Miami Beach offers a dazzling array of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels and rentals. This guide covers the Best Places to Stay in Miami Beach in 2025, including iconic beachfront hotels, boutique gems, family-friendly resorts, vacation rentals, and great deals. Miami Beach boasts 7 miles of sandy coastline, vibrant nightlife and dining, and countless places to stay for every taste. Whether you crave an oceanfront pool or an intimate Art Deco hideaway, you’ll find top options in neighborhoods like South Beach, Mid-Beach, and North Beach. Below, we highlight key areas and top hotel picks to help you choose the perfect Miami Beach stay.
Table of Contents
Miami Beach’s neighborhoods each have their own vibe. South Beach (SoBe) is the most famous – a major entertainment hub with clubs, restaurants and Art Deco hotels along Lincoln Road and Ocean Drive. Mid-Beach lies to the north (near 41st Street), home to iconic luxury resorts like the Fontainebleau and historic districts. North Beach is more residential and tranquil, ideal for families and those seeking a quieter beach experience. (Nearby Surfside and Sunny Isles feature ultra-luxe resorts like the Four Seasons Surf Club and Acqualina). Wherever you stay, Miami Beach’s Miami-Dade County location ensures easy access to Miami’s art, culture and dining for best places to stay in Miami Beach.
- South Beach – Iconic Oceanfront Scene. World-famous for its nightlife and Art Deco architecture, South Beach is where “the rich and famous hang out”. Stroll Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road for clubs, bars, and sightseeing. Top hotels here include beachfront classics like the 1 Hotel South Beach (eco-luxe design), the trendy W South Beach, and historic Art Deco gems. For example, Forbes describes the Faena Hotel Miami Beach as “over-the-top glamour” and the Fontainebleau Miami Beach as a “lively, luxe” address best places to stay in Miami Beach.
- Mid-Beach – Relaxed Resort Vibe. Mid-Beach features expansive oceanfront resorts and quieter streets. Notable properties include Fontainebleau Miami Beach (a restored MiMo icon with 11 beachfront pools), Eden Roc (sister to Fontainebleau with ocean views), and Nobu Hotel (fashionable beachfront resort). The area around 41st St. offers family-friendly beaches and the historic Collins Waterfront Architectural District best places to stay in Miami Beach.
- North Beach & Beyond – Laid-back and Family-Friendly. Farther north, North Beach and Sunny Isles are more residential with spacious beaches and parkland. Here you’ll find tranquil resorts like Loews Miami Beach and Acqualina Resort & Residences, often at slightly lower rates than South Beach. Loews Miami Beach, for instance, is a sprawling oceanfront resort with a 790-room Art Deco tower and expansive pools – ideal for families (see below). The nearby city of Surfside (just north of MB) also features the Forbes Five-Star Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club (set on historic grounds with new towers).
Top Luxury Hotels and Miami Beach Resorts for Best Places to Stay in Miami Beach
Miami Beach is famous for luxury hotels and resorts. Many of these are oceanfront, offering high-end amenities. Travelers seeking indulgence often choose properties that make it easy to relax by the sea or in a spa for best places to stay in Miami Beach.
- Faena Hotel Miami Beach – An artfully designed, opulent resort on Collins Ave. Forbes notes Faena’s “over-the-top glamour” in Miami Beach. It features lavish public spaces, a cabaret theater, and a famed beachfront pool. T+L readers consistently rank Faena among Miami’s favorites best places to stay in Miami Beach.
- The Setai Miami Beach – A Mediterranean-Asian inspired luxury hotel in South Beach, known for its serene pools and impeccable service. It was #3 in Travel+Leisure’s readers’ list. The Setai is highly acclaimed for its tranquility and elegant suites.
- 1 Hotel South Beach – A sustainable luxury resort on the sands of South Beach. It offers floor-to-ceiling windows, natural materials, and multiple pools. Forbes describes 1 Hotel as a “beachside escape to nature”.
- Nobu Hotel Miami Beach – A chic beachfront resort (part of the Nobu brand) in South Beach. Known for its celebrity-attracting restaurant and minimalist design, it’s a favorite in the luxury market. (It was #5 on T+L’s list.)
- W South Beach – A hip, contemporary oceanfront resort on Collins Ave, popular with younger travelers. It boasts beachfront pools, modern decor, and lively bars. Readers voted W South Beach into T+L’s top 10 best places to stay in Miami Beach.
- Fontainebleau Miami Beach – A historic, legendary beachfront resort on Mid-Beach. Originally built in 1954 by Morris Lapidus, it has been fully restored and is an attraction in its own right. It offers 11 distinct pools (including adult-only pools), world-class nightlife (LIV nightclub), and a private beach. T+L readers still praise Fontainebleau’s glamor, and it ranked in Travel+Leisure’s top 15 best places to stay in Miami Beach.
