My Favorite Hotels in Miami
Port: Grand Marina
• Downtown: A hotel
• For Couples: East Miami
• The Upham” establishment
has a 4-star rating • Hotel Pool: A Miami beach hotel with a swimming pool
• ・ Near Airport: Airport hotel
• ― Aquatic recreational facility: JW Marriott
Most first-time visitors to Miami will likely want to stay in South Beach or Downtown Miami. Both locations are filled with restaurants and nightlife. South Beach has swimming and beach activities. Downtown has the museums. Both locations have shopping though South Beach leans more trendy and boutique. If you’re visiting Miami without a car South Beach and Downtown are definitely the ideal areas to stay.
Few proposed places to rest in South Seaside: Setai Miami Seaside – 1 Hotel South Seaside – Loews Miami Seaside – Kimpton Palomar South Seaside – The Meridian – Lennox Miami Seaside – Residence Inn by Marriott – Suites on South Seaside – Marseilles Beachfront Hotel – Ritz-Carlton South Seaside – Royal Palm South Seaside
Notable lodging options in the heart of Downtown Miami include: Four Seasons Miami,Mandarin Oriental,EAST Miami,The Guild,InterContinental Miami,Hampton Inn & Suites Brickell-Downtown ,W Miami,Holiday Inn – Port of Miami
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The Best Areas to Stay in Miami
Basked by the sun Miami is renowned for its lengthy sandy shorelines, luminous nightlife, perpetual shopping, Art Deco structure, and a lively merging of cultures – and with its tropical weather, Miami welcomes site visitors all year long. Miami’s metropolitan region is a patchwork of wildly diverse neighborhoods covering the inland City of Miami and the independent island city of Miami Beach – essentially a massive sandbar in Biscayne Bay. The bulk of the City of Miami’s hotels and attractions are located in museum-filled Downtown and the business center Brickell both in the City of Miami. However, trendy, artsy districts such as MiMo and Wynwood are increasingly offering more high-quality lodgings. Some of the city’s most culturally significant neighborhoods, Little Havana and Overtown, boast a perfect blend of flavorful eateries, eclectic shops, and historic sights. Shoppers should head to Coconut Grove or the Miami Design District, while pairs celebrating a romantic occasion should consider staying in Coral Gables.
Miami’s famous South Beach neighborhood is situated on the island city, Miami Beach. This stylish corner offers the quintessential Miami bundle: a white sand shoreline, a cutting-edge culinary scene, and boiling nightlife. For a loosening up, family-accommodating shoreline occasion head to the north end of Miami Beach; the North Beach,Surfside, and Bal Harbour territories offer a peaceful retreat while as yet being effectively open to nourishing, nightlife, and shopping. To truly get away from it all, head down south to Key Biscayne. In the focal point of Miami Beach is Mid-Beach, an upscale community with a loosened up vibe and class restaurants.
Public transportation in Miami is fairly effective, but renting a vehicle in Miami can facilitate exploring the entire city more conveniently. Individual neighborhoods are easy to walk around, while Downtown Miami is served by Metromover, a free elevated light rail service. Otherwise, the city is connected by Metrobus and Metrorail. Local taxis and ridesharing services are readily available all through Miami.
