How to Choose the Perfect Spot for Your Miami Stay
Okay, so you’re coming to Miami for a short stay, and you want a place that feels right — not just some cookie-cutter hotel room. Downtown Miami and Brickell are like cousins living on opposite sides of a tiny river: close, but with their own vibe.
Downtown Miami: More Choices, More Breathing Room
Downtown’s kind of like that friend who has a big closet full of clothes — you’ll find a bunch of apartments here. Some tall and shiny, some with a bit of character, and many with great views of the bay that’ll make you pause mid-scroll on your phone.
You want space? You want options? Downtown’s got it. Plus, it’s where Miami’s artsy side lives. You can easily stroll to the Pérez Art Museum, or catch something cool at the Adrienne Arsht Center — if museums and theaters make you happy.
The best part? Because there’s more rentals here, prices can sometimes be kinder to your wallet — especially when Miami’s buzzing during big events. So, if you want to stay somewhere comfy, not pay through the nose, and still be in the mix, Downtown’s a solid pick.
Brickell: The City That Never Sleeps (Well, Almost)
Cross the little river, and you’re in Brickell — Miami’s financial playground by day and a party by night. Picture this: a tropical Manhattan, where you can ditch your car (yes, really) and walk everywhere. A buddy of mine — an investment banker from NYC — told me he was shocked he barely touched his car while staying here. Bars, cafes, fancy restaurants — all a stone’s throw. The streets buzz with people and energy, but it’s the kind of busy that feels exciting, not exhausting.
Oh, and the views? Rooftop bars with the kind of sunsets that Instagram was made for. If you love the idea of waking up with the city’s hum just outside your window, Brickell’s calling your name.
So, Which One?
It’s like choosing between two flavors of ice cream — both sweet, but one’s a little more mellow, the other a bit more intense. Downtown is the roomy, artsy scoop. Brickell is the punchy, city-hustle scoop.
Both put you right next to the bay and give you quick access to Miami’s best bits. So honestly, you can’t go wrong. Just think about whether you want to soak in a chill vibe or dive headfirst into city life.
Quick Tips Before You Book
Check out the map above for real-time Vrbo prices — don’t just guess.
Miami’s big events (hello, Art Basel and Miami Grand Prix) fill places fast, so book early or risk FOMO.
Amenities matter. Pools, gyms, secure buildings — it’s like your apartment’s little extras that make the stay way better.
At the end of the day, you’re getting your own space to relax, and Miami — with all its wild charm — is just steps away.