The Setai, Miami Beach
Miami Beach, Florida
City Center
Vibe
Black granite and polished teak set a hushed tone, while palms and pagodas frame the central courtyard.
“Asian Deco sanctum”
Front desk staffing adapts instantly to arrivals; connected concierges tailor stays with discreet attention.
Seven treatment rooms, kobido facials and cold plunges complement reformer Pilates and beach yoga.
Black granite and polished teak create an Asian Deco sanctuary around a reflective courtyard.
On Collins Avenue at 20th Street, with Lincoln Road and the Bass Museum walkable.
“Even the smallest rooms, in the old Dempsey building, are huge, and the suites in the new tower are truly vast, many with views out to sea”
Rooms
In the newer Tower suites, floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of the Atlantic and the long stretch of South Beach.
“The Setai is unlike most hotels in its neighborhood, offering a mature, sophisticated alternative to the frenetic party-time energy of other properties.”
Wellness
Three guest-only infinity pools let you choose your temperature: 75°F for laps, 85°F for lounging and 90°F for families.
Backstory
The lobby flooring once belonged to Shanghai’s Old City, salvaged and transported brick by brick to Miami Beach.
Eat & drink
Jaya serves curries beside the courtyard’s nightly aerialist performances, while Jo’s Bar pours cocktails and Japanese whisky in the lobby.
The neighborhood
At Collins Avenue and 20th Street, you’re within walking distance of Lincoln Road and the Bass Museum.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.