
Best Hotels in Miami and Miami Beach, Florida
Where to Stay for Vacation (or Staycation) in Miami by Neighborhood Vibe
Miami is one of the best places to stay in South Florida, known for its iconic beaches, world famous nightlife, and a hotel scene that ranges from luxury oceanfront resorts to stylish boutique stays. Whether you’re planning a first trip or a return visit, choosing where to stay in Miami or Miami Beach can completely shape your experience.
From the energy of South Beach to the skyline views of Brickell and the creative edge of Wynwood, each neighborhood offers a different vibe. Explore the best areas to stay in Miami along with top rated hotels in each neighborhood, so you can find the perfect fit for your trip.
What’s Your Miami Vacation Vibe?
Top Miami Neighborhoods
Your perfect Miami base depends entirely on the vibe you’re chasing. Whether you want to be in the heart of the neon lit action or tucked away in a quiet, coastal retreat, we’ve broken down the best spots to help you decide where to stay in Miami.
| Neighborhood | Best For | Vibe | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Beach | First time visitors, nightlife, beach access | High energy, touristy, iconic | $$-$$$$ |
| Brickell | Modern city luxury, rooftop bars, walkable dining | Modern, fast paced, urban | $$$-$$$$ |
| Downtown Miami | Proximity to Port & Kaseya , business travel, city vibe | Fast paced, urban, central | $$-$$$$ |
| Mid-Beach | Resorts, quieter luxury beach stays | Upscale, relaxed, oceanfront | $$$-$$$$ |
| Coconut Grove | Couples, greenery, slower pace | Lush, bohemian, peaceful | $$$ |
| Coral Gables | Quiet luxury, shopping, high end food scene | Elegant, historic, romantic | $$$$ |
| Sunny Isles Beach | Families, high rise beachfront stays | Clean, modern, resort | $$$ |
| Wynwood | Art, nightlife, food scene | Creative, edgy, vibrant | $$-$$$ |
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Top Rated Hotels in Miami Florida
South Beach Hotels
The iconic Miami Beach experience with Art Deco hotels, nonstop nightlife, crowded beaches, and constant energy. Choose this if you want to be in the center of everything, and don’t mind a little chaos. It’s definitely one of the best areas to stay in Miami, especially for the first time.
Best for: first time visitors, nightlife, beach + energy
Skip if: you want peace, space, or a local feel
Price: $$–$$$$
The Setai
A gorgeous 5 star, oceanfront hotel right on Collins Avenue. Pick between historic suites in the original Art Deco building or expansive ocean suites in the modern, 40 story tower. In addition to the beach, there are three infinity pools and a family pool.
- Private Beach
- Luxury Spa
- Family Friendly
- Champagne & Caviar Weekend Brunch
The Shelborne By Proper, a Member of Design Hotels
This historic landmark recently underwent a $100 million renovation to blend Art Deco glamour with tropical modernism. Known for its iconic pool deck and diving platform, it perfectly balances a boutique feel with the timeless social glamour of Miami’s golden age.
- Access to Shelborne Beach Club
- Restaurant with Michelin Rated Chef
- Brand New, $100M Renovation in 2025
- Complimentary Rides in House Car
the goodtime hotel, Miami Beach, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Co-founded by Pharrell Williams, this high design lifestyle hub brings a playful, millennial pink energy to the South Beach hotel scene. Its sprawling Strawberry Moon pool deck and Wes Anderson inspired library create a social, instagram ready oasis that celebrates the “good times”.
- 5 minute walk to South Beach
- Open Air Gym
- Adults Only
Brickell Hotels
The “Manhattan of the South”. Miami’s modern financial district packed with high rise luxury condos, rooftop pools, and a polished urban feel. This is the best area to stay in Miami if you want a sleek city stay with great dining, nightlife, and walkability, without needing beach access.
Best for: business travelers, luxury city stays, couples
Skip if: you want beach access or a relaxed vibe
Price: $$$–$$$$
Brickell Arch, a Luxury Collection, Miami
A 36 story waterfront retreat that blends sleek architecture with modern sophistication in the heart of Miami’s financial district. Featuring panoramic views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Enjoy a breathtaking 25th floor sky lounge and a rooftop pool area.
