
Faena Miami Beach
Best for travelers who want high-design rooms, a large destination spa, and multiple signature restaurants and nightlife on property.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Faena Miami Beach is a five-star, design-forward oceanfront resort with art, multiple signature restaurants, a large Tierra Santa spa and family- and adult-designated pool areas; this guide is for travelers who want luxury, culture, and full-service wellness on Mid-Beach. Hotel Riu Plaza Miami Beach is a four-star, large beachfront resort-style hotel aimed at value-conscious beachgoers; read on if you want straightforward beach access, conference facilities, and practical amenities.
Updated · about 0.2 km apart

Best for travelers who want high-design rooms, a large destination spa, and multiple signature restaurants and nightlife on property.

Best for travelers who want simple beachfront access, meeting space and resort-style facilities at a lower price point.
When Faena Miami Beach wins: Choose Faena if you prioritize high-design interiors, multiple notable restaurants (including an ultra‑exclusive six‑seat omakase), a destination spa (Tierra Santa Healing House), curated nightlife, and an art-forward environment. It’s the better pick for a luxury-focused stay, special occasions, and guests who plan to use on-site wellness and signature dining.
When Hotel Riu Plaza Miami Beach wins: Choose Hotel Riu Plaza if you want a larger, more straightforward beachfront resort with practical meeting space, family-friendly basics, free Wi‑Fi, and easier, value-oriented beach/pool access. It’s a sensible option for groups, conferences, or travelers prioritizing location and function over luxury extras.
Bottom line: Both hotels put you on Mid-Beach with beach access, but they serve different needs — Faena is a high-end, design- and food-forward resort with a major spa and nightlife; Riu Plaza is a larger, more utilitarian beachfront hotel focused on value, meetings, and uncomplicated beach/pool service.
| Category | Faena Miami Beach | Hotel Riu Plaza Miami Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Five-star, art-forward luxury resort with curated dining, nightlife and spa programming | Four-star, large resort-style beachfront hotel with practical amenities and meeting space |
| Location (Mid-Beach) | 3201 Collins Ave — oceanfront, direct beach access, near Miami Beach Boardwalk and Faena Forum | 3101 Collins Ave — beachfront, steps from Miami Beach Boardwalk and the ocean |
| Size (rooms) | About 179–180 rooms and suites | 284 rooms |
| Pool(s) | Multiple temperature-controlled infinity pools (lap pool, family pool, central pool) and hot tub; some areas designated adults-only | Outdoor pool and poolside bar; pool sun loungers provided |
| Beach access | Direct oceanfront with chaise lounges, umbrellas and towel service included in resort fee | Direct beachfront with beach towels and beach sun loungers; pool/beach service for guests |
| Restaurants & bars | Several signature venues (Los Fuegos, Pao by Paul Qui, El Secreto Omakase, Veranda, Tree of Life, The Living Room, Saxony Bar) | On-site dining: Florida (main dining) plus a snack bar/deli and 1 bar/lounge |
| Spa & wellness | Tierra Santa Healing House — 22,000 sq ft wet spa, signature rituals, fitness center and classes | Not published |
| Meetings & events | Extensive event venues including Faena Forum (43,000 sq ft), Faena Theater, multiple ballrooms and outdoor garden venues | Conference space ~1,335 sq ft with meeting rooms and banquet hall |
| Accessibility & family policy | Welcomes children; family programs and babysitting available; some adults-only pool areas | Not adults-only; welcomes all ages (family-friendly amenities listed) |
| Service basics | 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, valet parking (fee), in-room Wi‑Fi included via resort fee | |
Faena sits at 3201 Collins Avenue with direct oceanfront access and immediate proximity to the Miami Beach Boardwalk and Faena Forum.
Choose Faena if you want design-led beachfront luxury and proximity to the Faena District’s cultural venues.
Hotel Riu Plaza Miami Beach is on Collins Avenue at 3101, also in Mid‑Beach with direct beach access and immediate boardwalk proximity.
Choose Riu Plaza if you want an easy beachfront location with practical access to Mid‑Beach landmarks and meeting areas.
Faena offers roughly 179–180 rooms and many named suites and large multi‑bedroom options with design-forward interiors.
Faena is for travelers who want distinctive, often spacious suites and a luxury in-room experience.
Hotel Riu Plaza Miami Beach has 284 air-conditioned rooms with standard comforts and practical layouts.
Riu Plaza suits travelers who need dependable, no-frills rooms and solid beach access rather than luxury suite features.
Faena’s food and drink program centers on several signature venues and chef-driven restaurants.
Diners who value destination restaurants, chef-driven menus and evening entertainment will prefer Faena.
Riu Plaza offers on-site dining appropriate for guests seeking convenience and basic meal options.
Riu Plaza is a practical pick for guests who want simple, reliable dining close to the pool and beach.
Faena operates multiple temperature-controlled pools, private beach service and reserves some areas for adults.
Faena emphasizes a curated beachfront experience with separate family and adults-only pool programming.
Hotel Riu Plaza provides standard resort pool and beach facilities for guests and convenient beach access.
Riu Plaza is good for travelers who want easy pool and beach access without the extras of a luxury resort program.
Faena’s Tierra Santa Healing House is a large, full-service destination spa with a broad treatment menu and fitness programming.
Faena is the clear choice for guests prioritizing a wide wellness menu and varied on-site nightlife.
Hotel Riu Plaza offers fitness facilities and basic on-site entertainment and bars rather than a large destination spa or vibrant nightlife program.
Riu Plaza fits travelers who need basic fitness and casual evening options, not a dedicated spa or nightlife hub.

Faena — chef restaurants (Pao, Los Fuegos) and an ultra-exclusive 6-seat omakase.

Hotel Riu Plaza — larger room count and dedicated conference/banquet space with straightforward pricing.

Faena — Tierra Santa Healing House is a full-scale destination spa with wet‑spa amenities and signature rituals.

Hotel Riu Plaza — practical beachfront rooms, free Wi‑Fi and basic dining make it a value-oriented pick.
Faena is the better choice for a romantic upscale weekend thanks to its high-design rooms, signature restaurants and destination spa.
Hotel Riu Plaza is aimed at larger groups and meetings with dedicated conference space; Faena has larger, higher-profile event venues but is positioned as luxury.
Yes — both Faena Miami Beach and Hotel Riu Plaza Miami Beach offer direct beach access on Collins Avenue in Mid‑Beach.
Yes — Faena welcomes children of all ages with family programs and babysitting options; Hotel Riu Plaza is not adults-only and lists family-friendly amenities.
Explore how Faena Miami Beach stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·