From The Caribbean and Latin America to Europe and Africa, there is a little piece of everywhere in Miami, which is why the city makes it such an attractive holiday destination. As one local told us, there is enough magic in Miami for everyone; you need to find yours without drowning in the vice. An excellent place to stay is always the first thing to consider, and years of visits have taught us that while it is not the cheapest holiday destination in the South, a cheap hotel in Miami, Florida, is never too hard to find in almost every neighborhood.
On our last visit, we combed through all types of affordable accommodation options in Miami, including some going for as little as $20 a night. Hoping to save some money without trading all the luxury, we explored cheap to midrange hotels and found a few that gave us our money’s worth without giving us nightmares. Moreover, we were interested in retaining access to South Beach, so here are the 13 best cheap hotels in Miami, Florida, that didn’t disappoint.
Table of contents
- Clinton Hotel South Beach, Miami
- Casa Faena Miami Beach
- Greenview Hotel By Lowkl
- The Gabriel Miami South Beach Curio Collection by Hilton
- Franklin Suites South Beach
- Hampton Inn & Suites Miami, Kendall, Executive Airport
- Collins Hotel, Miami Beach
- Axel Beach Miami-South Beach, Adults Only
- Albion Hotel
- Pestana South Beach Hotel
- Whitelaw Hotel
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in Miami, Florida
- Top Affordable Restaurants in SoBe, Miami
- Free Things To Do in Miami Beach
- Is it expensive in Miami Beach?
- What is the cheapest part of Miami Beach?
- What is the difference between Miami and Miami Beach?
Clinton Hotel South Beach, Miami
11
Famous for its electric nightlife, Miami’s iconic South Beach is a must-visit when touring the Magic City. However, after a long night out, we realized that a quiet place to lay the head is a precious resource here, and that is precisely what Clinton Hotel in South Beach, Miami, provides. It is just two blocks away from the beach and within stumbling distance of most pubs and restaurants on Eighth Street and Washington Avenue. Its prime location means it is far from the noise but still close enough to the fun, making it a steal.
The room sizes can take a little getting used to, but the beds are big and comfortable, especially for a solo traveler. Furthermore, the onsite French Restaurant serves excellent food. We also loved the quality of the room service, the Wi-Fi, and the sunny courtyard. With self-check-ins and late check-outs allowed, Clinton Hotel had everything we needed after a long day at one of the most budget-friendly prices.
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Casa Faena Miami Beach
10
Located just one block from the beach, Casa Faena Miami Beach is a historic Mediterranean-themed boutique hotel with spacious rooms that are incredibly comfortable for couples. Our favorite part was the onsite restaurant, Gitano Miami, which serves authentic Mexican dishes. Moreover, we got a queen suite with access to the rooftop terrace and a perfect ocean view, which was part of our dream package when booking.
The hotel also has a private beach across the street with chairs and towels at no extra charge. Better still, the section is manned by the hotel staff, with beach service from the restaurant allowing guests to enjoy undisturbed. What’s more, some of Soth Beach’s best pubs and restaurants, including CafeAmericano, are within walking distance of Casa Faena. Fortunately, the hotel is still far enough from the parties, so we didn’t have to worry about the noise.
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Greenview Hotel By Lowkl
9
While on the hunt for cheap hotels in Miami near the beach, we came across this gem on Washington Avenue. Greenview Hotel By Lowkl is operated more like an Airbnb with no onsite restaurant. However, there are more than sufficient dining and shopping spots on either side of the street. The staff was ready for us, made the check-in process easy, and even helped us with our luggage. Moreover, the beach is just two blocks away from the hotel, with a quiet, secluded section that we really enjoyed.
We still consider their spacious rooms at such a competitive price a steal because the beds were cozy and the rooms clean. We didn’t expect a royal treatment at that price, but the service was exceptionally good. Furthermore, the Wi-Fi is strong inside the rooms and in the lobby. Apart from the occasional opening and closing of doors, we didn’t have to deal with any disturbance, which is a huge plus when staying in such a cheap hotel in Miami, Florida.
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The Gabriel Miami South Beach Curio Collection by Hilton
8
Finding cheap hotels in Miami near the beach can be challenging, but we got fortunate with a spacious room at The Gabriel Miami South Beach. We got our money’s worth as the rooms were super-clean with comfortable beds. Moreover, the hotel is astonishingly quiet despite being right in the heart of South Beach. The hotel is beautifully decorated, with every room closely embracing the heart of Miami’s tropical lifestyle.
It is part of Hilton’s Curio collection, which means we could get all the benefits of Hilton Honors membership. We enjoyed mornings on the rooftop swimming pool, which wasn’t crowded and had sufficient Loungers. We also loved the hotel’s European-themed restaurant and bar, whose room service was always prompt.
