Best Places to Stay in Miami: Neighborhoods and Travel Guide

A prominent port city located in Florida, Miami is recognized as one of the most fashionable and frequently visited cities in the United States and globally. It hosts the largest Latin American population outside of Latin America, which has led to Miami being popularly referred to as the “Magic City.”

Celebrated for its diverse cultural influences and rich heritage, Miami holds the title of the largest American city with a Cuban historical background that began in the 1960s when a significant influx of Cubans arrived due to political changes. Moreover, Miami is home to the only Everglades ecosystem globally and boasts over 800 green spaces. It uniquely neighbors two distinct National Parks, Biscayne and Everglades.

A hub of numerous innovations, such as the first suntan lotion and the first Burger King, Miami Beach features the largest collection of Art Deco architecture. While its beaches are a key attraction, Miami also hosts one of the nation’s largest snow skiing clubs.

Having examined what this city offers in terms of culture and entertainment, let us explore some of its notable areas to assist in deciding where to stay during your visit to this vibrant metropolis.

Miami Beach

Although technically not a part of the city of Miami but rather part of Miami-Dade County, Miami Beach is a small barrier island adjacent to Miami. It has been one of the premier beach resorts in the United States for over a century. Recognized as a contemporary hub for art, culture, nightlife, and cuisine, Miami Beach showcases various cultures, including a significant Latin American population and a notable Haitian community, reflected in the multilingual street signs. The area features clear, calm waters year-round, with its golden sandy beaches and swaying palm trees as the main attraction. If you happen to visit at the end of March, the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition, a major 18-day event attracting over 700,000 visitors annually, should not be missed.

Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Collins Avenue, Lincoln Road, Bass Museum of Art, Holocaust Memorial of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, and World Erotic Art Museum.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Urbanica The Meridian Hotel – A brief walk from the beach, this popular hotel is known for its contemporary interiors and excellent amenities, including an outdoor pool with lounge chairs, spacious guestrooms, an on-site bar, and a 24-hour front desk. Some packages at this pet-friendly hotel include complimentary breakfast. Suitable for all types of travelers.
• The Marlin Hotel – Located just minutes from the pristine sands of Miami Beach, the Marlin Hotel provides free Wi-Fi, an on-site laundry service, and a restaurant. Modern guestrooms feature spacious closets, remote-controlled blackout curtains, and ensuite bathrooms with luxury bath products. Ideal for all travelers.
• Loews Miami Beach Hotel – Just steps from the vibrant Miami Beachfront, this hotel boasts six restaurants, a world-class spa and wellness center, refreshing outdoor pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness facility. Guests can indulge in activities such as parasailing, kayaking, and complimentary banana boat rides. Perfect for luxury travelers.

South Beach

South Beach specifically denotes the southern portion of Miami Beach, presenting a stark contrast to the northern areas. While Miami Beach typically offers a more relaxed environment favored by retirees and families, South Beach attracts youthful models who sunbathe on the sand. Fifth Street is renowned for hosting some of the most famous parties, whereas slightly further south, boutique gems and exquisite restaurants await. This neighborhood also encompasses several shopping centers and celebrity-chef dining establishments. Additionally, Ocean Drive offers an opportunity to appreciate the city’s well-preserved art-deco architecture amidst an array of outdoor cafes. Frequented by the young, affluent, and well-known, South Beach is arguably the best spot to experience Miami’s captivating nightlife.

Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Espanola Way, Lincoln Road Mall, Haulover Beach Park, Miami Beach Botanical Garden, South Pointe Park, and Jewish Museum of Florida.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Cavalier South Beach Hotel – Situated next to the golden sands of South Beach, this upscale property features a 24-hour front desk, elegant decor, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout. Each room includes satellite TV, a safety deposit box, and a private bathroom. A complimentary breakfast is provided daily. Ideal for all types of travelers.
• 1 Hotel South Beach – Positioned on the oceanfront, the historic 1 Hotel South Beach is celebrated for its superior hospitality and array of high-end facilities, including an exclusive adult-only rooftop pool, a private beach area, and an exceptional spa and wellness center. Room service is available around the clock. Suitable for luxury travelers.
• Leslie Hotel – Established in 1937, this iconic hotel is recognized for its art-deco architecture, rooftop pool, and spa, conveniently located directly across from South Beach. Guests can utilize the on-site gym or participate in aqua aerobics classes for a unique experience. Appropriate for all types of travelers.

Downtown Miami

Similar to other global metropolitan areas, Miami’s downtown serves as its financial, commercial, and cultural nexus, representing the heart of South Florida. Typically bustling, Downtown Miami is filled with towering skyscrapers, rich history, compelling museums and art galleries, and countless shopping and entertainment venues. The Bayside Marketplace exemplifies the excitement, shopping opportunities, and leisure activities that Miami offers. For those interested in history, the Downtown Miami Historic District showcases approximately 60 historic structures, many from the 1920s and even earlier. A visit to the iconic Freedom Tower, a 1925 Mediterranean Revival skyscraper that originally served as the headquarters for Miami News and now functions as an educational and cultural center for Miami Dade College, is essential.

Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Pérez Art Museum Miami, Bayfront Park, Miami Center For Architecture And Design, Miami Science Barge, Alfred I. DuPont Building, and Olympia Theatre.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Holiday Inn Hotel Port of Miami-Downtown – Centrally located in Downtown Miami, this elegant hotel features luxurious accommodations and delightful views of Biscayne Bay. Guests can take advantage of the outdoor pool and well-equipped fitness facility. If work at the on-site business center becomes tedious, enjoy a meal and cocktail at the restaurant. Suitable for all types of travelers.
• Hilton Miami Downtown – Recognized as a leading upscale hotel in the vicinity, Hilton Miami Downtown offers sophisticated accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows, cable TV, and spectacular Biscayne Bay views (in select rooms). The on-site bistro serves both local and international cuisines. Appropriate for all types of travelers.
• InterContinental Miami – Situated in Miami’s business district, this refined property features contemporary accommodations, a 24-hour fitness center, a full-service spa with ten beautifully decorated treatment rooms, and a large outdoor pool complete with a sundeck overlooking Biscayne Bay. Ideal for luxury travelers.

Brickell

As a sub-neighborhood of Downtown Miami and home to the Financial District, Brickell is where a majority of the city’s businesses reside. Although the atmosphere is more professional compared to South Beach, the area offers plenty of cafes and restaurants conducive for relaxation throughout the day. Brickell Island, often referred to as Laughton Island, is connected by a pedestrian-friendly bridge and is known for the renowned Mandarin Oriental Hotel and its sizable iguanas. Regarded as one of Miami’s best-kept secrets, Brickell’s primary attraction is undoubtedly Mary Brickell Village. This vibrant area features karaoke bars, fine dining, unique boutiques, and much more, branding itself as the “Manhattan of Miami.”

Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Brickell Key Park, The Shops at Mary Brickell Village, Simpson Park, and Rickenbacker Causeway.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Downtown/Brickell – Located a short distance from Brickell Metromover Station, this elegant hotel offers well-equipped accommodations with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, wake-up service, tea/coffee maker, and ensuite bathroom. Additional amenities include a fitness center, outdoor pool, and a helpful concierge to assist with excursions around the city. Suitable for all types of travelers, including larger groups of up to six members.
• EAST, Miami – This luxury property offers world-class facilities and services, including fully-furnished accommodations with modern amenities, a 24-hour fitness center, four outdoor pools, and an in-house cinematic experience. The rooftop bar on the 40th floor provides splendid views of the city. Ideal for luxury travelers.
• Atton Brickell Miami – Featuring a rooftop pool, an on-site business center, a fully stocked bar, and an on-site restaurant, Atton Brickell Miami presents well-appointed rooms with modern conveniences such as large double beds, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and ensuite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Suitable for all types of travelers.

Coconut Grove

Located along the picturesque shoreline of Biscayne Bay, Coconut Grove, founded in 1873 by pioneers and artists, is the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood in Miami. Commonly referred to as “the Grove,” this neighborhood is known for its verdant spaces. It hosts numerous annual celebrations and festivals, including the Coconut Grove Arts Festival and the famed Goombay Festival, celebrating Bahamian culture and Caribbean music. The Grove is replete with street-side cafes and waterfront bars that come alive at night, becoming the focal point of the region’s nightlife. Furthermore, its prime location adjacent to Biscayne Bay renders the Grove a central hub for boating and sailing adventures.

Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Peacock Park Community Yoga, CocoWalk, The Barnacle Historic State Park, Coconut Grove Cemetery, and Panorama Restaurant & Sky Lounge.

Hotel Recommendations:

• The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami – This luxurious five-star hotel features upscale accommodations just a short distance from Biscayne Bay. A world-class spa and wellness center caters to expecting mothers and newlywed couples. Guests can savor fresh seafood and locally-sourced organic produce at the on-site restaurant. Ideal for luxury travelers.
• Mayfair Hotel and Spa – Located near the historic Vizcaya Museum, this exquisite Art-Nouveau boutique hotel is renowned for its high-end guestrooms, gourmet dining, and a 4,500 square foot exclusive spa that is rumored to be unmatched in the city. Suitable for all types of travelers.
• Hampton Inn Miami-Coconut Grove/Coral Gables – Begin your morning at this hotel with a complimentary breakfast and enjoy a short drive to Miami Beach or the historic Virginia Key Beach. Alternatively, guests can unwind at the property, utilizing the well-equipped fitness center or relaxing by the pool. Conclude your day with a delightful dining experience at one of the nearby restaurants. Suitable for all types of travelers.

