Accommodation will always be one of your biggest travel expenses…but what if it wasn’t? What if you could reduce the cost of your accommodation to zero while still enjoying the comforts of home? That’s what house swaps promise. House swaps have been around for decades. It was the entire premise of the movie The Holiday (starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet). They became all the rage but then were soon eclipsed by sites like Airbnb. But as travel prices skyrocketed post-COVID, more and more people have turned back to house swaps as a means of saving money while they travel while still getting a local experience (but without the hassle of an Airbnb). House swaps are exactly what they sound like. You sign up, list your home, and then swap with someone else in another city. They stay in your place and you stay in their place. The biggest and most popular platform for swaps is HomeExchange . And, in this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know to get started with a house swa...
Posted: 2/25/2024 | February 25th, 204
Miami is known for its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, and sizzling nightlife. From the iconic Art Deco architecture of South Beach to the bustling energy of Wynwood, Miami offers a diverse array of neighborhoods to explore and lots of unique things to see and do (here’s my guide to all the neighborhoods).
There are a ton of hotels in Miami to choose from, whether you’re looking for an upscale experience on the beach (after NYC, Miami has more five-star hotels than any other city in the country) or an affordable hotel that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
I’ve been coming to the city for years and have stayed in a lot of different hotels. To help you plan your visit, here’s my list of the best hotels in Miami:
1. Yotel Miami
Located in downtown Miami, this four-star hotel has a sleek and modern design with a very Miami aesthetic (think bold colors and neon lighting but done in a fun, tasteful way). There are both rooms and full apartments (called “pads”) to choose from, and both feature adjustable SmartBeds, wireless charging stations, work desks, and spacious bathrooms with rainfall showers.
Hotel facilities include a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and cocktail bar, a hot tub, a 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes, co-working areas, and a restaurant serving a la carte breakfast. I really like that, if you want to soak up the sun, you can take advantage of Yotel’s dedicated beach space with complimentary 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-native artist Jen Stark). I’m a big fan of this brand. Part of citizenM’s concept is to offer one room type that’s compact yet well-designed to optimize the space. All rooms have comfy king-sized beds, fluffy pillows, blackout blinds, and soundproofing so you can get a good sleep. The rooms are high-tech too; you can control various room settings from a tablet or app on your phone, including the lighting, temperature, blinds, and flatscreen TV.
The hotel has a ton of cool common areas to hang out in, including a “living room” with couches, a library, and co-working area, a pool on the rooftop, meeting rooms, and two restaurants, including one that offers an expansive daily breakfast buffet that caters to all diets.
3. Hotel Ocean
Located on Miami’s famous Ocean Drive just steps from the beach, this small three-star hotel has a retro, beachy design. The spacious, light-filled rooms have super comfortable beds, desks, mini-fridges, and flatscreen TVs. The recently renovated bathrooms are huge, and many have both tubs and a walk-in shower with two shower heads.
The hotel also offers fresh coffee in the lobby, a lovely restaurant with sidewalk and outdoor courtyard seating and complimentary bikes to use. For amenities that the hotel does not offer itself, you have to access 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 ton of value here and you really can’t beat the location.
4. The Betsy
This five-star boutique hotel is renowned for its gorgeous Art Deco-inspired design. Travel + Leisure even called it one of the best hotels in the world! As you can imagine, you’ll want for nothing here. The hotel features rooms and suites adorned with curated 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, plush bathrobes, a desk, baby alpaca blankets, and beds so comfortable it’s hard to get out of them.
The Betsy also boasts a stunning rooftop where you can take sunrise yoga classes, lounge by the pool, or grab a drink at the cocktail bar, a fitness center with Peloton bikes, a cozy library, and several eateries on-site (including one offering daily breakfast). The hotel is just steps away from the beach and has a private area where you can enjoy complimentary chairs, umbrellas, and loungers. If 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 offering easy access to both Coconut Grove and Coral Gables neighborhoods. While the hotel’s design is nothing to write home about (if you’ve been to one Hampton Inn, you’ve been to them all), it has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Helpful in-room amenities include a mini fridge and microwave, desk, flatscreen TV, and large bathroom with walk-in shower that has great pressure.
This hotel also offers free breakfast, complimentary coffee, tea, and warm cookies in the lobby 24/7, a tranquil outdoor pool, and a small fitness center. It’s right across the street from a Metromover station too, making it 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-furnished units with colorful décor, tons of natural light, and artwork on the walls. The fully equipped kitchens have stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher, oven, microwave, coffee machine, and even a washer/dryer. Units also have a living room with a flatscreen TV offering streaming services and a large bathroom complete with a hairdryer, bath or shower, and complimentary toiletries.
The hotel has a stunning rooftop pool, fitness center, and even Teslas on-site that are rentable for short-term usage. Sentral is an ideal option if you’re staying in Miami for a while, especially if you’re working on the road as the hotel has in-room workspaces and an on-site coworking space with complimentary coffee. There are plenty of work-friendly cafes throughout the surrounding neighborhood too.
7. The Miami Beach Edition
This beachfront five-star hotel is my go-to hotel when I visit Miami because you can use Marriott hotel points for free stays (it costs a fortune without points though). I love it. Each of its spacious rooms and suites is uniquely designed and decorated, with soft colors, curated artwork, and large marble-tiled bathrooms. Rooms also have coffee makers, minibars, 48-inch flatscreen TVs, and some offer stunning views over the ocean.
The hotel has a gym and spa on-site, as well as a pool and six (yes, six) restaurants. There’s also a nightclub, a couple bars, and a bowling alley here too. You could literally spend your whole 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, revel in the art of Wynwood, or restaurant-hop your way through the city, the so-called capital of Latin America has a lot to offer. By choosing from one of the hotels above, you’ll set yourself up for a memorable stay in the second-most visited city in the United States!
Book Your Trip to Miami: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (best for everyone)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!
Looking for More Information on Visiting Miami?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Miami with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!
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