- Spa
- Rooftop Pool
- 2 Restaurants, 3 Bars/Lounges
Novotel Miami Brickell
A chic 4 star escape adjacent to the Simpson Park, offering a blend of beach inspired colors and contemporary skyscraper views. Steps from a Metromover station and Biscayne Bay, the location is very central. Check out their rooftop bar and infinity pool.
- City Center Location
- Rooftop Pool
- 2 Bars/Lounges
EAST Miami
A sleek modern hotel located atop Brickell City Centre, offering an escape with a contemporary feel. Many rooms have floor to ceiling windows and private balconies with amazing views at this 5 star hotel.
- Great for Couples
- Poolside Bar
- 2 Restaurants, 2 Bars/Lounges
- Join Member Club for 2 Free Drinks
Downtown Miami Hotels
Downtown is the most connected area in Miami, making it a highly walkable area. It’s home to Bayside Marketplace, Kaseya Center (formerly ATX Arena) and Bayfront Park which offers 32 acres of green space, outdoor yoga, and the Skyviews Miami Observation Wheel. It’s a mix of business travelers, couples and solo travelers.
Best for: central location (near Port of Miami), by Kaseya Center, business travel
Skip if: you want beach resorts, quaint & tropical vibe
Price: $$–$$$$
Kimpton EPIC Hotel
On the Miami River, this modern downtown hotel in a high rise building with two pools, a spa and even golf. It’s great for kids, with a complimentary poolside kids cabana, and adults with a 1 hour, hosted wine hour daily. Only 2 miles from the Port of Miami, and 13 minute walk from shops & restaurants at Bayside Marketplace.
- Complimentary Morning Coffee & Tea
- Evening Wine Hour
- State of the Art Gym
- Spa
The Elser Hotel Miami
On the Miami River, this modern downtown hotel in a high rise building with two pools, a spa and even golf. It’s great for kids, with a complimentary poolside kids cabana, and adults with a 1 hour, hosted wine hour daily. Only 2 miles from the Port of Miami, and 13 minute walk from shops & restaurants at Bayside Marketplace.
- Across from Kaseya Center
- Full kitchen
- Rooftop pool
Mid-Beach Hotels
A quieter beachfront stretch between South Beach and North Beach with upscale resorts and fewer crowds. This is the “calm version” of Miami Beach with direct ocean access and less chaos, making it popular for families. If it’s your first time visiting Miami and you don’t want a chaotic nightlife, this is a great area to stay.
Best for: family resort stays, relaxation, couples
Skip if: you want nightlife or high energy beach scenes
Price: $$$–$$$$
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
The iconic, 5 star beachfront property is a destination on its own. With over 1,500 rooms, 2 poolside bars, 8 lounges & bars, 9 restaurants, and one of the world’s most famous nightclubs LIV.
- Lapis Spa (Wellness Retreat)
- Arkadia Day Club
- Luxury Shopping
The Miami Beach EDITION
Set along the Miami Beach Boardwalk, this hotel is located on the waterfront & the beach, only a short walk from the Bass Museum of Art. Loved for it’s unique and fun amenities like Basement Bowl & Skate and The Sandbox. It has 6 restaurants and bars, including an acclaimed Latin American eatery Matador.
- Spa with Relaxation Lounge
- 24hr Gym
- Beachfront
- Fun & Games
Coconut Grove Hotels
A relaxed, waterfront neighborhood that feels slower, greener, and more residential than central Miami. Choose this if you want quiet upscale energy and space to unwind away from tourist zones. Or, if you want to be near Vizcaya Museum and Gardens or Barnacle Historic State Park.
Best for: couples, long stays, quiet luxury
Skip if: you want nightlife, beach access, or fast paced energy
Price: $$$
Mayfair House Hotel & Garden
A landmark boutique hotel across from Cocowalk, known for its unique biophilic design and lush, plant filled atrium. The building’s core is a massive open air courtyard filled with tropical greenery, cascading fountains, and winding outdoor corridors that lead to guest rooms.
