6/10
“okay”
Generally good service perfect staff perfect night in hotel great
Pool is extremly dirty and crowded with interesting crowd Pool also extremly old, we used different pools of different hotels
Miami Beach · head to head
Faena Miami Beach vs The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
Priced on the same night, 2026-10-10: The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is $770 a night less. They are 2.0 km apart.
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
$554/ night, 2026-10-10
+ $142 taxes & fees · Free cancellation
Book takes you to the exact room at that rate on HotelDupe's booking partner. Confirmation arrives by email; manage or cancel any time from Find your booking.
The honest take
Book Faena if you want the full Miami Beach spectacle and the higher-rated stay (9 vs 8.6) and don't mind paying more than double, at $964 versus $462 a night. Book the Ritz-Carlton if you want five-star comfort at Lincoln Road for less, with a strong 8.6 rating from a smaller but still solid review base. Both are on Miami Beach, about 2km apart, so the choice is really about spending style rather than location.
The look and the feel
Faena Miami Beach
Faena occupies the old Saxony Hotel shell reimagined by Alan Faena with interiors by Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, which tells you what to expect: gold leaf, red velvet, a lobby that plays like a stage set rather than a waiting room. Carrara marble bathrooms, a gilded mammoth skeleton by Damien Hirst in the atrium, and Los Fuegos, the Francis Mallmann restaurant built around open fire, all push toward maximalism rather than restraint. The pool deck and beach club draw a crowd that wants to be seen doing very little. It is theatrical, warm-toned, and unapologetically loud in a city that rewards loudness.
Faena suits travellers who want a design-forward, high-drama Miami Beach experience and are willing to pay for it.
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
The Ritz-Carlton sits on Lincoln Road, in the pedestrian shopping heart of South Beach rather than directly on the sand, and its identity leans more corporate-luxury than art-directed fantasy: a spa, sauna, hair salon, business centre, 24-hour room service. The listing describes solid five-star infrastructure rather than a singular design story, so take the atmosphere as comfortable and well-appointed rather than architecturally distinctive. It suits a guest who wants reliable polish and easy access to shops and restaurants over spectacle.
The Ritz-Carlton suits guests who want dependable five-star service and a Lincoln Road base without the oceanfront premium.
The Ritz-Carlton has no facilities that Faena lacks, but it does without Faena's pet-friendly policy and hot tub, and it sits back from the beach on Lincoln Road rather than directly on the sand.
Faena is the more beautiful and characterful place to actually be in, built as a full sensory production by Luhrmann and Martin rather than assembled from a standard luxury-hotel checklist.
The numbers
| Faena Miami Beach | The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Price, same night | $1,324 | $554 |
| Guest rating | 9/10 | 8.6/10 |
| Reviews | 633 | 142 |
| Stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Facilities on our list | 9 | 7 |
| Distance apart | 2.0 km |
What one has that the other doesn't
Only Faena Miami Beach has
- Pet
- Hot tub
Only The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach has
Nothing on our list that Faena Miami Beach lacks.
What guests actually say
Faena Miami Beach
- Obsession theatre show performers
- good location and decor
- attentive bartenders at theatre
- dirty crowded old pool
- poor guest treatment and organisation
- high minimum spend at bar
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
- clean rooms
- professional courteous staff
- convenient pool and beach access
- careless service on occasion
- pest found in room
“Upon waking up the first morning in my room, I was shocked and disgusted to discover a cockroach.”
Ritz-Carlton guests come away happier overall, as most reviews praise clean rooms and attentive staff, while Faena's complaints about treatment, organisation and pool cleanliness recur more often despite its acclaimed theatre show.
Rooms & rates, 2026-10-10
Faena Miami Beach
- Bay View RoomRoom Only$1,324
- Bay View Room ADA 1 King Bed, 61SM or 654SF, Wheelchair AccessibleRoom Only$1,324
- Bay View Twin/Twin RoomRoom Only$1,324
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
- Classic, Guest Room, 1 King, No ViewRoom Only · free cancellation$554
- Classic Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking, No ViewRoom Only$582
- Classic Room, 1 King Bed (Mobility/Hearing Access, Roll-In Shwr)Room Only$582
In guests' own words
Faena Miami Beach
8/10
“Once again: the hotel guest is not treated as it should be.”
Location was good and the hotel has nice restaurants and decor.
The hotel guests are treated as it should be. For example to reserve a table at the bar there is minimum charge between 225 to 1,500 per person depending on the day of the week. This is ridiculous.
10/10
“Obsessed & Speechless”
The Acts for Obsession at Faena Theatre were absolutely incredible. I recommend everyone to go and see it. Me and my friend had the most amazing time . Such a diverse range of talent. Sophia’s vocals and stage performance/presence, alongside all the beautiful range of acts of dancers/aerialists and violinist had everyone’s jaws on the floor! The bartenders really took great care and were very time efficient with ever
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
10/10
The rooms were very clean, and the staff was extremely professional and courteous. The pool and the access to the Miami Beach area are by far the most convenient and relaxing amenities within the property.
10/10
Outstanding in every way.
10/10
Superb property Incredibly helpful staff. Very comfortable
About each
Faena Miami Beach
Luxurious Oceanfront Property Experience the ultimate luxury at the oceanfront Faena Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida. Indulge in the outdoor pool and pamper yourself at the South American-inspired spa offering a range of services. Culinary Delights Savor exquisite dining options at Veranda, Pao, and Los Fuegos, each offering a unique culinary experience.…
Check-in — · Check-out 12:00 PM
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
Luxurious Amenities Indulge in massages, body treatments, and facials at the spa. Relax by the outdoor pool, spa tub, or sauna. Enjoy a meal at the restaurant or sip a drink at the bar/lounge. Convenience at Your Fingertips Benefit from concierge services, a business center, and 24-hour room service. Unique shopping experiences, a hair salon, and a variety…
Check-in — · Check-out 11:00 AM
Facilities, in full
Faena Miami Beach
- Fitness facilities
- WiFi available
- Free WiFi
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Fitness center
- Swimming pool
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Business center
- Heating
- Family rooms
- Garden
- Pets allowed
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
- Elevator
- Fitness facilities
- ATM/banking
- Shopping on site
- Conference space
- Golfing nearby
- Snorkeling nearby
- Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
- Kayaking nearby
- Sailing nearby
- Scuba diving nearby
- Water skiing nearby
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Television in common areas
- Scooter/moped rentals nearby
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
Where they are
3201 Collins Avenue1 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, Florida, 33139
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Rates are live for 2026-10-10, one night, two guests, fetched together so the two are comparable. Facilities and reviews are from each hotel's own listing. The honest take is written by our AI from the listing, the reviews and what is widely known about each hotel. HotelDupe earns a commission if you book, which never changes the verdict. All comparisons