Best Area to Stay in Miami 2024
If you like white sandy beaches coupled with popular entertainment, Miami must be on your travel itinerary. With a subtropical climate, beautiful beaches, art deco facades, and an energetic nightlife that ranges from swanky Miami Beach to the Latin vibes of Little Havana, you truly can’t go wrong with a vacation in this fantastic city.
Because of its tropical climate, Miami, Florida’s second largest city, attracts visitors looking for a modern, luxurious, fun, and warm vacation. With its miles of golden beaches and vibrant nightlife, the city is unofficially regarded as the Southeast Florida capital. Miami promotes itself as the ideal vacation destination for nature-loving travelers due to the abundance of wildlife in the area.
The city has over 25 distinct neighborhoods, each one differentiated from the next. It all comes down to your individual preferences when deciding where to stay in Miami, since there is so much more to the city than Miami Beach!
I will give hotel recommendations for every budget throughout this article on where to stay in Miami, but here are some quick hotel suggestions for those who don’t have time:
- 3 ★★★ Residence Inn by Marriott for those looking for an affordable place in Miami Beach,
- 4 ★★★★ The Confidante Hotel for those who want a quality place by the beach,
- 5 ★★★★★ 1 Hotel South Beach for those who do not want to compromise on quality.
Best Area to Stay in Miami
There are 6 regions where you can stay in Miami. These:
- South Beach, the most vibrant and popular spot in the city,
- Miami Beach, standing out with its entertainment and shopping opportunities,
- Downtown, which has many museums, art galleries and touristic buildings,
- Brickell, which is a favorite of not only travelers but also business people,
- Coral Gables, close to the center but in a quieter location,
- Coconut Grove is the favorite of travelers who enjoy cultural holidays.
South Beach
South Beach is synonymous with Miami. Because of their authentic atmosphere, hotels in South Beach that inspire movies, TV shows, or even video games can be prioritized.
The region, which is a favorite of both locals and visitors, is one of the places that best reflects the spirit of the city, where the winter season is never visited and where the sun makes its presence felt deeply throughout the year.
Although there are great places to stay along the entire length of Miami Beach, South Beach is regarded as the best area to stay and is one of Miami’s most famous neighborhoods. The nightlife in South Beach is plentiful, and all you have to do is put on your flip-flops and walk a few steps until you hit the ocean, so you’ll never be stuck for ideas! So, if you want to have a good time with a lot of nightlife choices, stay in South Beach.
South Beach is located on the opposite side of Biscayne Bay from the city center. Technically, this is Miami Beach’s southernmost point. This area of town is also known as the Art Deco District because this architectural style is frequently used in the design of buildings along the coast.
Beyond 21st Avenue, you can see structures built in the “Mimi” style (Miami Modern). Region; It draws attention with its colorfully painted historical buildings, lively nightlife, chic cafes and bars, golden-sand beaches, and long walking paths.
South Beach’s hotels are primarily lined up on Collins Avenue parallel to the Atlantic Ocean, earning it the moniker “America’s Riviera” due to its position as Miami’s largest tourism center. The accommodations, which add color to the boulevard with their historical textures and architectural features, are generally boutique in nature. There are fine bars and restaurants beneath almost all of them, making the area the center of the city’s nightlife.
You can enjoy the sea and sunbathe on the long beach without being bothered while staying in South Beach. Swimming families will enjoy the beach that runs parallel to Collins Avenue. You can take a detour to Haulover Beach Park, which spans 99 acres and offers a more extraordinary experience.
In your spare time, you can visit the attractions and shopping areas. The most appealing shopping options can be found near Espanola Way and Lincoln Road Mall.
South Beach Hotel Recommendations
3 ★★★ Hampton Inn Miami Beach:
Booking.com score: 8.6.
A beautiful Art Deco hotel located a 3-minute walk from the beach and 10 minutes from the iconic Ocean Drive. Click for information and reservation.
