As summer heats up, so does the trend of staycations – vacations taken close to home that offer relaxation without the hassle of long-distance travel. According to Airbnb’s latest report, travelers across the U.S. are embracing spontaneous getaways, opting for nearby escapes that provide unique experiences without the stress of crowded tourist hot spots.
Among the trending destinations, South Florida stands out as a vibrant choice, offering everything from luxurious retreats to lively entertainment. Whether it’s a modern stay for large groups or a cozy hideaway near the iconic beaches, South Florida proves that you don’t need to travel far to enjoy a world-class vacation.
MIAMI
Arlo Wynwood
Arlo Wynwood is the first hotel in Miami’s preeminent creative and cultural district, home to the largest concentration of street art in the world. The 217-room, nine-story hotel serves as a cultural hub for locals while offering savvy travelers prime access to the best of the region, from trendy galleries to diverse culinary experiences and vivid nightlife. Arlo Wynwood also features more than 250 works of art throughout the property and offers guests complimentary wellness activities, weekly comedy shows, live music programming and more. Guests can bring their hotel room poolside to ART Wynwood, Miami’s hidden rooftop bar perched above the street art with stunning views of the bay. The rooftop’s crown jewel is its 76-foot-long heated pool surrounded by comfortable chaise lounges and private cabanas where guests can sip on handcrafted cocktails and savor delectable bites. Other property highlights include Higher Ground, an indoor-outdoor urban retreat for hotel events; the acclaimed omakase concept Sushi by Bou; and the new restaurant Wyn Wyn.
Packages & Special Offers: HERE
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Sunshine Savings – Florida residents receive up to 20% off room rates, complimentary parking, 2 p.m. late checkout (based on availability) and daily $15 F&B credit.
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Take It Off – Take 30% off stays through Labor Day ( rates from $139).
The Elser Hotel Miami
The Elser Hotel is a 49-story luxury tower in Downtown Miami featuring 646 residential-style rooms, including studios, one-bedrooms, and spectacular two- and three-bedroom suites, all with gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows, unobstructed bay views, walkout balconies, luxurious bathrooms for every bedroom, fully equipped kitchens, and washers and dryers. Families can appreciate the California-style closets, offering ample storage for clothing, luggage and more, as well as family-focused amenities for an stress-free stay. In partnership with itavi, a premium accredited child care service, The Elser provides families with reliable and safe child care during their stay. With its central location in Miami and close proximity to the Brightline train station, The Elser serves as the ideal home base for exploring all that Florida has to offer. With direct access to Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando, guests can easily extend their adventures while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a stay that feels like home.
The Elser’s two-story state-of-the-art gym is redefining wellness and longevity with an exclusive monthly series in partnership with BioHack Miami, a community-based wellness organization dedicated to enhancing the long-term health and vitality of Miami’s residents through the latest biohacking innovations. This dynamic event series offers attendees access to elite fitness training, groundbreaking biohacking treatments and hands-on health optimization experiences within The Elser’s 20,000-square-foot fitness complex and amenity deck overlooking Biscayne Bay. Tickets for upcoming events (including the one on July 29 from 4:30-8 p.m.) can be purchased via Sweatpals.
Packages & Special Offers: Exclusive Staycations – Florida residents are eligible for an exclusive offer of up to 25% off the nightly rate, applied at check-in.
Hotel Continental Miami Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Originally established in 1948, the newly renovated Hotel Continental, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton property, is a boutique lifestyle hotel in Miami Beach’s vibrant Mid-Beach district. The hotel blends retro-chic design inspired by Miami’s midcentury charm with modern traveler conveniences. The five-story, 100-room property is a unique and reminiscent getaway with curated art, custom furnishings and thoughtfully composed social spaces. Highlights include a 1950s Miami Modern (MiMo)-inspired pool; the vintage-inspired Mixer Lounge; Divebar, featuring a self-pour beverage wall; and Piola, the on-site pizzeria. One of the hotel’s standout features is a private 34-foot Chris-Craft Launch powerboat, available for scenic cruises, intimate gatherings or signature sunset charters. As part of the Hilton Honors program, Hotel Continental offers guests exclusive benefits such as digital check-in, members-only discounts and more.
Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club
Located along the iconic Beachwalk in the heart of Miami Beach, Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection is a luxurious oceanfront retreat that blends timeless sophistication with modern comforts. Originally opened in 1940 and thoughtfully redesigned in 2018 by Bill Rooney Studio, the property captures the glamour of the 1940s European Riviera with preserved art deco elements, including terrazzo floors, lush greenery, and a wraparound mezzanine overlooking the lobby. The hotel’s standout features include a resort-style family pool lined with palm trees and vibrant Miami pink accents, as well as a serene adult pool perfect for unwinding in private cabanas. Guests can enjoy direct beach access with towel and chair service, ideal for basking in the South Florida sunshine. Located adjacent to the hotel, the newly opened Donna Mare Italian Chophouse brings the soul of Italy to the heart of Miami Beach. Led by Executive Chef Luigi Iannuario, the restaurant blends Italy’s rich culinary traditions with a bold, modern flair, creating a dining experience that celebrates both heritage and innovation. Additional culinary delights at Cadillac Hotel include refreshing cocktails and bites at the Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill and gelato or a quick coffee at Il Merkato, the hotel’s Italian market and coffee bar.
Packages & Special Offers: Florida Resident Offer – Florida residents are eligible for an exclusive offer of up to 15% off the best available rate.
