• 1. Where to Stay
• 2. Where to Eat
• 3. What to Do
• 4. Insider’s Tip
• 5. An Oddball Day

Culebra Beach Villas.   (Photo: Lisa Selin Davis)

The Viceroy Miami just opened in February and is still offering an introductory rate of $199 a night. Kelly Wearstler’s iconic Hollywood Regency style graces the turquoise hotel rooms, the restaurant, and 50th-floor rooftop pool and lounge, while Philippe Starck conjures up more fantastical touches (chairs in the pool, oversize glass fireplaces, and human-size chess sets) at the infinity pool and spa–yoga studio.

The cheap and chic Riviera South Beach opened last December just off Collins Avenue and is discounting rooms 50 percent off the rack rates. The Art Deco hotel pays homage to Dorothy Draper with oversized two-room suites, including cowhide rugs, full kitchens, king-size beds, and ivory-leather queen sleeper sofas. The rate also includes an airport shuttle, beach access and chair service, poolside breakfast, and cocktail hour from 7 to 8 p.m.

Miami’s flamboyant Fontainebleau re-opened late last year after a billion-dollar redux (chandeliers crafted by Beijing artist Ai Weiwei, collages by Rauschenberg), but enjoy the Dubai-like excess from an ocean-view room starting at $237 if you pay in advance (get a balcony for an extra $50).

Published on Apr 23, 2009 as a web exclusive.