Get The Full Experience: 7 Miami Hotels To Stay At During Art Basel

These hotels are works of art…

The North American art event of the year is back and just a few weeks away! Like fashion week, but for artists, Art Basel is returning to Miami for its 21st year. Kicking off Dec. 6, this long weekend event showcases works from over 300 galleries worldwide and welcomes an eclectic crowd of curators, collectors, influencers, celebs and art enthusiasts. 

The thing about Art Basel is it is more than just an exhibit, but an immersive experience as the city of Miami comes together to create parties, fairs and more to celebrate the top fall event. Hotels are definitely part of that experience!

Here at Loop Magazine we’ve drawn up a list of standout hotels with their proximity to Art Basal’s location, the Miami Beach Convention Center and the accompanying parties in South Beach. Whether you are someone flying in or a local making it a staycation. these hotels will make sure you are in the middle of all the Basel action.

W South Beach

Fresh off a 30 million dollar renovation, W South Beach is ready to show off all it has to offer. With its waterfront location, guests have excellent views of the white sand, crystal blue ocean beaches that make the Florida city famous. If you aren’t a beach lover, that’s totally okay at this hotel. Its pool is decorated with orange and white striped decor that is as relaxing as it is Instagram-worthy. 

The pool is not the only thing that generates a serene feeling as the hotel is based around the American Riviera, so guests can step outside the exciting chaos of South Beach into a calming space. There’s a variety of rooms and studios, each decorated with whites and neutrals with a couple pops of color through pinks and greens. One can go as simple as a standard room or as luxurious as a space that comes with a full size kitchen, living room and a home theater. 

If extra relaxation and restoration is needed, check out W’s spa AWAY that is nearly 10,000 square feet and has a variety of therapeutic treatments, a beauty bar, yoga lessons and more. There’s also the renowned restaurants and bars that celebrate a variety of Tuscan and signature Miami cuisine, including Mr. Chow.

Plus, there are adorable Hello Kitty sculptures in front of the building, and a variety of recreational classes offered to guests! What more could one want? It’s also only 0.4 miles from the Miami Beach convention center, making for a short walk and even shorter car ride to all the action.

W South Beach
2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL
@wsouthbeach

Hotel Greystone 

Hotel Greystone has the character of its 1939 building origin, but elevated through its 2019 65 million dollar renovation. With its upgrade, Greystone still has its exterior of the famous 20th century architect, Henry Hohauser, but now features an art-decor interior with neutral pallets complimented with modern lighting fixtures and the occasional details of navy, salmon and other colors. 

This adult-only resort includes a rooftop pool, a French-Japanese fusion restaurant, and full access to the beach! All the roofs are spacious and some even have their own private hot tub on their balcony. 

The neighborhood loves Greystone for its cocktails and cuisine. Guests and non-guests rave about Sérêvène by Chef Pawan Pinisetti. Open from 6-11pm Thursday through Sunday, there’s a variety of options for guests to choose from. The fresh menu features items such as Beef Tartare and Ora King Sashimi. There’s specialty rotisseries, lamb cigars, Japanese green curry, and a selection of desserts! It’s the perfect way to end a day at Art Basel or pregame before going to some Art Basel parties. 

Hotel Greystone
1920 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL
@hotelgreystone

1 Hotel South Beach

Pet friendly, sustainable energy, farm to table food and so much more. 1 Hotel South Beach has everything a modern hotel could think of. This resort includes all the views and beachfront amenities. But don’t worry if you get tired of the sea, take your pick of one of the four pools this 1 Hotel offers. One is even adult only.

Take in Miami at the rooftop bar that offers Japanese cuisine and is lit up by twinkle lights in the evening. Relax at the Bamford Wellness Spa that has treatments developed in the English countryside. Maybe you need to sweat it out at Anatomy, the 14,000 square foot gym that also offers classes. 

0.6 miles away from Art Basel, this option is the perfect distance to be in the action but also retreat and take advantage of this luxury hotel if you need a little bit of a break.

