Where to Stay in Miami?

By updated on June 2, 2023

Are you planning a trip to Miami and wondering where to stay? Let us help you out! First, it’s important to understand that Miami is divided into several distinct areas, each with its own unique character and attractions.

Xayire at Miami Design District's Louis Vuitton shop

Xayire at Miami Design District’s Louis Vuitton shop

Let’s start talking about Miami Beach – this is the area that most people around the world think of when they think of Miami. Miami Beach is actually a separate city from Miami itself, and it’s where you’ll find some of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. The most sparkling and exciting part of Miami Beach is South Beach. Here, you’ll find rare hotels, restaurants, and clubs, along with a crazy nightlife scene that attracts young people from all over the world. If you’re looking for a lively and bustling atmosphere, South Beach is the place to be!

On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for some peace and quiet, North Beach might be more your speed. Here, you’ll find top hotels, private beaches without crowds, and interesting people. Keep in mind that hotels in this area can be pricey, but the luxurious amenities and tranquil vibe are worth it. While there aren’t as many clubs or restaurants in this area, you can always head down to South Beach or check out the Bad Harbour Mall for more options.

Moving on to Miami itself – this is the city that Miami Beach is a part of. Downtown Miami and Brickell is the city’s bustling business district, and it’s home to some of the most luxurious and affluent neighborhoods in the area. If you’re looking for a taste of the high life, this is the place to be.

If you’re looking for a more artistic and innovative area to explore in Miami, you won’t want to miss the Miami Design District and Wynwood. These areas have quickly become a hotbed of creativity, featuring some of the most exciting new hotels, restaurants, and shopping experiences in the city.

In the Miami Design District, you’ll find some of the most important fashion brands in the world, alongside art galleries, showrooms, and some truly unique architecture. It’s a great place to explore if you’re interested in fashion, design, or art. In recent years, the Miami Design District has really come into its own as a destination for those looking for a more exclusive and intellectual experience in Miami. With its focus on high-end fashion and design, the district has become a favorite among the elite and those who appreciate the finer things in life.

And while South Beach is certainly a popular destination for those looking to let loose and enjoy the nightlife, the Miami Design District offers a different kind of vibe. Here, you can wander the streets and admire the cutting-edge architecture and public art installations, or spend your days browsing the luxury boutiques and showrooms that have made the area famous.

Whether you’re interested in fashion, design, or simply exploring a new and exciting area of the city, the Miami Design District is a must-visit destination. And with the area continuing to evolve and grow, it’s only getting better and more exciting with each passing year.

Just a short distance away, Wynwood is a vibrant neighborhood that’s become famous for its street art and colorful murals. The area is home to a growing number of hip cafes, bars, and restaurants, as well as some fantastic galleries and boutique shops. Whether you’re looking to take a stroll and admire the street art or grab a bite to eat at one of the trendy restaurants, Wynwood is definitely worth checking out. While Wynwood is a must-visit destination for art lovers, we recommend exploring the area during the day when the vibrant street art and murals are at their best. It’s a fantastic place to wander around and admire the creativity on display.

Lauren at the vibrant street art scene of Wynwood, Miami

Lauren at the vibrant street art scene of Wynwood, Miami

If you’re considering renting a short-stay apartment in Wynwood, it’s important to keep in mind that this area may not be as well-lit or well-patrolled at night as some other parts of the city. While we think this area is absolutely worth exploring during the day, we recommend being careful if you’re planning to venture out after dark. If you do need to move around the area at night, we suggest using a cab or ride-sharing service to get around, rather than walking alone. This is just a simple precaution to help ensure your safety and give you peace of mind.

Additionally, it’s important to note that South Beach continues to be the recommended choice if you’re looking for a classic beach vacation. You can soak up the sun, walk along the sandy beaches, take a dip in the ocean, and enjoy the beach lifestyle that Miami is famous for. There are also plenty of spas and other amenities to help you unwind and relax. However, if you’re in the mood for something different and want to explore the more creative side of the city, the Miami Design District and Wynwood are definitely worth a visit.

So, where should you stay in Miami?
That all depends on what you’re looking for!

Miami Beach is a perfect choice if you want to be in the heart of the action.
If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, North Beach might be more your speed.
And if you’re interested in exploring the city, downtown Miami, Brickell, the Miami Design District, and Wynwood all have plenty to offer.
Whatever your preference, Miami has something for everyone, so start planning your trip today!

When it comes to staying in Miami Beach, the South Beach district is the place to be. Typically, this district spans from 1st street all the way up to 17th street. What’s great about this area is that you can easily get around on foot, without needing a car. You can walk to your hotel or apartment, hit up restaurants or the Publix market for food, enjoy the buzzing nightlife at various clubs and bars, or simply relax on the beach. If you’re into fitness, you can even rent a bike and explore the area at your own pace.

