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Pastel palaces

Most first-time visitors make a beeline for South Beach, and it’s easy to see why. The southern tip of Miami Beach has it all: postcard-perfect sands, top-rated restaurants, elite designer stores, and one of the greatest concentrations of boutique hotels in the USA. Locals call the lavish Art Deco hotels that line Ocean Drive and the streets surrounding it ‘pastel palaces’, although more affordable options can be found, including the odd hostel here and there.

Regardless of price, all Miami hotels here have the same things in common: a central location, easy access to the beach and glorious sunset views.  

The coast with the most

For a more contemporary experience, head to Bal Harbour at the opposite end of Miami Beach.

The Village, as locals call it, is home to an impressive line-up of new and glitzy Miami hotels, many of which boast an oceanfront location. Luxury is the byword here, so expect infinity pools, sea-view balconies, upmarket spas and equally upmarket prices. Budget travellers in search of Miami deals may want to look elsewhere.

Keen to enjoy a beachside location and ‘spring break’ vibe without the price tag of Miami Beach? Then check out the string of hotels that pepper the coast en-route to Fort Lauderdale.

Sometimes dubbed ‘the Venice of America’, Fort Lauderdale itself is a so-laid-back-it’s-horizontal destination with quieter beaches and more mid-range accommodation than its southern neighbour. With cheap Miami hotels hard to come by, Fort Lauderdale is a logical choice for travellers on a budget.  

Downtown Miami deals

Prefer culture to beaches? Miami city centre has plenty of accommodation options, from upscale complexes overlooking Biscayne Bay to no-frills guesthouses. Downtown might be a cab ride from the loungers of South Beach, but it’s closer to other major attractions including Bayside Marketplace, Mary Brickell Village and Perez Art Museum. Best of all, it’s home to some of the cheapest hotels in Miami.

Look to Bayside Marketplace for luxury hotels at tempting prices or the Financial District for an excellent choice of midrange, business-focussed accommodation.

Urban escapes

While first-time visitors tend to head for Miami Beach and business travellers stay in the Financial District, seasoned tourists keen to get under Miami’s skin have an array of alternative options.

Coconut Grove is a young and funky neighbourhood just a short journey south of Miami city centre. Expect eclectic nightlife, upscale restaurants and streets lined with designer boutiques, plus plenty of waterfront hotels to suit all budgets. 

For the cheapest Miami deals, look to West Miami and the area around the airport. A mix of bargain chains and sprawling golf resorts characterise this growing area of the city – and thanks to the excellent airport transport links, travelling to South Beach and other hotspots is a cinch.