Where to Stay and Dine During the Miami Beach Polo World Cup
As Miami gears up for the Miami Beach Polo World Cup (November 14-17), the city offers more than just world-class polo. From top-tier hotels to acclaimed restaurants, Miami's vibrant hospitality scene provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable polo weekend. We've rounded up the best places to stay and dine during the annual event.
The Balfour Hotel
Where to Stay
The Betsy South Beach
Located within the South Beach Art Deco District, The Betsy Hotel is just a few blocks from the Polo World Cup excitement. The 130-room luxury oceanfront boutique resort is more than just a pit stop; it’s the perfect spot to “gallop” back to after a thrilling day of polo. Stay energized for endless excitement at The Betsy’s food and beverage outlets helmed by award-winning Chef Laurent Tourondel: LT Steak & Seafood and The Piano Bar, renowned for its live jazz. Unwind by the pool on the hotel’s 3,200-square-foot rooftop complex or enjoy a wide array of cultural activities, such as jazz performances nine times a week, classical music pop-ups, major art exhibitions and poetry readings.
The Gabriel South Beach
Centrally located on Ocean Drive and just a short walk from the exhilarating Miami Beach Polo venue, The Gabriel South Beach is the ideal boutique hotel for polo enthusiasts looking for a luxurious stay in the heart of South Beach. This 132-room property seamlessly blends art deco modernism with tropical allure, creating a quintessential atmosphere for relaxation. After a day of polo excitement, guests can unwind by the lush garden pool or enjoy breathtaking views from the rooftop glass-bottom pool, perched six stories above the hotel’s Floridita Building. Culinary delights await at Meet Dalia, a Mediterranean-American restaurant known for its fresh seafood and grilled specialties; Alma Cubana, where guests can savor authentic Cuban cuisine in a charming setting; and That’s Amore, an Italian eatery celebrated for its handmade pasta and pizzas crafted from cherished family recipes.
The Gates Hotel South Beach
For those seeking a tranquil retreat amid the Miami Beach Polo excitement, The Gates Hotel South Beach offers the perfect sanctuary. Nestled along the serene Indian Creek Canal on vibrant Collins Avenue, this 235-room oasis seamlessly blends the timeless allure of South Beach with a dedication to wellness and sustainability. With its midcentury-modern lobby and art deco-inspired architecture, the hotel exudes elegance and relaxation. Guests can indulge in pristine beach access and immersive programming tailored to art, culture, design, and self-care enthusiasts. The expansive first-floor deck features a pool surrounded by custom double-sided cabanas, inviting guests to unwind under the sun. The hotel’s prime location, just a short walk from the Miami Beach Polo venue, offers easy access to cultural landmarks, as well as the area’s finest dining, shopping, nightlife and entertainment options.
The Balfour Hotel
Formerly known as The Lord Balfour, The Balfour Hotel is a historic gem in Miami Beach’s charming South of Fifth neighborhood. Designed in 1940 by renowned architect Anton Skislewicz, the hotel boasts 82 guest rooms and suites spread across two art deco-style buildings connected by a charming courtyard. Relax in style at the elevated plunge pool, complete with an underwater window for the ultimate Instagram-worthy shot. Terracotta mosaic tiles, chaise lounges and rattan seating beckon guests to soak up the sun and enjoy seasonal refreshers and fruit smoothies.
Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection
Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, Autograph Collection brings European-inspired beachside luxury to Miami Beach with 357 rooms and suites, offering the perfect retreat for guests attending the Miami Beach Polo World Cup. Located along the iconic Miami Beach boardwalk, this oceanfront Mid-Beach resort seamlessly blends its historic art deco charm with modern sophistication. Italian culinary delights await at Donna Mare, while Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill offers refreshing midday pick-me-ups and drinks with a view. Additionally, Il Merkato provides gourmet snacks and coffee for guests looking for a quick, one-stop shop. With its prime location and stunning backdrop of Miami Beach’s turquoise waters, Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club is ideal for polo enthusiasts and travelers seeking luxurious accommodations with European Riviera flair.
Where to Dine
Donna Mare at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Resort
A truly stellar Miami Beach Italian restaurant, Donna Mare at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club serves locally sourced, traditional Italian cuisine. A rare wood-fired oven graces the kitchen, where Neapolitan pizza, homemade pasta, simply-grilled wild fish and grass-fed meats are prepared, a homage to traditional Northern Italian cuisine. The intimate setting inside the iconic Miami Beach hotel evokes the romantic Old World atmosphere of coastal Italy while embracing beautiful Miami with its sleek and soothing modern style. Come for a glass of wine from southern Italy, then stay to share fresh-from-the-garden tomato and basil bucatini. Follow that with the daily catch, then linger over an espresso as laughter and music drift around you. Focusing on high-quality, farm-to-table ingredients, the classically inspired menus at Donna Mare feature a flair of European sensibility. Breakfast is available Monday through Friday from 7:30-11 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Dinner is available Sunday through Thursday from 6-11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight.
Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Resort
Located right off the boardwalk, Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill is a beachfront bar and restaurant at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, offering easy access for Miami Beach Polo spectators to retreat to shade and refreshing beverages. As one of the few beachfront restaurants in Miami Beach, Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill is the spot for a midday pick-me-up with a menu of fresh juices and coffee and a raw bar with light bites. Celebrate your polo team’s wins in the evening and savor an extensive selection of rosés, wines and cocktails while relaxing in the ocean breeze. Bungalow Beach Bar & Grill is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. A live DJ performs every Saturday and Sunday from 2-6 p.m.
Lincoln Road
Situated in the heart of Miami Beach, Lincoln Road is a premier retail, lifestyle and cultural destination home to about 200 restaurants and shops, entertainment, and arts and cultural offerings. Lincoln Road, ranked as the most-visited open-air destination in South Florida with over 10 million visits in 2023, is the perfect place to visit for lunch. Visitors can stop by dozens of outdoor cafés to take in the incredible views of the pedestrian promenade. The options for where to eat are endless, from dining on the outdoor terrace of Issabella’s, a Mediterranean restaurant featuring chic decor and fresh ingredients, to enjoying a drink alongside a delicious seafood paella at Tapelia, a Spanish culinary hot spot. Music and entertainment lovers will find refuge in the Lincoln Road District, home to the New World Symphony, Colony Theatre and Regal South Beach movie theater. Steps away is the newly remodeled Miami Beach Convention Center, which welcomes world-renowned Art Basel Miami Beach every December.
Segafredo L’Originale
Located in the heart of Lincoln Road since 2000, Segafredo is a local hangout spot for locals and visitors alike, serving Italian small plates, tapas, coffee and creative cocktails. Visit between the polo activities to people-watch and enjoy a talented live DJ every day of the week.
Spris Pizza
Spris Pizza, from the award-winning hospitality firm Graspa Group, is a traditional Italian pizzeria inspired by owner Graziano Sbroggio’s childhood in Italy. Its Lincoln Road location is the perfect place to grab an artisan pie during the polo activities. Offering high-quality homestyle dining, the restaurant specializes in wood-fired brick oven pizzas cooked to perfection. With a wide variety of pizza styles, including those with and without tomato sauce, flatbreads, and gluten-free and vegan options, Spris Pizza is a dining destination everyone can enjoy. The restaurant also features a daily “Beat the Clock” special where diners can snag $8 deals on select pizzas from 5:30-7 p.m.