Hotels in Miami, FL

Best time to visit Miami

Miami stays warm year-round, so do not assume you have to come here in the summer for ideal temperatures. However, you do want to avoid the tourism season and hurricane season. June – September gives you great temperatures, but June – August has more tourists than September into October.

Getting around Miami

Miami is quite spread out, but still quite an easily walkable city. For those days when you do not want to walk, rent a bike or Segway. Uber and Lyft are also in the area, and they are popular for the night crowds. The trolley system in Miami is the perfect option to explore the charming downtown neighborhoods. The Miami trolleys loop through downtown and have routes into the Design District and Wynwood. There is the Miami Beach Trolley, which visits the distinct beaches of Florida and notable locations along the way. Even better, the trolley is free. If you really want to drive around on your own, then check momondo for attractive car rental deals.

Money-saving tips for first-time visitors to Miami

Miami has a bad reputation for being an overly expensive destination, but in reality, it can be quite affordable. You just need to flex your money-saving techniques and stick to your budget. For starters, fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport for better rates. Then, stay at a boutique hotel that offers a good location without the cost of the swanky spots. For the day, rent the Citi Bike in downtown and then use the trolley for areas you cannot bike. Citi Bike is $4.50 USD for 30 minutes and $24 USD for a day pass.

Best places to stay in Miami

Miami brings people from around the world to their tucked away corner on the Atlantic. From the glamour of the beach-like lifestyle to the high-end South Beach area, Miami has several locations to enjoy.

South Beach

South Beach is one of the most popular Miami locations. A hotel on South Beach means paying more for the same accommodations, but with the opportunity to tell everyone you are staying local. Prices are much higher on South Beach, but for that higher price, you put yourself in the center of nightlife and you can walk to most establishments. The Marriott Stanton South Beach and 1 Hotel South Beach are good starting points.

Miami Beach

Miami Beach and South Beach are not the same, even though they are mentioned together. Miami Beach rests north of South Beach and includes Sunny Isles Beach and Bal Harbour. The Loews Miami Beach Hotel and Fontainebleau Miami Beach are located downtown and offer seaside accommodations.

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove is south of Miami’s downtown district and is considered a wealthy suburb. However, it is also a tourist hotspot. The hotels here and in the Coral Gables region are pricey, but still cheaper than South Beach. The Residence Inn by Marriott Miami Coconut Grove and Sonesta Coconut Grove are two popular hotels in the area.

Key Biscayne

Adjacent to Coral Gables and accessed by the Rickenbacker Causeway is the tropical island of Key Biscayne. Key Biscayne is part of the southern section of Cape Florida, which means you have direct access to some of the state’s most prized beaches. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami sits on the water, has a private beach, and a swimming pool to enjoy when you are tired of the sand.

Cheap hotels in Miami

Value deals for hotel accommodations in Miami are not always easy to come by, but there are some budget-friendly options regardless of where you stay. In South Beach, for example, you have South Seas Hotel and the Avalon Hotel. The Sheraton Miami Airport Hotel & Executive Meeting Center is close to the airport, but not too far from the beach. Also, the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay puts you on the water for a fraction of the price of other hotels.

Of course you can spend your time at the beach, but that is not all that Miami has to offer. If you spend all your time at the beach, you are missing out on a few of the must-see items:

• Naturally, you may want to start with a few beaches. Choose from the island escape of Key Biscayne, the famous stretch on Miami Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, and Surfside. Bal Harbour Beach is perfect for not only sun and surf, but the Bal Harbour Shops too. Haulover Beach is across from Bal Harbour and connected by a bridge. For family-friendly beaches, go over to Matheson Hammock Park Beach and Homestead Bayfront Park Beach.
• For nightlife, Miami has some of the hottest clubs for dancing, singing, and exotic drinks. LIV Miami Nightclub is at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach and ranks as one of the 5 highest grossing clubs in the United States. Mango’s Tropical Café is another nightlife hotspot as well as Wall Lounge at West Miami Beach.
• Venture over to Sawgrass Mills Miami, which is the largest mall in the state. Sawgrass has international and domestic retailers, dining, and high-end boutiques.
• For family-friendly ideas, visit the Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, also known as Zoo Miami, which has more than 700 animals and exhibits that alternate year-round. The Monkey Jungle, a 30-acre wildlife park is a surefire way to entertain the little ones, but costs more than the zoo. At Pinecrest Gardens, you have a jungle-like park experience with a playground, koi ponds, and a petting zoo.