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Franklin Suites South Beach
7
While looking for the best cheap hotels in Miami, Florida, by the beach with the luxury of a home-cooked meal, we settled for an all-inclusive suite at the Franklin Suites South Beach. We were upgraded to a fully furnished one-bedroom apartment and didn’t regret our stay. The suite had a stocked kitchen, strong Wi-Fi, a large television screen, and a clean bathroom. Moreover, the beach is just a two-minute walk away, making this our top pick for a budget-friendly luxury hotel.
The hotel is in the heart of SoBe, near the best pubs and restaurants, including Yard House and Maxine’s Bistro and Bar. The nightlife outside was loud, especially on Saturday, but the hotel compound was tranquil throughout our stay. The staff was also super-helpful, especially with the early check-in. We were a little disappointed by the lack of parking on site, but the staff helped us find secure parking nearby.
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Hampton Inn & Suites Miami, Kendall, Executive Airport
6
Brickell is Miami’s financial capital and the best neighborhood to stay in when in Miami for business. It is also the getaway accommodation when visiting the Everglades or enjoying Miami’s urban touch. We booked two adjacent queens and a king at the Hampton Inn & Suites Miami, Executive Airport, and got our money’s worth. The rooms were clean, spacious, and modernly furnished, with a comfortable working desk. We were especially impressed by the hotel’s warm welcome, including complimentary snacks and drinks on arrival and free breakfast.
Every room is uniquely decorated with beautiful photographs of Miami’s most iconic places, including the bay. Moreover, the bathrooms are clean and well stocked, with enough room for two people. Our room was equipped with all the basics, including a minifridge, coffee machine, safe, and microwave.
We also received a lot of help from the concierge with our luggage. Moreover, we had no issues with our check-in despite arriving early, as the staff was ready for us. We were also impressed by the free parking and the strong Wi-Fi, which allowed us to work in the rooms. Overall, the place was very welcoming, but the best thing was the breakfast by the pool on the sixth floor.
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Collins Hotel, Miami Beach
5
Cheap hotels in Miami near the beach tend to be humble, but Collis Hotel was one of the best in this regard. Our rooms had everything we needed to get a comfortable night’s rest despite being moderately priced. Being a budget hotel, we didn’t expect much, but we got a clean and quiet king room with a desk, a mini fridge, and a safe. Moreover, the hotel is just a short walk from the beach, which was a major plus.
The bed was also bigger and cozier than we expected, and the pool was not crowded throughout our stay. Some of the services, including the business center, were included in the common area, but it wasn’t crowded, so we had no problems with it. Our room didn’t have an ocean view because buildings blocked off the beach, but we didn’t mind because the beach was right across the street.
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Axel Beach Miami-South Beach, Adults Only
4
Axel Beach Miami-South Beach is part of the global chain of Axel Hotels, making it one of Miami Beach’s most famous LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations. It is especially popular with gay couples for its large pool with loungers and spacious rooms. The hotel overlooks Collins Avenue, just a short walk to the beach. Moreover, it is within a short distance of Mickey Burke and other popular rooftop bars and restaurants in SoBe. Our room selection didn’t disappoint either because the bed was big and cozy, with all the basics provided.
“We were looking for a great value-for-money adults-only hotel in South Beach, and couldn’t have found one better than Axel Beach.”
WOW Travel
Axel Beach Miami retains the spirit of midcentury Miami with neon lights and eyebrow windows. Its cool designs make the hotel feel like a step back in time. The rooms are also beautifully decorated to reflect the hotel’s welcoming spirit. We were especially impressed by the large pool with sufficient loungers. The hotel also organized free chairs by the beach, which was a huge plus for such a cheap hotel in Miami, Florida.
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Albion Hotel
3
Albion Hotel is right in the heart of the Miami Beach party scene and suitable for guests looking for luxury in a budget hotel in Miami. The hotel is famous for its large, family-friendly pool, sun-soaked lounging area, and pool bar. The service at the hotel was great as the staff provided towels and left the pool open until late in the summer for guests to swim under the moonlight. The pool bar and room service were also great, with the onsite restaurant serving a variety of cuisines, including delicious Mexican and Cuban dishes.
We arrived at a welcome reception, with a lot of help from the concierge services and the front desk. Just like the lobby area, the room was beautifully decorated with photos and paintings inspired by the US Navy and Miami in general. The beach is less than two minutes from the hotel and has chairs manned by hotel staff.
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Pestana South Beach Hotel
2
This is another property just a block from Collins Avenue that exceeded our expectations after we got a cheap king room. Pestana South Beach Hotel is strategically located for partying and shopping, with vibrant restaurants and malls lining the streets on either side of the hotel. The most vibrant pubs in South Beach, including The Scapegoat, are within walking distance of the hotel, which makes it easy to stumble back to the room after a long night.
