Where to Stay in Miami When You Visit (Updated 2024)

Posted: 2/25/2024 | February 25th, 2024

Miami, a vibrant metropolis on Florida’s southeastern coast, is known for its sun-soaked beaches, pulsating nightlife, and rich culture that blends Latin American and Caribbean influences. There’s a ton to see and do here, from exploring South Beach’s iconic, pastel-hued Art Deco buildings to kayaking in the Everglades.

There’s a lot of diverse and vibrant neighborhoods to explore, but choosing where to stay will greatly influence your visit as each area offers a unique atmosphere, culture, and attractions. (Plus, traffic can be brutal at times, so you don’t want to spend all your time (and money) getting around.)

To help you choose which is best for you, here’s my list of the best neighborhoods in Miami for visitors:

Where to Stay in Miami for Nightlife: South Beach

Famous for its iconic Art Deco architecture, energetic nightlife, and beautiful beaches, South Beach is a can’t-miss destination for any visitor to Miami. (It’s also the best district for backpackers, since most hostels in Miami are in this area.) You’re right on the beach and the area is home to a lot of the high end hotels, nicest restaurants, trendiest spots, and the most famous nightclubs, with extravagant parties and world-class DJs at every turn.

Since South Beach attracts a diverse crowd of locals, tourists, celebrities, and partygoers from all over the world, you’re sure to meet an interesting mix of people here. Plus, after a night out, you can satisfy your cravings with delicious late-night eats at the numerous restaurants and food trucks that dot the neighborhood.

Best places to stay in South Beach:

• BUDGET: Viajero Miami – This design-forward hostel is just a block from the beach and offers a host of amenities, including a library co-working space and three swimming pools. The poolside bar is a fun place to hang out and meet people while sipping on a specialty cocktail. The dorms rooms are spacious and clean with comfy beds that have privacy curtains and lockers.
• MIDRANGE: Hotel Ocean – Located on Ocean Drive just steps from the beach, this small hotel features an airy, beachy design, with spacious rooms that have a desk, mini fridge, and flatscreen TV. The recently renovated bathrooms are huge and many have both tubs and a shower. There’s a lovely restaurant on-site and complimentary bikes should you want to get out and explore.
• LUXURY: The Betsy…