Florida Staycation: 13 Design-Forward Hotels to Book Now

From maximalist murals to terrazzo-tiled lobbies, Florida’s hotel scene is in the middle of a design renaissance. Across the Sunshine State, hotels have become more than just places to stay—they’re immersive showcases of bold architecture, statement furnishings, and local artistry. Whether it’s a retro revival in Miami Beach or biophilic brilliance in Naples, these 13 standout properties prove that design isn’t just in the details, it defines the entire experience.

Decades of Deco – 100 Years of Art Deco Design

Miami Beach remains synonymous with Art Deco, where pastel façades, neon lights, and curved lines embody the glamour of the 1920s and ’40s.

• Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection – Originally designed in 1940 by Roy F. France and reimagined in 2018 by Bill Rooney Studio, this 357-room oceanfront property blends timeless Riviera-inspired elegance with modern luxury.

• The Gates Hotel South Beach – Built on the foundation of the historic 1954 Motel Ankara, this 235-room hotel retains its Googie architecture and pool deck while celebrating midcentury flair and tropical Art Deco accents.

• Balfour Hotel – Located in South of Fifth, the 82-room boutique hotel revives two historic Art Deco buildings. Designed by Bigtime Design Studios with Ennismore, it combines terrazzo flooring, herringbone wood, and locally inspired artwork.

• The Betsy – Family-owned and deeply rooted in the arts, The Betsy unites two historic buildings—the Betsy Ross Hotel and the former Carlton Hotel—through the striking “Betsy Orb.” Interiors by Allan T. Shulman and Diamante Pedersoli fuse landmark preservation with contemporary elegance.

Old Florida Charm

Evoking breezy verandas, white clapboard cottages, and swaying palms, Old Florida design is both nostalgic and timeless. These hotels embrace that relaxed elegance while adding modern flourishes.

The Goodtime Hotel – An adaptive reuse project by Ken Fulk and Raymond Jungles, the pastel-toned spaces blend 1920s optimism and 1950s allure. Highlights include the library, mural-filled lobby, and a 30,000-square-foot pool deck.

• The Marker Key West Harbor Resort – Located along the Key West Historic Seaport, this 96-room resort incorporates local art, installations, and sculptures while retaining crisp coastal architecture and airy interiors.

• SkyBeach Resort – On the southern tip of St. Petersburg, Charleston Bay Interiors brings neutral tones, warm wood finishes, and Gulf-inspired textures to a beachfront setting with firepits and banyan-shaded nooks.

• The Perry Hotel Naples – Designed by Casa Conde, this boutique property highlights industrial touches softened with nautical details and murals by Richie Blanko inside its Cantonese chophouse, Tigress.

• Pensacola Beach Resort – A modern coastal retreat with panoramic Gulf views, featuring a sand-and-sea-glass palette, a Tiki Bar, and Windrose restaurant celebrating Pensacola’s maritime culture.

Contemporary Cool

Sleek, stylish, and art-driven, Florida’s contemporary hotels combine minimalist palettes with bold artistic statements.

• The Elser Hotel – Rising above Downtown Miami, the hotel features interiors by Cotofana Designs and artwork by Paul Amundarain and Andrew Antonaccio, bringing local culture into its sky-high spaces.

• Arlo Wynwood – True to its neighborhood, the design includes large-scale works by Hoxxoh, MILAGROS Collective, and immersive installations. Its courtyard retreat, Higher Ground, is a lush, art-filled hangout.

• Hotel Effie Sandestin – In Miramar Beach, Hotel Effie blends modern coastal design with elegance. Spa Lilliana and the Ara Rooftop Pool & Lounge balance serenity with vibrant social spaces.

• Hotel Continental – A newly renovated Tapestry Collection property in Miami Beach, it honors its 1948 roots with retro-inspired rooms, curated art, and a MiMo-inspired pool beneath the original neon sign.

These 13 hotels highlight the creativity shaping Florida’s hospitality landscape. From restored Art Deco gems to contemporary cultural hubs, each property is an invitation to see design not as an afterthought, but as the heart of the experience.

For more travel and design inspiration, explore our Travel section.