Riu Plaza Miami Beach
This is a fantastic resort which has plenty of space in its family rooms for those travelling with kids. Just 160 metres from the beach theres plenty going on here with a fabulous outdoor pool and around the hotel is windsurfing, kayaking, water skiing or play golf or tennis. All the fun of South Beach is just over two miles away and the beach here is just perfect for sandcastle building and paddling.
Our Favorite Area: South Beach
The South Beach area is located in Miami Beach, a few minutes drive from Downtown Miami.
South Beach is one of the best areas to stay in Miami because of its luxury hotels with ocean views, nightlife and, of course, its beaches.
In this area, youll find the renowned Art Deco District, where there is a large number of buildings of the early twentieth century.
In South Beach, theres also Ocean Drive, one of the main streets of Miami Beach, where you will find some of the most exclusive hotels and restaurants in the city.
To move through this area, there are several bus stops available along Washington Avenue.
At night, South Beach becomes the center of Miamis nightlife, with bars and clubs playing all kinds of music, from Latin genres to hip hop and electronic music.
South Beach is recommended as the best area to stay in Miami during the summer or to do outdoor activities on its beaches.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Miami, Florida:
- Best area to stay without a car
- Best area for nightlife
Bal Harbour Where To Stay In Miami For A Paceful Beach Experience
This upscale village lies north of Miami Beach, hugging the Atlantic coast for about a mile. For a peaceful and private beach experience, its a choice place to stay in Miami. Thats because only residents and hotel guests can access the pristine sand and gentle surf.
Approach the waterfront at 102nd Street, via the Beach Path, lined with pretty pavers and lush landscaping. Only a town-issued key card will give you passage through the locked gates.
The community was designed with the well-heeled in mind. Its centerpiece is Bal Harbour Shops, housing over 100 high-end boutiques and designer stores.
Equally impressive is the indoor landscaping, including airy palms, lavish plantings, alluring fishponds, and bubbling fountains. Chic cafés and elegant restaurants invite shoppers to leisurely dining.
If youre an art lover, consider subscribing to the town Art Access Program. Youll gain free admission to 18 cultural venues, such as galleries, museums, and private collections. At the very least, catch the rotating installations on the Beach Path and inside the Art Museum Miami.
Note that you wont find any fast-food eateries in Bal Harbour. The best-rated establishments beckon from within the mall and waterfront resorts, offering both casual and fine dining.
Generally, the most affordable rates are found at 3-star hotels. While less posh than luxury properties, the service is likewise commendable, according to guest reviews.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN BEL HARBOUR
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The Biltmore Hotel Miami Coral Gables
A prime piece of property in Floridas Coral Gables area, the Biltmore may not have a kids club as such but manages to make up for it with a ton of excellent activities that can keep the youngest members of the family engaged for hours on end.
Whether its tennis lessons, golf training on the newly-restored 18-hole Donald Ross turf or cooking classes conducted by the hotels accomplished chefs in the Culinary Academy , The Biltmore has a little something for everybody.
Yes, its a vacation and the kids may not exactly be inclined to spending time learning after all, they do that enough in school!
In that case, head over to the resorts huge free-form pool where you can also watch synchronized swimmers perform mind-blowing routines.
Have a little me-time planned?
Head to the resorts spa, bars, restaurants or fitness center.
Better yet, head to the hotels in-house shops you may just be confessing like a shopaholic by the end of your shopping trip!
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The 7 Best Areas To Stay In Miami Beach
For many, going to Miami Beach is a dream vacation that you cant wait to see come to fruition. There is so much to see and do in this part of Florida that is hard not to get excited. As you consider what area of Miami Beach you would like to stay in, there are plenty of options on the table. It often comes down to personal preference and what you are looking for.
The seven best areas to stay in Miami Beach are South Beach, Bal Harbour, Key Biscane, Little Havana, Wynwood, Coral Gables, and Coconut Grove. Each of these offers some distinct advantages in terms of things to do, so you will want to take that into account as you plan your next trip to Miami Beach.
Given the fact that Miami Beach has more than 300 days of sunshine every year, you would be hard pressed to find an area that is not ideal for a relaxing and peaceful vacation. There are several distinct regions that offer a different pace and vibe that you will want to know about. There are definitely a ton of things to do in Miami Beach. Continue reading to learn more about the seven best places to stay in Miami Beach.
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Coral Gables: Most Exclusive Location In Miami
One of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Miami, Coral Gables is perfect for those looking for a peaceful holiday.
- Why is this the best area to stay in Miami:
- Exclusive hotels
- Upscale shopping centers and nightlife
- Realitvely central location
Officially an independent city in the Miami metropolitan area, Coral Gables was one of the first planned communities in Florida.
Designed following a Mediterranean theme, Coral Gables is regarded as an exclusive district and many of its founding structures from the 1920s have been preserved thanks to its strict historic conservation rules.
Located only four miles from Miami International Airport, Coral Gables is home to important local attractions including the Venetian Pools, The Puerta del Sol Entrance, and The Biltmore Hotel.
