Top 10 Florida Hotels for Fun in the Sun

Known for year-round sunshine and warm weather, Florida boasts some of the best hotels with opulent views and sun-decks made for maximizing relaxation and getting that golden-brown, sunkissed look.

So slip on your most Insta-worthy swimsuit, stock up your beach-tote with sunscreen and head over to one of Florida’s coolest lifestyle hotels to take your sun-basking to a whole new level.

Here are 10 of Florida’s best hotels for basking in the sun.

The Elser (COMING SOON!)

The Elser Hotel & Residences is an all-new luxury 646-room hotel in Downtown Miami set to open this fall. The 49-story tower captures all the energy of the city with innovative design and a community-driven approach. Travelers can seek refuge on the hotel’s 19,000-square-foot sun deck, offering pristine views of FTX Arena, MacArthur Causeway and iconic South Beach. The space features a 132-foot-long pool with a large area for sunbathing on relaxing daybeds and chaise lounges. Overhead, there’s a showstopping 16-foot LED screen, which will showcase music videos, movies and sporting events, bringing the area to life. The sun deck also includes eight charcoal grills, an outdoor bar and an expansive event lawn, serving as the ultimate destination for outdoor celebrations with unparalleled waterfront views. At the corner of the lawn space, the mesmerizing mural by Jeffrey Noble radiates feel-good vibes with the inclusion of the palm trees and poolsides that have made Miami a coveted destination for generations.

Address: 398 North East 5th Street Miami, FL 33132

Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

Opening on October 24, Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is a boutique resort located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale channeling an elevated and vibrant atmosphere with art deco flair. Those looking to tan under the sun can pick between the hotel’s two crystalline pools. The courtyard pool is a lush, tropical oasis best fit with a cocktail in hand as you catch the UV rays. Those looking to bronze away on the show-stopping rooftop pool and bar can do so with delicious cocktails and small bites all while soaking in the scenic views of the Yachting Capital of the World.

Address: 2900 Riomar Street Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33304

The Arlo Wynwood (COMING SOON) 

Located in the heart of Wynwood, The Arlo Wynwood features a rooftop pool deck,  offering guests unparalleled 360 degree views of the city, perfect for catching  that toasty tan. Whether you’re drawn by the views, the art, the 80-foot pool, refreshing craft cocktails at the poolside bar, or privacy in one of the four cabanas, the rooftop is a sun-kissed paradise and the perfect backdrop for your next tanning day.

Address: 2217 Northwest Miami Court, Miami, FL 33127

The Balfour Hotel 

An elevated, plunge pool with an underwater window provides the perfect Instagram shot of swimmers behind the glass wall. Terracotta mosaic tiles, chaise lounges and ratan lounge seating invite guests to sunbathe and enjoy the seasonal rotations of refreshers including frozen grapes and fruit smoothies. For a more exclusive sun-basking experience, guests can head to one of the two sundecks located on the top floor of the hotel to revel in South Beach’s panoramic views.

Address: 350 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, Fl 33139

The Gabriel South Beach

The Gabriel South Beach is a boutique property located on Ocean Drive in South Beach. Featuring lush landscape to create a tranquil retreat in the midst of a bustling city, the hotel’s two onsite pool decks overlook South Beach’s pristine shoreline. Guests can lounge by the highly anticipated rooftop glass-bottom pool situated six stories above the open atrium as well as the oasis pool in the courtyard adjacent to the hotel’s outdoor eatery and bar. Offering a relaxing ambiance, the pool decks feature custom woven lounge chairs made from metal and rope; daybeds; umbrellas; and custom long-bench seating with a wooden base lined with brightly colored pillows against white plush cushions. Peacock metal-wire lounge chairs as well as custom lacquer and wooden side tables accent the deck for a vintage touch.

Address: 640 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Shelborne South Beach

Originally built in 1940, The Shelborne was designed by famed Art Deco architects Igor Polevitsky and Thomas Triplett Russel. The property houses an iconic Art Deco pool, with traditional South Beach nostalgia. The sparkling pool is equipped with an original 1950s diving board with poolside cabanas, making it the ideal sun-bathing experience. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the warm ocean breeze while basking in the South Beach sun.

Address: 1801 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Fl 33139

Hotel Effie 

At Hotel Effie, grab the best seat on the resort for sun-basking at its Ara Rooftop Pool and Lounge, the only rooftop pool on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Relax by the pool while enjoying hand-crafted cocktails, delicious food, and convenient poolside service. Once you achieve your sun kissed look, retrieve to take a break under the shade of the luxurious, private cabanas. With panoramic views overlooking Sandestin, The Village of Baytowne Wharf and Choctawhatchee Bay, this is definitely the place to see and be seen.

Address: 1 Grand Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach, Fl 32550

THesis Hotel

The sun-filled rooftop pool at the Thesis Hotel is an oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle. Set on the third-floor, the pool sits above a beautiful canopy tree overlooking Coral Gables. With great views and a poolside bar, it is one of Coral Gables’ finest hotel pools to refresh, relax and lounge under the sunshine.

Address: 1350 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, Fl 33146

Hillsboro Beach Resort

Hillsboro Beach Resort is known for its breathtaking poolside ocean view, perfect to catch the UV rays. The pool area is tucked between the resort and the soft South Florida sand creating an open air oasis lined with comfy lounge chairs for travelers looking to bronze under the sun. While tanning, guests can cool off in the crystal clear water or take a post-tan nap under the umbrellas.

Address: 1159 Hillsboro Mile, Hillsboro Beach, Fl 33062

The Marker Key West Harbor Resort

Listed as the #1 hotel in the Florida Keys by Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice, The Marker Key West Harbor Resort boasts three crystalline saltwater pools with an open-air restaurant and bar for al fresco dining. The Key West sun is no joke so after tanning to your golden color, retreat under the umbrellas in a relaxing lounge chair and sleep away the day. Those looking for tranquility can escape to the adult only serenity pool and tan those lines away.

Address: 200 William St, Key West, FL 33040

Florida is calling if you’re primed and ready for a winter vacation. Now’s the time to book fun in the sun!