Are you planning a trip to Miami, Florida and unsure about where to stay? You’ve come to the right place.
Miami is a fantastic city with miles of white sandy beaches and vibrant Latin American culture.
This guide will give you an overview of the best areas to stay, whether you fancy luxurious beach holidays, hip nightlife, or relaxed artistic quarters.
Best Areas in Miami

Here’s a quick overview of the best areas to stay in Miami:
- South Beach – Best Area for Beach Lovers and Party-Goers 🏖️
- Downtown Miami – Modern skyscrapers and cultural life 🏛️
- Brickell – Financial district with luxury hotels and shopping 💎
- Wynwood – Hip arts district with street art 🎨
Click on the area’s name to see the best hotels in that area.
The guide to where to stay in Miami continues below, featuring my in-depth take on the top areas and standout hotels.
1. South Beach – Best Area for Beach Lovers and Party-Goers 🏖️
South Beach is the very essence of Miami with its iconic Ocean Drive, art deco architecture, and miles of white sandy beaches. Here you’ll get the ultimate Miami experience right on your doorstep.
This legendary area stretches along the coast and is known for its perfect combination of beach, culture, and entertainment. From your base in South Beach, you’re never more than a 10-minute walk from the beach. Miami International Airport is about 25 minutes away by taxi.
See the best hotels in South Beach here.

The atmosphere is lively and international, with a fascinating mix of beach-goers, fashionistas, and party-loving tourists. During the day, relaxed beach life dominates, while the nightlife is among the city’s most energetic.
The area buzzes with activity around the clock, so don’t expect the quietest night’s sleep on Ocean Drive.
The biggest attractions include the iconic art deco architecture along Ocean Drive, the famous Lincoln Road shopping mall, and of course, the extensive beach. The restaurant scene ranges from exclusive seafood establishments to cosy Cuban cafés.
Price levels are among the city’s highest, particularly along Ocean Drive. But you get plenty for your money: central location, easy beach access, and a wealth of entertainment options right outside your door.
Places to stay in South Beach
1 Hotel South Beach ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This eco-luxurious hotel is perfectly situated directly on the beach. The spacious rooms have ocean views, and the hotel offers four pools, a rooftop terrace, and an excellent spa. The sustainable approach is evident in everything from interior design to restaurants.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “The most spectacular rooftop pool in Miami with a breathtaking view.”
Loews Miami Beach ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Classic luxury hotel with perfect beach location. The hotel offers a large pool, private beach area, and family-friendly facilities. The rooms are elegant, and many have balconies with ocean views. A guest recently wrote: “Fantastic location and top-class service. The pool area is paradise for families.”
Hotel Victor ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Charming art deco hotel on Ocean Drive offering good value for money. The hotel has a lovely pool, and the rooms are stylishly furnished. Perfect base for those who want to be in the heart of the South Beach atmosphere. Guests especially love: “The location is absolutely perfect, and the staff make you feel like part of the Miami family.”
2. Downtown Miami – Perfect for Culture Enthusiasts 🏛️
Downtown Miami is the city’s beating heart, where historic buildings meet modern skyscrapers. This area gives you an authentic feel of working Miami combined with first-class cultural experiences.
The area is centrally located with easy access to all parts of Miami via Metromover (free!) and Metrorail. You’re 15 minutes from the airport and can reach South Beach in 10-15 minutes by taxi.
See the best hotels in Downtown here.

Here, local business people mix with tourists and culture enthusiasts in a dynamic atmosphere. The pace is high during daytime but slows down in the evening, when the area becomes quieter than South Beach.
Must-see attractions include FTX Arena, Bayside Marketplace, and Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM). The area also offers numerous restaurants, particularly around Mary Brickell Village.
Price levels are moderate compared to South Beach, and you typically get more space for your money. The area is generally safe, but as in any major city, you should be vigilant at night.
Places to stay in Downtown
InterContinental Miami ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Iconic luxury hotel with spectacular views over Biscayne Bay. The elegant rooms, award-winning spa, and excellent restaurant Toro Toro make this a perfect choice for the discerning traveller.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “The view from the room over the harbour and cruise ships is absolutely indescribable.”
Kimpton EPIC Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Modern hotel with two infinity pools and marina views. The hotel is known for its fantastic rooftop terrace and innovative restaurants. The rooms are large and stylish with floor-to-ceiling windows. A guest recently wrote: “The two infinity pools on the roof are absolutely magical at sunset.”
YVE Hotel Miami ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Boutique hotel with central location and good value. Modern furnished rooms and a cosy restaurant on the ground floor. Perfect base for those who want to explore the downtown area.
Guests especially love: “Super central location and friendly staff who know all the local spots.”
3. Brickell – Perfect for Luxury Travellers and Business People 💎
Brickell is Miami’s modern financial district and one of the city’s most exclusive areas. Here you’ll find impressive skyscrapers, high-end shopping, and some of the city’s finest restaurants.
The area is located just south of Downtown and is connected to the rest of Miami via Metromover and Metrorail. The airport is 20 minutes away, and South Beach can be reached in 15 minutes by taxi.
See the best hotels in Brickell here.

