Ultimate Guide: Where to Stay for the Miami Boat Show

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The Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show is the world’s largest boat and yacht event, attracting over 100,000 visitors in mid-February. The 2026 dates are February 11-15th. It spans multiple venues: on-land exhibits at the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) and Pride Park, plus in-water displays at downtown marinas like One Herald Plaza, Venetian Marina, Museum Park Marina, and an exclusive SuperYacht showcase at Yacht Haven Grande. With events spread between South Beach and Downtown Miami, choosing the right hotel location can elevate your boat show experience. Below we highlight the best luxury and mid-range hotels near each venue cluster – along with nearby upscale dining and nightlife – to make your stay unforgettable.

Staying Near the Miami Beach Convention Center (South Beach)

Staying in Miami Beach puts you walking distance from the MBCC’s on-land displays and lets you enjoy South Beach’s famous white sands, Art Deco architecture, and nightlife. In fact, thousands of hotel rooms – from boutique inns to luxury resorts – are within a 5–10 minute walk of the Convention Center. Here are top picks in the area:

1 Hotel South Beach (Luxury)

A 5-star oceanfront sanctuary known for its eco-chic design and rooftop pool. It’s just about a 10-minute walk from MBCC, offering convenience and stunning Atlantic views. Guests love its expansive fitness center and farm-to-table dining. Nearby Dining: The hotel’s own venues emphasize organic ingredients, and you're a short stroll from Lincoln Road restaurants and lounges.

W South Beach (Luxury)

A trendy 5-star resort only an 8-minute stroll to the Convention Center. The W offers a vibrant scene with a lush pool deck (WET®) and a Bliss® Spa. Many rooms have ocean-view balconies. Nearby Nightlife: The W’s lobby bar and on-site Wall Lounge (if open) are celeb haunts, and you’re a quick cab ride from the famous LIV nightclub at Fontainebleau – an iconic venue for nightlife.

The Setai Miami Beach (Luxury)

An ultra-luxe, Asian-inspired oceanfront hotel about a 7-minute walk from MBCC. It’s a tranquil haven with three infinity pools and a world-class spa. The Setai’s ambiance is serene and exclusive, perfect for yacht buyers seeking respite from the crowds. Nearby Dining: The hotel’s Jaya restaurant is acclaimed for its upscale Asian cuisine, and high-end steakhouses and cocktail bars in the South of Fifth district are a short drive away.

The Miami Beach EDITION (Luxury)

A sleek, modern 5-star resort about a 10–12 minute walk from the Miami Beach Convention Center. The EDITION blends Ian Schrager’s boutique design with resort-style amenities: a lush oceanfront pool deck, private beach access, and a chic indoor ice-skating rink and bowling alley. Its Matador Room restaurant by Jean-Georges is a culinary destination in itself, while the Basement nightclub offers an exclusive after-dark scene without leaving the property. Perfect for yacht buyers who want a balance of upscale relaxation and Miami’s vibrant nightlife energy.

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach (Luxury)

An iconic 5-star resort located directly on the ocean and just about a 10-minute walk from the Miami Beach Convention Center. This hotel combines classic Art Deco heritage with modern elegance, offering a full-service spa, oceanfront infinity pool, and exceptional club-level suites with personalized concierge access. Guests enjoy direct beach access and upscale dining at Fuego y Mar, plus signature cocktails at the stylish Lapidus Bar. The Ritz is ideal for Boat Show visitors seeking refined luxury, central South Beach convenience, and a timeless Miami experience.

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Upscale Dining & Nightlife in South Beach: You’ll be surrounded by options. For an iconic Miami meal, try Joe’s Stone Crab in the South of Fifth area – a century-old seafood institution famous for its stone crabs (expect VIPs in attendance). For a glamorous dinner, high-end spots like Pao by Paul Qui or Los Fuegos at the Faena District offer inventive Asian and Argentine cuisine in opulent settings. Whatever your taste, South Beach delivers upscale excitement after the boat show wraps each day.

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Staying Near Downtown Miami’s In-Water Venues (Herald Plaza & Marinas)

If your focus is the in-water exhibits – powerboats, sailing yachts, and superyachts docked at One Herald Plaza, Venetian Marina, and Museum Park Marina – you may prefer to stay on the mainland in Downtown/Edgewater. These venues cluster along Biscayne Bay by the Arts & Entertainment District, and several quality hotels are within walking distance. You’ll also be closer to Miami’s downtown dining scene and have a skyline backdrop to your stay.

Top Hotels Near the Downtown Marinas:

View from a luxury downtown Miami hotel overlooking Biscayne Bay.

Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay (4-star)

Location, location, location: this hotel is right next to the Venetian Marina/Sea Isle Marina, literally about 0.2 miles from some boat show docks. Many rooms have bay views, and the hotel connects to a marina walkway. It’s a solid choice for convenience – you can walk to One Herald Plaza exhibits in minutes. The Marriott offers a bayside pool and casual dining, and it’s adjacent to the DoubleTree Grand (with shops and restaurants).

The Elser Hotel & Residences (Luxury Lifestyle)

A sleek new addition to Downtown Miami, located less than a mile from the in-water Boat Show venues at One Herald Plaza and Museum Park Marina. The Elser blends the comforts of luxury residences with the service of a high-end hotel: spacious suites with full kitchens, private balconies with Biscayne Bay views, and access to a spectacular 19,000-square-foot sun deck with an infinity pool overlooking the skyline. Guests enjoy a state-of-the-art fitness center, cocktail lounges, and proximity to Bayfront Park, the Kaseya Center, and Downtown’s top restaurants. Perfect for yacht buyers and luxury travelers who want a modern, residential-style stay within steps of the marinas.

citizenM Miami Worldcenter (Upscale Mid-Range)

A vibrant, design-forward hotel located in the new Miami Worldcenter district, about a 7–10 minute walk from the Boat Show’s Downtown marinas at One Herald Plaza and Museum Park. citizenM is known for its smart luxury approach: compact yet stylish rooms with XL king beds, mood lighting, wall-to-wall windows, and iPad-controlled features. The hotel offers a rooftop pool with sweeping skyline views, a 24/7 canteenM restaurant-bar, and modern co-working lounges — perfect for yacht buyers and professionals who value convenience and tech-savvy comfort. Its location also puts you close to Bayside Marketplace, the Kaseya Center, and Downtown nightlife.

