Suite Life: The Best New Hotels In South Florida

So many new places to rest and rejuvenate, from Miami to Palm Beach.
AKA West Palm opens in December. Photo courtesy of AKA West Palm

By Beth Landman

The corridor from Miami to Palm Beach has become higher end and more in demand than ever, but fortunately, new hotels are opening to accommodate the surge of travelers.

AKA West Palm

Booming West Palm Beach will get a new hotel this season, and it’s perfect for those seeking long-term stays. AKA, which opens in December, will have accommodations from studios to two bedrooms that are more like residences, complete with kitchens and washer-dryers. Outposts of popular local spots Egg Bar and The Blind Monk will be opening on the property. 695 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach; stayaka.com

Tideline Ocean Resort & Spa

A new management team has made for a more seamless experience at this popular spot. The tranquil spa uses Yon-Ka and Biotone lines, and the infinity pool has just added a bar on Saturdays. The coastal cuisine restaurant Brandon’s overlooks the ocean, and there is a sushi bar, Mizu. 2842 S. Ocean Blvd., Palm Beach; tidelineresort.com

AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach

A location just minutes to the Fort Lauderdale airport but still steps to the beach makes this new hotel ideal for a quick getaway. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the ocean or Intracoastal Waterway in most rooms, and the fitness center has an outdoor deck. Tapas can be enjoyed in the AC Lounge or at the pool area, and hydration stations with filtered water and refillable bottles are scattered around the property. For a quick tour of the area, hop on a complimentary bike. 3029 Alhambra St., Fort Lauderdale; marriott.com/en-us/hotels/fllaw-ac-hotel-fort-lauderdale-beach/overview

Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

A renovation has given this newly branded boutique hotel a vibrant atmosphere and art deco flair. Aquaphiles will warm to its location between the ocean and Intracoastal, as well as pools in the courtyard and on the rooftop. If swimming isn’t your fitness option, there is a gym, along with yoga classes and complimentary yoga mats in each room. A new coastal Italian restaurant, La Fuga, has just opened, and the hotel is so pet friendly, the front desk will even provide amenities like water bowls, treats, leashes and waste bags. 2900 Riomar St., Fort Lauderdale; shorebreakfortlauderdale.com

Loews Coral Gables Hotel

A spa, pool with reservable cabanas, and fitness center with Pelotons are just part of the draw at the chic new sister of the famed South Beach resort. There are 23 luxury suites, including the Presidential, which boasts sweeping views all the way to Biscayne Bay. After sampling the signature dining room, Americana Kitchen, guests can step outside and enjoy the shops and restaurants at the newly developed The Plaza Coral Gables. 2950 Coconut Grove Drive, Coral Gables; loewshotels.com/coral-gables

Mayfair House Hotel & Garden

A two-year renovation has brought this spot to a new level, but the flourishing grounds still give it a bucolic feel—from the courtyard, filled with curated art and fountains, to the accommodations’ private terraces. Head to the pool for Caribbean food, drinks and live music. 3000 Florida Ave., Miami; mayfairhousemiami.com

Arlo Wynwood

The first hotel to open in the vibrant cultural district, this Meyer Davis-designed spot is a deal, with rooms starting at $239. The space has a modern industrial vibe, and features Brad Kilgore’s restaurant, MaryGold’s Florida Brasserie, as well as a bar with live music on weekends. 2217 NW Miami Ct., Miami; arlohotels.com

The Elser Hotel and Residences

The 49-story tower in downtown Miami is complete with a holistic spa and upcoming small plates restaurant by Jaguar Sun. A huge sundeck has water views, a 132-foot-long pool, day beds, a large lawn and charcoal grills for guests’ use. 398 NE 5th St., Miami; theelserhotel.com