Coral Gables

Marked by ivy-covered mansions, significant landmarks, and tree-lined boulevards, Coral Gables is fittingly referred to as “the City Beautiful.” It is the residence of the renowned Venetian Pool and the Biltmore Hotel, along with housing the largest botanical garden in the nation and the prestigious University of Miami. Ideal for families and middle-aged travelers, the area is notably more tranquil than the bustling Downtown or South Beach, yet offers ample activities, including art galleries, lush parks, the most live theaters in Dade County, and Miracle Mile, the area’s main shopping street and home to the historic Miracle Theatre. The Coral Gable House, formerly owned by George Merrick, the founder of Coral Gables, is a significant landmark in the neighborhood.

Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Lowe Art Museum, and Matheson Hammock Park.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Hyatt Regency Coral Gables in Miami – Equipped with a 42-inch cable TV, iPod docking station, and a balcony or patio, this hotel offers accommodations a short distance from Miami International Airport. Guests can enjoy meals and cocktails at the on-site bar and restaurant or order room service for dining in comfort. Suitable for all types of travelers.
• Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel – Conveniently located near South Beach, Miami International Airport, and Miracle Mile’s many shops, this sophisticated property offers spacious, modern rooms equipped with the latest amenities. The pet-friendly hotel features a well-appointed fitness center, 24-hour room service, and an on-site gift shop. Ideal for luxury travelers.
• Four Points by Sheraton Coral Gables – With an outdoor pool, a library lounge, a fully functional fitness center, and an on-site bar and lounge boasting views of the historic neighborhood, this remarkable hotel is situated within walking distance of Merrick Park Mall. A complimentary breakfast buffet is available daily. Suitable for all types of travelers.

Key Biscayne

Located on the southern tip of Miami Beach and to the east of the city, Key Biscayne is a distinguished island community connected to mainland Miami via the Rickenbacker Causeway. Situated between Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, this neighborhood highlights two extraordinary beaches, tropical forests, mangroves, and a rich variety of flora and fauna, including butterfly species and loggerhead turtles. Key Biscayne also provides access to the nearby Florida barrier reef, the only living coral reef in the United States and the third largest globally. Furthermore, this coral reef is recognized as the only federally recognized underwater archaeological trail in the U.S.

Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Cape Florida Light, Dolphin Harbor, No Name Harbor, and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park Beach.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Coral Reef Luxury Suites Key Biscayne Miami – A pleasant walk from the beach, this spacious property offers self-catering suites with free Wi-Fi, cable TV, dining areas, and private bathrooms. Guests can also enjoy unlimited access to the on-site outdoor pool and laundry facilities. Suitable for families and groups.
• The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami – Featuring separate pools for adults and families, 11 tennis courts, a 25,000 square-foot spa with saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms, and hot tubs, alongside four on-site restaurants, the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne embodies luxury and hospitality. A well-designed fitness center and a comprehensive beauty salon cater to all health and grooming needs. Great for luxury travelers.
• Beach Haus Key Biscayne Contemporary Apartments – Located within walking distance of the beach, these modern apartment units offer comfortable accommodations and various facilities, including cable TV, kitchens, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can sunbathe by the on-site pool or use the complimentary umbrellas and lounge chairs for a fun-filled beach day. Suitable for solo travelers, couples, and small families.

Design District

Situated just a few miles north of the vibrant streets of Downtown Miami, the Design District serves as a haven for Miami’s creative talents. The area is adorned with numerous art galleries, high-end furniture stores, stylish eateries, and upscale fashion boutiques. Among the notable galleries is the De la Cruz Collection Contemporary Art Space, showcasing personal creations by Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz as an extension of their residence. An excellent way to uncover popular and hidden gems within the Design District is to participate in the Design District Art Walk, taking place on the second Saturday of each month, providing an enjoyable evening filled with art, cocktails, and dining alongside fellow enthusiasts.

Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Institute of Contemporary Art, Locust Projects, Adamar Fine Arts, The Moore Building, and The Haitian Heritage Museum.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Mare Azur Design District Luxury Apartments – Featuring an outdoor pool and barbecue facilities, this well-structured property provides luxurious, self-catering apartment units equipped with satellite TV, private bathrooms, and dressing rooms. Guests can enjoy one of the pools within the premises or simply walk over to the waterfront. Suitable for all types of travelers, including large groups of up to six individuals.
• Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Midtown, FL – Located in the heart of Miami’s famous Design District, this hotel provides outstanding accommodations equipped with modern features, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and ergonomic work desks. A hearty complimentary breakfast is available daily. Suitable for all types of travelers, including affluent groups of up to six individuals.
• Midtown Apartments at Midblock – Offering a spacious terrace lounge with city views and a refreshing outdoor pool, Midtown Apartments at Midblock features well-appointed, self-catering apartment units. These include the latest facilities such as soundproofing, satellite TVs, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Guests can relax in the on-site hot tub after a day of exploring the city. Suitable for families and large groups of up to six members.