Small, intimate and quirky, the Freehand has more character than many of its South Beach competitors. The interior is a whimsical Pueblo-Deco blend, dotted with vintage pieces from flea markets. The rooms are cozy and thoughtfully decorated with a chic, minimalist touch. You’ll find a writing desk and other charming amenities in each unit. It is technically a hostel, so you can choose from shared rooms for four or eight or private rooms for two. The whole place has a homey feel that promotes mingling among its international guests—who often socialize with bikini-clad locals by the Freehand’s courtyard pool.
Minimum: Pay as little as $35 a night when you book a shared room.
Time Out tip: Within the Freehand’s property lies the Broken Shaker, the hotel’s cocktail bar which is as popular with locals as it is with guests. 27 Restaurant, the adjacent locavore concept, serves up dishes inspired by Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East. It’s probably the best dinner/drinks combo on Miami Beach.