The atmosphere is sophisticated and international, with a mix of business people, wealthy residents, and luxury-seeking tourists. The pace is high during weekdays, but the area also has a lively evening and weekend life centred around Brickell City Centre.
Major attractions include the luxurious shopping centre Brickell City Centre, the iconic Brickell Key, and the trendy restaurant and bar scene. The area is also known for its rooftop bars with spectacular city views.
Price levels are among the city’s highest, but quality matches the cost. The area is very safe and well-maintained, perfect for those who appreciate comfort and luxury.
Places to stay in Brickell
Mandarin Oriental Miami ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Exclusive hotel on private Brickell Key overlooking Downtown. Offers world-class spa, private beach, and Michelin-starred restaurant. All rooms have balconies with spectacular views.
Previous guests particularly highlight: “The most luxurious hotel in Miami with service beyond compare.”
EAST Miami ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Modern luxury hotel integrated into Brickell City Centre. Four pools, innovative restaurants, and the popular rooftop bar Sugar. Rooms are large and minimalist with floor-to-ceiling windows.
A guest recently wrote: “The rooftop bar has the city’s best views, and the location by the shopping centre is perfect.”
Novotel Brickell ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stylish hotel offering good value for money. Rooftop infinity pool, modern fitness centre, and central location. Rooms are comfortable and well-appointed.
Guests especially love: “Fantastic rooftop pool with downtown views at an affordable price.”
4. Wynwood – Hip Arts District for Creative Souls 🎨
Wynwood has evolved from an industrial quarter to Miami’s trendiest and most artistic area. Here you’ll find colourful murals, innovative galleries, and hip cafés.
The area is located north of Downtown and is best accessed by car or taxi. You’re 15 minutes from the airport and 20 minutes from South Beach.
See the best hotels in Wynwood here.

The atmosphere is relaxed and creative, with a mix of artists, hipsters, and tourists. The area is most alive during the day and early evening when people explore the many galleries and boutiques.
Must-see attractions include the famous Wynwood Walls, countless art galleries, and innovative food halls like 1-800-Lucky. The area is also known for its craft beer breweries and unique restaurants.
Price levels are moderate, and you get a different Miami experience than in the more touristic areas. However, be aware that some parts of the quarter are still developing.
If you’ve been to Los Angeles, you might feel a bit of the same vibe here in Wynwood as you do in Venice Beach.
Places to stay in Wynwood
Arlo Wynwood ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
New boutique hotel perfectly reflecting the area’s artistic spirit. Rooftop pool, art installations, and hip bar/restaurant. Rooms are modern and creatively decorated. Previous guests particularly highlight: “The perfect hotel for experiencing Wynwood’s creative energy.”
Sentral Wynwood ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Modern apartment hotel with fully equipped kitchens. Rooftop terrace with pool and BBQ area. Perfect for longer stays or those wanting to live like a local. A guest recently wrote: “Fantastic base for exploring Wynwood, with all the facilities you need.”
Mint House Wynwood ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stylish apartments offering good value. Modern décor, shared rooftop terrace, and central location in the heart of the arts district. Guests especially love: “Felt like living in our own artistic apartment in the middle of Wynwood.”
Areas to Avoid in Miami ❌
Some areas in Miami require extra consideration when choosing accommodation. Liberty City and Overtown unfortunately face challenges with crime and lack tourist infrastructure. These areas are also far from the major attractions.
Miami Gardens and parts of North Miami might seem tempting price-wise, but the long distance to beaches and attractions makes transport difficult and expensive. You’ll have a better experience staying in Downtown or Brickell, where you can easily access everything.
If you’re considering areas like Little Haiti or Allapattah, book instead in nearby Wynwood. This area offers the same authentic Miami feel but with better security and more tourist facilities.
Your choice of area in Miami depends greatly on what you’re looking for. If you’re into beaches and parties, South Beach is the obvious choice with its perfect combination of beach life and entertainment. If you prefer a more urban experience with culture and good food, choose Downtown or Brickell.
During high season (December-April), South Beach is extra lively and expensive – consider Downtown for more peace and better prices. Regardless of season, travel time between areas is 15-30 minutes, so you can easily explore the entire city.
One final tip: Book your accommodation well in advance if you’re travelling during high season or during major events like Art Basel or Miami Music Week.
Read all my United States travel guides here.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
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• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
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