Miami Beach
When planning a trip to Miami, one of the most difficult but important decisions to make is where to stay. This isn’t just about what hotel to choose, but also what neighborhood will give you the vibe you’re looking for while putting you near the attractions you’re interested in. To help you choose where to book your hotel, here are suggestions on where to stay in Miami.
South Beach
For those with a high budget, South Beach makes for an excellent homebase on a trip to Miami. Typically you’ll find more expensive, trendy hotels in this neighborhood, although with a bit of research you can also find some budget-friendly properties. Staying in South Beach means you’ll be in the heart of where it’s happening, where the beautiful people play, where the most chic venues reside and where experiences are over the top. There are many fun things to do in South Beach, too, like shopping at the Lincoln Road Mall, dining on the waterfront, photographing Art Deco architecture, taking in a performance at the New World Symphony at Lincoln Theatre, and partying into the wee hours of the morning.
Downtown Miami
For less of a beach feel and more of an urban vibe, Downtown Miami is the place to stay. You’ll find mostly business and luxury hotels, so getting a room for under $100 a night in this neighborhood might be tricky. That being said, situating yourself in Downtown Miami puts you within walking distance to some of the city’s greatest museums — like HistoryMiami, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Miami Children’s Museum — as well as attractions like Jungle Island, Bayfront Park, the Freedom Tower, the Adrienne Arsht Center for Performing Arts and the Locust Projects art exhibition space. Bonus: From Downtown you’re not far from Miami’s Design District.
Coral Gables
Coral Gables in Miami is an excellent neighborhood to stay when visiting the city. One of Miami’s most affluent neighborhoods, it’s also known for its beauty (Coral Gables literally means “City Beautiful”) and European flair, with Italianate villas, Mediterranean revival-style architecture and mini-Alhambras. While one of the pricier neighborhoods in terms of hotels, you’ll have some inexpensive sleeping options like the Best Western Chateaubleau Hotel and Holiday Inn Coral Gables-University of Miami. Some top Coral Gables experiences include upmarket shopping on the Miracle Mile, touring the Coral Gables Merrick House mansion, taking photographs at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, soaking in the sun at Matheson Hammock Park Beach and getting in touch with your creative side at the Lowe Art Museum.