Where to Stay in Miami’s Most Popular Neighborhoods

Miami is known for Latin American influences, a vibrant nightlife, energetic, diverse neighborhoods, and of course, white sand beaches. Although travelers will want to get out and about to experience the best of it, the South Florida city is also home to some incredible resorts. Many of the best places to stay have shopping, dining, and the ocean at their doorsteps. Here are a few of our favorite resorts in Miami, in some of its most popular neighborhoods.

Downtown Miami

If you’ve come to Miami to be in the thick of it, stay at the Kimpton EPIC. With over 400 rooms, this hotel isn’t the place to go for peace and quiet, but with the bustle of downtown right outside, it is the perfect place to experience Miami’s signature buzz.

Guests are in an ideal spot to head into the center of town, but there’s also plenty of reason to stay in. One of the highlights of this property is the range of on-site dining options. Enjoy fresh, sustainably caught seafood on the 16th floor balcony at Area 31, named after the portion of the ocean where the restaurant sources its fish, then stick around to sip a cocktail or glass of champagne on the upper story of stylish Lilt Lounge.

In addition to excellent restaurants, the guest rooms are well appointed, with private balconies that give way to sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, Brickell Key, and the Miami skyline.

Coconut Grove

From downtown, head south along the coast to Coconut Grove, the Miami locale preferred by creative types. The Grove, as it’s known, is close enough to enjoy the pulse of Miami, but with its mix of boutiques, galleries, and quaint eateries, you’ll have plenty to do without leaving the neighborhood.

Stay at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove: Like the rest of the global brand, the Coconut Grove location offers an idyllic hotel for guests seeking an upscale experience. With its rich, jewel-toned décor and setting on acres of lush gardens, the draw of the Ritz-Carlton is its glamor.

The rooms and suites all have balconies and views of the town or the bay, but you’ll want to take advantage of the amenities to appreciate the full experience. Book a cabana, then enjoy a mojito from the poolside café on the edge of the turquoise water. When you’ve had enough sun, head to the spa for a couples’ massage or body wrap, or — if you can never have enough sun — enjoy your treatment on a lounge chair by the pool.

Coral Gables

The area that wraps around Coconut Grove to the west and south along the coast is Coral Gables, which certainly has earned its nickname, "The City Beautiful." Coral Gables is known for Mediterranean-style architecture, avenues shaded by drooping trees, the historic Venetian Pool, and the University of Miami.

It’s also known for The Biltmore, a hotel recognized as a National Historic Landmark, and the best place to stay in the neighborhood. The land developer responsible for Coral Gables was inspired by Spanish, Italian, and Moorish design when he envisioned the sprawling property as the crown jewel and centerpiece of the city back in 1926, and its grandeur means it still serves that purpose today.

The Biltmore sits on the edge of an expansive country club section, complete with a golf course, and holds 275 guest rooms, including 130 suites. With a piazza, a tower, and vaulted ceilings throughout, this hotel is all about opulence. Take advantage by enjoying private dining: Poolside cabanas can fit up to eight guests, and there are also private and semi-private rooms in Palm D’Or and Fontana, the Biltmore’s two fine dining restaurants.

Miami Beach

While your options in hotel-packed Miami Beach are plentiful, the COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach’s art deco design feels extravagant without being over-the-top. The rooms have seafoam green walls, white bedding, and gilded accents, exuding a vibe that’s the antithesis of beach kitsch. Book a room with ocean views for a striking juxtaposition of greens and blues. The highlight of this hotel is that it perfects a blend of modern style and luxury, and part of their success in that comes from the chain’s focus on wellness.

In addition to a handful of restaurants and a poolside bar, the chain’s COMO Shambala concept means fresh, local produce is on hand when you want a healthy juice or meal. Along the same lines, COMO Shambala Urban Escape is an on-site spa and wellness center with a full range of treatments and exercise options. Book with their expert yogi for an invigorating class overlooking the Atlantic Ocean before spending the afternoon at the sparkling rooftop pool. End your day with the spa’s Sun Soother treatment, which includes a full body compress and a scalp massage, both designed to replenish skin dried by sun and sea.