As is to be expected, the accommodation offered in this upscale residential area is mostly made up of luxury properties, five-star hotels, and high-end resorts. That said, there are a handful of modest options.
Best Hotels in Coral Gables
Biltmore Hotel
Boasting amenities including an 18-hole golf course and a full-service spa, this historic resort in Coral Gables, Florida is just 6.4 km from Miami International Airport. Brickell City Center is 6.2 mi away.
Four Points by Sheraton Coral Gables
Offering an outdoor pool and snack bar, Four Points by Sheraton Coral Gables is set in Miami, a 7-minute walk from the upscale shops, restaurants, and venues of Village of Merrick Park Mall. Free WiFi is provided.
Brickell The Best Area To Stay In Miami For Food And Shopping
Quiz any local about Miamis hottest new neighbourhood and they will likely say Brickell. Tucked away just south of Downtown, this city within a city is still holding on to its under the radar status, but not for long. For many, the secret of Miamis trendiest new neighbourhood is officially out, evidence of which can be seen in the rapid population rise in the area from 2000 2016, Brickells population tripled in size, with the boom showing little sign of slowing down any time soon.
So why the buzz? An area that formerly housed a collection of unremarkable office buildings, today Brickell is the citys financial district. Vast skyscrapers, luxury condos and an ultra-modern shopping complex all clamour for space overlooking Biscaye Bay, whilst in between chic bistros, cool rooftop bars and independent boutiques pull in a cosmopolitan crowd. Many say the area is more New York than Miami, and its easy to see why a fast paced way of life, everything within walking distance and a certain edge of cool all emulate the NYC vibe. Couple this with the free Metromover and the Miami sunshine, and youve got us hooked.
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Little Havana: Miamis Cuban District
Famous for its Latin American flavor, Little Havana is a great location for tourists in Miami.
The Latin heart of Miami beats in this corner near the city center. Spanish is the most spoken language in this lively area.
Little Havana, also known as Pequeña Habana is home to thousands of Cuban immigrants, mostly exiled from the Castro regime, who have settled in Miami since the late 1950s to our days. With a distinctively Cuban character, the famous offers excellent Latin American food, music, salsa bars, and an atmosphere more typical of a city on a Caribbean island than an American city. Little Havana is the best place to eat ropa vieja or drink sugarcane guarapo.
Best Hotels in Little Havana
Life House, Little Havana
The Life House Little Havana is located in the Little Havana district in Miami, Florida. Featuring free WiFi throughout the property, Life House Little Havana is a 3 minutes walk from 8th Street.
Selina Miami River
Selina Miami River features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and garden in Miami. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel has family rooms.
La Casona Azul
Located in Miami and with Marlins Park reachable within 1.1 mi, La Casona Azul provides express check-in and check-out, nonsmoking rooms, a garden, free WiFi, and a terrace.
Bal Harbour: The Best Miami Area To Stay In For Relaxed Beach Experiences
Bal Harbour lies north of Miami Beach and embraces the Atlantic coast for around a mile. The neighborhood is your best place to stay in Miami if youd like to have a private and peaceful beach experience. Why? Because only residents and hotel guests have access to the untouched sands.
Youll discover the waterfront at 102nd Street through the Beach Path. Note: to pass via the locked gates, youll need a district-issued key card.
Bal Harbour welcomes high-end crowds at its shopping area where over 100 designer stores and world-class boutiques await to spoil you. The indoor landscaping consists of lush plants, gigantic palms, playful fountains, and enticing fishponds. Stylish cafés and sophisticated restaurants provide an outstanding dining experience.
If you like fast-food chains, unfortunately, Bal Harbour doesnt offer any. But if you appreciate art, dont miss the Art Museum Miami.
Our recommendations: For the ultimate royal stay, choose either The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour Miami or The St Regis Bal Harbour Resort. Both establishments will mercilessly mollycoddle you with their excellent spa centers, top-notch restaurants, and sweeping views of the bay.
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Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Center
Dont leave Little Havana without catching some live Cuban music. Theres no better place to do just that than at CubaOcho, a Cuban-owned art gallery, cafe, performing arts space and bar that showcases, among many other things, live salsa in an intimate setting. Dancing is encouraged. Rum is essential.
Institute Of Contemporary Art Miami
A free contemporary art museum in the heart of one of the citys most affluent shopping hubs? It doesnt make a lot of sense, but it also doesnt need to. Since its opening, the privately owned ICA museum has hosted countless heavy-hitters like Yayoi Kusama, Dan Flavin, Judy Chicago and Betye Saar. What it lacks in size, the petite museum more than makes up for in community-driven parties and programming throughout the year.
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Best Hotel In Key Biscayne: Coral Reef At Key Biscayne
Frugal families wont find a better deal on accommodation in Miami than this charming three-star property. Located in Key Biscayne, this hotel is a short walk from beaches, boats, restaurants, and all the fun. It has a fitness room, swimming pool, and an outdoor pool. Furthermore, you can also enjoy paradise from the sands of its private beach.
