Where to Stay in Miami – A Guide to the Big City of Florida
Miami is one of the biggest cities in the United States, as well as an tourism, commerce, and entertainment center in Florida.
This city is located southeast of Florida, on the shores of the North Atlantic ocean.
Miami is known, among other things, because of its large Hispanic community, beaches, shopping centers and nightlife.
The weather in Miami is hot and humid, with high temperatures during most of the year. On the other hand, winter is mild and allows you to explore the city easily.
Transportation in Miami is usually scarce and some attractions are far away from each other, so the best option is to rent a car to move between its districts.
However, Downtown Miami is connected through Metromover and the Metrorail system.
When it comes to accommodation, Miami has it all, from luxury hotels to pensions located in Art Deco buildings.
Choosing between the best areas to stay in Miami depends on the reason behind the trip. If you want to be close to the malls and the clubs, staying in Downtown Miami is the best option (See accommodation in Downtown Miami). On the other hand, the South Beach area is recommended for beach lovers (See accommodation in South Beach).
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Miami, Florida.
The Best Areas to Stay in Miami, Florida
1. Our Favorite Area: South Beach
The South Beach area is located in Miami Beach, a few minutes drive from Downtown Miami.
South Beach is one of the best areas to stay in Miami because of its luxury hotels with ocean views, nightlife and, of course, its beaches.
In this area, you’ll find the renowned Art Deco District, where there is a large number of buildings of the early twentieth century.
In South Beach, there’s also Ocean Drive, one of the main streets of Miami Beach, where you will find some of the most exclusive hotels and restaurants in the city.
To move through this area, there are several bus stops available along Washington Avenue.
At night, South Beach becomes the center of Miami’s nightlife, with bars and clubs playing all kinds of music, from Latin genres to hip hop and electronic music.
South Beach is recommended as the best area to stay in Miami during the summer or to do outdoor activities on its beaches.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Miami, Florida:
- Beach areea
- Miami’s gay area
- Art Deco District
- Best area to stay without a car
- Best area for nightlife
- Best area for sightseeing
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Starlite Hotel
This hotel is located in Miami Beach, on the picturesque promenade of Ocean Drive, in front of the beach. Starlite Hotel offers free Wi-Fi and a restaurant. The air-conditioned rooms feature parquet floors, cable TV, a microwave, a small refrigerator and ironing facilities.
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Budget
Ocean Blue Hostel
Located on Ocean Drive in the heart of the Art Deco district, this Miami Beach hostel offers free Wi-Fi in the lobby area. The beach is a few steps away. There are lockers available for a fee in each shared room at Ocean Blue Hostel.
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Luxury
Nautilus by Arlo
The Nautilus is a 1950s beachfront property with an outdoor pool surrounded by cabanas, spa services and a restaurant. A full American buffet breakfast is served here and the South Beach district is a 10-minute walk away.
2. Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove is a ten-minute drive from Downtown Miami and is an area of beaches, restaurants, and art.
Among the attractions to see in Coconut Grove, there is the Vizcaya Museum and its gardens. In addition, there are always important events in this area such as the Coconut Art Festival.
Coconut Grove is a luxury area, with upscale hotels that are among the favorites of celebrities.
Public transport is scarce in this area, so it is recommended to stay in Coconut Grove with a car.
Other places to see in Coconut Grove include the Cocowalk shopping center.
In addition, Peacock Park, one of the most beautiful parks in Miami, is located in Coconut Grove, where you can get views of the boats, play tennis or baseball and even listen to live jazz in its cafes.
Coconut Grove is one of the best areas to stay in Miami because of its luxury hotels and attractions.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Miami, FL:
- Cocowalk shopping center
- Peacock Park
- Luxury hotels
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hampton Inn Miami-Coconut Grove/Coral Gables
This Coconut Grove hotel is located on the outskirts of Miami, just 10 km from Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. It offers various free services and comfortable accommodation. Miami Beach is 16 km away.
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Budget
Mayfair Hotel and Spa
This luxury boutique hotel in Coconut Grove is 4 km from the Museum and Gardens of historic Villa Vizcaya and features a rooftop pool, full-service spa, and a gourmet restaurant.
3. Downtown Miami
Downtown Miami is the best area to stay in Miami for business because of its office complexes and skyscrapers that give a modern atmosphere to the area.
The best hotels in Miami are located in the Downtown area.
This neighborhood is near the Port of Miami, so it is a recommended area for travelers who want to take a cruise or attend yacht parties.
