Miami has numerous high-end hotels and perhaps the best looking hotels of any US destination. Many companies have made a point of showing off their hotel's façade and Miami Beach in particular is loaded with beautiful structures. There is everything from the top hotel chains to fine independent places in renovated 1950s buildings.

Miami has a great many higher end hotels in all beach areas, downtown, and at the more secluded beaches. Although South Beach is the hip area and has somewhat overpriced establishments, the Brickell Avenue district arguably has the best hotels.

You have all the upper level international chains in Miami, like Hyatt, Ritz, Hilton, and Marriot, while many older hotels have been converted and totally renovated into swanky boutique hotels with better rates.

Top hotels in Miami include: the Regent South Beach, the Ritz-Carlton South Beach, Fisher Island Club and Hotel Astor in the South Beach area; the Acqualina Resort & Spa and the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club at North Dade; the Biltmore Hotel and Hotel Place St Michel at swanky Coral Gables; the Four Seasons, Conrad Miami, Mandarin Oriental and Miami River Inn in downtown Miami; and the Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne.

South Beach is easily the most popular hotel area in Miami, with the iconic beach and superb shopping, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. It is chic and has all sorts of swanky looking hotels, some renovated and others brand new.

Miami Beach is just to the south of South Beach and has cheaper hotels in the top-end bracket, although is mainly focused on mid-range places. Prices are much better here and the surfing culture is particularly good.

The downtown area of Miami is mainly for business types and many people find themselves staying here without really thinking about where they want to be. Downtown has some fantastic hotels, however, although it is not the best place for wandering.

Coral Gables is one of the finest areas to be based; a planned, pedestrian-friendly community with European flair and upscale restaurants and shops. Coconut Grove is another nice area to stay in Miami; a waterfront village on Biscayne Bay about 10 minutes from Miami's beaches. It is a laid-back area with good restaurants, shopping and bars.

Key Biscayne is the quietest hotel area of them all in Miami. It has that exclusive island feel, lying as it does across the water from Miami proper and is home to many upscale hotels.

Western Miami is the best choice of place to stay for those who want to be near the airport. There is plenty of space here and many resorts have sprung up to take advantage of this. As a result you will find excellent nearby sports opportunities like golf and tennis.