where to stay in miami beach ( best area & hotels )

Where is the best place to stay in Miami Beach?

By Carles Barcelo. Updated October 27, 2023

Miami Beach is a city that is situated on a small barrier island that is close to Miami itself but is a separate municipality and is one of the most popular beach resorts in the country. This world-class destination has brilliant beaches, major international entertainment, beautiful architecture, stunning art galleries, fun activities and has some of the world’s best nightlife. The island is also home to many cultures with a particular strong influence of Spanish and Latin American, which you can experience in the restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

The area around South Beach is the best area to stay in Miami Beach as this part has the most amounts of things to see with various landmarks, numerous amazing museums, lush green parks and the best nightlife in the whole place. There is also a great selection of shopping malls to explore and there are top class chefs, who provide cuisines from all around the world. South Beach is also home to the most established and biggest clubs in Miami Beach and usually host internationally recognised DJs and live bands most nights. The most luxurious and well-known hotels can be found in this part of the city and the majority provide magnificent beachfront views.

If you want to stay in downtown Miami and other areas around, please check where to stay in Miami.If you are interested in where to stay in Miami Beach, you may also be interested in where to stay in Key West, where to stay in Orlando and where to stay in Fort Lauderdale.

South Beach, the best area to stay in Miami Beach 

Beaches / Nightlife / Without a Car

South Beach, also known as SoBe, is the most popular area to stay in Miami Beach. Located in the southern part of the city, it is famous for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and art deco architecture.

One of the biggest draws of South Beach is its stunning beach, which stretches for miles along the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water sports like jet skiing and parasailing. The beach is also home to a lively boardwalk, where you can stroll or bike along and take in the ocean views.

In addition to the beach, South Beach is also known for its world-renowned nightlife. The area is home to some of the best clubs and bars in Miami, with a wide variety of music and entertainment options. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area, serving everything from fresh seafood at Joe’s Stone Crab to Cuban cuisine at Versailles.

South Beach is also famous for its art deco architecture, which features colorful buildings with geometric shapes and bold designs. Many of these buildings have been beautifully restored, and you can take a self-guided walking tour to see some of the most impressive examples, such as the Cardozo Hotel and the Colony Theatre.

Overall, South Beach offers the perfect combination of sun, sand, and city life. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, party all night at LIV or Story Nightclub, or explore the local culture at the Bass Museum of Art or the Wolfsonian-FIU, South Beach is the best area to stay in Miami Beach.

Hotels in South Beach

RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN SOUTH BEACH:

1- The Betsy Hotel, South Beach. The Betsy is a luxury boutique hotel situated on Ocean Drive’s quiet end and is honored by Travel + Leisure as one of the best hotels in the world. The hotel boasts 130 rooms and suites with tropical interiors, a Courtyard and Rooftop Pool, two eateries, a library, beach access, and a Fitness Center with Peloton Bikes. Sunrise Yoga on the Skyline Deck is a must-try for fitness enthusiasts. The hotel is a beloved gathering place for arts and culture, with a curated arts program featuring poetry readings and nightly live jazz. Four-legged friends are welcome, and guests can enjoy the individual attention of a family-owned hotel.

2- 1 Hotel South Beach. 1 Hotel South Beach is a 426-room resort on Collins Ave with 600 ft of beachfront, offering unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean and Downtown Miami. The resort celebrates nature with driftwood furnishings and reclaimed natural materials throughout. Guest rooms range from Studios to 5-bedroom Homes. The resort has 4 outdoor swimming pools, including South Beach’s largest Rooftop pool and lounge. Other unique experiences include Seedlings club for children and complimentary access to Tesla electric vehicles. The resort has 7 food and beverage outlets featuring fresh and organic culinary experiences. The hotel was voted #1 Hotel in Miami in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2019.

3- Uma House by Yurbban. Uma House by Yurbban South Beach is located just one minute away from the beach and offers an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and garden. The property features family rooms and a sun terrace, and guests can enjoy free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk, and air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a wardrobe, kettle, minibar, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, and private bathroom with a shower. Bed linen and towels are provided. The hotel is close to popular attractions, including the New World Center, Miami Beach Convention Center, and LIK Fine Art Miami. The nearest airport is Miami Seaplane Base Airport, which is 5 km away.