Is It Better To Stay In Downtown Miami Or South Beach
Both downtown Miami and South Beach have so much to offer. Deciding where to stay comes down to the reason you are visiting this part of Florida in the first place. If you are looking to maximize your time in the surf and sand, then South Beach has exactly what you need. However, if you wish to visit cultural attractions or attend business meetings, then downtown Miami is where its at.
South Beach is a place that always has something going on, no matter what time of day or night it might be. You will also find that the time of year really does not matter when it comes to South Beach. It is simply a great area to party, relax, or do whatever you please. For this reason, most people would argue that it is better to stay in South Beach.
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Miami & Miami Beach Hostels
A hostel is also a great choice to get a quick nights sleep after spending a day in South Beach.
Hostels are fun, inexpensive places to stay for the budget and adventure-friendly traveler. At a hostel, you can rent a bed in a shared room or a private room with a shared bathroom for accommodations at a discount.
Here are some of the best hostels in Miami Beach!
- Generator Miami : Generator Miami tops the list as the best hostel in Miami Beach. This hostel is just 100 feet from the beach and offers a variety of room and stay types, from private rooms to dorms, and there are female-only dorms, too.
Hostels In Miami Beach
In addition to Little Havana, you may choose to stay on Miami Beach, however, it will be more expensive than Little Havana.
In this case, you may be able to find an affordable hostel in South Beach.
Just a quick suggestion here. Book well in advance as hostels get booked out very quickly in this part of the city.
If you are not into hostels but still you want to stay in Miami Beach, then check out the few options in North Beach.
This is the part of the island that has usually cheaper accommodation choices.
Beds n Drinks is one of the most popular options in the area both for the low prices and awesome amenities.
It features a pretty minimalistic design aimed at maximizing on individual privacy and convenience . You also get access to free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
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The 10 Best Family Hotels In Miami Beach
Families love Miami Beach for the watersports, white sands, sunshine and the generally laid-back vibe. Alongside such obvious lures for a family break, it comes as no surprise that there are also a wide range of family-orientated hotels with something to suit most tastes and budgets. Our Hotel Gurus have hand-selected the cream of the crop with options including great value beachside boltholes, Art Deco luxury resorts or hotels with a wide choice of activities. So why not browse through our collection of the best family friendly hotels in Miami Beach to start planning your trip?
Best Hotel In Downtown Miami: Hilton Miami Downtown
A fantastic location, elegant décor, and luxurious rooms are just a few of the reasons this is my top pick for where to stay in Downtown Miami. This hotel boasts a fitness center, swimming pool, and a stylish on-site bar.
It is close to well-known attractions and is within walking distance of a few of Miamis hottest clubs.
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Final Word On Miami Area Hotels
In summary, if you want to experience Miamis nightlife that never stops dynamically and spend a wonderful holiday period in its iconic hotels, you can choose your accommodation from among the options in South Beach without thinking about it.
It has similar rich places in terms of entertainment, shopping, eating and drinking opportunities but when you search for a less crowded area, you can focus on its neighbor, Miami Beach.
If your primary goal in your vacation plans for Miami is to get to know the history and culture of the city, you can find the opportunities you are looking for in Downtown.
Brickell, Coral Gables and Coconut Grove are not behind the city center in terms of both cultural and historical background. Moreover, these settlements with an elite atmosphere are very generous in presenting the natural beauties of the region to their guests.
As a Miami hotel recommendation, if you want to stay in an economical 3-star hotel in the center of the city, you can take a look at the Residence Inn by Marriott South Beach in South Beach and the hotels called Courtyard by Marriott Miami Downtown in Downtown.
If you prefer a 4-star resort, the oceanfront The Confidante Hotel in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt and the Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami in Brickell are among the citys popular hotels.
If you want to stay in a 5-star, luxurious hotel on your trip to Miami, 1 Hotel South Beach by the ocean and InterContinental Miami in the city center are among the best options.
Miami Beach Hotels For Families That Promise Plenty Of Sandy Fun
Im sitting in the shade of a cabana, sipping on a mojito while gazing out at a tranquil blue pool. My toddler sits across from me, happily picking at a tropical fruit tray while recovering from a morning of swimming, his blonde hair drying in the Florida sun. A pair of green parakeets fly overhead, squawking loudly, and the roar of the ocean is just audible over a duo playing acoustic cover tunes beside the pool bar.
I cant remember the last time Ive felt so relaxed, and I cant believe its happening while my energetic toddler is within arms length. This is Miami Beach, and it seems to have cast a spell over my young family.
Miami Beach may have a party vibe, but its a surprisingly family-friendly destination for a beach getawayâif you book the right hotel. Tucked among the spring break hotspots and romantic boutique hotels, youll find quite a few properties that know how to cater to travelers with kids. With spacious rooms, playful amenities, friendly staffers, and thoughtful extras, these are nine of our favorite family-friendly hotels in Miami Beach.
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