InterContinental Miami (Luxury)

Situated in Downtown Miami (about a 5-minute drive south of the marinas or a 12 min walk), the InterContinental is known for its grand lobby and bayfront location. It offers luxury rooms, a beautiful outdoor pool terrace overlooking Biscayne Bay, and multiple restaurants. This 34-story hotel is in the heart of the business district, close to Bayfront Park. It’s a fantastic stay if you seek high-end amenities and don’t mind a quick commute (~1.5 miles) to the boat show docks. Dining: On-site, Toro Toro restaurant serves acclaimed Pan-Latin steakhouse fare.

Upscale Dining & Nightlife Downtown: Downtown and nearby Brickell boast some of Miami’s top restaurants. Within walking distance of the marinas, Mignonette is a classy oyster bar perfect for seafood and champagne (rated 4.5 stars, ~0.6 miles away). Or stop by Miami Worldcenter, where you can find restaurants like Earls Kitchen + Bar and Serafina Italian, plus shops such as Lululemon, Ray-Ban, and Starbucks. For a power dinner, Zuma at the Kimpton EPIC Hotel is a go-to, serving high-end Japanese cuisine in a chic riverfront setting. Craving Latin flavor? CVI.CHE 105 offers renowned Peruvian fare (ceviche and pisco sours) in Downtown. After dark, you can find sophisticated nightlife: sip cocktails 40 floors up at Sugar, the rooftop bar atop EAST Miami in Brickell, or relax at Area 31 (on the 31st floor of the EPIC) with skyline vistas. If you’re looking for a late-night scene, E11EVEN Miami – a 24/7 nightclub/cabaret – is a few blocks from Herald Plaza and popular among celebrities and yacht enthusiasts for an over-the-top night out. And for a more laid-back evening, stroll to Bayside Marketplace marina (about 1 mile from the show) for live music, casual bites, and water views.

Where to Stay for the 2026 Miami International Boat Show

Where should I stay for the 2026 Miami International Boat Show?

For the downtown marinas, stay at the waterfront Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay, residential-style The Elser Hotel & Residences, or design-forward citizenM Miami Worldcenter. For the Convention Center in South Beach, choose oceanfront luxury at The Miami Beach EDITION, serene The Setai, Miami Beach, or the iconic Ritz-Carlton, South Beach.

What VIP amenities do Miami’s luxury hotels offer during the Boat Show?

Count on 24/7 valet, dedicated concierge, spa access, and private/rooftop pools with cabanas. Suites and club-level rooms add butler-style service, priority dining, and sweeping ocean or bay views—perfect for yacht buyers hosting meetings or unwinding in privacy.

How do I get between the venues—shuttles, water taxis, or private transfers?

Complimentary shuttles link all venues, and water taxis run frequent loops across Biscayne Bay (often included with VIP tickets). Miami Hotel Guide can arrange private cars/limos; many VIPs also book boat tenders or helicopters for fast, traffic-free hops.

If I arrive by yacht, where can I dock—and how do I see the superyachts?

Reserve a nearby transient slip (e.g., Miami Beach Marina, Sea Isle, Dinner Key); show docks are for exhibitors only. For mega-yachts, secure SuperYacht Miami access at Yacht Haven Grande and book private broker tours in advance.

What are the best high-end restaurants to try during the show?

South Beach: Joe’s Stone Crab, Carbone, and Smith & Wollensky for waterfront steaks. Downtown/Brickell: Zuma (riverfront Japanese), La Mar by Gastón Acurio (Peruvian on Brickell Key), and rooftop cocktails at Sugar.

What’s the best way to travel from MIA or Opa-locka Executive?

Book a private car or limo from MIA (20–30 minutes off-peak). Private flyers use Opa-locka Executive (OPF) with FBO limo or helicopter options, reaching the venues quickly and discreetly.

When should I book my hotel, and which rooms have the best views?

Reserve several months ahead—Boat Show week is peak season and sells out fast. Choose oceanfront suites in South Beach or bay-view rooms Downtown for sunrise/sunset vistas over the Atlantic or Biscayne Bay.

Are there official VIP programs or private services at the show?

Windward VIP typically includes lounge access, premium food & open bar, early entry, and water-taxi perks; add SuperYacht Miami for the largest yachts. Serious buyers should pre-schedule private broker appointments.

South Beach vs. Downtown—what’s better for a luxury Boat Show stay?

South Beach = resort energy, beach clubs, and nightlife steps from the Convention Center. Downtown/Brickell = sleek high-rises, Michelin-level dining, rooftops, and ultra-quick access to the in-water marinas.

Final Tips

Book early: Boat Show weekend coincides with peak tourist season (and often the President’s Day holiday), so hotels fill up fast. Many attendees make a mini-vacation of it, so consider extending your stay to enjoy Miami’s beaches and cultural sights. Whether you choose the glamour of South Beach or the convenience of Downtown’s waterfront, you’ll be in for a luxurious Miami experience. From your hotel base, you can easily access all show venues via complimentary shuttles or water taxis provided by the event – meaning you can focus on yacht shopping by day and indulging in Miami’s vibrant scene by night. Enjoy the Boat Show and your luxury stay in the Magic City!