With World-Class Art, a Private Theater, and a Hollywood Pedigree, This Miami Hotel Is a Reader Fave

Faena Hotel Miami Beach isn’t just one of Magic City’s best hotels — it’s a master class in creating a destination that revolves around beauty, art, and relaxation.

Even in the world of luxury hospitality, it’s not uncommon for travelers to arrive at a property and immediately experience a touch of disappointment. Perhaps the glamorous photos they saw online didn’t accurately represent the setting. Or maybe a stuffy, lackluster atmosphere puts a damper on the entire getaway.

This is not the case at Faena Hotel Miami Beach — it’s the exact opposite. While the imagery on the website and across social media convey a bright, lively property with thoughtful touches throughout, the true magic of Faena only makes itself known to those who get the chance to visit in person. Only then can they begin to appreciate the web of interwoven details that bolster intimacy, curiosity, and celebration throughout the oceanfront hotel.

Part of Argentine hotelier, real estate developer, and art enthusiast Alan Faena’s highly curated collection of properties, the 179-room hotel feels both contemporary and deeply tied to a sense of place. It’s a specific, hard-to-achieve ambiance courtesy of Hollywood legends and theatrical design experts Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin. With their help, Faena brought the 1940s property, formerly the Saxony Hotel, into its current era — one that mixes history with art, fashion, and a dedication to all things avant-garde.

To some, the bold design choices — red velvet, leopard print, turquoise accents — and incredible modern art collection (including a gilded woolly mammoth by Damien Hirst) can be overwhelming. It’s a far cry from the muted tones and characterless features commonplace in other luxury properties. But I found this fearlessness allows guests, as general manager Said Haykal puts it, to find “a unique sense of escape and relaxation, surrounded by allure and comfort.”

“From the moment you step into Faena, you are immersed in a vibrant, artistic environment that blends our South American warmth with Miami's dynamic energy,” he tells Travel + Leisure. Instead of entering a traditional lobby, guests are welcomed to the “Cathedral,” an airy space with gold-leafed columns and floor-to-ceiling murals by artist Juan Gatti. Here, Faena finds an initial foothold on its quest to captivate visitors throughout their stay — and long after they’ve returned their room keys.

Read on for my full review of Faena Hotel Miami Beach and what you can expect when staying at this World’s Best Award-winning property.

Faena Hotel Miami Beach

• Faena Hotel Miami Beach is conveniently located slightly north of South Beach, providing guests easy access to the buzzing neighborhood and a reprieve from the vibrant nightlife.

• Photo-ready red and white striped umbrellas and loungers dot the 100,000-square-foot stretch of white sand beach directly in front of the hotel.

• Book a Premier Oceanfront Corner Suite if you want to go all in on your trip — it includes panoramic beach views, a spacious living and dining area, and Faena Butler service.

• Arrive hungry to Pao; Chef Paul Qui’s Filipino, Spanish, Japanese, and French-inspired menu showcases dishes that are worlds apart in theory (fried chicken and Hamachi sashimi) but seamlessly meld together, creating a truly unique and unforgettable culinary experience.

• On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, the Faena Theater brings contemporary cabaret show Allura to the stage to immerse guests in a universe of bright lights, upbeat music, and compelling burlesque and dance choreography.

The Rooms

Faena’s signature red isn’t a shade you’d typically associate with rest, yet its 179 rooms and suites — ranging from a 489-square-foot Bay View Room to the five-bedroom Penthouse Suite — are just as comfortable as fantastical. The guest experience differs depending on room sizes and accompanying views, but there’s a consistency in decor elements and amenities that all can appreciate.

Take the bathrooms, for example. Outfitted with elegant marble Ann Sacks tilework and exclusive products featuring Faena’s custom scent, they’re the kind of hotel bathrooms you can’t wait to get ready in before a night out. And if you’re staying in? The custom Art Deco-style wooden bed frames beckon. After lounging in the Florida sun, you’d be hard-pressed not to instantly fall asleep under the goose-down bedding.

Food and Drink

Faena’s culinary offerings, says Haykal, are “meticulously crafted, ensuring every meal feels like a special occasion.” There’s something for everyone on the property — and your best bet is to align what you’re looking for in menu, mood, and desired experience with the hotel’s dining options. If you’re searching for pre- or post-dinner drinks, The Living Room is an intimate, exclusive space for those who want to lounge on leopard-clad couches and listen to live entertainment, espresso martini in hand. Another good cocktail (preferably a frozen piña colada) can be found at Veranda or Sun Bar, both of which sit within steps of the pool.