Within South Beach, there are 5 important streets that you’ll want to check out. Ocean Drive is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the excitement of South Beach’s nightlife, with plenty of music, crowds, and sparkling energy in the air. Collins Avenue is another important street, with a variety of shops, good hotels, and restaurants to explore.

If you’re looking for a wild night out, head to Washington Avenue, home to many of the major clubs in the area, along with plenty of touristy shops and artists. For a more romantic vibe, stroll down Espanola Way and indulge in some authentic Italian cuisine or browse through local markets and fashion boutiques. And finally, there’s Lincoln Road – the main road where you can grab a bite to eat, people watch, sip a coffee in a library, or shop for the latest styles. With so much to see and do, South Beach is definitely the place to be!

DO YOU NEED A CAR FOR YOUR MIAMI BEACH VACATION?

Don’t bother renting a car when exploring Miami South Beach – there’s no need! You can easily explore the entire district on foot, by bike, or even on rollerblades. However, if you’re planning to head north or to Downtown or even the Florida Keys for a day trip, renting a car might be a good idea.

Just be aware that parking in Miami Beach can be tricky, and it’s easy to get a ticket if you’re not careful. If you do decide to rent a car, be sure to check with your hotel or apartment to see if they have a parking area available. Public parking lots in Miami Beach work on a token system, with tokens only valid for two hours at a time. If you’re lucky enough to snag a parking spot, it can feel like paradise. However, if you’re struggling to find a spot, valet parking is available in front of many hotels and restaurants, but it can be quite expensive. Alternatively, you can try parking at some of the public parking lots near Lincoln Road, which offer full-day parking tickets.

Honestly, if you don’t have any specific plans to explore outside of Miami South Beach, you’re better off without a car. Walking, biking, or rollerblading will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of the area, without the stress of navigating traffic or finding parking. So go ahead, leave the car behind, and enjoy all that Miami South Beach has to offer!

OCEAN DRIVE, THE HEART OF SOUTH BEACH!

Choose Ocean Drive if you are a nightlife fan or you really like to be in the middle of the crowd always. Very exciting! Everything in Ocean Drive from 5th to 15th street is open almost 24 hours a day. You are in front of the Ocean, with a thousand people walking into the street. You have the beach in front of you and in a couple of blocks, you can reach the clubs on Washington Avenue for a sparkling night or the romantic Lincoln Road for a passion dinner!

The most important hotel in Ocean Drive is without any doubt, the Villa Casa Casuarina****, former Versace’s mansion, a property that opens up like a scene from One Thousand and One Nights. The layout is reminiscent of a Moroccan riad: 10 suites set around an interior courtyard with a fountain, carved wood doors, and intricate tiling. Really amazing. Just a few blocks ahead there is the Betsy***** in a pure Art Decò style. Very romantic! If you want to sleep on the history, you can’t miss the Avalon*** frequented by Humphrey Bogart on the ’30. It would need some restoration. It’s not a luxury one, but really full of history.

If you prefer a quiet area and save some bucks, choose a Hotel on Ocean Drive from 1st to 5th street as the Century ***, The Local House****, Lord Balfur****, and the Bentley***

Stay in Ocean Drive if you love the sparkling atmosphere and like to be in the crowd

Pros

  • Emotional Area
  • Crazy people all the time
  • Historical Hotels
  • Shopping, Restaurants (not the best), Nightlife
  • Easy access to the beach
  • Feel good and free
  • You do not need a car: you can simply walk or rent a bike
Cons

  • Noisy area
  • Few real Luxury Hotels
  • Parking is really a nightmare. Valet service is available.
  • Very easy to get a ticket
  • No private beach
TOP HOTELS IN OCEAN DRIVEBUDGET HOTELS IN OCEAN DRIVEAPARTMENTS IN OCEAN DRIVE
Experience luxury accommodations at the iconic Versace Mansion in Miami Beach - the perfect place to stay on the beach!

1 – Versace Mansion | 5 Stars | Fairy

Looking for an unforgettable stay on Miami Beach? Discover the award-winning Betsy Hotel and its world-class amenities.

2 – The Betsy | 5 Stars | Romantic

Discover where to stay in Miami on the beach at the Victor South Beach - a sleek and stylish hotel with stunning ocean views.

3 – Victor South Beach | 4 Stars | Chic

Stay at the iconic Clevelander Hotel in Miami Beach - the perfect place to enjoy the sun, sand, and nightlife.

