Miami Beach on a Budget

View from South Pointe Park Pier

The skeptics were out in droves telling me that Miami Beach isn't budget-friendly, causing me to have my own doubts. The million dollar question - can you travel to Miami Beach on a meager budget? The answer is a resounding yes!

I exclusively fly with Southwest Airlines in the U.S.; therefore, I had to fly into Ft. Lauderdale since they don't service Miami. While a bit of an inconvenience, it only cost me $6.00 to get to Miami from Ft. Lauderdale. 

Step One
Take a tri-rail complimentary shuttle from the ground transportation level at FLL to the Ft. Lauderdale train stop. There is more than one tri-rail bus, so be sure you are getting on the free shuttle that takes you to the train station.

Step Two
Take the tri-rail train from the Ft. Lauderdale station to the Miami airport. You can purchase your ticket at the train station for a mere $3.75 and the train offers free wi-fi.

Step Three
Once you arrive at the Miami airport, take the 150 airport express bus to your destination. Pay on board with correct change ($2.25) or buy a ticket at the airport.  In my case, the bus dropped me across the street from my hostel. 

Arrival travel time took approximately three hours since it was my first time; however, the departure trip took only about two hours.

Accommodations
Miami Beach International Hostel, located at 236 9th Street, just two blocks from South Beach. I stayed in a 6-bed female dorm room with en suite bath. 

Pros:
*Location, location, location!
*Friendly staff.
*3 meals/day included (I didn't participate).
*Decent size room & comfy bed.
*Rooms cleaned 4 times/day.
*Reasonably priced.

Cons:
*The lobby is used as a party lounge in the evening, full of people and extremely loud music, which makes it difficult to check-in.
*No on-site bathrooms other than the bathroom in your room.
*Extremely spotty wi-fi only in the lobby area.
*Since meals are included, there are no dishes or utensils available; however, they do have a fridge and microwave.

Food and Drink - all my meals and single drinks were under $11 with the exception of Naked Taco, which was my priciest meal and worth every penny (see individual post on Miami's culinary scene).

*Della's Test Kitchen 
*Lone Wolfe Food Truck
*11th Street Diner
*Naked Taco
*BurgerFi
*Aroma Espresso Bar
*Bar at Wynwood Yard
*RUST Wynwood 
*The Room
*Abbey Brewing Co.

Activities - all FREE to enter and explore
*Architecture in the Art Deco District (especially along Ocean Dr.)
*South Pointe Park
*Wynwood Yard and Wynwood Walls (see individual posts)
*South Beach
*Lincoln Road Mall (be sure to visit Cindy Vega's jewelry stand here)
*Ugo Rondinone's Miami Mountain, located on the grounds of the Bass Museum of Art 
*Soundscape Cinema Series at Soundscape Park

White looking so sexy👌

What an entrance❢

Pretty in peach

Do you spot the needlefish?

Those cars doh!

It costs absolutely nothing for these views💙

My fave stands alone

Hanging with Ugo's Miami Mountain

Miami Beach Community Church

Red and white never looked so good

What's your story?

Colorful balconies

Beautiful silhouettes at South Pointe Park

First night capture

"Out of Africa" under the palms

My bracelet trio from Cindy Vega Jewelry

My dream home💕

Early bird catches the view

404 Washington Ave - the most photographed bldg in Miami

Cluster

All locked up

On a side note, one of the reasons I love to travel is because you never know who you will meet along the way. In this case, I met a friendly, patient bartender at "The Room" by the name of Jacob Coronado. We started talking travel and blogging when he shared that he was about to embark on a worldly adventure. He is quite an interesting chap and I encourage you to follow his trail, where he is spreading the love.
http://thebackpackfiles.com/

Hope we meet again, Miami. You were marvelous💞

Sunsets in Miami...swoon🌴

Madame Isabelle's House - A Charming Hostel in an Idyllic Setting

Madame Isabelle’s House is the Crescent City’s newest hostel, and I can't fathom any other hostel in town coming close to being as fabulous as this one. The staff is extremely approachable, helpful, and social. They know their city and will hook you up with numerous events if you desire.

I stayed in a 5-person dorm room, occupying a solo bed in front of the AC. The room has an en suite bath, and each bed is adorned with a unique privacy screen. During my visit, the bed was comfy, wifi worked like a charm, and the clean room was spacious enough to not feel cramped.

You will find yourself situated in a lovely residential area known as Marigny. It's within walking distance of Louis Armstrong Park, the French Quarter, and Frenchmen Street. I highly recommend dining at Dreamy Weenies (incredible vegan dog selection) and neighborhood bar/restaurant Buffa's.

One of the biggest draws is the back yard, which mimics a tropical paradise. You will be enveloped in lush greenery complete with a hot tub. If the Big Easy wasn’t such a stimulating city with so much to offer, I would have been compelled to stay put.

Book directly through their website to receive a discount based upon the number of days you stay. https://isabellenola.com/

I will let the photos do the talking from here to depict how beautiful this place is, and to clearly show that you won't feel as though you are staying in a hostel.

