Miami is a glitzy, tropical paradise with trendy beaches and buzzing bars. Its Art Deco hotels, classy boutiques and burgeoning gastronomic scene make it a prime destination for couples, families and friends.
Many first-time visitors make a beeline for South Beach, with its glamorous hotels and postcard-perfect sands. But the city also has a range of affordable hotels, including family-friendly chains and cosy bed and breakfasts.
Location
Miami is a city of many neighborhoods, each with its own style. If you’re interested in the history of Miami, book a hotel in the Art Deco district, like the Whitelaw Hotel or the Grand Beach Hotel. The hotels in the Art Deco district are often reasonably priced and offer great views of the historic streets.
For those who want to experience the nightlife of Miami, look for a hotel located on or near Collins and Ocean Drive. These streets are the heart of Miami’s nightlife, and they can get quite noisy at times. If you’re looking for a quieter area to stay, consider the historic Wynwood neighborhood.
For a convenient way to get around the city, consider staying at a hotel that is conveniently located next to a Citi Bike station. This way you can easily travel throughout the city without having to worry about finding a parking spot. The Eden Roc hotel is an excellent example of this type of hotel.
Budget
Miami may have a reputation for being an expensive destination, but there are plenty of budget-friendly hotels that offer easy beach access, delicious restaurants, and beautiful pools. Solo travelers can enjoy hotel-hostels like Freehand Miami and Generator Miami Beach for affordable rates, while families will appreciate upscale yet affordable boutique properties such as Plymouth Hotel and Circa 39 Hotel.
For a truly unique experience, look for Miami hotels in the historic Art Deco district. Many of these buildings have been converted into hip and boutique hotels like the Whitelaw Hotel and Toro Toro, which are just a short walk from some of the city’s best brunches and hidden cocktail bars. You can also book a room in Little Havana, where you’ll find authentic Cuban cuisine at places such as El Rey de Las Fritas and Ceviche 105.
Cheap Miami hotels are easier to find during the winter months when temperatures are milder, and June – September is when the area experiences the most tourism. Make sure to book your stay at least 77 days in advance to get the best deal on a Miami hotel.
Nightlife
The city is buzzing with activity through the day but when the sun goes down Miami really lights up. From leg breaking dance floors to fancy dinner dates the nightlife scene has something for everyone.
Glitzy South Beach is lined with mega-clubs that draw crowds seven nights a week and host international DJs and rappers. If you’re lucky, you might see a celebrity at LIV in the Fontainebleau, where the set list usually spotlights A-list celebrities from Kim Kardashian to Leonardo DiCaprio.
After the clubs turn off their lights, the party moves downtown and rages on until early morning in places like Club Space. A true den of electronica, it’s the original after-hours party that attracts a hipster and professional crowd from across the country.
Food
Rosemary is the editor-in-chief and strategist at Authentic Food Quest, a travel blog that celebrates local culinary specialties around the world. She has been traveling slow since 2015 and has visited more than 240+ culinary cities. She is also a travel and wellness writer who has been published in various media outlets, including Lonely Planet, Honest Cooking, Business Insider, and Huffington Post.
Eating in Miami has never been more fun, thanks to a wave of cool new restaurants that showcase the region’s electrifying energy. From rooftops in Little Havana to omakase hideaways in Bal Harbour, there’s a table for every kind of date in this tropical paradise. And unlike most top dining destinations, many of Miami’s hottest restaurants are open throughout the pandemic. So, make sure to book a table during your next trip to this culinary capital.