Another benefit of staying in Downtown Miami is that it hosts the Freedom Tower and the American Airlines Arena, where concerts and shows take place during the year.
Moving through Downtown Miami is possible through the Metromover, a system of elevated trains that run through the district.
Downtown Miami is also one of the best areas to stay in Miami for those who want to discover the city’s nightlife.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in MIA:
- Best area for business travelers
- Good nightlife
- Connected by public transport
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Fortune House Hotel Suites
Located on Brickell Avenue, less than 3 miles from the Port of Miami, this apartment-style Florida hotel offers an outdoor pool, hot tub and restaurant.
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Budget
Rodeway Inn & Suites
This hotel is adjacent to the Miami Convention Center, just minutes from the beautiful beaches of Miami. It offers spacious accommodation with air conditioning and breakfast daily.
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Luxury
Hyatt Regency Miami
This hotel connects to the Miami Convention Center, offers spectacular views of the Bay of Biscay and the city and is close to attractions such as the Port of Miami, which is an 8-minute drive away.
4. Design District
The Design District, as is name implies, is an area dedicated to fashion, with an innovative environment full of shops, as well as avant-garde architecture.
The Design District is located north of Downtown Miami, about 40 minutes by car.
This luxury area is home to some of the most renowned brands and companies in the fashion, design and art industry.
Here, you can either attend fashion shows or see exhibitions in the art galleries of the area. Furthermore, the Design District has many bars for nightlife lovers.
The best way to move through this area as well as to other neighborhoods of Miami is by car.
An art center worthy of a visit in the area is the Fly’s Eye Dome, a landmark designed by Buckminster Fuller where contemporary art is displayed.
This is one of the best areas to stay in Miami for those who are passionate about fashion, design, decoration, and architecture.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Miami, Florida:
- Alternative area
- Near the Downtown area
- Good area for shopping
5. Little Havana
Little Havana is known for being the preferred area for many Spanish-speaking people to stay or to live in Miami.
This lively neighborhood houses Latin American art galleries, restaurants with exotic flavors and terraces where you can enjoy drinks and the popular Cuban cigars.
The activities in this district range from playing dominoes with professionals in its parks to watching independent and classic films in the Tower Theater.
Being a lively area, known for its music and culture, the nightclubs in Little Havana are positioned among the best in Miami, with live Latin music, salsa contests and more.
Life in Little Havana revolves around Calle Ocho, full of artisans, Cuban restaurants and shops, all wrapped in a vibrant atmosphere.
Other attractions in this area include the Historical Museum of South Florida and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. In addition, it is located near Downtown Miami.
Little Havana is recommended as one of the best areas to stay in Miami if you want to know a different facet of this city of Florida. Also, accommodation in this area is usually cheaper.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in MIA:
- Latin clubs and bars
- Cheap hotels
- Great food
6. Near the Airport
The Miami International Airport (MIA) is the second busiest airport in the United States, with international and domestic flights.
Since it is an important gateway to the United States, it is also one of the best areas to stay in Miami, Florida.
Although there are not many attractions in this area, it is a good place to stay in Miami for short stays or for travelers who make a layover in the city.
This area has good connections with other districts through public transport, and there are also several car rental places.
The best area to stay in Miami for a first visit or general sightseeing is South Beach. This area hosts attractions like the Art Deco District and stunning beaches. Another good area for tourists is Coconut Grove, home to the beautiful Vizcaya Museum.
If you travel to Miami with kids, you should stay in Coconut Grove. This is a more quiet area with a family-friendly atmosphere. But, if you want to be closer to the beach, then book accommodation in South Beach.
As its name suggests, South Beach is a great place to stay in Miami if you want to go to the beach. This area has a very central location and beautiful beaches.
South Beach is the perfect area for shopaholics who visit Miami. In South Beach, you’ll find boutiques and shops of all kinds. That said, Coconut Grove hosts Cocowalk Shopping Center. The latter is among the most important malls in Miami.
Choosing where to stay in Miami for nightlife will depend on your interests. For big, trendy clubs and LGBT venues, stay in South Beach. For authentic salsa dancing, you could book a hotel in Little Havana. Miami has a scene for everyone!
There are two good areas to stay in Miami without a car. The first one is South Beach since you’ll be within walking distance from many attractions. Another good place to stay in Miami without a car is downtown. Why? Because Downtown Miami has a very central location and good public transport connections.
The best location in Miami for gay and LGBT travelers, in general, is South Beach. In South Beach, there are tons of gay and gay-friendly bars, clubs, shops, hotels, and even beaches. Thus, this district is the most open-minded in Miami.
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