Miami 2025 Hotels: Keep Your Expectations Low and Spirits High

Our hotel guide is divided into five helpful sections

1. Warnings
2. Resort fees
3. Hotel types
4. How to save
5. Top hotels in 2025

🚨 A word of warning about local hotels

Before you book, there are a few things to know:

• Miami Beach hotel rooms are generally smaller than in other cities.
• Hotel rates here are among the most expensive in the U.S.
• Thin walls and noisy neighbors are a common complaint—pack earplugs just in case!

Resort fees and extra taxes

Here’s the part many travelers don’t expect:

• Most hotels don’t include free breakfast or airport shuttles.
• Many charge a daily resort fee (often $20 or more).
• Taxes add up quickly.

👉 Example: A Miami Beach hotel listed at $150 per night will actually cost about $169.50 after the 13% local taxes. Add a resort fee on top, and your “$150 room” could be closer to $190.

Knowing this ahead of time can save you sticker shock at checkout.

Types of hotels in Miami

Hostels

Perfect for solo travelers and budget seekers. Rooms start around $85 per night, often with free meals, cheap drinks, and a fun, social vibe. Only found in South Beach.

Art Deco hotels

Charming boutique hotels converted from 1920s apartments along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. Expect smaller rooms, trendy lobbies, and lots of character. Pools are rare, quality varies—always check reviews.

Oceanfront hotels

High-rise resorts along Collins Avenue (from 15th Street up). These hotels have it all: pools, direct beach access, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. They’re also the most expensive.

Mid & North Beach hotels

Just a few miles north of South Beach, these areas offer quieter beaches and lower rates—without losing the oceanfront perks.

Downtown & Brickell hotels

Close to the cruise port and offering skyline views that rival New York and Chicago. Options range from budget-friendly Holiday Inn to luxury spots like the Epic and Mandarin Oriental.

Key Biscayne & Coconut Grove hotels

Secluded and great for relaxation. Key Biscayne is isolated (accessible by toll bridge), while Coconut Grove has a lively, student-friendly vibe. Best for travelers who want to stay put at the hotel.

Miami Airport hotels

Affordable, practical, and close to both the airport and the cruise port. Many offer free breakfast and shuttles. Embassy Suites and Sofitel are two of the nicest options here.

Vacation rentals

Perfect for groups and families. Apartments or homes give you more space, privacy, and a kitchen. Often cheaper than hotels when traveling with a crowd.

How to book a cheap hotel room in Miami

1. Search Online Travel Agencies
   Start with Expedia, Booking.com, or similar sites. Write down the lowest prices for the hotels you like.
2. Call the Hotel Directly
   This is where the magic happens. Hotels often beat the online price if you ask, or they’ll upgrade you to a better room. Don’t be shy—always ask about discounts!

👍 Top Miami hotels (Fall 2025)

Here are a few highly recommended options from our customers and team:

Loews Miami Beach – The ultimate family-friendly resort with pools, beachfront access, and daily activities for kids and adults alike. Perfect if you want luxury with convenience.

Royal Palm South Beach – Classic elegance on the sand. Boutique charm meets modern amenities, and the tropical gardens make it feel like an oasis in the city.

Bentley Miami – Sleek, upscale, and modern, with stunning ocean views and a rooftop pool that’s perfect for cocktails at sunset.

Mandarin Oriental, Miami – For a splurge-worthy stay, this hotel on Brickell Key offers serene luxury, exceptional service, and spectacular bay views.

Holiday Inn Miami Downtown – Affordable, convenient, and just minutes from the port. Ideal for cruisers or those who want to explore downtown on foot.

💰 Top 5 most expensive hotels in Miami

If you’re looking to splurge, Miami has plenty of high-end options where luxury comes first—sometimes at a jaw-dropping price. Here are five of the priciest stays in town:

1. Faena Hotel Miami Beach – Ultra-modern design, lavish décor, and oceanfront views make this one of Miami’s most exclusive hotels. Expect rates well over $1,000 per night.
2. The Setai, Miami Beach – Combining Art Deco charm with Asian-inspired luxury, The Setai offers impeccable service and top-tier amenities. Oceanfront suites can reach $1,200+ per night.
3. 1 Hotel South Beach – Eco-luxury meets beachfront bliss. The suites are spacious, chic, and expensive, with rates often exceeding $900 a night.
4. Four Seasons Hotel Miami – Located in Brickell, this high-rise luxury hotel offers stunning skyline and bay views, world-class dining, and suites that can easily top $1,000 per night.
5. Versace Mansion (Villa Casa Casuarina) – Once the home of fashion legend Gianni Versace, this iconic mansion is now a boutique hotel with only a handful of suites. Staying here can cost $1,500+ per night—and you’ll be sleeping in fashion history.

Don’t worry if you can’t afford the Versace Mansion—just remember, Miami is full of luxury you can admire from the sidewalk, as we were doing in the photo at the top of this page. 🤪