Welcome to Miami: Where to Stay for SoBe Wine & Food Fest

The Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival has erected those shining white tents on the beach, and is getting ready to welcome the masses and a cadre of culinary stars. Though it may be hard to tear yourself away from the food on Deco Drive (and we don’t blame you), we’ve got good news. Some of the best hotels are just a few sandy steps away. So pack your bag and don’t forget your bathing suit; we’re hitting South Beach this weekend. Here, a few of our favorite places to lay our heads after a long day drinking and dining in the southern sun.

Where to Stay

The James Royal Palm Hotel

The James Royal Palm is the latest in SoBe buzz. Having opened its doors in October 2012, the oceanfront spot has 179 guest rooms, 211 studios and suites, and more than 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space — plenty to suit any of your lounging needs. Conveniently located steps away from Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, you’ll never be more than few minutes from the beach or the festival. Though with two swimming pools, a beachfront restaurant, a poolside bar, a lobby lounge, and Renew, a full service spa, you might not want to leave. While you’re taking your morning stroll to the pool, make sure to take in the artwork on the walls – the hotel places an emphasis on support of the arts and has an impressively curated collection called “An Ocean Apart” on display. And though your eating schedule may be packed, make time to hit up the hotel’s two signature restaurants, chef Kris Wessel’s Florida Cookery and a second outpost of New York City’s popular CATCH by Top Chef winner Hung Hyunh.

The SLS Hotel

After a $45 million makeover, the SLS Hotel (right) is open for business. Perfectly located just a skip away from Lincoln Road, this chic and trendy spot has everyone talking. 140 guestrooms, 10 villas, and one penthouse designed by Lenny Kravitz (you know, the rock star…) are on offer at this mecca of modern luxury. Spend your days lounging at one of the two pools (we suggest the one with the statue of the rubber ducky, of course), throwing back cocktails at Bar Centro, or dining at one of the two restaurants. For those on an L.A. inspired sushi diet, there’s Miami’s first Katsuya by Starck and, of course, for those craving Latin flair, there’s The Bazaar by José Andrés.

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

Ready to be impressed? Head to the northern tip of Miami Beach to Bal Harbour, known for its pristine beaches, high-end shopping and restaurants, and the completely luxe AAA Five Diamond Award Winning St. Regis Bal Harbour. Starwood spent $700 million on the three tower, 243-room development and it was worth every penny. On entry, the dramatic crystal lobby draws in even the most seasoned jetsetter, while every room, poshly decorated, has a view of the ocean and spacious balcony on which to lounge. The Remède Spa boasts 14,000 square feet of space and some handy technicians; the two infinity pools give way to pristine beaches and a feeling of serenity.  Service here, including the St. Regis’ trademark butler service, is impeccable. Whims and wishes are granted in heartbeats. Still hungry after Burger Bash? Head to the excellent J&G Grill by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. (And be sure to try the spiced almonds at the bar!) 

The Betsy Hotel

Be transported to another world at The Betsy, a history landmark hotel and Small Luxury Hotel of the World. With just 61 rooms and suites, all with private beach views, the hotel feels intimate and removed from the sometimes hectic SoBe scene. Don’t let the lush scenery and white washed walls fool you though, The Betsy is located on prime real estate, sitting squarely on Ocean Drive. Start you day off at the Wellness Garden and Spa and treat yourself to a poolside massage. Spend the day on the beach or at the festival, then head up to the The Deck for a classic cocktail just as the sun sets over the Atlantic. Sit down for dinner at Laurent Touroundel’s BLT Steak and then move onto B Bar, a modern speakeasy. Sleep, wake, repeat.

The Four Seasons

The Four Seasons is a highlight of the Miami skyline, and located on Biscayne Bay, this posh property is a slight retreat from SoBe’s buzz. At 70 stories tall, the building is the tallest, not only in Miami, but in all of Florida. The AAA Five Diamond property has 221 deco-inspired rooms and suites with both ocean and city views, 2 gorgeous outdoor pools, 50,000 square feet of workout space (to burn off all the Latin food you’re eating), a 10-treatment room spa, and two delicious restaurants, Edge and Bahia. An oasis in a city that never sleeps, if you’re looking for sanctuary, this is it.