A Showdown Among the Three W Hotels in Greater Miami: Miami vs. South Beach vs. Fort Lauderdale

In the U.S., it's common to find several W Hotels in one region. For instance, there are two in Los Angeles, two in Chicago, and two in New York.

And then there's South Florida, featuring three locations: the W Miami, W South Beach, and W Fort Lauderdale.

While it's straightforward to differentiate a W from a St. Regis or Ritz-Carlton, choosing between various hotels within the same brand can be challenging. Even though they are all W Hotels, each South Florida location provides a uniquely distinct experience for guests.

To assist you in finding the perfect match for your travel preferences, we'll compare each of the Greater Miami W Hotels side-by-side, examining factors such as location, accommodations, amenities, and more.

Your Beginner's Guide.

Location

The three properties are situated in distinct neighborhoods. One isn't necessarily superior to another; it all depends on the vacation experience you desire.

If you're seeking the vibrant South Beach party scene, the W South Beach is unbeatable. Its prime beachfront spot on the main strip puts you close to luxury hotels like The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, the Delano, and the SLS, along with numerous restaurants and clubs nearby. It's approximately 30 minutes from Miami International Airport (MIA) and about an hour from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

For a beachfront experience without the hustle of South Beach, the W Fort Lauderdale is an excellent option. It offers beach access alongside plenty of shopping and dining choices, but with a more relaxed vibe compared to South Beach. It's about 20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and roughly an hour from Miami International Airport, depending on traffic.

If being right on the beach isn't a priority, the W Miami is a fantastic choice. Nestled in the Brickell neighborhood of Downtown Miami, it’s perfect for those looking to avoid the party scene and mingle with locals. The area boasts excellent dining, nightlife, and entertainment options, plus it's closer to popular spots like Wynwood and Little Havana. Miami International Airport is around 20 minutes away by car, while Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is about 45 minutes distant.

Rooms

The rooms may share similar names across different locations — such as Wonderful, Spectacular, and Fabulous — but each one is distinctly unique.

In late 2020, the W South Beach's rooms were completely revamped from a darker, "clubby" aesthetic to a more elegant design that mirrors the hotel's coastal ambiance. They now showcase a mainly white palette, modern furnishings, and vibrant accents like green chairs and pink rugs. Each room features a spacious balcony with ocean views.

The W Fort Lauderdale features appealing rooms that were updated in 2017, embodying the fresh, vibrant W style. These rooms showcase a beach-inspired blue and white color scheme, with most including balconies. If you're planning to share with friends, keep in mind that the bathroom is separated by a curtain rather than a door.

Rooms at the W Miami are notably spacious, starting at 440 square feet for standard options, but they also have a more outdated feel. They are designed with an Asian influence, featuring a striking celadon color scheme, foo dog-shaped lamps, and artwork depicting cranes. Every room includes a balcony and small kitchenettes equipped with dual electric burners, microwaves, and minifridges, giving them a home-like ambiance.

Amenities

Although the Miami location has somewhat limited amenities, both the South Beach and Fort Lauderdale properties offer a broader range of facilities. However, South Beach stands out in this regard.

The South Beach property boasts one of Miami's trendiest pools, featuring a contemporary design with sleek black-tiled raised edges, complemented by chic loungers and cabanas. On weekends, a DJ typically sets the scene, but for those seeking tranquility, there's a secluded adults-only pool.

If you're in the mood for exercise, you can opt for the fitness center, use the on-site tennis or basketball courts, or borrow a bike from the hotel. After your workout, unwind at the new 9,000-square-foot Away Spa. Plus, the beach is just a short walk away, where guests can enjoy complimentary beach chairs.

The W Fort Lauderdale also features a vibrant pool scene, complete with a DJ spinning tracks on weekends. Similar to the South Beach location, there’s an additional pool for guests seeking a more peaceful environment. Additional amenities include a spacious fitness center, an on-site spa, and complimentary bike rentals. Guests enjoy free beach chairs and umbrellas as well.

Many of the amenities at W Miami are shared with the Icon Brickell apartment complex. The standout feature is a sprawling 15th-floor deck that includes three pools: a wading pool, a sizable hot tub, and a lap pool. While there is a small gym exclusively for W guests, a much larger facility can be found in one of the Icon Brickell buildings. The W lacks its own spa, but a large one is available at the Icon. Additionally, there is no beach access, bike rentals, or fitness classes offered here.

Food and beverage

This is one aspect where the W Miami really lags behind. There’s no upscale restaurant or lively lobby bar with DJs performing at night. Instead, you’ll find a casual dining spot and a small coffee shop in the lobby.

In contrast, the W South Beach is a paradise for food enthusiasts. It boasts five dining and drinking venues, including the signature Wet Bar and Grille located on the pool deck. Additionally, there's the Living Room Bar in the lobby, Irma's (an outdoor bar named after the notorious hurricane of 2017, crafted from storm debris), a Miami branch of the upscale NYC Chinese restaurant MR. CHOW, and The Restaurant at W South Beach, also known as RWSB.

The W Fort Lauderdale features a variety of bars and dining options. Highlights include the hotel's signature restaurant, Steak 954, the Mexican venue El Vez, a quick-service breakfast station outside El Vez, a sushi bar (currently closed), an elegant lobby bar, and a poolside bar. Additionally, while not officially part of the hotel, there’s a laid-back vegan restaurant called SoBe Vegan located at street level in the residential tower.

Price

The W Miami and W Fort Lauderdale are classified as Category 6 properties within the Marriott Bonvoy program, requiring 40,000 points for an off-peak award night, 50,000 for a standard night, and 60,000 for a peak night. They qualify for the up to 85,000-point free-night certificates available at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels (some may have resort fees) that come with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card for standard and off-peak nights. On the other hand, the W South Beach is a premier Category 8 property, with standard award nights priced at 85,000 points, off-peak at 70,000, and peak nights reaching an astonishing 100,000 points.

In terms of cash rates, the W Fort Lauderdale generally offers the most affordable option, with room rates starting around $240 per night, but often increasing to approximately $350 during peak periods. The W Miami typically ranges from $300 to $400 per night, while the W South Beach can cost between $500 and over $1,000 per night.

Regardless of whether you pay with cash or points, there’s a daily resort fee of $40 when staying at the South Beach and Fort Lauderdale locations. The W Miami, however, does not charge a resort fee. Here’s a summary of the fees:

Bottom line

The W South Beach meets all the criteria for a perfect Miami getaway. Nestled directly on the beach in a more upscale area of South Beach, it features stunning new rooms and a wide array of amenities and dining options. However, it is also the priciest of the three.

The W Fort Lauderdale serves as a more budget-friendly option while still providing a comparable experience, featuring stylish rooms, an energetic pool scene, and numerous amenities. Located about an hour from central Miami, it offers both advantages and disadvantages but still provides beach access along with plenty of dining and nightlife choices nearby.

The W Miami is designed for a particular type of traveler. It's perfect for those seeking a more local vibe rather than a beach-focused stay. Situated in the heart of Brickell, there’s an abundance of attractions in the area, although the hotel has a more boutique atmosphere with fewer on-site dining options and amenities compared to the other properties.

Ultimately, the ideal W property for your Miami getaway depends on your personal preferences. In fact, the W brand may not suit everyone. No matter which of these locations you choose, you’ll be in a fantastic destination with warm weather year-round.

For a closer look at each property, check out:

• All grown up: A look at the newly renovated W South Beach
• Not your typical W: Insights on the W Miami in Brickell
• Stylish beachfront retreat: A review of the W Fort Lauderdale