South Florida

These hotel game-changers are remaking Miami tourism

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

Miami’s hotel scene is buzzing with transformation and innovation.

The revitalized Shelborne in Miami Beach honors its 1940 roots with renovated rooms, original architectural elements, and a vibrant new lobby bar. In Coral Gables, the newly opened Loews Coral Gables Hotel offers modern luxury with a rooftop pool, wellness-focused amenities, and standout dining options like Americana Kitchen.

Miami International Airport is preparing for the opening of a connected Westin hotel in 2027, featuring a rooftop restaurant and wellness-focused spaces. Meanwhile, Key Biscayne’s Ritz-Carlton and the Dream Hotel on the Miami River are embarking on major upgrades, with the latter adding nightclubs, restaurants, a marina, and a raw bar in partnership with Garcia’s Seafood Grille & Fish Market.

The view of the ocean at the glamorous Acqualina Resort & Residences in Sunny Isles Beach, which was just named the best hotel in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

NO. 1: LUXURY WATERFRONT HOTELS NEAR MIAMI BEACH JUST NAMED THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY

Miami-area hotels take top spots. | Published February 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Connie Ogle

The new MIA hotel will be connected by a pedestrian bridge to MIA’s North Terminal, Concourse D, where American Airlines is.

NO. 2: A NEW HOTEL IS COMING TO THE MIAMI AIRPORT. WHEN IS IT OPENING AND WHERE WILL IT BE?

What to know about the addition to the terminal. | Published February 22, 2024 | Read Full Story by Michelle Marchante

NO. 3: HEAD TO MIAMI’S CORAL GABLES TO FIND ELEGANCE IN YOUR NEXT FLORIDA GETAWAY

Escape the hustle of Miami and discover the serene charm of Coral Gables. From luxurious stays to top dining spots, your perfect getaway awaits. | Published July 31, 2024 | Read Full Story by Angela Caraway-Carlton

The waterfront terrace at the Peruvian restaurant La Mar by Gastón Acurio at the Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key in Miami.

NO. 4: THIS BRICKELL HOTEL IS BEING DEMOLISHED. HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING TO ITS POPULAR RESTAURANT

The hotel will close May 31. | Published January 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Connie Ogle

Rendering of planned Riverside Wharf Miami

NO. 5: IT WAS A SPOT TO PARTY ON THE MIAMI RIVER. NOW A HOTEL, CLUB AND RAW BAR ARE MOVING IN

See new renderings, learn of updated timeline for the new project. | Published February 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Vinod Sreeharsha

The Shelborne South Beach is undergoing an $85 million renovation. Above: The iconic Miami Modern-style hotel shown on Friday, March 28, 2014. By MARSHA HALPER

NO. 6: AN 85-YEAR-OLD HOTEL IN MIAMI BEACH JUST GOT A $100M UPGRADE. SEE WHAT’S NEW — AND OLD

“Our focus was on respecting the building’s storied past.” | Published February 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Vinod Sreeharsha

The Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne opened in 2001. By Chuck Fadely

NO. 7: A MAJOR MIAMI HOTEL IS CLOSING FOR A $100M REMODEL THAT WILL LAY OFF HUNDREDS OF WORKERS

Here’s the timeline for the changes to a signature resort. | Published March 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Vinod Sreeharsha

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.