Priced on the same night, 2026-10-10: The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach is $973 a night less. They are 545 metres apart.
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Book the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach unless the extra money genuinely doesn't matter to you. At $462 versus $1,472 a night, it delivers the same beachfront Miami Beach setting, a nine-tenths-strength guest rating, and a full spa-pool-bar-restaurant package for under a third of the cost. The Setai is the more considered piece of design and the higher-rated stay, but that gap in guest rating (9.1 vs 8.6) doesn't come close to justifying a $1,000 nightly premium unless you specifically want its scale of pools, pet allowance, or golf access.
The Setai occupies a restored 1930s Art Deco building on Collins Avenue, but the interiors move away from Deco pastel into something quieter and more Asian in temperament: dark wood, limestone, bronze screens, low lacquered furniture, a palette of charcoal and cream instead of mint and coral. The three tiered infinity pools step down toward the sand, lit at night in amber, and the courtyard bar runs on candlelight and a hush that reads as money rather than party. Suites lean minimalist rather than maximal, with the Asian décor extending to low platform beds and dark timber joinery. It draws an older, quieter luxury crowd who came to Miami Beach to be still, not to be seen.
Design-minded travellers and honeymooners who want quiet, considered Deco-adjacent luxury and don't mind paying for it.
The Ritz-Carlton on Lincoln Road is a MiMo-era tower reworked into standard Ritz-Carlton grammar: marble lobby floors, gold accents, a formal front desk, and the brand's usual concierge polish rather than any singular design personality. Public rooms are comfortable and generically upscale, with a spa, sauna, and outdoor pool doing the heavy lifting rather than any architectural statement. The location on Lincoln Road puts it a few streets back from the beachfront hush of Collins Avenue, closer to the shopping and restaurant bustle. It's a hotel built to perform reliably rather than to be memorable, and it suits people who want that.
Value-conscious travellers who want a dependable five-star base near the beach and Lincoln Road's shops and restaurants.
The Ritz-Carlton's listing shows no pet or golf access, both of which The Setai offers, and it forgoes The Setai's triple-pool complex and dedicated Asian-inspired suite design for a more conventional, brand-standard interior.
The Setai is the more beautiful place to actually stand in, with its restrained dark-wood Asian interiors and stepped amber pools giving it a distinct atmosphere the Ritz-Carlton's competent but generic five-star polish doesn't try to match.
| The Setai | The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Price, same night | $1,527 | $554 |
| Guest rating | 9.1/10 | 8.6/10 |
| Reviews | 177 | 142 |
| Stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Facilities on our list | 9 | 7 |
| Distance apart | 545 m |
Nothing on our list that The Setai lacks.
“Major construction next to the hotel so very noisy from 6am.”
“Upon waking up the first morning in my room, I was shocked and disgusted to discover a cockroach.”
The Setai's guests come away happier overall, since most praise the service and only a couple report isolated issues, whereas The Ritz-Carlton has two reviews describing serious service failures and a pest problem.
The service was impeccable 👌, and the staff were so friendly and helpful. I really could write and essay about how exceptional this hotel and its facilities and staff are. 100% recommend this hotel and would be coming back
I cant fault anything
“Lovely hotel but construction noise awful”
Lovely hotel. Well located. Pool area very nice. Room also very nice.
Major construction next to the hotel so very noisy from 6am. Major problem for anyone on a holiday. Hotel did compensate us but we wish they and booking.com had told us before we went so we could make an informed choice. Was too late once we arrived.
Excelente service and staff . Fantastic hotel
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.
Outstanding in every way.
Superb property Incredibly helpful staff. Very comfortable
Luxurious Beachfront Resort The Setai, Miami Beach, a luxurious beachfront resort located in the heart of Miami's Art Deco district, offers a serene escape with yoga and tai-chi classes. Asian-Inspired Suites Indulge in spacious suites adorned with Asian-style décor, complete with free WiFi, iPod docking stations, espresso and coffee facilities, and a…
Check-in — · Check-out 12:00 PM
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
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