3 ★★★ Residence Inn by Marriott Miami Beach:
Booking.com score: 8.7.
This popular 4-star hotel with the best price / benefit ratio in Miami Beach is located 600 meters from Lincoln Road.
4 ★★★★ Urbanica The Meridian Hotel:
Booking.com rating: 9.0.
Located in one of the best rated locations in Miami Beach, the hotel is 600 meters from Ocean Drive.
4 ★★★★ Abae Hotel:
Booking.com score: 8.8.
It is one of the most popular 4-star hotels in the city, located a 15-minute walk from the beach.
5 ★★★★★ 1 Hotel South Beach:
Booking.com score: 9.1.
It is a very good option for those looking for a 5-star, quality place in the most popular spot of the city.
Miami Beach
South Beach is almost the city’s symbol. With the addition of entertainment and shopping facilities for people of all ages, as well as the appealing atmosphere created by its original architecture, travelers planning a Miami vacation should first consider the options in this region to meet their accommodation needs. That is why finding a place in South Beach can be difficult. If you find yourself in such a situation, don’t give up right away. Similar opportunities can be found in nearby Miami Beach.
North of South Beach is Miami Beach. The small barrier island within Miami-Dade County is actually an independent residential area in its own right. However, because of its location, it gives the impression of being connected to Miami.
Miami Beach, home to some of the most well-known beach resorts in the United States of America, never falls behind its northern neighbor in terms of vitality. In fact, compared to South Beach, which is within walking distance, vacationers are rarely exposed to crowds here.
Hotel rooms with family-friendly amenities have lower nightly rates. Some of the city’s best accommodations and restaurants are located in the central part of the Barrier island.
Miami Beach’s multicultural structure is another factor that makes it an appealing accommodation area for travelers, providing rich options in terms of artistic and cultural activities, nightlife, and eating and drinking opportunities.
The settlement area is home to immigrants from all over the world, particularly Latin America. The region’s South American influence is so strong that street signs are prepared in both English and Spanish. Because of its population structure, Miami Beach also allows visitors to learn about the city’s history.
The beaches of Miami Beach are the most well-known attraction, attracting both locals and tourists. You can spend the entire day on beaches surrounded by tall palm trees and covered in golden-yellow sand, and the sea is clean and calm all year. Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road are great places to go if you want to socialize, shop, or eat and drink. When making a list of places to visit in the area, you can put the Bass Museum of Art first.
Miami Beach Hotel Recommendations
3 ★★★ Generator Miami:
Booking.com score: 9.3.
It is an ideal hotel for those who want to stay in the most famous area of the city, such as an affordable but clean and popular place in Miami.
4 ★★★★ The Confidante Hotel – in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt:
Booking.com rating: 8.2.
This 4-star hotel with beautiful facilities such as an outdoor spa area, beauty salon, 2 heated outdoor pools is located right by the beach.
5 ★★★★★ Faena Hotel Miami Beach:
Booking.com score: 8.7.
Designed in a New-Deco style, this beautiful 5-star hotel is located on the oceanfront in Miami Beach.
Downtown
If you are thinking about making your holiday plans in a way to focus on getting to know the cultural side of the city, you can stay in Downtown Miami hotels.
Being the cultural center of South Florida, Downtown hosts many of Miami’s touristic popular museums, parks, shops and historical buildings. Since the city center is also the flagship of the state in trade and finance areas, it is possible to see important company headquarters while wandering here.
Nearly every corner of Downtown, where the heart of Miami beats, is full of skyscrapers, museums, art galleries, shopping malls and entertainment venues. The richness of the region in terms of social life enables it to offer its guests different beauties during the day and night.
The fact that the Cuban culture, inherited from the years when the foundations of the city were laid, can be felt dominantly contributes to the fact that the streets are very crowded and lively throughout the day.
In Miami city center, where very stylish boutiques that can attract the attention of travelers who enjoy shopping, there are also restaurants and cafes that appeal to different tastes.
