Best Places to Stay and Play in Miami, Florida

Read below for photos and highlights in and around Miami! Virtually explore the Eden Roc Hotel in Miami Beach, Hotel AXA Miami in Miami Brickell, Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove and Bal Harbour, and Mandarin Oriental Miami in Brickell Key. This bustling city makes for a fantastic vacation if you enjoy exploring a new city. It is busy with lots of traffic, so I'd recommend using Uber to get around. Make sure to allow plenty of time to get to your destinations and reservations. But you can't beat the gorgeous skyline and vibe! See below for what Miami's all about.

Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour

Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour is the epitome of location, location, location! Its serene ambiance and beautiful scenery definitely take you out of the hustle and bustle of Miami. This is a lovely getaway without crowds and top-notch luxury. The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour is located at the end of Bal Harbour on Collins Avenue, right next to the world-famous Haulover Inlet. The Haulover Inlet connects the northern end of Biscayne Bay with the Atlantic Ocean . It's the place for luxury boat and yacht watching! Then, back at the hotel, relax in your gorgeously appointed room. Each floor only has 2 rooms accessible by an elevator. It's truly one of the most private rooms, but also one of the most attentive. If you need anything, the staff is only a quick phone call away. You also don't have to go far for wonderful dining at the Ritz-Carlton in Bal Harbour. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be eaten outside or in. The food is exceptional. One of our favorite treats was the complimentary affogato served in the lobby every afternoon at 3:00 PM. Don't miss it!

View of the Haulover Inlet from our 7th floor balcony

Very spacious and privately located room

Perfect steel oats for breakfast

Refreshing coconut water

Huge bathroom

Spectacular short ribs for dinner

View of the Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour from the fishing pier

One of the most beautiful tub views I've ever seen

The pool is fab!

Hotel AXA Miami

The Hotel AXA Miami is a newer hotel in Miami and fabulous! The rooms all offer amazing views. I personally didn't have a water view during my visit, but on the other side of the building, there are amazing views of the cruise ships and Miami landmarks. Of course, you'll have this same view when sitting outside for a cocktail or snack at the bar tables outside. The dining at Hotel AXA Miami was delicious and has something for everyone. In true Miami style, you'll appreciate the emphasis on fresh, healthy, and beautiful dining. Don't miss ADRIFT Mare, by Michelin-starred Chef David Myers where even the breakfast is an experience (a must-try is the house made granola!) Even the most standard room is spacious here. Although if traveling with your family, you may want to inquire about having a larger suite or reserve 2 rooms.

Flying? The distance from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Hotel AXA Miami is approximately 11 miles.
Cruising? The distance from PortMiami to Hotel AXA Miami is approximately 3 miles.
Find more at the Hotel AXA Miami website here.

At Hotel AXA Miami, you'll find lots of storage space and places to sit

Even the standard room offers amazing views from all angles

I always appreciate a separate shower and tub

Come outside on the 25th floor and have a drink at sunset!

Inside ADRIFT Mare at dusk

Housemade granola, yogurt, and fresh fruit

Mandarin Oriental, Brickell Key, Miami

The Mandarin Oriental Miami in Brickell Key knows how to impress. If looking for a luxury getaway (or even pre or post cruise stay as we did) this is the spot for you. With amazing views of the Miami skyline, Brickell Key offers the serenity you want in a bustling city. Feel zen when you are walking around the property, inside or out. The pool area is fabulous - think pool butler service tucking in a plush towel on your lounger and bringing you a bucket of chilled water. The food by the pool is top-notch, as is the service. They sold me when the waitstaff called us by name when we arrived. At night, you'll want to head straight to La Mar by Gastón Acurio at Mandarin Oriental Miami for an incredible dining experience. The rooms are slightly older so don't expect them to be the freshest of decor, but they are spacious and lovely. However, this is another hotel where the rooms aren't as spacious as we need when traveling with our family of 4, so we did reserve 2 rooms. Don't forget to sign up for the Mandarin Oriental awards program and become a fan of M.O. ahead of time. Opt in to receive their notification and you can sometimes snag a good deal, plus you'll get a fun extra amenity when you check-in.

Flying? The distance from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Mandarin Oriental Miami is approximately 9 miles.
Cruising? The distance from PortMiami to Mandarin Oriental Miami is approximately 3.5 miles.
Find more at the Mandarin Oriental Miami website here.

I LOVE having a gorgeous pool by the water. And with a Miami view!

Mandarin Oriental Miami zen

Mandarin Oriental Miami more zen

You can't beat this view!

These are my boys favorite wings EVER

A gourmet burger by the pool

The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami

The Ritz-Carton Coconut Grove is a beautifully comfortable hotel. You can walk to boutique shopping at CocoWalk and amazing dining, as well as to parks and a marina close-by. It's not the most modern resort, but very luxurious. The pool is wonderful and the staff takes great care of you. They have all of the expected Ritz-Carlton amenities that I love - complimentary SPF and lotions by the pool, perfectly prepared and presented food and cocktails poolside and at Isabelle's Coconut Grove, lots of intimate spaces to relax, and so much more!

Flying? The distance from Miami International Airport (MIA) to The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove Miami is approximately 11 miles.
Cruising? The distance from PortMiami to The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove Miami is approximately 7 miles.
Find more at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove Miami website here.

Lobby of The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove Miami

Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove lobby

Lovely room. Plenty of storage and lighting

Definitely reserve the oversized veranda!

A quiet moment at Isabelle's Coconut Grove

A stunning presentation of smoked salmon

Dinner was an amazing experience at Isabelle's

You'll always find me poolside

And poolside with a cool cocktail

Eden Roc

Perfect for pre-cruise, post-cruise or just a getaway. Miami Beach is the best for families who want to be comfortable without being too kid-friendly. The Eden Roc hotel is iconic with a rich history of glamour and art deco. Between the chic pools, beach, soccer area, superb restaurants (and even complimentary snacks and drinks by the pool cabana) there is always something to do. And the best part is that it's only a 15 minute taxi ride away from the port. We last visited Eden Roc in December 2012 and would love to get back one day soon!

Flying? The distance from Miami International Airport (MIA) to to Eden Roc is approximately 13 miles.
Cruising? The distance from PortMiami to Eden Roc is approximately 11 miles.
Find more at the Eden Roc website here.