1 – Clevelander | 3 Stars | Crazy

Discover the luxurious accommodations and stunning ocean views at the Avalon Hotel in Miami Beach

2 – Avalon | 3 Stars | Historical

Experience the ultimate beach vacation at the boutique Lord Balfour Hotel in Miami Beach - the perfect place to stay on the beach.

3 – Lord Balfour | 4 Stars | Romantic

Stay in style at the elegant Casa Grande apartments in Miami Beach - the perfect beachfront getaway!

1 – Casa Grande | Condo Hotel | Cool

Find the perfect place to stay in Miami on the beach with the spacious and comfortable suites at our luxury apartments.

2 – Suites | Suites | Art Deco Style

Experience the best of Miami Beach at the trendy and modern Flats apartments - the ultimate beachfront accommodation.

3 – Flats | Flat | Over the Fat Tuesday Club

COLLINS AVENUE IF YOU ARE A LUXURY FAN

Collins Avenue is the main street in Miami Beach. You can start from South Beach and continue to go ahead until Bal Harbour and over. On this avenue, you can find some of the most historical Luxury Hotels and important Condos in Miami Beach.

They are usually placed looking at the ocean between 16th to 41st street with private beach, immense pools with parties all the time, raffinate Spas and a lot of facilities. That’s the best choice if you are a luxury fan or if you love to stay apart from the crown, and be relaxed a few steps from the private beach.

Please note that in this part of Miami Beach – on the other side of Collins Ave without the ocean view – you can find some cheap hotels – something like a 1/2 Star or bedroom with few facilities. Suggested only if you’re on a small budget.

Finally, in the first part of this street, between the 5th to the 15th, there are some Fashionable Hotels usually frequented by young people as the Whitelaw Hotel or the Viscay. You are not in front of the ocean but behind Ocean Drive. With a few steps, you’ll have a public beach, restaurants, shopping, and clubs on Washington Avenue. So everything – ocean view apart – is close to you. The price of these hotels is interesting always. They are not luxury but well-positioned if you hate to have a car!

Stay in Collins Avenue if you prefer a quiet area or if you love the luxury life.

Pros

  • Luxury and Fashionable Hotels with a pool party
  • Its’ a quiet street to stay (from 15th street)
  • Iconic Luxury Hotels: National, Fontainebleau
  • Famous stores and good restaurants on this street
  • Private Beach is always included in the Luxury Hotels
Cons

  • Cold atmosphere respect to Ocean Drive
  • Without a car require walking a lot
  • Some Historical Hotels are a little old
  • There aren’t shopping areas
TOP HOTELS IN COLLINS AVENUEBUDGET HOTELSAPARTMENTS IN COLLINS AVE

1 – The Setai | 5 Stars | Amazing

Delano Miami Beach

2 – Delano | 5 Stars | Fashionable

Pool W South Beach

3 – W South Beach | 5 Stars | Fashionable

1 – 1 Hotel | 3 Stars | Historical

Pool Z Ocean Hotel

2 – Z Ocean | 3 Stars | Cool

Dream Hotel Suite

3 – Dream South Beach | 4 Stars | Romantic

1 – Madison | Suite | White Style

2 – Amethyst | Apt | Swimming Pool

3 – Ocean Grand | Residence | Ocean View

BAL HARBOUR FOR EXCLUSIVE LIVING

Often named North Miami Beach, if you continue to go up to Collins Avenue – for about half an hour by car from South Beach – you will reach a neighborhood called Bal Harbour where you can find a very quiet area, full of important griffe shops, top restaurants, and very nice beaches. It’s a totally different way to be in Miami Beach. It is true that South Beach is a crazy area, Bal Harbour, on the other’s hand is a paradise quiet area where relaxation is the first reason for your vacation.

Bal Harbour is a small, exclusive village located on the northern tip of Miami Beach, Florida. It is known for its luxury shopping, fine dining, and beautiful beaches. If you’re looking for a luxurious vacation spot with plenty to see and do, Bal Harbour is the perfect destination.

One of the main draws of Bal Harbour is its world-class shopping. The village is home to the Bal Harbour Shops, an outdoor mall featuring over 100 high-end designer stores, including Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. This shopping center is also home to many high-end restaurants, perfect for a fancy night out.

Another major attraction in Bal Harbour is the beach. The village has a wide, white sandy beach that stretches for miles and offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. There are also many beachfront hotels and resorts that offer amenities such as beach chair and umbrella rentals, beachside dining, and spa services.

For those looking for outdoor activities, Bal Harbour is also surrounded by many parks and nature preserves, such as Haulover Park and the Oleta River State Park. These parks offer opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking, as well as scenic views of the ocean and the nearby mangroves.

Lastly, Bal Harbour is also known for its nightlife. The village has several bars, clubs, and lounges that offer live music and entertainment, as well as many restaurants that offer al fresco dining and waterfront views.