The Gabriel South Beach
Centrally located on Ocean Drive and directly across from South Beach, The Gabriel South Beach offers a boutique escape in the heart of Miami’s vibrant Art Deco Historic District. The 132-room hotel spans four buildings, blending midcentury modernism with quintessential Floridian style to create an oasis-like retreat. The lush courtyard pool, adjacent to the hotel’s outdoor eatery, provides a tranquil hideaway in the midst of the city’s bustling energy. Guests can also lounge by the showstopping glass-bottom pool, elevated six stories above the atrium, for an unforgettable experience. The fully equipped fitness center features free weights and state-of-the-art cardio machines, perfect for staying active during your stay. Dining options include Meet Dalia, offering a Mediterranean-inspired menu; That’s Amore, serving up Italian classics in an inviting atmosphere; and Alma Cubana, where guests can savor bold Cuban flavors. Adding a touch of artistic flair, the hotel’s Floridita Building showcases a striking 30-foot mural by renowned street artist Mr. Brainwash.
Packages & Special Offers: Florida Resident Rate – Save up to 10% off the best available rates when booking direct. Proof of residency is required at check-in.
The Gates Hotel South Beach
Located along the serene Collins Canal on Collins Avenue, The Gates Hotel South Beach is a tranquil retreat in the heart of Miami Beach, where the vibrant energy of South Beach meets a haven of wellness and sustainability. This 235-room hotel seamlessly combines midcentury-modern interiors with art deco-inspired architecture, offering locals and visitors an immersive Miami Beach experience. Guests can relax on the expansive first-floor deck, overlooking the sparkling pool and canal, or enjoy custom double-sided cabanas designed for ultimate sun-soaked leisure. For those seeking rejuvenation, the hotel’s partnership with K’Alma Spa provides in-room massages and wellness treatments or services on the third-floor Plunge Deck, creating a personalized wellness experience. The Gates Hotel also boasts pristine beach access and proximity to Miami Beach’s most iconic destinations, including Lincoln Road, the Bass Museum and the Miami Beach Convention Center. Its programming caters to art, culture and design enthusiasts, offering a stay that blends relaxation with cultural discovery.
Packages & Special Offers: Florida Residents Rate – Receive up to 20% off the best available rate.
The Goodtime Hotel, Miami Beach, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
The Goodtime Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is a boutique hotel located in a central, historic section of South Beach. Designed by internationally acclaimed designer Ken Fulk, the seven-story property spans an entire city block and comprises 266 stylish rooms, including a luxurious specialty suite. Conceived as a collection of intimate spaces, it offers a transportive, escapist retreat with Instagram-ready moments at every turn. The hotel’s centerpiece is Strawberry Moon, a 30,000-square-foot, high-energy pool club named for the full moon that occurs closest to the summer solstice. Inspired by vintage Miami glamour, the pool deck is dappled with scalloped cabanas and a pastel palette of mint, coral and pink. Guests can take in the scene while enjoying the hotel’s signature weekend pool parties hosted by top DJs. For a quiet escape, the hotel’s library offers a cozy space to relax, or guests can choose from a selection of rejuvenating spa treatments available in-room or on the pool deck. Just a few blocks away, The Goodtime Beach offers a dedicated area where guests can lounge by the Atlantic Ocean. Centered on the simple state of having a good time, The Goodtime Hotel is your universal passport to an unforgettable South Beach experience.
The Betsy South Beach
Recognized as a Michelin Key hotel, The Betsy is a family-owned and -operated luxury oceanfront resort within South Beach’s Art Deco Historic District. The celebrated 130-room boutique hotel opened in March 2009 following a complete restoration of the historic Betsy Ross Hotel; in December 2016, it underwent a groundbreaking expansion, merging with the former art deco Carlton Hotel. The Betsy is home to LT Steak & Seafood, helmed by award-winning Chef Laurent Tourondel, and The Piano Bar, which is widely regarded for its live jazz. The hotel also boasts a property library, a 3,200-square-foot rooftop complex with a swimming pool, and nearly 25,000 square feet of special event space. Known as a world-leading literary hotel, The Betsy offers jazz nine times a week, classical music pop-ups, major art exhibitions, poetry readings, and a renowned artists-in-residence program that has hosted more than 1,000 writers and creatives. Public art includes “The Betsy Orb,” an egg-shaped architectural masterpiece that also serves as a functional bridge connecting the hotel’s two buildings, and “The Betsy Poetry Rail,” a poetry installation etched into metal by water jets celebrating 12 poets that shaped Miami history and culture. The Betsy’s hospitality motto is “Expect no more. This is happiness.” These words were penned by Hyam Plutzik (1911-62), father of hotel owner Jonathan Plutzik and a three-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry whose literary legacy inspires The Betsy hospitality.
KEY WEST
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort
The Marker Key West Harbor Resort provides the ideal escape for a luxurious and relaxing staycation. Located in a peaceful enclave near the Historic Key West Harbor, the resort is just steps from Duval Street’s lively atmosphere and the iconic Mallory Square. Inspired by the famous “end of the road” photo op, The Marker is a modern waterfront retreat where guests can leave the mainland behind and fully embrace the laid-back Key West lifestyle. Surrounded by lush tropical grounds, the resort features three sparkling pools, including a tranquil adults-only serenity pool that hosts complimentary yoga every Saturday morning. Guests can unwind in chic chaise lounges or retreat to plush daybeds for shaded comfort. Dining alfresco is a delight at the open-air restaurant and bar, while those seeking adventure can take advantage of The Marker’s partnership with Fury Water Adventures for activities such as snorkeling and sunset cruises. Each of the resort’s 96 guest rooms offers spacious, luxurious accommodations with private balconies and thoughtful Key West-inspired details. For extended stays, The Marker Residences provide an elevated level of comfort and exclusivity. Florida and Georgia residents can save up to 20% off the best nightly room rate and indulge in two complimentary welcome drinks. Additionally, The Marker honors the community’s heroes with its exclusive Salute to Service package, featuring a selection of thoughtful perks designed to create an unforgettable Key West experience.