For dinner, I highly recommend James Beard award-winning chef Paul Qui’s Pao, where the modern Asian menu has no faults. If you’re extra hungry, consider the chef’s tasting menus. Depending on your exact order, your tastebuds will be fully awake and satisfied in five to eight courses. There’s also Los Fuegos by Argentine grillmaster Francis Mallmann. The asado experience with an open-fire kitchen is another touchpoint for total Faena immersion. Or, for unparalleled exclusivity, there’s El Secreto Omakase, a speakeasy-style Omakase experience with six diners per seating. To round out your trip with yet another cocktail, head to Saxony Bar, an intimate late-night spot that oozes Miami Beach glamor.

Activities and Experiences

Part of Faena’s appeal lies in the fact that even if you never leave the property, you’ll still feel as if you’ve had a robust, decidedly Miami adventure. Guests hoping to spend time by the water have two options: beach or pool. I’d suggest getting to either on the earlier side, particularly if you want to snag your desired spot under the striped umbrellas. Butler service is available at both, so you can enjoy a club sandwich and a frozen cocktail while relaxing on a lounge chair or inside a cabana.

As the Miami sun goes down for the day, it signals that it’s time to shower, get dressed, and make your way to the Faena Theater, which is said to be inspired by “grand opera houses and the glittering allure of Old Hollywood.”

“Not every hotel can boast its own opulent theater, but at Faena, our iconic Faena Theater makes us unique,” says Haykal. Allura Cabaret, the theater’s resident show, hits the stage on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with awe-inspiring choreography, flashing lights, and a joyous spirit. Given its popularity, Haykal says the hotel is also working to expand predictions to “include a more diverse range of performances.” “In addition to our annual Jazz Series, we have unveiled a new comedy series, Masters of Comedy, featuring a roster of acclaimed comedians, as well as off-Broadway shows and other special performances with esteemed talent such as the legendary Ute Lemper and the queen of burlesque, Dita Von Teese,” he adds.

The Spa

“We want our guests to leave feeling rejuvenated and inspired, with a lasting connection to the unique spirit of Faena,” says Haykal. For me, that connection was solidified at the 22,000-square-foot Tierra Santa Healing House. In shorthand, this is Faena’s spa — but, in my experience, it’s a destination beyond treatment and relaxation rooms. Home to one of the largest hammams on the East Coast, the third-floor oasis was designed, in Alan Faena’s words, to “awaken consciousness and restore wellbeing.” Its treatment menu and design mirror the hotel’s larger narrative, encouraging guests to lean into the idea of transformation in whatever way they choose.

After changing into a Faena robe (white with red accents), I was introduced to my therapist, whose warm, calming presence was the first sign that my Sacred Warrior treatment wouldn’t be a run-of-the-mill massage. Combining the practice of pranic healing — a focus on balancing the body’s energy — with traditional massage and cleansing rituals, she led me through a 90-minute meditative and restorative session. As our time together drew to a close, the tension in my muscles completely disappeared, as did a heaviness in my chest I hadn’t even realized was there.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The hotel features several categories of mobility- and hearing-accessible guest rooms, from the Bay View Room to the Premier Oceanfront Junior Suite.

Sustainability is also top of mind for the hotel team. “Miami Beach is our home, and the ocean is our backyard. Protecting and caring for our beaches is crucial,” says Haykal. With that in mind, Faena removed single-use plastics from the pool and beach areas, opting to use biodegradable alternatives instead. Haykal says they are “working to implement [this] throughout the property.”

Location

Faena Hotel Miami Beach is located on historic Collins Avenue in the Mid Beach neighborhood. It’s one of the main characters in the community known as the Faena District. The hotel serves as the central hub, flanked by the event venue Faena Forum, the luxury condominium Faena House, and the shopping center Faena Bazaar. The Faena District is just 11 miles from Miami International Airport (MIA).

How to Get the Most Out of Your Stay

Faena Miami Beach offers guests various vacation packages that can help reduce the final bill at checkout. For instance, those booking in advance can save up to 20 percent off; guests planning to stay a little longer (four nights or more) can also take advantage of a 25 percent discount. Additionally, American Express cardholders receive a few other Faena perks, including daily breakfast, a $100 experience credit, late checkout, early check-in, and complimentary room upgrades when available.

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