Miami is booming, from its luxurious beachfront resorts to its innovative restaurants to its artistic and cultural attractions — not to mention the beaches as well. And as with any boom, prices in Miami have skyrocketed. As of June 2023, hotel rates have risen 23% since the pandemic, more than any other U.S. city. But there are ways to enjoy the high-end experiences Miami and the Beaches have to offer without breaking the bank. Here are a few of our expert tips.
1. Look for special offers from hotels and resorts.
Most of Miami’s high-end properties, from beachfront resorts to city-center retreats, offer special packages, especially during the summer months. Deals might include discounts on rooms and other services, resort credits, complimentary meals, and other valuable perks. For example, the upscale Eden Roc Miami Beach’s Family Suite Escape offer includes a $125 resort credit and 20% off treatments at their peaceful Esencia Wellness Spa when you book a junior suite. At the newly transformed Mayfair House in trendy Coconut Grove, the Perfect the Art of Summer package gets you a $75 resort credit, which you can cash in at the hotel’s Mayfair Grill, located in the lush courtyard, or at the rooftop rum bar. Even luxury stalwart Four Seasons offers a fourth night free at its stunning Four Seasons at the Surf Club.
The city’s tourism bureau conveniently lists many of these offers in its Miami Temptations program. Note that most offers have blackout dates, minimum stay requirements, and other restrictions, so read the fine print carefully.
2. Eat during Restaurant Month.
During the Miami Spice Restaurant Months, aka August and September, many of Miami’s top restaurants offer special three-course menus for just $30 to $35 for lunch and brunch and $45 to $60 for dinner. Some of the city’s most renowned restaurants participate, from swanky seafood palace Estiatorio Milos in South Beach, pretty-in-pink Sofia in the Design District, family-friendly Glass & Vine in Coconut Grove, and stylish Aegean spot DOYA in Wynwood, and more.
3. Ditch the rental car.
Not only are rental car rates painfully high in Miami, but valet parking is costly as well, especially at hotels (and don’t get us started on the traffic). Ubers and Lyfts are plentiful and often less expensive than taxis. If you’re staying in walkable neighborhoods like South Beach, Coconut Grove, and Wynwood, you can get by on your own two feet. Miami’s Citibike rental program is also affordable and efficient, and the free MetroMover train shuttles around major points of interest in Downtown Miami and Brickell.
4. Bliss out with spa offers.
Many luxury spas, especially those at hotels and resorts, offer specials for treatments during the week. The Miami Temptations program also collects many of these, with treatments beginning at just $109 — though they’re only valid through August 2023. Don’t forget that booking a treatment usually means you also get access to the rest of the spa’s facilities. For example, at The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, you can get a 50-minute Swedish massage for $159, which also gets you access to the spa’s eucalyptus steam room, sauna, indoor whirlpool, and fitness center — and discounted valet parking.
5. Experience cultural activities for less.
Miami’s world-class art and culture scenes are accessible without paying high prices. For instance, the New World Symphony’s free Wallcast series lets you watch the orchestra’s concerts live on a giant screen outside its Frank Gehry-designed building — pack a picnic! Many of the city’s art-centric neighborhoods have monthly gallery nights, when businesses stay open late and the streets are filled with live music and food vendors: Check out Viernes Culturales in Little Havana (third Friday of the month), Gables Gallery Night in Coral Gables (first Friday), and Wynwood’s Art Walk (second Saturday).
During Miami Entertainment Months (October and November) and Miami Arts, Culture & Heritage Months (December and January), and Miami Attraction & Museum Months (April and May) you’ll find deals on everything from culinary tours to art exhibits.