Miami and Fort Lauderdale Hotels & Lodgings

Miami and Fort Lauderdale is known for its boutique hotels (especially those in South Beach Miami). Designers such as Ian Schrager (the Delano, Shore Club), André Balazs (Raleigh, Standard on Belle Isle) and Todd Oldham (the Hotel) helped put South Beach on the map with their creative hotel designs. The downside of many of the boutique hotels is that rooms can be small, particularly if the building was built during the height of the Art Deco period in Miami. If you value space, a boutique hotel may not be the type of hotel for you. If you don't need to stay in a boutique hotel (and value space), Miami and Fort Lauderdale has several upscale high-rise hotels north and south of Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale Beach, as well as near the downtown Miami area. Miami and Fort Lauderdale airport area does have its share of less costly chain hotels for those who value space and/or money.

The high season for hotels is around November to April because of the lower temperatures. However, Miami and Fort Lauderdale lower temperatures, in comparison to the majority of the United States around this time, are still warm. High season is also marked by the advent of many South Florida events, such as the Winter Music Conference and Spring Break. If you wish to reserve a room during high season, March - April, especially at a boutique hotel and/or a hotel on South Beach or Fort Lauderdale Beach, you should book months in advance.

Be aware that hotels have a 12.5% room tax and some hotels may add a 15% service charge which may or may not be added if you reserve a room through the hotel, or through a travel agent/agency (either in person or using an online site such as or similar to Expedia.com).

Some hotels offer garage and/or valet parking; check with your hotel about parking before booking a room if you wish to drive around South Florida. Find out the best place to stay for your swim with the dolphins in South Florida program.