Miami is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and resorts. With more than 50,000 hotel rooms across the city, there really is something for everyone.
However, some of the best Miami hotels aren’t necessarily the most expensive ones. In this article we pay tribute to hotels in Miami that prove that sometimes big things come in small packages.
They are quirkier, more interesting, and in some cases more historical, than their over-the-top counterparts. Not only are they bursting with personality, they offer guests great amenities at prices that won’t break the bank.
Freehand Hotel/Hostel – Miami Beach
- thefreehand.com
- (305) 531-2727
- 2727 Indian Creek Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33140
- Budget
- Ideal for – Students, Singles, Couples
Forget what you know about hostels in Miami – the Freehand is changing everything. They are redefining what it means to stay in cheap hotels in Miami Beach.
Their philosophy is based on giving guests a true community and local’s experience. They have both private and shared rooms to choose from which include a standard king room, king suite, private quad, bungalow, shared super 8 room, and shared quad rooms.
Amenities include lockers for shared rooms, no resort fees, complimentary continental breakfast, daily housekeeping, guest kitchen, outdoor pool with a courtyard, and 24 hour front desk with security.
The Freehand is also home to the local’s favorite Broken Shaker bar and their new restaurant called 27.
Between their unbelievable affordable rates, fun atmosphere, and ideal location there is a lot to love about the Freehand Miami.
Hotel Urbano – Brickell
- www.hotelurbanomiami.com
- (305) 854-2070
- 2500 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33129
- Mid-range
- Ideal for: Singles, Couples, Business
Hotel Urbano is a chic 65 room hotel in the Brickell area.
The rooms feature the typical amenities you will find in many nice hotels such as high speed internet, HDTV, and fancy robes, but it’s the hotel’s use of art that makes it special.
Each room features original works of art that were created just for the hotel by local Miami artists.
The hotel changes the art often and each piece is available for sale. The hotel also has a pool area with private cabanas, poolside bar for tasty cocktails, and the Bistro Urbano restaurant where you can get delicious food.
FUN NOTE: not all Miami hotels are pet friendly, but you can definitely bring your pet here.
Tradewinds Apartment + Hotel – Miami Beach
- tradewindsapartmenthotel.com
- (305) 531-6795
- 2365 Pinetree Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33140
- Mid-range
- Ideal for- Singles, Couples, Families
It is becoming more common in the city to see hotel/apartment combinations that provide short term and long term arrangements.
The Tradewinds Apartment + Hotel is an example of hotels in Miami Beach that is following this trend.
Stay for a few nights or for a longer visit. If you are looking for apartments for rent in Miami, a long term stay at the Tradewinds is a great place to start.
They offer a choice of 160 studio, one and two-bedroom apartment suites. In addition to standard amenities like Wi-Fi and free bath products, you also get a complimentary yoga class on Saturdays at 10:30 am at the Hotel Croydon just up the street.
Not to mention the Tradewinds also has a shuttle to and from the airport.
Marenas Resort – Sunny Isles
- www.marenasresortmiami.com
- (305) 503-6000
- 18683 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
- Mid-range
- Ideal for: Young Families, Couples, Business
The Marenas Beach Resort Miami is located in the beautiful area of Sunny Isles Beach. This oasis is a nice alternative to hotels in South Beach Miami if you are looking to enjoy the city without the hustle and bustle of South Beach.
Marenas Beach Resort has a mix of 132 suites and 50 guest rooms with luxurious amenities. One of the hotel’s highlights is its proximity to fantastic shopping at Aventura Mall and Bal Harbour Shops.
There are also a lot of amazing places to eat in the area including the hotel’s Caracol Restaurant.
If you’re not into shopping consider a dip in their heated outdoor pool with Jacuzzi or a work out in their fitness center equipped with CYBEX cardiovascular machines.
It might be hard to get any work done, but they also have a business center in case you needed it
Gale Hotel – South Beach
- www.galehotel.com
- (305) 673-0199
- 1690 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- Mid-range – Top end
- Ideal for: Singles, Couples
One of the best things about hotels in Miami Beach, FL is that some of them have historical Art Deco pasts.
The Gale South Beach & Regent Hotel is a perfect example. The Gale was built in 1941; a very iconic time in Miami Beach history.
For more than 20 years the hotel thrived until about the 1960’s when it began to be neglected. Today the hotel has received a $35 million restoration/renovation to become one of the hottest hotels in the city.
here are 87 rooms including suites that capture the 1940’s era, a 5,000 sq ft pool deck with private infinity pools, and a posh restaurant called Dolce Italian.
The Gale is also just a few minutes away from some of the best nightlife in Miami. Before going out make sure to experience the Regent Cocktail club where you can get old-timey drinks.
Pelican Hotel- South Beach
- www.pelicanhotel.com
- (305) 673-3373
- 826 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- Mid-range
- Ideal for: Singles, couples
The Pelican is a truly unique Miami Beach hotel on Ocean Drive. It might be hard to believe, but there are 30 custom designed rooms that are completely different from each other.