- Acqualina Resort & Residences – Located just north in Sunny Isles Beach, it’s consistently rated among the nation’s best resorts (Travel+Leisure #4 in Miami area). Acqualina spans 4.5 acres of private beachfront with luxurious Italian-style architecture, multiple pools, and water sports. Though just outside Miami Beach, it’s a top choice for pure oceanfront luxury.
- Four Seasons Surf Club (Surfside) – Another Forbes Five-Star gem, this resort combines a restored 1930s club with a modern glass tower. It features oceanview suites, three large pools (including an adults-only pool), and a glamorous Champagne Bar. It was Travel + Leisure’s #1 U.S. resort for 2025, beloved for its service and beachfront location.
- JW Marriott Turnberry (Aventura) and The Biltmore (Coral Gables) – While not in Miami Beach proper, these family-friendly resorts are within 20 minutes’ drive and often top readers’ lists (Turnberry #8, Biltmore #11 in T+L). They offer spacious grounds and pools suitable for families best places to stay in Miami Beach.
Many of these luxury hotels qualify as Miami Beach resorts – properties with resort-style amenities. For example, Fontainebleau and Loews offer full-service spas, multiple dining venues, and exclusive beach access. Families are well-catered to at these resorts, with kid’s clubs, shallow pools, and childcare. Fontainebleau, for instance, describes itself as “ideal…for families,” featuring beachfront watersports and shallow children’s pools. (See the Family-Friendly section below for more on kids’ amenities.)
Oceanfront and Beachfront Hotels in Miami Beach
One of Miami Beach’s biggest draws is its miles of shoreline, so many visitors prefer oceanfront hotels. These properties let you step right onto the sand from your hotel. In South Beach alone, the coastline is lined with classic and contemporary beachfront hotels: historic Art Deco gems like The Savoy and The Plymouth, modern high-rises like The Setai and W, and legendary resorts like Fontainebleau. Two other noted beachfront stays are:
- Loews Miami Beach Hotel – A landmark 790-room resort just south of Lincoln Road. Its tower is visible on the skyline and it sits directly on the beach. Loews is known for its large pool deck (pictured below), kids’ programs, and “family-friendly” atmosphere. It was highlighted by Miami’s travel bureau as an iconic oceanfront resort best places to stay in Miami Beach.
- The Miami Beach EDITION – (Not on our list references, but to mention) A luxury boutique-style resort on Mid-Beach owned by Ian Schrager. It offers an ice rink and bowling alley along with pools best places to stay in Miami Beach.
- The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach – A luxury beachfront hotel just south of 17th Street in SoBe. Part of the famous Ritz-Carlton brand, it provides a classic luxury experience.
- Mondrian South Beach – A trendy, modern resort on West Avenue with marina views and a rooftop pool. Often cited as one of the best beachfront hotels for style.
- Fontainebleau and Eden Roc (Mid-Beach) – Both sit directly on Collins Avenue with private beaches and expansive pool decks. Eden Roc (Fontainebleau’s sister property) is on the Atlantic oceanfront and was mentioned as very good by Expedia reviews best places to stay in Miami Beach.
Affordable & Budget Hotels in Miami Beach
Not all visitors want to splurge. There are affordable hotels in Miami Beach for budget travelers, especially along Ocean Drive and in North Beach. On Ocean Drive (South Beach), you can find smaller hotels that blend into the historic district. Popular picks include The Avalon, The Beacon, and The Colony – these offer simple rooms at lower rates, often with perks like free parking (rare in Miami).
Away from Ocean Drive, neighborhoods like Flamingo/Lummus (mid-town SoBe) and North Beach (farther north) have more reasonably priced chains and motels. These areas are quieter and more local, but still just a beach walk or short drive from the main attractions. For example, North Beach has trolley service and parks, making it family-friendly best places to stay in Miami Beach.
When booking, look for South Beach hotel deals and package offers. Many hotels run seasonal promotions. For instance, Grand Beach Hotel Miami Beach (just north of South Beach) advertised a summer special with up to 25% off, free valet parking, kids-stay-free and food credits. You can find similar promotions by searching terms like “Miami Beach hotel deals” on booking sites. Signing up for hotel newsletters or Florida resident offers can also yield discounts best places to stay in Miami Beach.
Boutique Hotels in Miami Beach
For a more intimate vibe, Miami Beach has dozens of boutique hotels – smaller, design-focused properties with character. These often have a storied history, unique architecture, and personalized touches. Many line Ocean Drive in South Beach or Collins Ave in Mid-Beach. Notable examples include:
- The Betsy – South Beach: A landmark white Art Deco “dame” on Ocean Drive. It offers an art gallery, jazz club nights, and poetry readings best places to stay in Miami Beach.
- Cardozo Hotel: A Miami icon on Ocean Drive, co-owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan. It has a classic Art Deco exterior and a modern rooftop pool.