Meet the hostel's biggest party animal:)

2015 Hostel Reviews

Photo courtesy joblo.com

In my opinion, hostels are the way to go (don't believe what you see in those movies:) I stayed at seven different locations in 2015 with repeat visits at Freehand Chicago. I prefer hostels for the price, camaraderie, and because they are typically located in an area that is convenient to transportation and activities.

Orange Drive Hostel in Hollywood, CA
This hostel was originally a home from the 1920's and is oozing with charm and character. It's located in an ideal location right off Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood, CA. I love their scrumptious free waffles in the morning, friendly staff, and location. I have stayed in a spacious dorm room at this hostel many times, and will continue to do so when I travel to LA. 
http://orangedrivehostel.com/


Apple Hostels in Philadelphia, PA
I knew what I was getting into by securing a dorm room with 27 other females; however, it was worse than I expected. There are two separate rooms with no door, and it's bunk on top of bunk. A male staff person entered the room without announcing himself, and fortunately, I had just finished changing. Not to mention, it was hot, stuffy, pricey, and oh so noisy. I would not stay here again. 
http://applehostels.com/

DC Lofty in Washington, DC
This is another charming property with chandeliers and exposed brick. I stayed in a 4-person dorm with ensuite bath. The hostel was clean with a comfy bed, friendly staff, and a great location. I felt secure walking around, even from the subway late at night. Be sure to check out nearby 14th Street for fantastic bars and restaurants. I would definitely stay here again.
http://www.capitalhostels.net/

Hostel Detroit in Detroit, MI
I wrote an individual post for this hostel (bit.ly/1lAZebX). I had a great visit and would stay here again.

Freehand Chicago in Chicago, IL
Another property that I published an individual post for (bit.ly/1MWdC3T). I'm completely smitten with this hostel, and intend to have many more visits in the future.

Getaway Hostel in Chicago, IL
I always stay at Freehand Chicago when I visit the Windy City; however, I chose this location because it was within walking distance of my Halloween activities. The hostel is located on a lovely, tree-lined street and is aesthetically pleasing; however, I wouldn't stay here again. I base this on the location of the bathrooms being nowhere near the dorm room (you had to walk through two different areas), and the bunk beds are terribly unstable (my bed shifted with the slightest movement from my bunkmate).
http://www.getawayhostel.com/

The Cleveland Hostel in Cleveland, OH
I couldn't have chosen a better place to stay than the Cleveland Hostel. What a gem in a remarkable neighborhood. Immerse yourself in Ohio City for the architecture (especially the homes), phenomenal bars/restaurants, Great Lakes Brewing, and the West Side Market. The hostel is inviting, clean, tastefully decorated, and extremely accommodating. I will return for a summer visit to relish the rooftop deck. View photos here http://bit.ly/1MLnsFP

Hostel Detroit Will Make You Feel at Home

 
While I had a long time hankering for a trip to Detroit, Hostel Detroit is what prompted my visit to be sooner rather than later. The hostel followed me on Instagram, and I became immediately captivated with their gallery. It also didn't hurt that the hostel is bursting with character. 

Hostel Detroit is aesthetically pleasing, colorful, and inviting. There are numerous kitchens and bathrooms, computers, super WiFi access, and free laundry. I noticed that waste baskets were emptied, and new hand towels/bath mats placed in each bathroom daily.



The room rates were so affordable that I treated myself to an adorable private room for four nights, complete with everything a girl could ask for. Silly me forgot to snap a photo before I moved in and messed the place up.

If you are on a tight budget and arrive at the airport during the day as I did, I recommend taking Smart Bus 125 (make sure you get on the right one going downtown!) for a mere $2.25. I got off at the Fort and Cass stop, and walked about 20 minutes to the hostel. The bus ride downtown will cost you about one hour and 20 minutes of your life, but the price can't be beat.

I felt right at home at Hostel Detroit, and invite you to do the same.
http://www.hosteldetroit.com/

SWEET DREAMS AT FREEHAND CHICAGO

I contemplated not sharing this gem with the world, because I'm afraid I may not get a bed on my future visits. However, that wouldn't be fair to Freehand, because it's an exceptional new hostel located in the heart of downtown Chicago.

 

The minute I stepped through the door at Freehand, I felt like I had entered a boutique hotel. I had to exit back out and check the address again to make sure my eyes weren't deceiving me.

Once inside, to your immediate left is a charming and hip cafe called Cafe Integral, which will keep you fueled with caffeine during your stay. To the right, you will find friendly and eager staff waiting to assist you. 

In addition, the hostel offers distinct sitting areas in an engaging atmosphere and a lounge called Broken Shaker, serving up mouthwatering cocktails and street food inspired fare.

I stayed in a funky shared quad with four bunk beds and en suite bath. The neighborhood maps on the ceiling of the bunks are a playful addition.

Freehand Chicago Perks:

• Hotel design at hostel prices 
• Cafe and lounge on the premises
• Exceptionally friendly, helpful staff
• Location, location, location
• Drapery surrounding each bed for privacy
• Individual lighting and outlets
• En suite bath and lockers
• The front desk will hold your bags in a secure area

Once you get inside Freehand Chicago, you may forget that you are supposed to be exploring the city. There is also a Freehand Miami, and I can't wait to check that out.

http://thefreehand.com/chicago/