Downtown manages to attract the attention of travelers interested in history as well as those who enjoy cultural and artistic activities. While staying in the city center, you can visit the Miami Historic District and have the opportunity to examine 60 historical statues, each more precious than the other.
In addition to the residential area that sheds light on the city’s past, you can include the Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, which includes a planetarium and an aquarium, and the Perez Art Museum, which focuses on contemporary artworks.
For travelers interested in motor sports and basketball, the American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami and its neighbor Bayfront Park have different meanings. Of course, while visiting so many places, it is absolutely necessary to spare time for the iconic Freedom Tower.
Miami Downtown Hotel Recommendations
3 ★★★ Courtyard by Marriott Miami Downtown:
Booking.com score: 8.5.
One of the best value-for-money hotels in Miami, this popular 3-star hotel is located right in the center of the city.
4 ★★★★ Hyatt Regency Miami:
Booking.com score: 8.1.
Overlooking Biscayne Bay, this popular 4-star hotel has easy access to attractions such as the Port of Miami.
5 ★★★★★ InterContinental Miami:
Booking.com score: 8.7.
Located in Miami’s business district, this beautiful 5-star hotel is ideal for those looking for a luxury and quality hotel in the city center.
Family-Friendly: Brickell
If you care about staying in luxurious and modern areas during your holidays, you can take a look at the Brickell hotels.
Surrounded by mansions built in accordance with the local architecture, the settlement reflects the city’s past on the one hand, and represents the modern face of the city with its office towers and stylish skyscrapers. Thanks to this feature, Brickell continues to be a favorite of not only travelers but also business people.
Brickell, Miami’s fastest growing and most populous district, resembles Manhattan with its luxury residences and contemporary-designed skyscrapers. At the same time, when you want to have a pleasant time in the financial center of the city, you can go to karaoke bars and taste the flavors selected from world cuisines in quality food and beverage venues. If you are a shopaholic traveler, you can find the most exclusive brands in boutiques in this part of the city. If you wish, you can use the Mary Brickell Village, which gathers all these opportunities under one roof, in your travel program and use your time more effectively.
Located in the heart of Brickell, the attraction is ideal for those who enjoy being in touch with the locals and participating in entertainment-oriented activities. You can also spend time on the man-made Brickell Key, as it has similar content.
The attractions you can visit to spend a pleasant time while staying in Brickell are not just places focused on shopping and eating and drinking.
In Simpson Park, which is home to one of the rare points above sea level in the city, you can examine the endangered plant species and spend peaceful hours.
Brickell Hotel Recommendations
3 ★★★ Aloft Miami Brickell:
Booking.com score: 8.4.
Located only 3.8 km from Miami Port, this hotel has facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool.
4 ★★★★ Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Downtown / Brickell:
Booking.com score: 9.1.
A popular 4-star hotel located a 1-minute walk from Brickell Metromover Station.
4 ★★★★ Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami:
Booking.com rating: 9.1.
Hyatt Centric, which has the best price / benefit ratio in Miami, is located close to many places to visit in the city.
5 ★★★★★ Four Seasons Hotel Miami:
Booking.com score: 9.2.
This popular 5-star hotel in Art Deco style is located opposite Biscayne Bay.
Coral Gables
If you enjoy traveling with your family or enjoying a quiet environment, you can check out Coral Gables hotels. In fact, this is another independent settlement within the borders of Miami-Dade County.
The region, where historical monuments and tree-lined boulevards add a distinct atmosphere, has a milder climate compared to its neighbor Downtown and South Beach. Because of this feature, middle-aged travelers as well as families prefer Coral Gables to spend their Miami holidays.
Coral Gables, home to the University of Miami, has many places to visit and countless activities to do. If you like to examine artworks, you can spend a day visiting the galleries in the area.
In addition to the galleries, interesting collections are also exhibited in the Lowe Art Museum. When you want to find peace, take a walk or observe the plant and animal species specific to the geography of the city, you can visit the magnificent green areas. For a quiet evening, you can watch movies in the cinemas in Coral Gables.
