Where to stay in Miami: best areas and hotels

Staying in Miami is quite expensive. Thanks to its good weather all year round, prices are always regular (and high). Of course, being such a large city, it is very important to choose the right area. Depending on the type of trip you want to do, one thing or another will suit you. In this post we tell you the best areas and hotels to stay in Miami.

1. South Beach, the best area to stay in Miami if you like parties and the beach


South Beach is the most famous and lively part of Miami. On Ocean Drive there are many bars and clubs where you can party and have a lively night. So if you like to party, without a doubt we recommend sleeping in South Beach. Also, sleeping there you will have the beach right in front of you. It is true that the water in South Beach is not bad at all, but we would not come here on vacation: the beach is full of people and you do not have peace of mind. The further from Ocean Drive the better.

South Beach is the most expensive area to stay in Miami. You have the party and the beach, so this ends up paying.

It must also be said that the Art Deco district is beautiful and well worth a visit. Although to fall in love with this area it is not necessary to spend the night. So if you don't plan to go out or go to the beach every day, we believe that there are better areas to stay in Miami considering the value for money.

The best hotels to stay in South Beach:


  • 1 Hotel South Beach
  • W South Beach
  • Ithaca South Beach Hotel

Stay in Miami
This is South Beach: party, good atmosphere and luxury cars

2. Brickell, the best area to stay in Miami


And precisely Brickell is one of those areas. It was where we stayed and, honestly, we recommend it to you. It's our favorite part of town! It is the financial district of Miami but at the same time it has a more than acceptable commercial and nightlife. Among its attractions is the Brickell City Center, a nice shopping center where you can spend an afternoon shopping and many restaurants and rooftops where you can have a drink.

Although there are no cheap hotels or areas in Miami, in Brickell you will find very good accommodation at reasonable prices. It is also a super safe area to stay in Miami. In Brickell you can directly take the MetroMover (a free train that moves through Downtown). Therefore, if you do not travel by car you can move around the city for free. In addition, there are many restaurants where you can eat cheaply in Miami.

We recommend Brickell for the quality and price of its hotels and also for its tranquility and good atmosphere. The location is fine, you can easily walk to the center and by public transport to South Beach. In addition, getting from the airport by train is very easy, it only takes 30 minutes.

Our recommendations in Brickell:


  • Hyatt Downtown Miami
  • eastern miami
  • Fortune House Hotel Suites

Stay in Miami
Brickell, one of the best areas to stay in Miami

3. Downtown Miami, a fairly expensive alternative to stay in Miami


Downtown Miami and Brickell are separated by the Miami River. Both parts are the business center of the city but we believe that there is a lot of difference between them. It is clear that Downtown is better located: closer to South Beach and the main attractions of the city. And also better communication.

But unlike Brickell, the atmosphere is worse. Similar to any Downtown of a big city in the United States. During the day there is no problem because people work, but at night there is no one left and the streets are deserted. On the other hand, in Brickell there are many restaurants, being a much more pleasant area to stay in Miami.

And regarding the price, in Downtown Miami you will find some of the most luxurious hotels in the city. So in general it is one of the most expensive areas to stay in Miami. To sleep in the Downtown, we advise you to do it in Brickell, which is nicer and cheaper.

Good accommodations in the Downtown:


  • Hyatt Regency Miami
  • Eurostars Langford
  • Courtyard by Marriott Miami Downtown

Stay in Miami
Downtown Miami, a perfect contrast between palm trees and skyscrapers

4. Mid-Beach, a good place to stay in Miami and relax on the beach


Although we would never come to Miami for its beach, we have to admit that it is not all bad. However, we did not like the beach of South Beach too much because it is crowded and you do not have peace of mind. If you are looking for something more relaxing, we advise you to sleep in Mid-Beach, just to the north. You will see that when you walk away from Ocean Drive, Miami Beach is another world. The streets are quiet and there are very nice shopping areas.

Some of the most spectacular hotels in Miami Beach are concentrated in Mid-Beach. And also on the beach! As you can imagine, the beaches are much quieter, so if you are looking to unwind lying in a hammock, you will be much better here. Of course, the prices are quite high since they are usually luxury hotels.

Good hotels in Mid-Beach:


  • Fontainebleau Miami Beach
  • Croydon Hotel
  • Nobu Hotel

5. The surroundings of the airport, the cheapest area to stay in Miami


Sleeping next to the airport can seem very tempting because the hotels are much cheaper than in any other part of the city. But you have to be careful when choosing the right one since depending on which one you choose you will have to live an odyssey to get to the center.

To give you a reference, around the airport you can find really good hotels with breakfast included for just €100 per night. That is, much cheaper and nicer accommodation than most in the center. But he has a catch. It is not the same to stay in the North, South or West (Doral) than in the east of the airport. It changes a lot, especially if you want to get around by public transport. Parking in Miami is very expensive, so we advise you to leave your car at the hotel to move around the city.

If you want to sleep near the airport and visit the city, at least be in the east. That is, next to the airport train station. We think East of the Airport is a very smart area to stay in Miami. In 50 minutes by train or bus you will be in the city center and save yourself having to pay for a car park. If you want to save, it is a good option. In addition, most of them include a free shuttle to the airport!

Good Hotels East of Miami Airport:


  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Miami Airport East
  • Hyatt Place Miami Airport East

6. Coconut Grove and Coral Gables, remote options but good value for money


Both Coral Gables and Coconut Grove are two good alternatives to stay in Miami. There are many hotels with good prices (because it is Miami) although you should know that they are a bit far from the center. Even so, they are two quiet, residential areas and, in general, very pleasant.

For your reference, if you sleep near the Coconut Grove or Coral Gables station, it will only take 30 minutes by train to Downtown Miami. Not so bad! So we believe that there are two areas to consider for its price.

Our recommendations:


  • Hampton Inn Miami Coconut Grove/ Coral Gables
  • Four Points by Sheraton Coral Gables

Miami Map