The Best Places to Stay in Miami
- Best Luxury Hotels in Miami
Setai Miami Beach • 1 Hotel South Beach • Biltmore Hotel • Four Seasons Miami • Mandarin Oriental • St Regis Bal Harbour - Best Honeymoon Hotels for Couples
Kimpton Palomar South Beach • EAST Miami • Hyde Suites Midtown • Colonnade Coral Gables • Trouvail Miami Beach • Miami Beach Edition - Best 3-Star/4-Star Hotels in Miami
Marseilles Beachfront Hotel • Aloft Coral Gables • Sun Harbour Boutique Hotel • W Miami - Best Miami Hotels for Families
The Loews Miami Beach, the Mutiny Luxury Suites, and the Hampton Inn & Suites Brickell-Downtown are featured
Best Areas in Miami for…
- Top starting spot: South Beach
Situated in the core of Miami Beach, South Beach is renowned for its gorgeous white sandy shorelines, vibrant nightlife experiences, and iconic Art Deco design. The area provides a distinctive fusion of entertainment, retail, cuisine, and culture, rendering it an ideal base for first-time guests to experience Miami`s energetic environment. The famous Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road Mall, and Española Way are all within walking distance, providing a diversity of eateries, bars, and boutiques. South Beach is also well-linked to other parts of the city through public transportation, like buses and the Miami Beach Trolley. - Best Districts for Night entertainment: South Beach and Downtown
The elegant Art Deco architectural styles of South Beach, particularly between 5th and 24th streets, are consistently lively at night. The outdoor pool bar at the Clevelander Hotel is a classic place to initiate the evening, while Wet Willie’s serves its renowned candy-colored frozen beverages; even sweets emporium serves extravagant cocktails and martinis. Other favorites comprise Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery and old-school local haunt Mac’s Club Deuce, reportedly, the longest-standing bar in Miami. Much of the club scene is LGBT+ oriented; check out the venues Score and Twist. At the premium level, club nights at Mynt Lounge consistently attract celebrities. Conveniently, South Beach has an extensive selection of accommodations within stumbling distance of the bars. Across the bay in Downtown Miami, the Park West warehouse district also contains major dance clubs like Club Space and E11EVEN, but there’s little to do here other than dance, and many clubbers prefer to taxi in from elsewhere. - Best Neighborhood for Shopping: Miami Design District, Coconut Grove, and South Beach
- Most Romantic Neighborhood: Coral Gables
George Merrick’s 1920s Mediterranean fantasy has endured well, with Coral Gables a vast, relaxed neighborhood of leafy avenues (Coral Way features over 1200 giant banyan trees) and retro Mission Revival and Art Deco mansions. Notable attractions comprise the giant pastel-colored Biltmore Hotel, which still provides an opulent afternoon tea, and the Venetian Pool, a stunning public swimming pool with grottoes and decorative bridges. - Best Neighborhoods for Food and Restaurants: Little Havana/South Beach/Coconut Grove/Wynwood
Miami’s culinary scene is incredibly diverse and widespread across the city – there’s good eating opportunities in nearly every neighborhood with some special local specialties, such as Cuban cuisine in Little Havana. Though it has tourist traps especially on the oceanfront, South Beach is one of the finest areas, with legends for example Joe’s Stone Crab and Big Pink, classic Italian La Locanda, Peruvian-Japanese INTIMO, and Mexican specialist Dulce Vida. Coconut Grove is another food lovers hotspot, home to sustainable burgers and local beer at LoKal, the outdoor terrace at Glass & Vine, stylish favorites GreenStreet Café, and Le Bouchon Du Grove, plus the deservedly famous tacos al pastor at El Taquito. Lastly, Wynwood is another neighborhood foodies should explore, known for upscale spots like Bradley Kilgore’s Alter, and Michael Lewis’s modern Asian bistro KYU
Miami Design District tops most shoppers’ lists. Once solely home to furniture and design showrooms, today it`s a compact, easy-to-navigate-by-foot neighborhood of over 60 high-end fashion outlets, from Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton to Hermes and Christian Louboutin. A close second is the Coconut Grove neighborhood, containing the CocoWalk mall and its own selection of independent boutiques including the Bazaar Project and Goldenbar. For mainstream stores it`s difficult to surpass pedestrian-friendly Lincoln Road Mall in South Beach. All three regions provide excellent lodging options.
- Premier Place for Families: South Beach/Surfside
These are just a few of the larger Seattle music events in town – there’s so much more available. The City of Seattle maintains a webpage focused on festivals, but it’s wise to check the events section in local periodicals – The Stranger,The Seattle Times,The Seattle Weekly – to discover what’s taking place when you visit.
- Safest Areas in Miami
Criminal activity has certainly lessened significantly in Miami since the 1980s, and most of the neighborhoods noted below are considered highly safe areas during daylight hours. Coral Gables and Coconut Grove are two of the safest communities within Miami proper; the beach locations are reasonably secure, especially during the day, but it’s best not to venture onto the sands after nightfall. - Unsafe Areas in Miami
Downtown Miami does experience higher criminal rates compared to the rest of the city, and precautions should be taken at night here, as well as in Little Haiti, Wynwood, and Little Havana. Though beaches are generally safe, don’t leave valuables unattended onshore while taking a swim.
The Best Places in Miami for Tourists
1. South Beach
For many visitors to Miami, South Beach epitomizes the city. This iconic beach extends from the southern tip of the artificial Miami Beach islands connected to mainland Miami through causeways, running northward to 23rd Street and Dade Boulevard where Mid-Beach commences. South Beach is renowned for its lively nightlife, waterside promenade along Ocean Drive, culinary offerings, vast collection of Art Deco architecture, and white sandy shore, one of Florida`s finest. Pedestrianized Lincoln Road serves as the district`s shopping center while Española Way features Spanish-themed eateries and boutiques. Additional cultural attractions include the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum and The Bass art gallery, with the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach providing a somber remembrance of Nazi Germany`s victims
- The list of Best Hotels includes: Setai Miami Beach,1 Hotel South Beach,Loews Miami Beach,Kimpton Palomar South Beach, and the Marseilles Beachfront Hotel.
