Miami, Florida

There’s no shortage of places to stay in Miami, however, I personally don’t know of any crew house accommodation. Resources like Airbnb and hostels make it easy for crew to find placement, but if you feel like having your own space and want to splurge a little, read on for a list of my favorite hotels in Miami Beach.

From a yacht stewardess’s perspective, Miami offers a wide range of places to stay, whether you’re on a budget or looking to indulge in some luxury.

The Freehand Miami
For the crew or anyone traveling on a tighter budget, The Freehand is a great choice. It’s a trendy, affordable hostel with a fun, relaxed vibe and a central location. The rooms are simple but stylish, and the outdoor pool area is surrounded by lush greenery – perfect for unwinding after a long day.

The Catalina Hotel & Beach Club
This is another affordable gem, offering a boutique experience at a reasonable price, with two rooftop pools and close proximity to South Beach’s lively scene.

The Setai Miami Beach
For those ready to splurge, The Setai Miami Beach is the epitome of understated luxury, with spacious suites, an award-winning spa, and three infinity pools to choose from. Its Asian-inspired design and peaceful ambiance make it feel like an oasis amidst the Miami buzz.

The 1 Hotel South Beach
This is another eco-luxury option that offers sustainability in style, with a rooftop pool and farm-to-table dining.

Faena Hotel
Finally, for the ultimate experience, the Faena Hotel is a dream –complete with opulent décor, art-filled spaces, and top-tier service that rivals what you’d expect aboard a superyacht. Whether you’re pinching pennies or ready to indulge, Miami’s hospitality `scene offers something for every type of traveler.

Honestly, Miami is such a large city, with seemingly endless food options. Depending on what part of the city you choose to hang your hat, seek out higher-end restaurants and grocery stores. Chances are you’ll run into other people in the maritime industry frequenting these establishments. Yet another great chance to forge contacts and network.

Miami Beach is a wellness paradise, offering a wide variety of classes that cater to all levels of health enthusiasts, from beginners to seasoned yogis. The beach’s sun-soaked backdrop provides the perfect environment for outdoor fitness, and classes like sunrise yoga on the sand or beachside Pilates help connect you to both nature and your body.

Studios like SOL Yoga offer indoor sessions with an emphasis on mindfulness and balance, while Hanu Yoga Studio combines strength and flexibility with a zen atmosphere. For those looking for something more dynamic, SoulCycle and Barry’s Bootcamp bring high-energy classes that challenge your endurance and push you to new limits.

1 Hotel South Beach takes it a step further with its comprehensive wellness program, offering daily fitness classes that include everything from meditation to high-intensity interval training (HIIT), all with an eco-conscious twist. Whether you’re looking to center your mind or break a sweat, Miami Beach’s wellness scene has a class for every health goal.

Miami Beach’s wellness scene offers a perfect balance of luxury and relaxation, making it a go-to destination for those seeking top-notch spa experiences. Among the most renowned is the Mandarin Oriental Spa, an oasis that fuses Asian-inspired treatments with a breathtaking view of Biscayne Bay, offering everything from holistic massages to advanced skincare therapies.

At Bamford Wellness Spa at The 1 Hotel, the focus is on sustainable, organic treatments that connect guests with nature, providing a rejuvenating escape in a tranquil, eco-friendly environment. The Valmont Spa at The Setai is another top-tier destination, known for its luxurious anti-aging treatments using Swiss skincare techniques to deliver noticeable results in a serene, zen-like setting.

These spas, along with others like the Faena’s Tierra Santa Healing House and The Ritz-Carlton South Beach Spa, offers a diverse range of wellness experiences, each providing a perfect escape from the city’s vibrant pace.

In Miami, transportation options vary depending on your needs, but here are some of the best ways to get around:

Rental Car: Miami is a sprawling city, and having a car gives you flexibility, especially if you plan to explore beyond the central areas (e.g., Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, or the Everglades). Just be prepared for traffic and limited parking in some areas like South Beach.

Ridesharing (Uber/Lyft): Convenient and widely available, ridesharing apps are great for avoiding parking hassles and getting around quickly without needing a car. They’re ideal for short trips or nights out when you want to avoid parking fees.

Public Transit (Metrorail/Metromover): Miami’s Metrorail and Metromover are affordable ways to get around, especially downtown. The Metromover is free and covers much of the city center and Brickell area. The Metrorail extends further into the city and suburbs.

Miami Trolley: A free service that runs through popular neighborhoods, including Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and Wynwood. It’s a slower option but a great way to sightsee while you move around.

Bicycles and Scooters: If you’re staying in areas like South Beach, renting a bike or electric scooter is a fun and eco-friendly way to get around. There are plenty of rental options, and many areas have dedicated bike lanes.

Water Taxi: For a scenic option, Miami offers water taxis that connect popular spots like Downtown Miami, Miami Beach, and Biscayne Bay. This is a slower, more leisurely mode of transport, but perfect if you want to enjoy the views.

Depending on where you’re staying and what you plan to do, a combination of these options is often the most efficient way to get around!

Miami has agencies that will help with boating and crew placement. For example, companies like Sail Onyx have a comprehensive list of services for all areas such as dockside service, maintenance, crew placement, and boat services.

Burgess Yacht Charter is also very reputable and is definitely at the forefront of driving sustainability into the industry.

LEGASEA Charters in Miami offers luxury yacht experiences, including personalized charters for day trips, special events, and multi-day excursions, all tailored to provide a high-end, customized experience on the water.

Cotton Crews is another reliable agency that goes above and beyond for placing Yacht crew.

Yachting Pages is extremely helpful for finding expert crew and the directory is full of resources for anything industry related.

The Advantaged Yacht Charters & Sales is a really professional resource for all of your boating needs including crew placement.

Miami is a yacht owner’s dream. And a fantastic option for a home base to kick start your career in the yacht industry. Not only is it a worldwide hub for yacht owners and their crew, but Miami’s stature as a world-renowned city practically ensures you will advance your career while also having some serious fun!