If you like conventional hotels and hate retro décor then this is not the hotel for you. Room 207 is called Deco (intreau) and features vintage furniture and floral wall paper.
If you are in the mood for a Las Vegas experience try room 310 called Viva Las Vegas. It has showgirls on the wall and a gold bed.
Feeling a bit primitive and wild? Then room 314 called Me Tarzan, you Vain is for you.
Just when you think it can’t get any better, their incredible Penthouse suites will blow you away. In addition to all the standard amenities like Wi-Fi and complimentary beach chair with towel, hotel guests can enjoy the Pelican Happy hour daily for complimentary cocktails from 4-6pm.
For dining try the Pelican Restcafe that serves world-cuisine or discover dozens of other restaurants on Ocean Drive.
Hotel St. Michel – Coral Gables
- www.hotelstmichel.com
- (305) 444-1666
- 162 Alcazar Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134
- Mid-range
- Ideal for: Couples, Families
Located in the heart of Coral Gables, Hotel St. Michel is a Miami bed and breakfast style hotel with a historical past.
It was built in 1926 and has an old world feel that you won’t find in any South Beach Miami hotels. There are 28 charming, elegant and romantic rooms with free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.
Hotel St. Michel doesn’t have a pool or a gym, but you can get plenty of exercise by walking to the nearby Coral Gables Museum and Miracle Theatre.
The hotel is also a 10 minute drive to the world renowned Vizcaya Museum and a 15 minute drive to city attractions like Parrot Jungle and the Miami Children’s Museum.
There are a lot of restaurant choices in Coral Gables but the hotel’s Segundo Meulle seafood restaurant is a good start. Stay at the Hotel St. Michel to experience areas of Miami that are off the beaten path.
Plus it’s not as expensive as you might think.
Yve Hotel – Downtown Miami
- www.yvehotelmiami.com
- (305) 358-4555
- 146 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
- Mid-Range
- Ideal for: Singles, Couples, Business
Yve Hotel Miami is one of the newest and hottest hotels in Downtown Miami.
Since it first opened its doors, this 243 room hotel has generated a lot of buzz because of its edgy and sexy vibe.
The rooms are modern and fresh with HD LCD Smart TV’s with web capabilities, designer furniture, modern fixtures, and sophisticated décor. Because of the hotel’s location, you are just a few minutes away from great art and entertainment venues like the Perez Art Museum, the American Airlines Arena, Wynwood Art District and the Adrienne Arsht Center.
Yve is great for business too. Their meeting spaces come with all sorts of gadgets like advanced audio-visual technology, smart boards, and electronic flip charts.
Yve’s restaurant called Biscayne Tavern is a neighborhood spot for really good drinks and dinner that guests and locals love.
Villa Paradiso – South Beach
- www.villaparadisohotel.com
- (305) 532-0616
- 1415 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- Budget/ Mid-Range
- Ideal for: Students, Singles, Couples
The Villa Paradiso is a hidden treasure amongst Miami Beach hotels.
It is hidden away in the midst of all of the craziness of Collins Avenue and it’s easy to walk by it if you are not paying much attention.
The hotel features 17 charming rooms with hardwood floors, fully equipped kitchens and views of the courtyard.
The hotel’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere is great if you want to chill out after a day full day of activities.
This boutique hotel doesn’t have a pool or overly fancy amenities but it’s right across the street from the beach and it’s walking distance from great dining, bars and nightlife.
Crowne Plaza – Miami International Airport
- www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/miami
- (305) 446-9000
- 950 NW 42nd Ave, Miami, FL 33126
- Budget/ Mid-Range
- Ideal for: Everyone
One of the best hotels near Miami airport is the Crowne Plaza Miami International Airport.
This hotel is located just 2.1 miles away and saves you from having to worry about traffic when it’s time to catch your flight. Whether you are in town for business or on vacation, the Crowne Plaza offers everything you need for a great stay in Miami.
There is a fitness center, pool, restaurant, plenty of meeting space, and a quiet zone for when you need a quick escape.
They have a restaurant onsite called Café 950 but staying here is a great opportunity to explore restaurants and cafés you won’t hear about in many travel guides.
Venture out to Grazianos Restaurant and try their award winning empanadas.
You should also check out El Tropico Restaurant, Shilla Korean BBQ, and Catch of the Day.
All of these great eateries are less than 15 minutes away.
This list showcases some of the best hotels in Miami.
In their own special and unique ways they prove that you can have wonderful accommodations and amenities without spending a fortune.
Whether you want a quiet oasis or a chic and trendy experience, these hotels provide something for everyone.
We invite you to continue reading more articles and get the inside scoop on the best places to go and the best things to do and enjoy in Miami.
Author: Angela Betancourt
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