Where to stay in Miami: areas and hotels

If you're visiting Miami for the first time, the most convenient base is South Beach, as it combines beaches, nightlife, and the city's most photographed Art Deco buildings, all within walking distance. If you're travelling on a more limited budget, Downtown Miami offers cheaper rooms and puts you close to the free Metromover. Couples looking for something more cosmopolitan and quiet will find modern hotels with bay views in Brickell, while families usually prefer Coconut Grove, a green neighbourhood with a calmer pace.

Miami isn't a compact city with one centre, but rather a collection of neighbourhoods, each with its own character. South Beach is the most touristy hub, with Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road. Brickell serves as the financial centre, with skyscrapers and waterside restaurants. Downtown hosts the museums, sports arenas, and cruise port, while Coconut Grove resembles a small town with boats and Banyan trees.

Before booking a room, consider what you want to spend most of your time doing. If the plan is beach and nightlife, South Beach is undeniably the top choice. If you're going for business or want quieter nights with easy access to businesses and restaurants, Brickell is a better fit. Below, we analyse each area with its pros and cons, as well as specific hotels worth considering.

History and character of Miami

Miami was officially founded in 1896, largely thanks to businesswoman Julia Tuttle, who persuaded railway magnate Henry Flagler to extend his line there. Until then, it was a small agricultural area on the banks of the Miami River. Rapid development came in the 1920s, when thousands of Americans moved to Florida seeking sun and cheap land, which triggered the city's first major building boom. It was then that the first Art Deco buildings in South Beach were constructed, a style that has remained linked to the city's identity to this day.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Miami received large waves of Cuban immigrants after Castro's revolution, which radically changed the city's demographics and culture. The Little Havana neighbourhood became the symbol of this Cuban heritage, with cafes, music, and political discussions around domino tables. In the 1980s, the city went through a difficult period of crime that became internationally known, but in the 1990s and 2000s, it re-emerged as a destination for tourism, fashion, and art, with South Beach becoming a symbol of luxury.

Today, Miami is known for its art museums, most notably the Pérez Art Museum in Downtown, as well as for the Wynwood district, where dozens of walls have been covered with street art, creating an open-air artistic map known as the Wynwood Walls. A stroll through the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is also worthwhile; it's an early 20th-century Italianate estate with gardens overlooking Biscayne Bay. The best time to visit is from late November to April, when the humidity and heat are milder compared to summer, while summer often brings sudden afternoon thunderstorms. Getting around the city is mainly by car or ride-sharing services, as distances between neighbourhoods are considerable, but within Downtown and Brickell, there is the free Metromover elevated system, which greatly facilitates cost-free travel.

South Beach: the heart of tourism

South Beach is the neighbourhood almost every visitor imagines when they think of Miami. Here you'll find the famous Ocean Drive with its colourful Art Deco buildings, the white sand beach, and Lincoln Road with its shops and restaurants. It's ideal for those who want everything within walking distance, from the beach to the bars, as well as for couples looking for a romantic atmosphere with ocean views.

The main advantage is its location, as everything is close by and life never stops. The downside is that on weekend evenings, the area becomes very noisy, which isn't suitable for those seeking quiet sleep or travelling with young children. Accommodation prices here tend to be higher than in other neighbourhoods, especially during the winter months, which is the high season.

1. Colony Hotel

An iconic Art Deco hotel right on Ocean Drive, with its famous neon sign that has become a symbol of South Beach. Ideal for those who want to be in the centre of the action without compromising on style.

• Average cost: €220 to €320 per night
• Ideal for: couples

2. The Marlin Hotel

Located on Collins Avenue, a short walk from the beach, with modern rooms within a historic Art Deco building. Suitable for travellers who want design without being right on the noisier corner.

• Average cost: €200 to €300 per night
• Ideal for: couples and friends

3. Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel by IHG

Resort on Collins Avenue with a large pool and direct beach access. A good choice for those who want a resort atmosphere within South Beach.

• Average cost: €210 to €310 per night
• Ideal for: couples, families

4. The Sagamore Hotel South Beach

A quieter spot at the northern end of South Beach, with a large pool, sculpture garden, and rooms with balconies. Suits those who want the beach without the intensity of Ocean Drive.

• Average cost: €230 to €340 per night
• Ideal for: couples

5. Moxy Miami South Beach

A youthful hotel on Washington Avenue, with a pink rooftop pool and more affordable prices than neighbouring boutique hotels. A good base for groups of friends.

• Average cost: €150 to €220 per night
• Ideal for: groups, young travellers

Brickell: for couples and business trips

Brickell is Miami's financial centre, filled with skyscrapers, restaurants with bay views, and rooftop bars. It's quieter at night than South Beach, but has an equally good culinary scene. It suits couples who want something more cosmopolitan, as well as business travellers, as it's close to offices and conference venues.

The advantage is easy access to Downtown via the free Metromover, as well as a wide variety of restaurants. The downside is that the beach is quite a distance, so a car or taxi is needed to get there. Prices are generally more reasonable than in South Beach, especially on weekdays.

6. citizenM Miami Brickell

A modern hotel with a rooftop pool and thoughtfully designed rooms, next to Brickell station. Very convenient for those who want to get around without a car.

