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
Priced on the same night, 2026-10-10: Faena Miami Beach is $203 a night less. They are 1.4 km apart.
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Faena Miami Beach is $964 a night against The Setai's $1,472, and with 633 reviews at 9.0 it's clearly the more popular booking, though The Setai edges it slightly on guest rating at 9.1 from a much smaller sample. The Setai adds golf that Faena lacks, and Faena counters with a hot tub The Setai doesn't have — otherwise the gap is mostly price and scale. Unless golf or the specific Setai atmosphere matters to you, Faena is the sharper value on this data.
The Setai occupies a restored 1930s Art Deco building on Collins Avenue, but the interiors, overseen by Jaya Ibrahim, deliberately turn away from Deco kitsch toward a hushed, monochrome Asian minimalism — dark teak, black granite, low lighting, courtyards with reflecting pools. It reads more Ubud than South Beach: no loud prints, no pastel facades inside, just discipline and shadow. The three-tier infinity pools step down toward the sand like a resort built for stillness rather than spectacle, and the crowd tends to be older money that wants privacy over scene.
Guests who want a quiet, minimalist beachfront retreat and don't mind paying for restraint and privacy.
Faena, reimagined by Alan Faena with interiors by Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, is the opposite instinct entirely — gold leaf, red velvet, a gilded mammoth skeleton in the lobby, murals and tropical excess turned up as high as it goes. Carrara marble bathrooms sit against maximalist public rooms that feel like a stage set, and the restaurants (Los Fuegos, Pao) are loud, theatrical, meant to be seen in. It's Miami Beach as spectacle rather than retreat, and it draws a younger, more see-and-be-seen crowd.
Guests who want theatre, colour and a buzzing scene, and are happy trading calm for spectacle.
Booking Faena over The Setai means giving up on-site golf access, though Faena adds a hot tub The Setai doesn't have, so the practical loss is narrow and mostly about atmosphere and price bracket rather than missing amenities.
Faena is the more extraordinary space to actually walk through — its maximalist theatre is unforgettable in a way The Setai's tasteful restraint, however well done, simply isn't trying to be.
| The Setai | Faena Miami Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Price, same night | $1,527 | $1,324 |
| Guest rating | 9.1/10 | 9/10 |
| Reviews | 177 | 633 |
| Stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Facilities on our list | 9 | 9 |
| Distance apart | 1.4 km |
“Major construction next to the hotel so very noisy from 6am.”
“This is ridiculous.”
The Setai's guests come away happier overall, praising near-flawless service, while Faena's reviews are split between raves for its theatre show and real frustration over pool conditions and steep charges.
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
“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
“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.
“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
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…
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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
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