While preparing a list of places to visit in the region, I recommend you not to skip the Coral Gables House, which was built by the city’s founder George Merrick, except for the places I mentioned above.
When you want to cool off in the area where the iconic Biltmore Hotel is located, you can turn your route to the Venetian Pool instead of going to the beaches. The Fairchild Tropical Garden and Matheson Hammrock Park offer very valuable opportunities to its guests when it comes to observing natural life.
Coral Gables Hotel Recommendations
3 ★★★ Courtyard Miami Coral Gables:
Booking.com rating: 8.4.
Featuring a rooftop pool with views of Coral Gables, this hotel is a good choice for travelers interested in restaurants, sunny weather and food.
4 ★★★★ Hyatt Regency Coral Gables in Miami:
Booking.com rating: 8.6.
A beautiful and popular 4-star hotel 11.2 km from Miami city center.
Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove, which has an elite environment as elite as Coral Gables, is the last region I would recommend. The settlement preferred by the locals with the abbreviation “The Grove” is the favorite of travelers who enjoy cultural holidays, since it is the place where the foundations of Miami were laid.
Coconut Grove starred a group of adventurers when it was founded in 1873. Coconut Grove, which is shown among the greenest areas of Miami, continued its existence as a bohemian-style village for a long time. The residential area is now known for its high-end shopping facilities, entertainment complexes, restaurants and colorful nightlife.
The region, located in the south of Downtown, also makes a name for itself among travelers interested in architecture with its Mediterranean style houses.
You can increase your knowledge about South Florida through the museums here and spend peaceful hours in the parks. When you get hungry, you can stop by the venues on Cocowalk, especially Alfresco, which are popular with university students. There are also nightclubs and bars on the street where you can have fun in the evening.
Goombay and Coconut Grove Art festivals are the leading cultural events organized in the region. When vacationers staying in hotels with high service quality in Coconut Grove need to cool off, they go to the Venetian Pool from the 1920s, just like travelers staying in Coral Gables.
Coconut Grove Hotel Recommendations
3 ★★★ Residence Inn Miami Coconut Grove:
Booking.com score: 8.4.
Serving with 2 outdoor pools, this hotel is especially preferred by young couples.
4 ★★★★ Hotel Aria BW Premier Collection:
Booking.com score: 8.1.
Located 5 minutes’ walk from the CocoWalk and restaurants area, this hotel is a nice option for those who want to stay in the Coconut Grove area.
5 ★★★★★ The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami:
Booking.com score: 8.7.
Overlooking Biscayne Bay, this 5-star hotel offers amenities such as a spa, fitness center and rooms with balconies.
Final Word on Miami Area Hotels
In summary, if you want to experience Miami’s nightlife that never stops dynamically and spend a wonderful holiday period in its iconic hotels, you can choose your accommodation from among the options in South Beach without thinking about it.
It has similar rich places in terms of entertainment, shopping, eating and drinking opportunities; but when you search for a less crowded area, you can focus on its neighbor, Miami Beach.
If your primary goal in your vacation plans for Miami is to get to know the history and culture of the city, you can find the opportunities you are looking for in Downtown.
Brickell, Coral Gables and Coconut Grove are not behind the city center in terms of both cultural and historical background. Moreover, these settlements with an elite atmosphere are very generous in presenting the natural beauties of the region to their guests.
As a Miami hotel recommendation, if you want to stay in an economical 3-star hotel in the center of the city, you can take a look at the Residence Inn by Marriott South Beach in South Beach and the hotels called Courtyard by Marriott Miami Downtown in Downtown.
If you prefer a 4-star resort, the oceanfront The Confidante Hotel – in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt and the Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami in Brickell are among the city’s popular hotels.
If you want to stay in a 5-star, luxurious hotel on your trip to Miami, 1 Hotel South Beach by the ocean and InterContinental Miami in the city center are among the best options.