Other areas to stay in Miami Beach

Mid Beach

Beaches / Couples / Families

Mid Beach is a stunning area to stay in Miami Beach. Located between South Beach and North Beach, it offers a quieter and more serene atmosphere than its neighboring areas. Mid Beach is home to some of the most iconic and luxurious hotels in Miami Beach, such as the Fontainebleau, the Eden Roc, and the Faena Hotel Miami Beach, offering guests a wide range of accommodation options. In Mid Beach, visitors can enjoy the beautiful beaches, which are less crowded than those in South Beach, making it a perfect place for a peaceful and relaxing vacation. The area also has several parks, including the Miami Beach Botanical Garden and the 53rd Street Park, where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in nature.

Mid Beach is also home to several excellent restaurants, bars, and shops, including the vibrant and trendy Faena District. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of cuisine, from classic American fare to international cuisine. For those looking for some nightlife, there are also several nightclubs and bars in the area. Overall, Mid Beach is a great option for those who want to stay in Miami Beach but prefer a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere than South Beach, while still enjoying luxurious accommodations and a wide range of amenities.

Hotels in Mid Beach

RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN MID BEACH:

1- The Miami Beach EDITION. The Miami Beach EDITION provides luxurious oceanfront accommodations with sophisticated Miami-style decor, offering large windows with city, pool, or ocean views. The hotel features pet-friendly rooms with plush bedding, marble bathrooms, writing desks, free Wi-Fi, and BEATS Bluetooth speakers. Oceanfront suites with generous living and dining areas are ideal for entertaining, while bi-level bungalows with plunge pools offer privacy and well-being. Restaurants developed by Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, two ocean-facing pools, a wellness spa with a gym, a nightclub, bowling alley, and ice-skating rink provide exceptional dining and entertainment experiences.

2- Faena Hotel Miami Beach. Faena Hotel Miami Beach, with 179 guestrooms and suites designed by Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin, epitomizes South American warmth of spirit and sets a new standard for hospitality. Curated amenities and attentive service enhance the guest experience on every level.

3- The Palms Hotel & Spa. The Palms Hotel & Spa is an award-winning independent resort that combines laid-back sophistication, oceanfront serenity, wellness, and green practices to provide a unique guest experience. The Miami Beach hotel offers AVEDA spa experiences, natural gourmet dining, and beachfront fun. It boasts 251 spa-inspired guest rooms and suites and 8,000 square feet of space for meetings, weddings, and special events.

North Beach

Beaches / Families / Quiet

North Beach is a vibrant and diverse area to stay in Miami Beach, offering visitors a unique blend of local culture and beachfront relaxation. Located north of Mid Beach, the area is a perfect place to escape the crowds and experience the more tranquil side of Miami Beach. One of the highlights of North Beach is its beautiful beach, which stretches for miles and offers visitors the chance to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports. The area also has several parks, including the North Shore Open Space Park, which offers visitors a peaceful retreat from the city. In addition to its natural beauty, North Beach has a rich history and a unique mix of cultures. Visitors can explore the North Beach Historic District, which features Art Deco architecture and a variety of shops and restaurants. The area is also home to several local eateries, including Cuban restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops.

North Beach has a more relaxed atmosphere than South Beach, making it an ideal option for families and those who prefer a quieter vacation. Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodations, including beachfront hotels and vacation rentals. Overall, North Beach is an excellent choice for those who want to experience the more laid-back side of Miami Beach while still enjoying its natural beauty and cultural diversity.

Hotels in North Beach

RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN NORTH BEACH:

1- Park Royal Miami Beach. Park Royal Miami Beach is a well-located hotel, just one block away from Collins Avenue, where guests can explore Miami’s shopping, dining, and nightlife scene. The hotel provides guests with fully equipped rooms that feature a kitchen, free WiFi, air conditioning, and satellite TV. There is also an unheated pool and on-site parking. The hotel is just a short walk from the famous Miami Beach, and the prestigious Bal Harbor Shops are also nearby. With the perfect location, guests can easily access everything that Miami Beach has to offer.

2- Carillon Miami Wellness Resort. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, located in Miami Beach, offers a next-generation mind and body wellness experience. Featuring luxurious, apartment-sized accommodations and fresh, ingredient-driven cuisine, Carillon boasts the largest spa and fitness center on the Eastern seaboard, with over 70,000 square feet of space offering 65+ fitness classes per week and spa services from a curated team of gifted practitioners, medical experts, and Board-Certified physicians. The spa features a unique Thermal Hydrotherapy Circuit, while more adventurous guests can experience cutting-edge therapies like needle-less acupuncture, cryotherapy, and touchless wellness circuits for respiratory and immune health, sleep therapy, and more. Carillon Miami Wellness Resort is a Forbes Travel Guide four-star rated resort and spa, and member of The Leading Hotels of the World.