Asian Deco sanctum
Dark teak and courtyard ponds replace classic South Beach pastels, creating a quiet East Asian counterweight to Collins Avenue.
“The Setai’s elite status really manifests itself in a talent for anticipating and fulfilling guests’ every desire.”
Where it shines
Remarkable
Three parallel infinity pools at graduated temperatures anchor Valmont spa rituals.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, The 50 Discovery, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
The Setai manages to set itself apart by being even more over-the-top than the competition.
“Its sleek, East-meets-West second act, headed up by Jean-Michel Gathy, leans into the building’s art deco legacy while layering in rich Asian influences…”
“The Setai is unlike most hotels in its neighborhood, offering a mature, sophisticated alternative to the frenetic party-time energy of other properties.”
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Collins Avenue runs right outside, and the contemporary galleries of The Bass are a five-minute walk away.
The rooms
Suites in the 1930s wing hold black terrazzo soaking tubs, while glass tower suites look straight out over the Atlantic.
The infinity pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Three parallel oceanfront infinity pools step down toward the beach, kept at 75, 85, and 90 degrees.
The spa and gym
Spa suites look out over the ocean for Valmont bodywork, and the gym has polished teak floors.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Courtyard tables at Jaya host pan-Asian dinners with evening fire dancers. On the beachfront, Ocean Grill serves fresh seafood.
With its Asian-inspired, streamlined decor, The Setai, Miami Beach is a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star luxury oasis...
How it began
Heavyweight boxing champion Jack Dempsey opened the original Art Deco hotel on this site in 1937.
“It’s hard not to feel a wave of relaxation wash over you as you walk through The Setai’s two-story, zen-inspired lobby, which uses elements…”
Good to know
Stay here
The Setai, Miami Beach
See rooms and prices on Expedia or Booking.com.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
We may earn a commission when you book through Expedia or Booking.com. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
Miami Beach
More like this
1 Hotel South Beach
“Biophilic beachfront oasis”
Delano Miami Beach
“Restored oceanfront heirloom”
The Villa Casa Casuarina
“Gilded palazzo spectacle”
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
“Lapidus landmark revival”
Hotel Greystone
“Art Deco roost”
Donatella Boutique Hotel
“Mirrored supper sanctuary”
The Shelborne By Proper
“Midcentury beachfront showpiece”
The Betsy Hotel
“Literary salon quarters”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.