The beach is a mere five-minute walk from the hotel. We were also impressed with the hotel staff, who kept private chairs with umbrellas and towels for guests at the beach. Being the heart of SoBe, the atmosphere outside was vibrant, but all was quiet within the hotel walls. The large rooms with thick walls offered the tranquility we needed for a good night’s sleep, which is a huge relief when staying in a budget hotel in Miami.
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Whitelaw Hotel
1
Whitelaw Hotel is one of the few Art Deco hotels that still embrace the spirit of the Miami evening party. The hotel is intimately decorated to impress with crystal chandeliers, a glossy white reception area, and kitschy style decoration in the rooms. It is located on Collins Avenue, just a short walk from the beach, with a mall and many restaurants and pubs within walking distance. We also loved the rooftop sundeck, which made a great chilling spot since the hotel has no swimming pool.
The hotel offers a free shuttle service running hourly to and from the airport, a huge plus for a budget hotel in Miami. There were no ocean views, but we got a clean and well-stocked room with a large city-facing window. Like most cheap hotels in Miami near the beach, the evenings were loud, but everything quietened down after midnight as the party scene faded.
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Our Verdict!
Our recommendations are based on a thorough examination of each hotel and the first-hand experience of members of our team during our travels. While all the hotels in this review are great options for anyone looking for cheap hotels in Miami, FL, we have narrowed them further down to a few top options to make your choice easier.
- Best value for money: Whitelaw Hotel
- Best location: Casa Faena Miami Beach
- Best hotel for families: Franklin Suites South Beach
- Best hotel for business trips: Hampton Inn & Suites Miami, Kendall, Executive Airport
Where to Stay in Miami, Florida
North Beach, Mid Beach, and South Beach are the go-to neighborhoods for those visiting Miami because of their tropical ambiance. Days here are best spent on the beach, and nights in a vibrant beachfront pub or restaurant. South Beach is still the heart of the party scene, but life is slower in Mid-Beach and North Beach. The North is more appealing to a slower audience seeking a more intimate and leisurely experience.
Next, Wynwood and Miami Design District are popular destinations with trendy visitors seeking the best Instagram pics. These neighborhoods have buzzy pubs, classy restaurants, and fancy shopping spots. Fine dining in these neighborhoods is an experience.
Downtown Miami is the go-to destination for guests who want to enjoy the best of Miami City with a touch of affluence. The best museums and parks in Miami are within walking distance of most hotels Downtown. Other attractions, such as the Perez Art Museum and the Venetian Pool, are also near Downtown Miami. The neighborhoods of Brickell, Coral Gables, and Coconut Grove, overlooking Biscayne Bay, are serene and safe and, therefore, popular with families and business travelers.
For a taste of Miami’s diverse cultures, stay in Little Havana, where guava pastries and salsa dances make you feel like you’re in Cuba. Little Haiti is another neighborhood that gives tourists a feel of the Central-American nation, while Historic Overtown is at the heart of Miami’s black history and culture.
Top Affordable Restaurants in SoBe, Miami
- Yardbird Southern Table & Bar: This is the go-to place for one of the largest and most delicious servings of chicken n’ waffles in Miami Beach. It also serves fiery cocktails and has a great bourbon collection for happy hour enthusiasts. The place is rarely ever quiet, so it is wise to reserve in advance.
- Havana Vieja: From shrimp, green plantain, and rice to roasted octopus and Lechon Asado, this place is known for serving some of the most authentic traditional Cuban dishes in Miami. It is conveniently located on Washington Avenue, making access easy. It also envisages the spirit of 1950s Havana, serving delicious mojitos with sugarcane Cuban style.
- Big Pink: Big Pink has mastered the perfect Miami Breakfast and is flocked all day by tourists who love its all-day breakfast options. It is located on Collins Avenue, putting it within reach of most hotels in the area. The place offers big servings of most continental dishes, although it is most popular for its massive burgers.
Free Things To Do in Miami Beach
- Visit Lummus Park for sunrise and sunset viewing, walking, swimming, or beach volleyball.
- Relax at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden
- Take a bike tour on the bike trails around Miami Beach
Is it expensive in Miami Beach?
Miami Beach hotels, restaurants, and shopping joints tend to be slightly more expensive than the rest of Florida. However, our guide will help you secure the best cheap hotels in Miami, FL, when traveling on a budget.
What is the cheapest part of Miami Beach?
Hotels and other accommodations generally become more expensive as you get closer to South Beach. North Beach is, therefore, the best place to look for a budget hotel in Miami. However, as our guide lists, you can still find cheap hotels in South Beach.
What is the difference between Miami and Miami Beach?
Miami Beach is actually an island connected to the mainland via causeways. It is a different municipality from Miami City. Miami City is more of a business center than a tourist hotspot, while Miami Beach, with its pristine white-sand beaches, appeals more to tourists.