other amenities.
1. The Breakers
Advantage
Prime location on a private beach
Beautiful European architecture and charming grounds
Two 18-hole golf courses, ten tennis courts, and ten boutiques
Five heated pools plus four whirlpools
Nine restaurants and multiple bars
Two gyms and a full-service spa
Beach cabanas with kitchenettes, Wi-Fi, TVs, and full bathrooms
Golf and tennis lessons, free fitness classes
Kid-friendly with a kids’ camp and babysitting services
Half-price rooms and many discounts during the summer
Complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas
Free WIFI
Cons
Costly food and drinks
Rooms can be noisy
Standard rooms are pretty small.
There is no food service on the beach or by the pool (only in the cabanas)
Valet parking only
There is a charge to use the tennis courts
No coffee makers in the room
Their armchairs are missing cushions
Summary
This lovely 140-acre resort feels more like a Renaissance palace than a hotel, and Its oceanfront property is defined by its historic architecture and elegant setting. Its facilities include swimming pools, two 18-hole golf courses, ten tennis courts, nine restaurants, and ten boutiques. The Breakers’ 540 rooms have all modern conveniences: minibars, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and iPod stereos, but for the most part, they seem a bit cramped for their price. The only significant drawback to Breakers is the high price of their in-house dining options, which are still delicious. A family of four would easily spend $350 on food without ordering anything special. But, as far as its competing Palm Beach hotels are concerned, nothing compares to the luxury found at this historic property.
2. W South Beach
Advantage
A modern beach hotel with fantastic sea views and a laid-back atmosphere
Stylish rooms with coffeemakers, minibars, and outdoor spaces
Suites have kitchenettes; some add extra perks, and pools
Two pools, including an adults-only semi-private pool
Two excellent restaurants include fine-dining Chinese and American restaurants
Bliss Spa with steam room, treatment rooms, and sauna
A 24-hour fitness center with free fitness classes
The resort fee covers Wi-Fi, beach chairs, and fitness classes
Pet-friendly (fee), plus doggy kits available
Luxury car rental available
Cons
Pool loungers go quickly in the high season
Visible wear in rooms
Loud music and DJs by the pool (pro for some)
Valet service only (daily fee)
Summary
The W South Beach is a modern luxury hotel with a sophisticated look and a relaxed atmosphere, popular with young professionals and families. The 401 rooms and suites are spacious and stylish, with minibars, furnished balconies, and Bliss products, though wear and tear can take away from the luxurious feel. The suite has additional extras, small kitchens, and plunge pools. The pool and beach areas are preferred, but expect loud music in the former and occasionally very few loungers. Free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour gym, a small spa, and delicious restaurants are available on-site. For a larger pool and a less lively atmosphere, consider the nearby 1 Hotel South Beach.
3. Sunset Key Cottages
Advantage
Luxurious cabanas with beach décor, porches, and flat-screen TVs with DVD players
All cabins have kitchens or kitchenettes; grocery shopping service is available.
Beautiful white sand beach
Pleasant and reasonably priced beauty salon and spa
Charming pool with in-ground access, shaded areas, and two Jacuzzis
Complimentary gifts include: breakfast basket delivery, morning paper delivery, Wi-Fi, and library rentals (books, movies, and music)
Four-bedroom cabins with plunge pools and washer-dryers
Two tennis courts on site
A 7-minute ferry ride to Key West; the ferry leaves every 30 minutes
Cons
Only one restaurant and poolside bar on site.
Four-bedroom cabins that are small
Most amenities are located at its sister property in Key West, the Westin
No pets allowed
Summary
This 40-room resort offers exquisite traveler luxurious cabins with elegant beaches and superior service. It is located on Sunset Key, a residential island near Key West. It is affiliated with the Westin Key West, with which it shares some features, such as a gym and restaurants (although only Sunset Key guests can use the services at the site, Westin guests do not have access to them). The hotel has terrific benefits, including a lovely swimming pool, a beautiful beach with palm trees and crystal clear waters, and a pampering spa. While idyllic and exclusive, its location can be a bit inconvenient for travelers who want to be close to shops and restaurants (the hotel only has one restaurant on-site).