• Average cost: €170 to €250 per night
• Ideal for: couples, business trips

7. Hotel AKA Brickell

An elegant hotel in a central Brickell location, with apartment-style rooms and easy walking access to restaurants.

• Average cost: €190 to €270 per night
• Ideal for: couples

8. Element Miami Brickell

A more affordable option in Brickell, with kitchenettes in the rooms, ideal for longer stays or business trips.

• Average cost: €140 to €210 per night
• Ideal for: business trips, longer stays

9. Atwell Suites Miami Brickell by IHG

Suites with small kitchenettes and a rooftop pool, in a very central Brickell location. A good choice for families who want a bit more space.

• Average cost: €160 to €230 per night
• Ideal for: families, larger groups

Downtown: the budget-friendly option

Downtown Miami is the most practical option for those who want to reduce accommodation costs without losing access to attractions. Here you'll find the cruise port, Bayside Marketplace, and several museums, while the free Metromover easily takes you to Brickell. It doesn't have the charm of South Beach, but it's more economical and practical as a base.

At night, the neighbourhood empties out quite a bit as it's primarily a business district, which might not suit those who want nightlife on their doorstep. However, for travellers with an itinerary of sights and museums, it's a very convenient base.

10. Hilton Miami Downtown

A large hotel next to Biscayne Bay, with a pool and easy access to the cruise port. A good choice for those combining Miami with a cruise.

• Average cost: €150 to €220 per night
• Ideal for: families, pre-cruise stays

11. Kimpton EPIC Hotel by IHG

A hotel on the Miami River, bordering Downtown and Brickell, with a pool overlooking the city and easy access to both neighbourhoods.

• Average cost: €200 to €280 per night
• Ideal for: couples

12. Gale Miami Hotel & Residences

Located near Bayside Marketplace, with rooms offering city views and a large gym. Good value for a central location.

• Average cost: €160 to €240 per night
• Ideal for: couples, families

Coconut Grove: for families

Coconut Grove is Miami's greenest and most tranquil neighbourhood, with trails, marinas, and small cafes under Banyan trees. It's the best choice for families with children, as it has parks, a gentle pace, and less traffic compared to South Beach or Brickell. It's also near the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, one of the city's most beautiful stops.

The downside is that it's quite a distance from South Beach and Downtown, so a car is needed for most travel. In return, accommodation prices are usually lower and the atmosphere is more relaxed.

13. Courtyard Miami Coconut Grove

A family-friendly hotel next to the marina, with a large pool and easy walking access to local restaurants.

• Average cost: €140 to €200 per night
• Ideal for: families

14. Private Residences at Hotel Arya by SoFLA Vacations

Fully equipped apartments in the centre of Coconut Grove, with a pool and gym. Suitable for families who want more space and a kitchen.

• Average cost: €150 to €220 per night
• Ideal for: families, longer stays

Area Comparison

Practical information for your stay

Miami International Airport is approximately 15 to 25 minutes by car or taxi from Brickell and Downtown, while the journey to South Beach can take 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic. Before booking flights, it's worth checking airfare prices for flights to America, as differences between dates and airlines can be significant. Many travellers combine Miami with a stop in San Francisco or a visit to New York, two of the most popular American destinations for Greek travellers.

Within the city, the best way to get around is by car, as distances between neighbourhoods are considerable and public transport is limited apart from the Metromover in the city centre. In Brickell and Downtown, you can rely on the free Metromover for short distances, while for South Beach and Coconut Grove, a taxi, ride-sharing service, or rental car is usually needed. The best time to visit is from November to April, when temperatures are milder and humidity lower than in summer, while in summer, humidity and thunderstorms can make outdoor activities more strenuous. Accommodation prices rise significantly in winter, especially around holidays and carnival season, while in summer you can find cheaper deals. If you're looking for general tips on getting a better flight price, also check out the guides for cheap airfares, as well as how to leverage credit cards for miles on major international trips like this one.

If your trip to the USA includes more than one destination, it's worth looking at the full New York travel guide, as well as the article on New York as America's Big Apple, to better plan your route. Many visitors also combine Miami with South Florida and the Florida Keys, but this requires separate transport planning, as there is no direct rail connection. Finally, if you're planning to book your trip through an agency, see the differences in the article whether an agency or direct booking is better before deciding.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area for a first visit to Miami?

South Beach is the most convenient choice for a first-timer, as it brings together beaches, attractions, and nightlife all within walking distance.

Which area is more affordable for accommodation?

Downtown and Coconut Grove generally have lower accommodation prices compared to South Beach and much of Brickell.

Do I need a car in Miami?

Yes, almost always, as the neighbourhoods are quite far apart and public transport is limited apart from the Metromover in the centre.

When is the best time to go to Miami?

From November to April, when temperatures are milder and humidity is lower compared to summer.

How far is the airport from South Beach?

The journey usually takes 30 to 40 minutes by car or taxi, depending on traffic at the time.

Which area suits families with children?

Coconut Grove is the calmest option, with parks, marinas, and a slower pace compared to the city centre.

Is South Beach safe at night?

The main streets are generally safe and busy, but as everywhere, caution is advised in more isolated alleys after midnight.