In conclusion, Bal Harbour is a perfect destination for those looking for luxury shopping, beautiful beaches, art and culture, outdoor activities, and nightlife. It is a small and exclusive village that offers an upscale and high-end vacation experience. With so much to see and do, Bal Harbour is a destination that will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and truly pampered.

Pros

  • Luxury Hotels and Apartments
  • Luxury Shopping
  • Top restaurants in this area
  • Beautiful Beaches
  • Very quiet area for relaxing
  • Near to parks and nature preserves
Cons

  • Very distant from South Beach
  • Without car is a mess
TOP HOTELS IN BAL HARBOURTOP SPASAPARTMENTS IN BAL HARBOUR

1 – Four Season | 5 Stars | Amazing

Delano Miami Beach

2 – The Ritz-Carlton | 5 Stars | Ocean View

Ocean View Suite

3 – St Regis | 5 Stars | Excellent

1 – Carillon | 5 Stars | Wellness Resort

St Regis Spa

2 – St Regis | 5 Stars | Spectacular

Bal Harbour Spa

3 – Grand Beach | 4 Stars | Insane view

Apartment in Bal Harbour

1 – Moderno | Residence | Rooftop Pool

House Vacation Bal Harbour

2 – Bay Harbour 1 | Apt | Swimming Pool

Residence Condo Bal harbour

3 – Nomada | Condo | Terrace

DOWNTOWN MIAMI, THE FINANCE, AND THE ART

In the last 20 years, Miami has built a downtown area often renamed Brickell Key – completely renovated – that will take your breath away. Downtown Miami and the financial district have an Ocean waterfront lined with marinas and the famous port of Miami where the most important cruising take off and you can admire off-shore islands both natural and artificial with very rich quartiers and all backed by impressive new towers.

While Downtown Miami may be the oldest part of the city and its undisputed historical center, right now is the most advanced urban area in the entire Miami keeping up with times, and is a modern, culturally rich neighborhood full of theaters, museums, galleries, event venues and a surplus of world-class bars and restaurants.

Regarding the Hotel where you’ll stay in Miami, if you are a luxury fan, this could be your paradise. Famous hotel chains in the world have a property in this area and luxury here is not optional. All of them have an ocean view with a lot of facilities and elegant environments.

Finally, don’t forget the Wynwood Art District in Miami, Florida is a vibrant and colorful neighborhood known for its street art, galleries, and creative atmosphere.

The area was originally a warehouse district, but in the late 1990s and early 2000s, it began to attract artists, gallerists, and creative entrepreneurs. They saw the potential in the large, blank walls of the warehouses and began to transform them into colorful murals and street art. This sparked a revitalization of the area, and soon, galleries and other creative businesses began to move in.

Today, the Wynwood Art District is a destination for art lovers, tourists, and locals. The neighborhood is home to over 70 galleries, many of which specialize in contemporary art. The Wynwood Walls, a collection of outdoor murals and street art, is a popular attraction. The walls feature work by both local and international artists and are constantly changing, making it a must-visit destination for street art enthusiasts.

In addition to the galleries and street art, the Wynwood Art District is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. The neighborhood has a unique and eclectic mix of businesses, including vintage clothing stores, record shops, and artisanal coffee shops. Many of the businesses in the area are independently owned and operated, adding to the neighborhood’s unique character.

Even if this district it’s exciting, we suggest during the night be very responsible. Do not walk around alone. If you decide to book a hotel in this area, use a cab to move in during the night.

Choose Downtown if you are active and like a culturally rich neighborhood full of theaters, museums, galleries, and world-class restaurants.
Pros

  • Luxury Hotels with Spas and treatment
  • Exciting cultural area
  • Financial District
  • Famous stores and very good restaurants
  • Few steps from events, theaters, museums
  • Is not mandatory to have a car
  • In the evening become a fairy tale
Cons

  • Feeling to be less in vacation with respect to the beach
  • You haven’t the beach but different pools
  • It’s not an Art Decò ambiance
TOP HOTELS IN DOWNTOWN MIAMIAPARTMENTS WITH OCEAN VIEWTHE WYNWOOD ART DISTRICT

1 – Four Season | 5 Stars | Amazing

2 – Mandarin | 5 Stars | Asian-inspired

W Hotel Pool Miami

3 – W Miami | 5 Stars | Cool

1 – Mint House | Swimming Pool | WiFi

2 – Fortune House | Pool | WiFi

3 – @39 Brickell | Pool | WiFi

1 – Real Living | Pool | WiFi

2 – Wynwood Place | Family Rooms | WiFi

3 – Wow! 2mins | WiFi | Netflix

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