4. The St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort
Advantage
Beachfront location in the exclusive Bal Harbor area
Full-service white-sand beach with daybed rentals
Elegant and luxurious rooms with ocean views and marble bathrooms
High-tech in-room amenities, minibars, and kitchenettes
Some rooms have butler service
Four restaurants, including a French service and sushi room
Bar with vintage wines, champagne, and live music
Two pools, including an adults-only area with a hot tub
Full-service spa with saunas and steam rooms
State-of-the-art gym and fitness classes
Beachfront villa rental with butler service
Club for children from 4 to 12 years old
Free property-wide Wi-Fi
Cons
Beach service can be slow
Expensive parking (valet only)
Daily resort fee (common for Miami)
Summary
The St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort is a fancy beachfront property in the exclusive Bal Harbor area. Its Marble floors, well-designed interiors, and upscale features draw wealthy guests, and its 216 spacious rooms and suites have a refined yet relevant feel with five-piece bathrooms, high-tech features, and contemporary décor. All rooms have furnished ocean-view balconies, while suites add Nespresso machines, kitchens, and butler service. Grand and beautiful spaces fill the property; the highlights are an elegant spa, two pool areas, and a lobby dining area. Big hits include the hotel’s day villas, semi-private beach area, vintage birdcage tea service, and champagne night saber. There’s also a kids’ club, fitness center, three restaurants, and free Wi-Fi with the resort fee. By comparison, the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbor also has an upscale feel but without the over-the-top vibe.
5. Four Seasons Resort, Palm Beach
Advantage
right on the beach
All rooms have balconies, large flat-screen TVs, and iPod docks
Beautiful spa with whirlpool and steam room
Bathrooms have separate walk-in showers and (small) tubs
Pool staff provide sunscreen, water, sprays, towels, and fruit
Kids’ club has games and computers, plus free toys at check-in
Quality gastronomy in the restaurant
Great views at the Ocean Bistro and the Atlantic Bar & Grill
Free bike rental
Cons
Daily Wi-Fi fee charged.
Some think it is not surprising, especially due to its exterior facade.
The furniture on the balconies could be of better quality.
There have been complaints about its sub-par pool quality and poor beach service.
A 10-minute drive south of Palm Beach’s hottest spots
Summary
The Four Seasons Resort sits on a relatively quiet beach about a 10-minute drive south of the area’s main attractions. The 210 rooms are decorated in a sophisticated beach style, with shades of blue, white, and cream, and have private balconies. It has exceptional amenities for families; its chic spa is a plus point, and it pampers guests with extra touches like water misters and sunscreen at its (reduced) ocean-view pool. But some may find the property less than Four Seasons-like: The building’s exterior façade lacks visual appeal, rooms lack the wow factor, and some complained its beach service could be better.
6. Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Advantage
Beautiful resort located directly on a long, white-sand beach
Elegant and luxurious rooms with solid amenities and spacious bathrooms.
Many rooms have ocean views, and some open now onto the beach.
Two 18-hole golf courses, one of them with ocean views.
Excellent restaurants consist of fine dining and casual options.
15 tennis courts and a large gym with free classes
30,000-square-foot spa with outdoor area and salon services
Four pools, including one for adults and one for children with slides
Seasonal kids’ club with indoor and outdoor activities and a playground
Beach bikes and non-motorized water sports available for a fee
Free parking and Wi-Fi connection throughout the establishment.
Ample meeting space, including indoor and outdoor areas
Cons
Fee for the use of beach chairs and umbrellas.
Some may find room decor a bit dated
Sprawling property means long walks to some rooms
Summary
Opened in 1928, the 250-room Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is a luxury beachfront retreat that caters to couples, families, and business travelers. Rooms look and feel sophisticated — though some touches like carpeting and floral prints can feel dated — and feature flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, and spacious bathrooms — many with separate tubs and glass-enclosed showers. But what makes the resort stand out are its extensive amenities: two 18-hole golf courses, a massive spa, 15 tennis courts, four pools, a huge gym with free classes, and top-notch restaurants ranging from fine dining to haute cuisine to informal—snacks by the beach. For something more intimate, sister property The Lodge and Club at Ponte Vedra Beach is an excellent 66-room option located just a two-minute drive away.
7. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort
Advantage
Luxury hotel with a quiet beachfront location in North Beach
The largest spa facility in South Florida
Free thermal circuit, exercise classes, and wellness workshops
Sophisticated suites with washers/dryers, kitchens, and large bathrooms
In-room technology includes tablets, large flat-screen TVs, and Bose stereos
Relaxing beach with cabanas, hammocks, and loungers
Four pools, including an adults-only rooftop pool and hot tubs
Health-focused menus and organic cocktails
American restaurant and lounge bar, plus a poolside snack and juice bar
Outdoor gym and two-story rock-climbing wall
Non-alcoholic welcome drink
Free property-wide Wi-Fi
Valet Parking Available
Cons
Expensive daily parking fees
Some service issues have been reported
Summary
The 150-suite Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is a luxurious wellness property in North Beach, Miami. Its apartment-style rooms have kitchens, washers/dryers, and lovely big bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. The superlative wellness center offers a 75,000-square-foot spa with a state-of-the-art thermal circuit, more than 200 exercise classes, and wellness workshops. In addition, there are complimentary beach loungers, umbrellas, a fitness room, and a two-story rock-climbing wall for your engoyment. There are also four pools, one on the rooftop, and three restaurants with health-focused menus; even the bars serve organic cocktails. The luxurious Fontainebleau Miami Beach also has a good spa, nightclub, and kids’ club.
8. Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach
Advantage
Standard rooms of 70 square meters; are among Miami’s largest and most luxurious.
Excellent beachfront
The aquamarine kids club is excellent and educational.
Free access to the ESPA spa facilities, one of the best in Miami
Four beautiful swimming pools, some for adults and others for children.
Some of the best services in Miami
Free and fast WiFi in the rooms
Cons
There is no nightlife around the hotel.
The intercostal rooms face a noisy and crowded street.
$100 pet fee
Summary
Four pools, great Italian cuisine, a luxury spa, 98 huge modern rooms, and some of the best service in Miami: this is the best hotel in Sunny Isles. This is a wonderful luxury choice for families looking to stay in a quiet beach cot.
9. Boca Beach Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Advantage
Gorgeous oceanfront location with a half-mile of private beach
Three large pools with loungers and palm trees, including a lap pool
Large, modern rooms with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and iPod docks
Expansive 24-hour fitness center and 24-hour room service
Variety of ocean-view restaurants and bars on-site
Shuttle boat available from sister property Boca Raton Resort
Bungalows available with kitchens and private patios
Cons
Daily internet fee, gym access, and other guest services
No meals included
Summary
La Boca Beach Club sits on a half-mile stretch of private beach on South Florida’s Gold Coast. With three pools on-site, there are plenty of places to relax in the sun or take a dip. There is also a shuttle boat that transports guests between the Boca Beach Club and its sister hotel, the Boca Raton Resort, which offers more dining options, a spa, and a host of activities. Rooms are light and airy, with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi. The Boca Beach Club tacks on a nightly resort fee for internet, fitness center, and other guest access services, though many inviting oceanfront restaurants and bars are on-site.
10. Sand Pearl Resort
Advantage
The hotel is right on the beach, on the site of the historic Clearwater Beach Hotel.
Several restaurants on-site, including an upscale seafood restaurant, a casual poolside grill, and a cafe
Deluxe rooms decorated in Old Florida style, with twice-daily housekeeping
Amenities include a spa, yoga classes, and a nightly beachfront fire pit
Kids’ club available daily during the summer and on weekends during the winter
Outdoor pool overlooking the water, with children’s area and private cabanas available
Cons
The nightly resort fee does not include using beach chairs and umbrellas.
Valet parking for a fee only.
Some guests have complained that service and attention to detail must be revised to luxury hotel standards.
Summary
Sandpearl Resort is a 253-room luxury hotel located directly on the white sands of Clearwater Beach and is popular with families, couples, and corporate meeting groups. The waterfront restaurant, Carretta on the Gulf, is the area’s only Four Diamond restaurant, and guests rave about the food. In addition, the room has the best panoramic views overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, with spectacular sunsets every night.
11. Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort
Advantage
Quiet, scenic location on a 1,000-foot private beach
Eco-friendly seagrass netting offshore to keep the beach clean
Private two- and three-bedroom townhouse-style units with large balconies and ocean views
Many hotel amenities, including three pools (one for adults)
Water sports rentals are available on the beach
The private marina where boat trips are offered
Butterfly Café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Oceanfront tiki bar offers a great place to have a cocktail with a view of the water
Some rooms have full-size kitchens
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Cons
Will guests have a car to explore outside the resort and surrounding islands
No spa on the property, though massage appointments are available
Not all rooms have updated shower heads and bathroom fixtures
Room service is not served 24 hours a day (limited hours)
Rates go up during holidays and the high season
no valet parking is available
Summary
The Tranquility Bay Beach House Resort is spread across 12 oceanfront acres in the Florida Keys. It is a collection of luxurious Victorian-style homes divided into two- and three-bedroom suites with full kitchens and water views, while some rooms don’t have a sea view. The property is ideal for families on vacation, with a private beach, three pools (including one for adults only), and an array of on-site water activities. A beachfront bar is a picturesque spot to enjoy cocktails, but a car is necessary to explore outside the resort.
