Choosing the right accommodation is the key to a great holiday. Your choice will depend on different factors – what you plan to do, whether you are traveling with family and friends, and what you like doing…. But don’t panic, there’s something for everyone in Miami and Miami Beach!
And then if you fancy taking a guided tour, Offbeat Miami has the perfect one for you!
Learn more about our offbeat tours!
Contents
Type of accommodation
- Hotels: the most practical and popular choice. There are Many hotels in Miami and Miami Beach, from quant boutique hotels to resort, or vintage motels. Miami and Beaches, the official tourist website for Greater Miami, has a selection of hotels. You can even personalize your search for the best offers.
- Apartment or house rentals: if you don’t count Airbnb there are other platforms such as Wimdu, Homelidays and VRBO to find the best apartment, house or room at a more reasonable price.
- An apartment or house swap: swap your own home (tenant or owner) with someone else’s. It’s an interesting way to vacation while saving money, and having someone to look after your pets and plants. Book with Intervacand Homelink.
- Youth Hostels: for those of you on a tight budget who like the social aspect and are happy with just the basics. Book at HiUSA, Hostelz or Hostelworld.
Miami Beach: near the ocean
Of course, there’s more to Miami than just the beach. But if you plan on spending most of your trip relaxing and soaking up the sun, then the Miami Beach peninsula should be right up your street.
Some neighborhoods will be more suitable for you than others depending on whether you’re visiting with family and friends or what you plan to do.
South Beach, Ocean Drive and The Art Deco Hotels
The small Art Deco hotels close to Ocean Drive are a good choice if you wish to stay in these famous buildings just a short walk from the beach and restaurants and bars.
You’ll enjoy the best rooftop bars and nightlife while admiring the neon lights on Ocean Drive each time you return to your hotel!
South of 14th street, you’ll mainly find small boutique hotels that often boast listed buildings. Please note that these establishments rarely have a parking lot and not all of them have a swimming pool. This district is better if you want to get around by foot or by public transport.
And, importantly, you will be very close to the starting points of our South Beach Art Deco Guided Tour and biking tour!
Collins Avenue and Mid Beach
North of 15th there are a number of major hotels. Nestled between Collins Avenue and the beach, they come with the added benefit of a direct access to the ocean and all of them have their own swimming pools, parking lots, bars and restaurants. And if you are lucky – depending on the type of room you have booked, you’ll have a breathtaking ocean view!
You’ll also find gigantic hotel complexes whith a choice of swimming pools and restaurants.
These hotels are perfect for families who wish to stay as close to the beach as possible and far from the noisy nightlife of South Beach.
Credit Photo : miamiandbeaches.com
The Residential Areas of South Beach
A good compromise for those looking for a bit of tranquility but still wanting a central location close to the beaches is to stay in the residential area of South Beach located in the peninsula’s center. You’ll mostly have a choice of rental accommodation or rooms. These quiet streets are at a reasonable distance from the beach and the shopping streets.
Be aware, however, that most buildings do not have swimming pools and parking is reserved for residents besides a few exceptions. Make sure your accommodation has parking or be prepared to use the city’s parking lots if you plan on renting a car..
Miami Downtown and Brickell
If you prefer to stay in a central location with easy access to public transport, the Miami’s Downtown and Brickell neighborhoods are a good option. But beware, you’ll need a car to get to the beach.
These two neighborhoods are packed with hotels, including most of the major international and American chains.
The area surrounding the “Financial District” Metromover station is where you’ll find the most suites hotels. All located in modern buildings, they offer the comfort of a hotel (parking, swimming pool, 24-hour reception) plus the freedom that comes with a rental.
Of course, you’ll also find many private rentals, but mostly in Brickell, which is a kid-friendly, family-oriented neighborhood.
So what do you think you’ll choose?