1 Hotel South Beach
2341 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL
@1hotel.southbeach

Faena Hotel

One of the most luxuriously famous hotels in Miami is Faena Hotel. Immediately stepping into the lobby, guests are met with gold columns and walls decorated with murals of different life themes. The brand is all about having a Latin flare, causing there to be a variety of bold colors and animal prints in the common areas as well as the rooms. However, the rooms and suites are a little more subdued, making them practical for stays.

The Faena offers nightly live music from local artists at The Living Room. The hotel also has its very own theater! There’s also a restaurant for everyone. Open fire cooking is showcased at Los Fuegos by Francis Mallmann with interior design co-created by Baz Luhrmann, who directed The Great Gatsby and Elvis. Try Filipino inspired dishes with Pao by Paul Qui. Or experience outdoor dining at Veranda. 

What’s a five star hotel without a spa? The Tierra Santa Healing House is a 22,000 square foot space dedicated to various treatments and rituals to relax and rejuvenate guests. 

Everything about The Faena screams avant-garde luxury, including the iconic 24 carat gold Damien Hirst Mammoth sculpture. Located in Mid-Beach, it is 1.2 miles from where Art Basel is being held.

The Faena 
3201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL
@faena

The Gabriel South Beach

Another standout in Miami is The Gabriel South Beach. This space has pet friendly rooms, free wifi, beach chair rentals, beach bike rentals, and a supreme location in the Art Deco district. This historic building was built in 1937 but renovated in 2021, keeping its architectural character but now also featuring modern design.

Try a meal at the very Instagram worthy Meet Dalia, which serves Mediterranean cuisine in a space with floral wall paper and pink chairs. Or take a swim in the glass bottom pool! The Gabriel is part of the Hilton Curio Collection, creating an experience with top tier hospitality and relaxation.

The Gabriel South Beach is located 1.4 miles from Art Basel. Don’t confuse it with The Gabriel Downtown, which is quite farther from the convention center.

The Gabriel Miami South Beach
640 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL
@thegabrielsouthbeach

The Goodtime Hotel

If the name didn’t give it away, this hotel is nothing but good vibes. Co-owned by Pharrel Williams and nightlife entrepreneur David Grutman, The Goodtime Hotel has an enchanting aesthetic. The website states that this place is “your universal passport to a good time.” The whole concept revolves around “the simple state of mind” of being happy.

Patrons’ favorite thing about this spot is the decor. Tropical wallpaper and fabrics highlight the spaces as well as a variety of pastels, stripes and geometric designs that all come together to create a collage of interior design. It’s one of the most Instagram-worthy hotels on this list! 

The rooftop pool features world renowned DJs on the weekend. The center of the hotel is Strawberry Moon, named after a summertime eclipse, that is the central gathering point for guests with its renowned restaurant and swim club. The third floor has opportunities for meditation and other activities. There’s also a library and an outdoor gym.

Ready to have a good time not only at your hotel, but also Art Basel? The Goodtime Hotel is less than a 10 min car ride away from the convention center with a 1.7 mile distance. 

The Goodtime Hotel
601 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL
@thegoodtimehotel

Fountainbleau Hotel

Embodying the glam Miami vibes, the Fountainbleau Miami Beach on Collins Avenue is nothing short of iconic. Designed by architect Morris Lapidus in the 1950s, the hotel boasts 1504 contemporary rooms equipped with the best-of-the-best, including premium bedding, 20-inch HDTVs, luxe toiletries, bathrobes and more. Some rooms also have a kitchenette and a balcony with ocean views. The Fountainbleau also houses a whopping six outdoor swimming pools surrounded by private cabanas, direct beach access, nine restaurants, state-of-the-art fitness center and luxury spa.

For the party monsters, the Fountainbleau is also home to LIV nightclub, the moat lit spot on the Miami scene. During Basel, Tiesto, John Summit, Sofi Tukker and other top DJs will take over the decks. Keep your eyes out for A-List celebs. 

Fontainebleau Miami Beach
4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL
@fontainebleau