The 3 Coolest Hotels in Miami

With an array of hip hotels as vast as the ocean it overlooks, choosing the coolest three hotels in Miami is a difficult task. However, there are a few that stand out from the crowd in terms of ambiance, amenities and dining. While not inexpensive, these choices present a chance to have a vacation experiencing true Miami chic.

The third coolest hotel in Miami is the Hotel Victor. Located in the heart of throbbing Ocean Drive, the Victor celebrated its opening in true coolness with a vodka bar made of ice. To top off the scene, penguins were flown in to dance alongside P. Diddy into the night. This really happened. Such over the top events are common on South Beach, but the Hotel Victor manages to take the cake.

Steps from the beach, the Hotel Victor is also walking distance from a large array of restaurants and nightclubs. On site is the ultra chic Vix restaurant. Combining food and art, Vix is becoming a standout in a city already packed with renowned restaurants. The hotel is rounded out by Spa V, an oasis of workout and massage.

The second coolest hotel in Miami is the Delano. A famed home away from home to the stars, the Delano never fails to disappoint. Dressed in minimalist Philippe Starck chic, the Delano incorporates whimsical elements to complete the ideal beach wonderland. Bungalows adjacent to the never ending pool present a way to vacation like a movie star for those willing to bust the budget.

From the vibrant lobby to the casual pool bar, the Delano is packed with the beautiful people of the world who jet in to see and be seen. Dining options range from a boutique sushi bar to the famed Blue Door where the setting is almost as captivating as the food itself. Agua spa presents an idyllic setting to work off the previous night's excess. Located on the beach, the Delano combines the best of everything South Beach has to offer.

And, the coolest hotel in Miami is The Mandarin Oriental. Located off the beach, that didn't stop the Mandarin. They built their own beach on the gentle waters of the Bay of Biscayne. On Friday nights this private beach hosts a party which attracts all the Miami characters you read about in the tabloids. The Mandarin Oriental manages to maintain its well known class while adding a healthy dose of Miami hedonism.

Ideally located on Brickell Key, its location puts both the ocean and downtown within easy reach. Never to be outdone, The Mandarin boasts Azul which has become not only the best restaurant in Miami but one of the top rated dining establishments in the world. The pampering service provided by The Mandarin at its locations throughout the world is evidenced in Miami by its towering spa which includes seventeen private treatment rooms. To top it off, when one does desire to visit the ocean the Mandarin provides access to the former Versace Mansion where you can sip your mojito poolside rubbing elbows with the stars.

Among the plethora of hip hotels in Miami these are the stars. You can not go wrong with any of these three, but be warned that a weekend living the Miami chic life won't come cheap. Coolness does have its price.