Those who wax poetic on this area's hotel scene are usually speaking of Miami Beach accommodations. But don't head to that barrier island so quickly -- the hotels of Miami proper are just as luxurious and potentially cheaper. Booking a room here is an especially good choice if you're in town to golf.

Note that bayside accommodations along Brickell Key and Brickell Avenue tend to be pricey. The top choices of that area include the Mandarin Oriental, Miami and the Four Seasons Hotel Miami, two entrants on our list of the Best Hotels in the USA.

• The best rule of thumb is to book as far in advance as you can, especially if you have a specific property, location, or price range in mind. … Also, room prices rise as the hotel fills up, so the earlier you book, the cheaper the room rate you'll pay." -- Smarter Travel
• When deciding where to stay, take into account the different personalities of Miami's neighborhoods. ... If being on the ocean isn't a priority, but being close to the action is, rooms in funky Coconut Grove are your best bet." -- Fodor's