2. Mid-Beach
The Mid-Beach neighborhood in Miami Beach extends along the Atlantic shoreline from 24th Street to North Beach, a three-mile stretch of sand lined with lavish resorts, cocktail lounges, and eating establishments. It`s a popular lodging choice, with historic resorts like the Fontainebleau, upscale restaurants such as Nobu and Hakkasan. Expect a more relaxed atmosphere than what you`ll find in South Beach, while still providing convenient access to Miami Beach`s top dining, nightlife, and attractions.
- Esteemed Accommodations:Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club ꞏ Miami Beach EDITION ꞏ Trouvail Miami Beach ꞏ Fontainebleau Miami Beach ꞏ Faena Hotel Miami Beach ꞏ The Palms Hotel & Spa
3. Downtown Miami/Brickell
The urban core of Miami initially formed in the late nineteenth century and presently remains the authoritative and cultural heart of the city. The iconic Freedom Tower served as the entry point for Cuban refugees arriving in Florida from 1962 to 1974. Amidst more recently constructed glass and steel skyscrapers, offices, hotels, and expensive condominiums, the waterfront district`s Bayside Marketplace shopping center anchors the area, where boats depart for cruises around the islands in Biscayne Bay. Miami`s primary museums are all located Downtown: the Pérez Art Museum Miami (pictured above), the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and the HistoryMiami Museum. Nearby on Watson Island are the Miami Children’s Museum and Jungle Island. AmericanAirlines Arena hosts the Miami Heat, while architect Cesar Pelli’s Adrienne Arsht Center is home to the Florida Grand Opera and Miami City Ballet. Likewise situated here is the Port of Miami, one of the world’s most trafficked cruise ship hubs. Brickell is just to the south beyond the Miami River, principally renowned for being the city’s financial center and home to some of its most luxurious business hotels. The exceptional Four Seasons (picture above) is considered the finest hotel in downtown Miami).
- Highly Rated Accommodations: Four Seasons Miami – Mandarin Oriental – EAST Miami – Hampton Inn & Suites Brickell-Downtown – The Guild Downtown | X Miami – InterContinental Miami – W Miami
4. North Beach/Surfside/Bal Harbour
The northern portion of the island comprising Miami Beach is formed of three exceptional neighborhoods. North Beach covers the area from W 63rd St to 87th St. Surfside extends from 88th St in the north to 96th St, while Bal Harbour is the most northerly of these districts, spanning the location between 96th St and the Haulover Inlet Bridge. Renowned for beautiful stretches of sand and surf, these relaxing, family-friendly areas are all connected by a 6-mile beachfront pathway with one lane intended for walkers and runners and another open for everyone, including bicycles and dogs. North Beach is the closest of the three to South Beach, allowing for easy access to the shopping and nightlife there. Attractions here include the North Beach Bandshell, a mid-century amphitheater for open-air concerts, and North Beach Oceanside Park, a beachfront green space with shaded walking trails under the canopy of native trees. Surfside is an upscale, residential beach community with a highly walkable downtown area filled with shops and restaurants. From January through April, visit Surfside for the family-friendly Third Thursday Block Party, while summer visitors should check out the First Friday Beach Picnics. Bal Harbour is a wealthy enclave known for luxury shopping and as a retreat popular with celebrities and low-key elites. Expect to find pristine beaches, top-notch dining, and lavish accommodations here.
- Highest Quality Lodging Establishments: St Regis Bal Harbour – Sun Harbour Boutique Hotel – Four Seasons at The Surf Club – Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour – Carillon Miami Wellness Resort – Grand Beach Hotel Surfside West
5. Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove was established in the 1870s partly by immigrant settlers from the Bahamas, and today it’s regarded as one of the city’s premier shopping localities renowned for its oak-lined roads, boutiques, galleries, excellent restaurant scene, sidewalk cafes, and bayfront marinas. Situated some five miles southwest of Downtown Miami, it’s home to the annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival and Caribbean style carnival, as well as historic tourist attractions such as Barnacle Historic State Park, the Kampong tropical botanical garden, and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the previous home of industrialist James Deering. Premier shopping centers comprise CocoWalk and Mayfair in the Grove.