- Complimentary Bicycles
- 2 Restaurants, 1 Bar/Lounge
- Daily Coffee Ritual & Curated Wine Tastings
Arya Hotel & Suites Coconut Grove
A 4 star condo hotel in the heart of Coconut Grove, known for offering some of the best views of Biscayne Bay. Book a bay view room for the balcony with views of Peacock Park & nearby sailboats.
- Complimentary Cabanas, Sun Loungers, & Pool Umbrellas
- Rooftop Terrace
- 2 Restaurants, 1 Bar/Lounge
Coral Gables Hotels
Known as “The City Beautiful,” Coral Gables is an affluent suburb of Miami with Mediterranean Revival architecture, lush banyan shaded avenues, and a refined, “old money” atmosphere. The area is ideal for those seeking a sophisticated, walkable downtown area (Miracle Mile) with high end dining and cultural venues.
Best for: families, professionals, couples, history & architecture buffs
Skip if: looking for high energy nightlife or beachfront
Price: $$$$
Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables, Autograph Collection
Located directly in the heart of downtown Coral Gables, right on Miracle Mile, it blends historic charm with a more contemporary, boutique feel. Recently redesigned with a contemporary urban aesthetic, they offer a game room, free bike rentals and evening bubbles (2 nightly glasses of champagne).
- Rooftop Pool
- Easy access to (free) Coral Gables Trolley
- 2 Retaurants, 2 Bars/Lounges, 1 Coffee Shop
Biltmore Miami Coral Gables
A National Historic Landmark opened in 1926, the Biltmore is a 4 star, grand resort set on 150 acres of tropical landscaping. A destination on it’s own, the ‘Old Florida’ feel, the charming property offers Sunday champagne brunch, afternoon tea and multiple acclaimed dining venues.
- Full service Spa & Gym
- One of US largest pools
- 18 hole championship golf course & 10 tennis courts
- Complimentary self parking
Sunny Isles Beach Hotels
A modern high rise beachfront area north of Miami Beach with a more residential, family friendly feel. It’s quieter, cleaner, and less chaotic than South Beach while still giving direct beach access.
Best for: families, longer stays, quiet beachfront stays
Skip if: you want nightlife or walkable entertainment
Price: $$$
Acqualina Resort & Residences On The Beach
This Mediterranean style estate is the pinnacle of oceanfront luxury in Sunny Isles. Famous for its red couch beachfront service and free marine biology focused kids’ club, it feels more like a private villa than a resort, offering a quiet, refined 5 star escape.
- Luxury Spa
- Private Beach Club
- All Suites Have Ocean Views
Solé Miami, A Noble House Resort
A 24 story, boutique style resort that offers a private beach experience without the “big box” feel. It has beachfront fire pits and floor to ceiling views in every room, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer intimacy over massive resort crowds.
- Poolside Bar
- Beachfront
- Great for Couples
Wynwood Hotels
Miami’s creative district known for street art, breweries, galleries, and nightlife. This is not a beach area, it’s where you go for good local food, buildings covered in art, and energy driven stays away from the water.
Best for: nightlife, food, creatives, younger travelers
Skip if: you want beach resorts or ocean access
Price: $$–$$$
Arlo Wynwood
Arlo acts as a living gallery with over 250 works of art throughout the property. Its lush rooftop pool and yoga deck offer a creative, urban retreat right in the heart of the world’s most famous street art scene. Check out their cabanas for a chill pool vibe.
- 7 Minute Walk to Wynwood Walls
- Rooftop Pool
- Complimentary Bike Rentals
- Salsa Lessons & Live DJs
Hyde Midtown Miami
On the border of Wynwood and Midtown, this all suite, boutique hotel features floor to ceiling city views and contemporary feels. The pool deck is on the 7th floor and offers free cabanas. There is a gym, sport facilities & spa on site.
- 15 Minute Walk to Wynwood Walls
- 1 Minute Walk to The Shops at Midtown
- Complimentary Shuttle
- Putting Green & Tennis Court
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