- The Balfour Hotel: Recently renovated Art Deco boutique on Ocean Drive, offering a quiet, romantic atmosphere.
- Greystone Miami Beach: A restored historic building on Collins Ave, now an adults-only boutique hotel with personalized service best places to stay in Miami Beach.
- Circa 39 Hotel: A charming 1939 cottage-style boutique on Collins Ave, designed like a Key West villa.
- Andaz Miami Beach: A sleek, modern boutique by Hyatt (Mid-Beach), with waterfront pool club.
- South of Fifth (SoFi) Rentals: The beachfront tip of SoBe has several high-end boutique condos for rent, though those are technically vacation rentals rather than hotels.
Boutique hotels may not have huge pools, but they often feature unique perks (like rare cultural programs or designer restaurants). They’re ideal if you want to be in the heart of Miami Beach’s style scenes best places to stay in Miami Beach.
Miami Vacation Rentals and Airbnb Recommendations
Besides hotels, Miami Beach has many vacation rentals and Airbnbs. This can be a smart choice for groups or longer stays. Renting an entire apartment or home gives extra space, privacy, and often kitchen facilities. In 2025, South Beach continues to have a strong Airbnb scene, from tiny studio flats to sprawling 4-5 bedroom homes best places to stay in Miami Beach. Time Out Miami notes that choosing an Airbnb can be “the best bet” if you need more space or privacy than a hotel. For instance, one top pick in their South Beach list is a “South of Fifth” beachfront house for 10 guests, ideal for big groups or family gatherings best places to stay in Miami Beach.
When browsing rentals, focus on location and reviews: popular areas include South Beach (especially South of Fifth and Lincoln Road areas) and Mid-Beach (like Collins Ave, west of the main strip). If you prefer the quieter North Beach, look for rentals near Surfside and North Bay Village. Be sure to read recent guest reviews and check for amenities (A/C, wifi, parking).
- Miami Vacation Rentals: Sites like Airbnb, VRBO and Expedia list thousands of Miami Beach properties. You can filter by beachfront, price, and guest rating. Many travelers find that an apartment near Lincoln Road Mall or Ocean Drive gives the best mix of location and price.
- Recommended Picks: One Airbnb in South Beach’s Lincoln Road District offers a fully furnished 2-bedroom apartment with upscale decor and a short walk to shops. Another is an artfully decorated 2-bedroom near the beach in SoBe. For families or groups, look for multi-bedroom beach homes best places to stay in Miami Beach.
In summary, vacation rentals are a great complement to hotels – they allow you to live like a local (and often save money on large groups). Just remember that most rentals have a cleaning fee and Florida taxes. Always book through a reputable platform and communicate with the host about any questions best places to stay in Miami Beach.
Family-Friendly Hotels in Miami Beach
Miami Beach has many family hotels in Miami where kids and parents can both be happy. These properties typically feature things like shallow children’s pools, family suites, and kids’ activities. Two standout examples:
- Loews Miami Beach Hotel: Billed as “Loews Loves Families,” this large oceanfront resort has a supervised kids club (for ages 4-12), daily family activities, and suites with cribs/kids’ bedding. Its multiple pool areas include a large family pool with a waterslide. The Greater Miami travel site highlights Loews as one of the largest family-friendly hotels on Miami Beach.
- Fontainebleau Miami Beach: A classic choice for families. The resort advertises “Luxury Fit for Families,” with beachfront access and fun amenities that span generations. It has special shallow “family pools” with a waterslide and cabanas for parents to watch the kids. It also offers partnerships with childcare services (e.g. premium childcare programs) to let parents enjoy date nights best places to stay in Miami Beach.
Other family-friendly picks include: The Ritz-Carlton South Beach (with family suites and kids’ menus), Eden Roc Miami Beach (large resort pools), and the JW Marriott Turnberry Resort & Spa (in nearby Aventura, with a children’s water park on-site). Many of the resorts on our luxury list also welcome kids and often have fun extras (such as the free kids’ activities during Miami’s “Spice” dining events).
Overall, families should look for on-site recreation (like pools and beach), convenient dining, and not-too-loud atmospheres (some South Beach nightlife hotels can be noisy late at night). The southeast corner of Miami Beach (South of Fifth) tends to be quieter and safer for kids, whereas central SoBe can be more party-centric. Always confirm if the hotel offers connecting rooms or suites if you need extra space best places to stay in Miami Beach.
South Beach Hotel Deals and Booking Tips
To get the best rates on your Miami Beach stay:
- Book Early or Off-Season: Prices peak in winter (November–March) and during major events (Art Basel in early December, Spring Break). The summer months (July–September) are hot but often offer lower rates; for example, some hotels run summer specials (e.g. Grand Beach offered summer stays up to 25% off) best places to stay in Miami Beach.
