The stunning 312-room W South Beach -- located on the beach, on the northern outskirts of South Beach -- blends cute comforts, intricate design (that spares no expense), and flawless service. Large, modern rooms; terraces angled to overlook the ocean; elegant landscaping around the pool; a lush Bliss spa -- the W tops the Miami greats.

Paradise doesn't come cheap. Striking but sober mood-lit design; impeccable service; huge, immaculate rooms; three pools, each a different temperature; and a prime beachside location make the Setai one of the best hotels in Miami. Its restaurants are more about design than food, but several of Miami's best restaurants are just half a block away.

The 100-room Hotel Breakwater's highlight is its location -- on Ocean Drive, across the street from the most popular area of the beach (however, proximity to Ocean Drive's restaurants and bars can mean noisy nights). The hotel takes up two adjacent towers, one of which is in the former Edison Hotel building. Rooms all feature handsome, modern yet minimal decor -- crisp white bedding with avocado-green throws, sepia-toned photographs, dark patterned carpets, and streamlined furniture. The rooftop lounge (where a Calvin Klein underwear ad was shot) is a popular nighttime spot, and the pool (though small) is sleek, and has views of the ocean.

Debuting in 2009 and designed by Marcel Wanders, the off-the-beach Mondrian is as stylish as its party-centric South Beach siblings, the Delano and Shore Club, but lacks the hyped-up clubbers. Its impeccable service, kitchen-equipped rooms, and notable after-parties at the Sunset Lounge draw well-heeled singles but also families seeking more than the PG-13 kitsch of most family hotels.

The Delano's 195 all-white rooms don't come cheap, but you're paying for surreal, Philippe Starck style and all-night parties at the "water salon." To some, its hip factor has been bested by the Gansevoort or Shore Club, but their style doesn't compare, and good times are still to be had.

The beachfront Shore Club prides itself on being a be-seen haunt, with celebrity-fueled restaurants and bars, and a boisterous infinity pool where DJs spin the latest hits. But despite the hotel's party-focused image, the large rooms, attentive service, and beautiful design make for a relaxing stay.

The blissfully remote, adults-only (14+) Standard is about a mile from the beach, but it's still passionately hip. Though it skimps on service and has small, somewhat dingy rooms, it creates a low-key holistic haven by way of vintage furniture, outdoor bathtubs, a 24-hour pool, yoga retreats, and a world-famous (though overhyped) spa.

The chic Perry South Beach hotel (formerly the Gansevoort Miami Beach) is a bit removed from the action on the north edge of South Beach, but it still attracts hipsters and stylish families with its rooftop pool parties, attentive staff, large rooms, sexy David Barton gym, and beachfront location. It doesn't quite compare to its high-priced neighbors -- notably the W hotel -- but it's often a fair pick for the price. THE PERRY SOUTH BEACH WILL BE CLOSED INDEFINITELY STARTING APRIL 2013.

Literally a one-minute walk from the beach, this trendy boutique hotel -- like many others in the area -- caters to young, hip partiers. The lobby is decorated with a sleek black-and-white motif, the rooftop pool and bar are hopping late into the night, and house music plays throughout the property. The pool is tiny and the sexy see-through bathrooms aren't particularly kid-friendly, so families may want to consider the nearby Loews Miami Beach.

A self-proclaimed "art hotel," the beachside Sagamore boasts an impressive private collection of paintings, sculptures, photography, and even video art. But back to the hotel: The suites and bungalows are huge, and the SoBe location is prime. However, the pool is small and service is borderline negligent.