Traveler's Blog

Each neighborhood in Miami has a personality of its own, and for those visiting for the first time, it can be hard to know where you’ll best fit in. To help you decide which fits your vibe, we provide an insider’s guide to Miami’s hottest neighborhoods, breaking down the best areas by theme so that you know where to stay whatever your interests may be. We’ve also suggested some great hotels to stay at in each, ranging from ultra-indulgent luxury hotels to some comfortable great-value stays.

 For the businessperson: Brickell

While you may imagine Miami as a city to party and tan, it’s also a thriving hub for business and entrepreneurs. For those in town for work, Brickell, known as the financial district of Miami, is the perfect place to stay. Characterized by gleaming skyscrapers and huge offices, Brickell has seen rapid growth in the last decade, with a number of international banks and businesses concentrated in the area. Because of the proximity to key offices, many young professionals have flocked to luxury condos and apartment buildings in Miami’s “Wall Street South”. The convenient Metro system, which connects to major destinations all over is another plus and allows busy professionals to hop around for meetings with ease.

While the larger office spaces come at a hefty price tag, Brickell also offers great co-working buildings. With shared desk and private office options, as well as access to conference and meeting rooms, these are perfect for small and medium-sized companies and provide great networking opportunities.

But it’s not just all work and no play. In the Brickell City Center, you’ll find countless options for a delicious and productive business lunch. And since a killer view and a strong drink can also be a catalyst for closing a deal – try one of Brickell’s swanky rooftop bars to sign and celebrate.

 Hotel recommendation:

The Mandarin Oriental: This luxury hotel is uniquely located on the exclusive island of Brickell Key. With state-of-the-art and multifunctional conference rooms with waterfront views, banquet facilities, and signature restaurants, it is the go-to for any business trip.

For the hip and artsy: Wynwood

Young and trendy visitors to Miami, stay at the popular hipster district of Wynwood. Perfect for the artsy types, Wynwood is known for its colorful murals and world-renowned street art. Check out Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum that showcases the greatest graffiti and street-style works, or visit the over 75 exhibition spaces which include funky and fine art galleries alike.

Besides art, Wynwood is also known for its hip breweries and artisanal eateries. Try out the ales at the Wynwood Brewing Company, Miami’s first microbrewery, have a coffee at Panther Coffee, one of the many independent craft coffee stops, or shop local and organic at one of the farmer’s markets in the area.

Hotel recommendation:

Hotel Beaux Arts: When staying in Wynwood, picking a chic and aesthetic hotel is basically obligatory, and the Hotel Beaux Arts is just that. Fusing contemporary design with modern sophistication, the rooms at this boutique hotel feature delicate design elements including stamped metal inserts, artful oversized frames, Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, and Italian marble bathroom counters. It is equally an artistic and technological masterpiece. And staying on brand, you can even book a special package which includes a personal guided tour by a local of the famous Wynwood Walls.

For the foodies: Little Havana

For a culinary paradise look no further than the neighborhood of Little Havana. As the name suggests, Little Havana is the hub of Miami’s Cuban community and food scene. And as waves of immigrants arrived in Miami, it also filled with eateries from Nicaragua, Peru, Mexico, and other Central and Latin American, and Caribbean destinations. This means that if you’re looking for diverse, delicious, and inexpensive food options you’re in the right place. For a classic Cuban bite try a succulent Cuban sandwich at Enriqueta’s Sandwich shop, or for a Nicaraguan treat some carne asada or queso frito at Fritanga Pinolandia. With so much to choose from it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and not know where to start. In that case, we’d suggest taking a walking tour of Little Havana to explore the rich history and get some tips on the culinary delicacies it has to offer.

Hotel recommendations:

The Lifehouse Little Havana: For a charming boutique hotel experience that fits in with the theme, stay at the Life House Little Havana. With interiors that were inspired by tropical, colonial-era estates and a lush rooftop garden terrace, you’ll feel like you just stepped into the Caribbean. Set in the heart of the neighborhood, it’s also just a stone’s throw from all the vibrant restaurants and bars that will be calling your name.

Selina Miami River: A great thing about staying in Little Havana is that accommodation can be more reasonably priced than many of the luxurious downtown hotels, but still comfortable and convenient. For a chic and great value stay, try the Selina Miami River, which offers spacious rooms with a tropical island vibe, and features a huge outdoor space including a pool and cocktail bar.

For the shopaholic: Miami Design District, Coconut Grove

If you’re in Miami to shop til you drop, you’ll want to stay in the Miami Design District, a creative, stylish neighborhood and major retail destination. The Design District conveniently compacts together over 60 high-end fashion boutiques in an easy to access 18 block neighborhood. With all the big names like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, and countless others, it’s hard to leave without damaging your wallet.

Coconut Grove is another great spot to stay in or around for the avid shopper. At the CocoWalk mall you’ll find a huge open-air shopping complex inspired by its tropical surroundings, which houses a number of larger popular stores as well as independent shops. What’s more, at the Coconut Grove village center you can explore local shops and boutiques, with styles ranging from trendy surf and skate gear to vibrant ethnic styles. And if you happen to be around on the first Saturday of the month between October and April, don’t miss Coconut Grove’s  Fashion + Art + Music Night where many shops offer special discounts and late-night shopping hours.

Hotel recommendation:

Hyde Suites Midtown: Located in the heart of the Design District, amidst the city’s best culture, shopping, and entertainment, the Hyde Suites Midtown is perfect for a night in the fashion hub. And if shopping isn’t enough cardio, the hotel’s fitness center with state-of-the-art machines, tennis court, and putting green will definitely allow you to work up a sweat.

Ritz-Carlton: For a taste of classic luxury, stay at the Ritz-Carlton in Coconut Grove, which balances old-style glamor with modern elegance. Besides the sophisticated suites with waterfront views, you can indulge yourself with a massage or facial at the villa-inspired spa, or treat yourself to a craft cocktail at the swanky in-house bar The Commodore. And merely walking distance from the CocoWalk mall you can go from the pool to the shops in the blink of an eye. 

Nightlife: South Beach

 Finally, if your goal for visiting Miami is to party and max out on the nightlife, Miami’s most famous party hotspot – South Beach – is where you’ll look to stay. Here you’ll find the swankiest clubs, bars, and live music, allowing you to party in your swimsuit and sandals by day, and switch to your dress and heels to dance the night away.  Our recommendations for the hottest clubs in South Beach include Do Not Sit On The Furniture, a cozy boutique nightclub that is designed for dancing, Mango’s Tropical Café which keeps the Latin spirit alive, or Nikki Beach Club which is the iconic spot for day parties. And for the most legendary and star-studded night out, go to the renowned club LIV Miami where you’re all but guaranteed to bump into A-list celebrities on a night out.

Hotel Recommendations:

Edition Hotel: If you want to be able to safely stumble from the club back to your bed at the end of the night (or morning!), then stay at the Miami Beach Edition Hotel, which has a cutting-edge in-house “micro club”, The Basement, which even has a bowling alley and ice-skating rink under its neon lights. And for recharging after a late night, the hotel of course has relaxing spa and pool facilities.

W South Beach: Another top party resort is the W South Beach. It’s prime beachfront location at Collins Park gives it killer views, as well as immediate access to South Beach’s dining and entertainment options. And in its ultra-exclusive WALL Lounge, you can take in the dramatically-lit interior and join the chic crowd for a bougie evening out.