Miami is known for its sun-drenched beaches, vibrant culture, and bustling nightlife. From the iconic Art Deco architecture of South Beach to the bustling energy of Wynwood, Miami offers a diverse selection of neighborhoods to explore and plenty of unique things to see and do (here’s my guide to all the neighborhoods).
There are a ton of hotels to choose from in Miami, whether you’re looking for an upscale beachfront experience (after NYC, Miami has more five-star hotels than any other city in the country) or an affordable hotel that won’t cost you a fortune.
I’ve been coming to the city for years and have stayed in many different hotels. To help you plan your visit, here’s my list of the best hotels in Miami:
1. Yotel Miami
This four-star hotel in downtown Miami has a sleek and modern design with a very Miami aesthetic (think bold colors and neon lighting, but in a fun, tasteful way). Both rooms and full apartments (called “pads”) are available, and both feature adjustable SmartBeds, wireless charging stations, desks, and spacious bathrooms with rain showers.
Hotel amenities include a rooftop pool and cocktail bar, a hot tub, a 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes, co-working spaces, and a restaurant that serves a la carte breakfast. I really like this: If you want to soak up the sun, you can use Yotel’s own beach area with free loungers on South Beach.
2. citizenM Miami Brickell
Located in the heart of Brickell, citizenM is a four-star hotel with bright and fun artwork throughout, including a colorful, large-scale mural on the side of the building called “Cosmic Connection” (created by Miami-based artist Jen Stark). I’m a huge fan of this brand. Part of citizenM’s concept is to offer a room type that is compact yet well-designed to make the most of the space. All rooms feature comfortable king-size beds, fluffy pillows, blackout shades, and soundproofing to help you get a good night’s sleep. The rooms are also high-tech; you can control various room settings via a tablet or app on your phone, including lighting, temperature, blinds, and flat-screen TVs.
The hotel has tons of cool common areas to relax in, including a “living room” with couches, a library and co-working area, a rooftop pool, meeting rooms, and two restaurants, including one that offers an extensive breakfast buffet for all diets daily.
3. Hotel Ocean
Located on Miami’s famous Ocean Drive, just steps from the beach, this small three-star hotel has a retro beach design. The spacious, light-filled rooms feature super comfortable beds, desks, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. The recently renovated bathrooms are huge, and many have both soaking tubs and a walk-in shower with dual showerheads.
The hotel also offers fresh coffee in the lobby, a lovely restaurant with sidewalk and courtyard seating, and free bicycles. For amenities the hotel itself doesn’t offer, you’ll have to head to several nearby hotels to use their facilities, including an outdoor pool, 24-hour gym, and spa with a hammam, sauna, meditation room, and relaxation room. You get a lot for your money here, and the location really can’t be beat.
4. The Betsy
This five-star boutique hotel is known for its beautiful Art Deco-inspired design. Travel + Leisure even named it one of the best hotels in the world! As you can imagine, you won’t want for anything here. The hotel features rooms and suites adorned with select original artwork and live orchids, as well as luxurious features like hardwood floors and marble bathrooms with walk-in showers. In-room amenities include a minibar, fluffy robes, a work desk, baby alpaca blankets, and beds so comfortable you can barely get out of them.
The Betsy also has a stunning rooftop deck where you can take sunrise yoga classes, relax by the pool, or sip drinks at the cocktail bar, a fitness center with Peloton bikes, a cozy library, and several on-site restaurants (including one that offers breakfast daily). The hotel is just steps from the beach and has a private area where you can enjoy complimentary chairs, umbrellas, and loungers. If youIf you want luxury, stay here.
5. Hampton Inn Miami-Coconut Grove/Coral Gables
Sure, it’s a Hampton Inn and a chain, but this three-star hotel is a budget-friendly option with easy access to the Coconut Grove and Coral Gables neighborhoods. While the hotel’s design is nothing special (if you’ve stayed in one Hampton Inn, you’ve been to all of them), it has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Helpful in-room amenities include a mini-fridge and microwave, a desk, a flat-screen TV, and a large bathroom with a walk-in shower with great water pressure.
This hotel also offers free breakfast 24/7, free coffee, tea, and warm cookies in the lobby, a peaceful outdoor pool, and a small fitness center. It’s also right across the street from a Metromover station, so it’s easy to get to the rest of the city from here. It’s a good option for budget travelers and families looking to stay in a quieter part of town.
6. Sentral Wynwood
This four-star aparthotel offers spacious, designer-appointed units with colorful decor, lots of natural light, and artwork on the walls. Fully equipped kitchens feature stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher, oven, microwave, coffee maker, and even a washer/dryer. Units also feature a living room with a flat-screen TV with streaming services and a large bathroom with a hairdryer, bathtub or shower, and complimentary toiletries.
The hotel has a stunning rooftop pool, a fitness center, and even on-site Teslas that can be rented for short-term use. Sentral is an ideal option if you’re staying in Miami for a while, especially if you’re working on the go, as the hotel has in-room workspaces and an on-site coworking space with free coffee. There are also plenty of work-friendly cafes in the surrounding neighborhood.
7. The Miami Beach Edition
This five-star beachfront hotel is my favorite place to stay when visiting Miami because you can use Marriott hotel points for free stays (it costs a fortune without points, though). I love it. Each of the spacious rooms and suites is uniquely designed and decorated, with soft colors, curated artwork, and large marble-tiled bathrooms. Rooms also feature coffeemakers, minibars, 48-inch flat-screen TVs, and some offer stunning ocean views.
The hotel has an on-site gym and spa, as well as a pool and six (yes, six) restaurants. There’s also a nightclub, a couple of bars, and a bowling alley here. You could literally spend your entire trip here and never have to leave (and you wouldn’t be bored).
Whether you’re in Miami to lounge on the sand, party in South Beach, enjoy the art of Wynwood, or roam the city from restaurant to restaurant, the so-called capital of Latin America has a lot to offer. If you choose one of the hotels above, prepare for an unforgettable stay in the second most visited city in the United States!