HotelChatter

Designed to express Asian-American Art Deco Fusion, the “art show” begins with the guest’s first step into the lobby where the floor is constructed of authentic Shanghai bricks dismantled from abandoned buildings in China’s old city and transported to Miami.

There’s also Asian antiques, statues, and mosaics throughout the hotel, calligraphy by Korean artists Lee June Woong, and 137 pieces (like those in the photo) by Shanghai painter Christian de Laubadere. Apparently he is fascinated with women’s sensuality, so it makes sense that he chose to display his work in South Beach, no?

Details of Art Basel parties at The Setai are still scant, but we’ll bring them to you as soon we get them. If you’re already sold on staying here between December 3–6, please head to your bank immediately. Studio Suite City View rooms start at $1,200 a night.

For something a little lighter on your bank balance—but still peppered with artwork—you could head downtown to the Epic Hotel.

The Kimpton property houses a multi-million-dollar art collection, with works by artists such as James Brown, Roberto Matta, Dario Basso, Fernando DeSzyszlo, Karina Wisniewska, Alexis Gorodine, Gye Hoon Park, and Ola Kolehmainen. Even though the rooms have a clean, minimalist design, they also feature artwork, like this piece that was hanging near our door during our stay at the Epic this summer.

The hotel’s nightclub, River Lounge, will be hosting its own digital art exhibit during Art Basel, and while downtown is a bit of a trek from South Beach, it is close to the Design District, where much of the Basel action will also take place.

The best part about the Epic is the price. If you book a suite or club-level room for three nights, you get the fourth night free. We checked the online res system and found a Club Level Cityview Double for $281 a night for a 4-night stay.

Hmm, four nights at the Epic for less than one night at the Setai? Perhaps we’re not just not cool enough to run with the art crowd, but we know where we’d be putting our money.