- Check Miami Hotel Deal Sites: Use the “Miami Beach Hotel Deals” pages on Expedia or Travelocity for package discounts. These can bundle flights + hotel or just show last-minute offers. Also look for packages on hotel websites (many will have specials for Florida residents or AAA members) best places to stay in Miami Beach.
- Compare Neighborhoods: If South Beach is too pricey, search Mid-Beach or North Beach hotels. You’ll often find lower nightly rates a short drive away best places to stay in Miami Beach.
- Consider Package Promotions: During Miami’s promotional periods (like “Miami Spa Month” or “Miami Spice”), hotels often bundle extras or offer value-adds (free breakfast, resort credit, etc.).
- Use Reward Points or Vacation Rentals: If you have hotel points (Hilton, Marriott, etc.), they can be valuable here. Alternatively, check vacation rental discounts for longer stays (a 7-night Airbnb stay might cost less per night than a hotel).
Finally, always read recent reviews (on Google/TripAdvisor) as part of your research. For families or specific needs (e.g. pet-friendly, spa access), call the hotel directly to ask about current offerings. Planning and booking even 2-3 months ahead can secure you a prime Miami Beach stay at a good price best places to stay in Miami Beach.
Conclusion
Miami Beach has something for every traveler. From the bustling Art Deco energy of South Beach to the serene resorts of Mid-Beach and North Beach, you can find the perfect place to stay in Miami Beach in 2025. Luxury seekers have iconic names like Faena, The Setai, and Fontainebleau. Families will appreciate resorts like Loews and Fontainebleau with dedicated kids’ amenities. Budget travelers can choose from affordable hotels on Ocean Drive and beyond, while groups may opt for spacious vacation rentals or Airbnbs. Wherever you land, you’ll enjoy Miami Beach’s beautiful beaches, vibrant dining, and year-round sunshine. Start planning early to take advantage of deals and make your 2025 Miami Beach trip unforgettable best places to stay in Miami Beach.
👀 Enjoyed this guide? Leave a comment below with your favorite Miami Beach hotel, and consider sharing on social media to help fellow travelers find the perfect stay!
FAQs
Q: Where is the best area to stay in Miami Beach? A: It depends on your interests. For nightlife, Art Deco architecture and beach clubs, South Beach (especially the Ocean Drive/Lincoln Road area) is ideal. For a more relaxed, resort vibe, Mid-Beach has famous hotels like Fontainebleau. Families and budget travelers often prefer North Beach (Calilegua Boulevard area) for its quiet beaches and parks.
Q: What are some top family-friendly hotels in Miami Beach? A: Hotels like Loews Miami Beach and Fontainebleau Miami Beach are highly rated for families. They feature kids’ pools, family activities, and supervised programs. Other good options include The Ritz-Carlton South Beach and Eden Roc, which offer suites and kid-friendly amenities best places to stay in Miami Beach.
Q: Can I find affordable hotels on Miami Beach? A: Yes. Budget-friendly hotels are often on Ocean Drive (South Beach) or in less-touristy parts of Miami Beach. For example, the Avalon Hotel, Beacon Hotel, and Colony are older properties with lower rates and sometimes free parking. Comparing rates on Mid-Beach or North Beach neighborhoods will also reveal more affordable options.
Q: Should I book a hotel or Airbnb in Miami Beach? A: Both have merits. Hotels offer service (daily cleaning, concierge, pools), which is great for short stays or comfort. Airbnb/vacation rentals give more space and a kitchen, which can save money on meals for families or groups. Time Out’s Miami guide notes that Airbnbs in South Beach can offer more private space and cost savings for larger groups. Consider your group size, length of stay, and desire for amenities when choosing best places to stay in Miami Beach.
Q: When can I find the best hotel deals in Miami Beach? A: Off-peak times like late summer (July–early September) and early fall often have lower rates. Hotel chains also release specials during promotional periods (like Florida resident rates or AAA deals). Look for “Miami Beach Hotel Deals” on booking sites, and book a few months in advance to get the lowest prices on popular hotels best places to stay in Miami Beach.
Q: What about boutique hotels in Miami Beach? A: Miami Beach has many boutique hotels – small, stylish hotels with unique designs. In South Beach, check out The Betsy (Ocean Drive) and The Balfour. The Greystone (Collins Ave) and Circa 39 (Collins Ave) are also well-regarded. These offer intimate atmospheres and local charm, though usually with fewer pools and dining options than big resorts best places to stay in Miami Beach.
Each of these options provides genuine value and convenience for travelers. Use the tips and hotel recommendations above to plan your Miami Beach accommodation in 2025, and you’ll be on track for an incredible stay on the shores of Florida’s famous beach.
Sources: Information is compiled from Miami travel guides and hotel reviews.
2 thoughts on “Best Places to Stay in Miami Beach 2025”