I have experiences at both although I have not stayed at the Edition for a few years now so things may have changed a little…

Personally, I much prefer Bal Harbour to the area just north of South Beach where the Edition is located. In fact, the area between South Beach and the Edition is not one that I enjoy walking through, particularly at night. Also, some of the restaurants at Bal Harbour are quite superb.

The Edition hotel itself is really very nice and we were very well taken care of. As you are probably aware, the Edition hotel does not provide much in the way of elite benefits. However, I was able to call ahead and a manager there was willing to get me a very nice daily credit on breakfast effectively making it free for all four of us. He was also willing to upgrade my rooms for an additional amount that was less than what was shown.

In contrast, as you may have read up thread, the St. Regis has become very stingy so you should not expect free upgrades or anything more than the two free breakfasts that elites are entitled to. That said, we do enjoy our stays at the St Regis.

I think the bottom line is that both hotels are very good and for us at least, this is more of a decision about price and which location is preferred.