Miami hosts one of the most anticipated fixtures of the 2026 World Cup: the third-place play-off, to be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. For football enthusiasts visiting Florida during the tournament, the city offers an incomparable setting, with its turquoise beaches, Art Deco design, and electric nightlife. The only question is where to anchor yourself: South Beach for the effervescence, Bal Harbour for hushed tranquillity. Here are our luxury addresses for experiencing the event with your feet in the sand.
Faena Hotel Miami Beach
On Collins Avenue, in Mid-Beach, the Faena is a living work of art. Conceived with the complicity of filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, the hotel features a blood-red theatre, a golden mammoth by Damien Hirst, and rooms with tropical frescoes. This is the address for aesthetes who want their stay to be as spectacular as the tournament. The private beach, hammam spa, and Argentine restaurants make it an ideal sanctuary for recovery between matches, halfway between the calm of Bal Harbour and the buzz of South Beach.
The Setai Miami Beach
Nestled in South Beach’s Art Deco district, The Setai marries a 1930s building with a contemporary tower, showcasing refined Asian elegance crafted from granite, teak, and bamboo. Its three infinity pools, aligned facing the ocean, create one of Miami’s most photographed scenes. We love the rare serenity here, yet it’s just steps away from the vibrancy of Ocean Drive. The absolutely discreet service appeals to travellers who desire proximity to the party without the noise.
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
In Bal Harbour, a residential enclave north of Miami Beach, The St. Regis embodies seaside luxury in its most refined form. Its spacious rooms, all with balconies, overlook the Atlantic, and the butler service attends to every detail. Its more northerly position brings it slightly closer to Hard Rock Stadium while guaranteeing supreme tranquillity. The adjacent luxury Bal Harbour Shops and the white sandy beach make it the perfect setting for a golden stay, far from the hustle and bustle.
Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach
A notch further north, in Sunny Isles Beach, Acqualina cultivates Mediterranean-inspired elegance facing a deep blue ocean. Its three pools, 1,700 m² spa, and pristine beach make it a high-end family sanctuary. This is the closest option to Hard Rock Stadium among our beachfront addresses. The panoramic-view suites and kids’ club attract families looking to extend the tournament with a few days of relaxation.
The Miami Beach EDITION
Also in Mid-Beach, The EDITION, designed by Ian Schrager, infuses a younger, more nocturnal energy. Behind a magnificent 1950s façade, the hotel conceals an ice rink, a bowling alley, and an underground nightclub, without sacrificing a chic beach and a luminous spa. This is the choice for those who want to make every post-match evening a celebration. The minimalist, white-bathed rooms offer a soothing contrast after the hustle and bustle of Floridian nights.
How to Get to the Stadium
Hard Rock Stadium stands in Miami Gardens, inland, away from the coastline where the luxury hotels are concentrated. No metro line serves it directly, so a car, ride-sharing service, or private transfer remain the only realistic options. From South Beach, allow 30 to 50 minutes via bridges and the motorway, longer on evenings with heavy traffic. Booking a chauffeur in advance avoids price surges and long waits typical of major events. Hotels are happy to arrange these private transfers, which should be confirmed upon arrival for the day of the third-place play-off.
When to Book and What Budget to Expect
Miami is among the most sought-after destinations of the tournament, and its beachfront luxury hotels command high rates during peak season. The influx of visitors due to the World Cup, particularly for the third-place play-off, further tightens availability. With the tournament underway, it’s essential to book without delay and consider nights without matches to reduce costs. Bal Harbour and Sunny Isles, being a little further from the vibrancy of South Beach, sometimes offer better value for tranquillity. Keeping an eye out for last-minute cancellations remains a valid strategy for securing a room at the most popular addresses.
Experiencing the World Cup in Miami means combining a passion for football with the most glamorous tropical lifestyle in the United States. Between the frescoes of the Faena, the calm of The St. Regis, and the vibrant energy of The EDITION, everyone will find the perfect setting to savour a decisive match, then head to the sand. Florida transforms a sporting trip into an enchanting interlude.
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