miami - the hottest city
Miami - it the hottest city in the US right now - not just the heat index but the popularity. The pandemic has brought a lot of amazing restaurants to Miami. As one of the only cities in the continental US with Caribbean-like beaches, European-centric beach club parties, and so much more, you really can feel like you are in St. Tropez, the Amalfi Coast, St. Barth’s, and different amazing places throughout the world. As a year round destination, Miami should be on your “get there” list for this year!
Below, I have included a short list of my faves - Millionless Millennial budget faves, of course. But keep in mind, popularity ramps up the hotel room prices, flight fares, etc. The restaurants are extremely crowded these days as well. So, with all of that being said, if you plan to go to Miami - plan in advance!
ACCOMMODATIONS
Miami is made up of a lot of different neighborhoods, much like any other major city. From Miami Beach to South Beach, from Brickell to Wynwood, you can find your “Miami home”. There is so much variety with decor, location, vibe, etc. Now don’t get me wrong, Miami has a TON of amazing properties. This is just a short list to inspire you to escape to the sun and sea!
With a great location - in the heart of Millionaire’s Row - Fontainebleau is an iconic hotel in Miami. The decor is simple and elegant - letting the breathtaking views speak for themselves. From LIV to Scarpetta, the hotel is not lacking in entertainment, food options, and just plain fun.
This is the perfect hotel for any Miami getaway, from bachelor / bachelorette parties to couples getaways, there is always something going on & the beach is just a few steps away.
With a more under the radar vibe, The Betsy is not a place that should be overlooked. In a plantation-style building, the hotel rooms are contemporary yet still classic. I personally love the style of the rooms with small pops of pattern or color throughout and unique knick knacks giving the room or suite a lot of character. Lounge at the rooftop pool with a glass of rosé - dang doesn’t sound like the life?
Now you may recognize this name - with Faena Miami Beach being one of the top luxury hotels in Miami. Casa Faena is its sister property with a more boutique style. It is a Spanish style inn situated in the Faena district with Mediterranean influences. While still ornate, the hotel rooms feel residential and homey. You’ll feel like you stepped back in time to the early 1900s with this hotel’s elegance.
Another recognizable name here, and yes, this hotel is associated with the well-known Nobu restaurants. The Japanese-inspired architecture and it’s prime oceanfront location really make it a dreamy Japanese beach house. The rooms are zen and most have panoramic views of the beautiful ocean. And the pool - just take a look at it because it speaks for itself.
And of course, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s world-famous cuisine can be enjoyed on property. Enjoy some amazing sushi with stunning views.
HONORABLE MENTION - THE MIAMI BEACH EDITION
You can smell the signature scent wafting through the air as you approach The Miami Beach Edition (also my favorite hotel scent in case you were wondering). It is an urban resort with amazing hotel rooms and suites, a Jean-Georges restaurant, and much more. But remember, this is an honorable mention so your budget will need to be a bit higher.
Pro tip - the bungalow building is a fave.
DINING
You will not be at a loss of places to go for all meals, especially now. As NYC slowly starts to re-open, Miami has seen a lot of restaurants in the NY dining scene move down to call Miami home as well.
From the famous Italian restaurant Carbone to the Miami staple Joe’s Stone Crab, Miami’s dining scene is HOT HOT HOT. And with it being so popular, reservations are hard to come by.
The second location of one of New York’s most popular restaurants, Carbone has seen a ton of popularity this winter. The New York Times probably put it best: “It is a fancy red-sauce joint as directed by Quentin Tarantino, bringing back the punch-in-the-guts thrills of a genre that everybody else sees as uncultured and a little embarrassing, while exposing the sophistication that was always lurking there. The restaurant has a technical prowess that can make you giddy and an instinct for sheer entertainment that makes a lot of other restaurants seem like earnest, unimaginative drones.” And if you get a table, do NOT forget to order the spicy rigatoni - life changing.
Joe’s Stone Crab is a MUST in Miami. It has been around for over 100 years and is simply iconic. And what do you order at Joe’s Stone Crab you may ask? Well, stone crab - duh! You will leave full and happy.
Care to venture a little further North? It’ll be worth the trip. The Surf Club Restaurant by Chef Thomas Keller is within one of my all time favorite Miami hotels - well really Surfside hotels - the Four Seasons at the Surf Club. Chef Keller honors the location’s history of good times and grand parties through a classic Continental cuisine, perfectly interpreted for today's contemporary guests to enjoy the Surfside beach view. And yes, this is the same Chef Keller as The French Laundry in Napa.
Did someone say great Italian food al fresco? Sign me up. This South of 5th restaurant is great for any occasion. If y’all can’t tell, Italian food is my favorite so… skewing my recommendations a bit. The drinks, the food, the atmosphere, you can’t go wrong.
Check out the new sushi restaurant, Hiyakwa, in Wynnwood. Hiyakawa is a contemporary Japanese restaurant rooted in tradition that blends an unwavering dedication to craft with a devotion to the world’s finest ingredients to present an experience like no other. I mean just the interior design - swoon.
*Recommendation courtesy of my friend Nathan
GET EXPLORIN’
With so many different areas of the city, Miami really has something for everyone. From art to yachts to just plain ole fun in the sun - you can find it all (and probably more)!
Wynwood Walls - a must honestly
Day on a yacht enjoying the sun and waves
Outdoor cycling class
Day Trip to Palm Beach
Enjoy a stroll around Little Havana
And… much more
SO MILLENNIAL
INSTA-FAMOUS
You know the drill. Snap a pic at one of these locations and get those LIKES.
8th Magic Mountain
All the lifeguard stands - typical I know
Calle Ocho
Wynwood Walls
On your yacht drinking a seltzer bc I’m a basic bitch
Honestly any hotel pool
Ya know, just on the beach soaking up the sun with a drink of your choice
TRAVEL TIPS
Best Time To Go - Honestly, anytime.
How To Get Around - Uber, Lyft, etc.
Pro Tip - Come to party.
