Most popular areas in Miami for 4-star hotels

Miami’s waterfront downtown district is where much of the area’s buzz emanates from, and its palm-lined streets offer an abundance of shops, restaurants, culture hubs, and trendsetting nightspots. It’s also home to many of the best 4-star hotels in Miami, many of which reside in high-rise buildings overlooking the glittering bay. Teeming with beachfront hotels, Miami Beach is another hot spot for sun-seeking vacationers. East of Miami’s downtown, over Biscayne Bay, it’s known for its neon-lit nightlife scene, and pastel-hued Architectural District – home to the world’s largest collection of Art Deco architecture.

Top 4-star hotels in Miami

The Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel sits on a palm-studded parcel right on the beachfront, and offers an outdoor pool, a restaurant and bar, as well as a menu of indulgent spa services. The Shore Club is also merely steps from the sand, and features a lavish full-service spa, 2 outdoor pools, 3 top-notch restaurants, and a 24-hour gym so you can work on your beach body. Occupying a neon-gilded skyscraper in downtown Miami, the InterContinental Miami boasts contemporary amenities galore, alongside glittering views of the bay.

Where to find the best restaurants in Miami

The neighborhood of South Beach offers an eclectic buffet of waterfront dining options, most of which are situated on Ocean Drive, home to the iconic Versace Mansion. The rest of Miami Beach also boasts plenty of palate-pleasing dining spots, particularly along the palm-lined Collins Avenue, which offers a healthy mix of swanky and affordable options. Here, you’ll find everything from Brazilian grub, to authentic Japanese sushi. In Miami’s downtown core you can expect lots of top-notch eateries, too, serving up the region’s popular Cuban and Colombian fare, as well as fresh Floridian seafood.

The most popular things to do in Miami

Miami’s immaculate white beaches are the star attraction for most visitors, and set the scene for volleyball, water sports, or simply kicking back with a cool drink. If you’re feeling a little livelier, then you’ll find plenty of golf courses dotted about the region, with boat excursions available for fishing enthusiasts, too. Shopaholics can give the plastic a workout in the many stores along Collins Avenue, whilst culture vultures can check out the Perez Art Museum Miami, Miami Beach’s Art Deco district, or the iconic Ocean Drive. For outdoorsy types, a boat trip to the nearby Everglades is a must-do.

Best ways to get around Miami

Whilst taxis are an obvious way to get around Miami they can be pretty pricey, so it’s usually much more economical to just rent a car. Car rentals are pretty affordable here, and give you the freedom to tick off the city’s star attractions at your own pace. If you don’t drive however, then the public transport in Miami is the next best thing. The city’s bus routes operate throughout the week 24-hours a day, and include the Route S bus, which links downtown Miami to the city of Miami Beach.