
InterContinental Miami
Best for business travelers, meetings and guests who want downtown Miami access and views of Biscayne Bay and PortMiami.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
InterContinental Miami is a five-star downtown waterfront hotel on Biscayne Bay with a rooftop pool, mySpa and multiple on-site restaurants—best for travelers who want easy access to Miami’s business district, Bayfront Park and PortMiami. The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is a five-star beachfront resort-hotel offering a classic Fort Lauderdale beach experience—best for travelers who prioritize direct beach access and a resort feel north of Miami.
Updated · about 30 miles (≈48 km) apart

Best for business travelers, meetings and guests who want downtown Miami access and views of Biscayne Bay and PortMiami.

Best for guests who want direct beach access and a resort-style stay on Fort Lauderdale’s beachfront.
When InterContinental Miami wins: choose InterContinental Miami if you need a downtown location for business, convention or cruise-port access, want large event venues, or prefer a rooftop pool with skyline and bay views.
When The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale wins: pick The Ritz-Carlton if a beachfront location and resort-hotel atmosphere are your top priorities—think oceanfront rooms, sand and direct beachside amenities.
Bottom line: both are five-star hotels with polished service; pick InterContinental Miami for a downtown, meetings-oriented stay on Biscayne Bay and The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale for a traditional beachfront resort experience farther north.
| Category | InterContinental Miami | The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Downtown luxury hotel focused on business, events and bay views | Luxury beachfront resort-hotel focused on ocean access and resort amenities |
| Location | Downtown Miami on Biscayne Bay, steps from Bayfront Park and PortMiami | Directly on Fort Lauderdale Beach, north of Miami |
| Size (rooms / scale) | 652 rooms (34 floors) | Not published |
| Room types / suites | 17 room types listed, from Classic Rooms to Presidential and Executive Suites | Not published |
| Pools / beach | One outdoor rooftop pool and sundeck with private cabanas (5th floor) | Beachfront property with ocean access and hotel pool(s) and beach service (beachfront) |
| Restaurants & bars | Multiple venues including Toro Toro (Pan‑Latin steakhouse), Olé (breakfast), Bluewater (rooftop pool bar) and a lobby Starbucks | Signature hotel dining and bars on-site (specific restaurant names vary by property) |
| Spa & wellness | mySpa with 10 treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and 24-hour fitness center | Full-service spa and fitness offerings (hotel-operated spa typical for Ritz‑Carlton properties) |
| Known for | Large event space (SkyLawn, ballrooms), cruise-port proximity and rooftop views | Beachfront location and resort-style service |
| Family / age policy | All-ages property (minimum check-in age 21 for primary guest) | All-ages property (not adults-only per available information) |
| Nearby transport | Bayfront Park Metromover, Brightline/rail connections nearby and easy access to downtown destinations | Beachwalks, local shuttles and drives to Fort Lauderdale attractions |
InterContinental Miami sits on Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami, steps from Bayfront Park and close to PortMiami and business districts.
Pick InterContinental Miami for downtown convenience, waterfront city views and proximity to PortMiami.
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale sits directly on Fort Lauderdale Beach, prioritizing ocean access and beachfront experiences.
Choose the Ritz-Carlton for a stay where sand and ocean are the main draw.
InterContinental Miami lists 17 room types including Bay- and Ocean-view Classic Rooms, Club options and multiple suite categories.
InterContinental Miami offers a wide range of room types for business and leisure with bay or partial ocean views.
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale’s rooms emphasize beachfront and ocean views consistent with a resort-hotel footprint.
If you want an ocean-facing room and beachfront balconies, the Ritz-Carlton prioritizes that layout.
InterContinental Miami mixes a notable signature restaurant with poolside and lobby options.
InterContinental Miami suits guests who want a lively signature restaurant, rooftop pool dining and downtown meal options.
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale typically offers beachfront dining, bars and ocean-view service tailored to a resort audience.
Expect the Ritz-Carlton’s food and drink program to lean into beachside, resort-style dining and ocean views.
InterContinental Miami has a single outdoor rooftop pool and sundeck with cabanas and bay/port views.
If a skyline/bay rooftop pool is enough and you want downtown access, InterContinental Miami fits well.
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale provides direct access to the Atlantic via beachfront and typically has hotel pool(s) that complement beach access.
Choose the Ritz-Carlton if you want to swim in the ocean or spend days on the sand without leaving the property.
InterContinental Miami’s mySpa and Freddy’s Speakeasy give guests a mix of full-service wellness and a distinctive downtown cocktail experience.
InterContinental Miami pairs a well-regarded spa with unique downtown nightlife options.
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale typically pairs a full-service spa with quieter, resort-style evening options and beachfront bars.
If you prefer spa time and mellow beachfront evenings to downtown nightlife, the Ritz-Carlton will likely match that preference.

InterContinental Miami—large ballrooms, extensive meeting space and downtown location make it the practical choice for conferences and business stays.

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale—direct ocean access and resort-style beach amenities prioritize sand, sea and sun.

InterContinental Miami—the 5th-floor rooftop pool and SkyLawn offer skyline and Biscayne Bay vistas not matched by a beachfront property.

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale—Ritz‑Carlton service standards and beachfront orientation suit guests seeking a traditional oceanfront resort experience.
InterContinental Miami—it's steps from Bayfront Park and much closer to PortMiami and downtown business venues.
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale—it’s a beachfront resort-hotel with direct ocean access and beachside amenities.
No—both hotels operate as all-ages properties based on available information, though check each hotel for specific venue age restrictions.
Yes—InterContinental Miami has mySpa with treatment rooms and thermal facilities; The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale also offers a full-service spa typical of Ritz‑Carlton resorts.
Explore how InterContinental Miami stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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