When it comes to figuring out where to stay in Miami, with so many options it can be tough knowing even what neighborhood to stay in. I’ll cut to the chase and recommend that staying in South Beach is a must if you’re looking for that quintessential Miami experience that you see in movies. Keep reading for my pick for where to stay in South Beach Miami. I am also sharing some tips for what to look for, and how to score some serious deals.
What to look for in a South Beach Hotel
When it comes to staying in South Beach, the reality is that it’s quite a bit more expensive than staying in other parts of the city. To me that means that you need to make sure to be selective with your pick! Below are a few must-haves for your hotel.
- Private beach/ Ocean front property – Not all the hotels in South Beach have beach front access. Also, not all of them have private beaches (think lawn chairs, food/beverage service). I think this is a must, especially if you plan to spend some time at the beach.
- Pro Tip: if you arrive before check-in, ask the front desk for access to the amenities so you make the most of your day.
- Location – Surprisingly, the “famous” South Beach hotels are nowhere near some of the main attractions. I think that’s okay, but check to see if your hotel has free bikes or a shuttle service for getting around.
- Pro Tip: All the hotels charge for parking, when you get there I would drop off your car and either bike or Uber around. You’ll have to continuously pay the parking fee if not.
- Art deco architecture & fun decor – While this isn’t that important, Miami is known for their art deco architecture. Bright and fun decor really sets a tone for your trip.
Why I loved the Confidante Hotel
FYI – this isn’t sponsored. And of course, if this was I would let you know. But I loved The Confidante (a Hyatt property) so much that I had to share it with you all. It had everything you should look for in a South Beach hotel. Their hotel was everything I imaged a “trip to Miami” to look like. Some key features:
- Direct access to the beach & Miami Beach Boardwalk
- Beach food & beverage service
- Free bike rentals
- “Backyard” with lawn games & cute seating
- Pool-side Happy Hour (drinks are 50% off!)
- Cabanas, pools & pool-side ice cream cart
- Rooftop spa
- 1950s inspired decor & art deco architecture
How to get Miami Hotel Deals
Let’s talk about how to get cheap hotel deals. I knew I wanted to stay in South Beach, but when I checked the prices everything was in the $300+ range. I ended up staying with one of my good friends at her adorable apartment.
Meet HotelTonight: At the last minute I remembered HotelTonight (which was recently bought by Airbnb). The idea if you haven’t heard of it is that they offer last minute hotel deals. You can sometimes get hotel deals for up to 70% off the normal booking price.
If you’re okay not knowing where you’re staying when you get on the plane, I would 100% recommend using it. There is always something to choose from, so what do you have to lose? (I also recommend it for a little staycation situation). Long story short we stayed at The Confidante for 1/4 of their usual rates. I will say though, that based on our experience it would have been worth paying full price. But some of us try to be bougie on a budget 🙂