- Distinguished Accommodations:Mutiny Luxury Suites Hotel – Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove – Mr. C – Coconut Grove – Hampton Inn by Hilton Coconut Grove/Coral Gables – Residence Inn by Marriott Coconut Grove – Courtyard Coconut Grove
6. Wynwood/Midtown/Miami Design District
Located approximately two miles north of downtown Miami, the old warehouse district of Wynwood has transformed into South Florida`s art hub over just more than a decade. It began with the Wynwood Walls, an outdoor graffiti museum displaying murals and street art that has now encompassed the entire neighborhood. Today over 70 art galleries call this area home in addition to trendy restaurants and bars. Some of the top galleries comprise the Oliver Cole Gallery,Art Nouveau Gallery, and Bakehouse Art Complex. Other points of interest consist of the Miami Selfie Museum, the Museum of Graffiti,Rubell Museum, and Margulies Collection at the Warehouse. Beyond I-195 from Wynwood, the compact Miami Design District is home to over 130 art galleries, trendy shops, antique dealers, restaurants, and bars centrally located along the main roadway, NE 40th Street. Other attractions include the Haitian Heritage Museum, the De la Cruz Collection, and Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami. Renowned chef Michael Schwartz also operates Michael’s Genuine Food in this area.
- Top Accommodations:Hyde Suites Midtown • AC Hotel Miami Midtown • Golddigger Inn • Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Midtown
7. Coral Gables
In the 1920s, real estate developer George Merrick established and constructed one of Miami`s most iconic and historic neighborhoods, Coral Gables, with an opulent Mediterranean theme. Today, the leafy streets, Spanish-style residences, and formal entryways from that period remain, in addition to modern boutiques and trendy dining establishments. The primary thoroughfare is 22nd Street Southwest, also known as the Miracle Mile, lined with shops and eateries. Nearby is the Coral Gables Museum Coral Gables Museum, but the most notable attractions in the neighborhood were envisioned by Merrick: the renowned Biltmore Hotel (pictured above) and spring-filled Venetian Pool. To the south, the campus of the University of Miami houses the acclaimed Lowe Art Museum. The complimentary Coral Gables Trolley runs between the Douglas Metrorail Station and Flagler Street along Ponce de Leon Boulevard (there`s also a Grand Avenue Loop Route).
- Top Hotels: Biltmore Hotel • Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables • Aloft Coral Gables • Hotel St. Michel • Four Points by Sheraton Coral Gables • Hyatt Regency Coral Gables
8. Little Havana/Overtown
Little Havana remains a pivotal center for Hispanic culture in Miami, situated approximately two miles west of Downtown Miami. This neighborhood was originally the city`s major Cuban settlement and today continues to feature Latin-inspired eateries, cafes, and stores prominently along SW 8th Street or “Calle Ocho”. The outstanding Cubaocho Museum is located here, combining art displays, musical performances, and rum tasting. Naturally, this area is optimal for sampling delectable Cuban cuisine at establishments such as El Rey De Las Fritas and Versailles as well as viewing memorials to Cuban liberty on Memorial Boulevard. Accommodations in Little Havana primarily involve apartment rentals and economical motels, though Life House is among the city`s most exclusive boutique hotels. Separated from Little Havana by the Spring Garden and Lummus Park districts, Overtown served as the historic center and commercial/entertainment hub for Black Miami from the late 19th century through mid-20th century. To gain perspective on Miami`s early African-American history, take a walking tour of Overtown or visit The Black Archives – Historic Lyric Theater.
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9. Key Biscayne
Linked to the mainland by the Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne feels worlds away from South Beach. Services, hotels, and apartment rentals are found in the residential section of the island (simply called the “village”), but the real attractions lie beyond: Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, the Miami Seaquarium,Crandon Park Beach (one of the best beaches in the city), and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, featuring swimming beaches and historic Cape Florida Lighthouse).
- Premier Accommodations: The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami – Beach Haus Key Biscayne Contemporary Apartments
10. MiMo/Little Haiti
The MiMo (also called Miami Modern) district extends along Biscayne Boulevard roughly from NE 50th Street to NE 77th Street around four miles north of downtown Miami. It`s one of the city`s trendiest neighborhoods, featuring some of its best boutique hotels, like The Vagabond, eateries such as Blue Collar, and prime samples of the mid-century “Miami Modern” architecture it bears the name for. Nearby Little Haiti is one of Miami`s most colorful neighborhoods. Its Caribbean culture is best experienced in and around the Little Haiti Cultural Center. The closest good hotels to Little Haiti are in MiMo.
- Top-Rated Hotels: The Vagabond Hotel • Selina Gold DustSonder – MiMo District
