TravelDiari matches your credit cards to every hotel booking — saving you points you'd otherwise miss.

Destination + card

The best credit card for hotels in Miami.

Updated

Why this card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card for hotels in Miami.

Miami is a Marriott town at the high end. The Ritz-Carlton South Beach, JW Marriott Miami Turnberry, W South Beach, and EDITION Miami Beach are the marquee properties. Hilton has the Conrad Miami in Brickell. Hyatt has Hyatt Centric South Beach and Andaz Miami Beach.

Annual fee

$650

Best earn rate

6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Platinum status, 85,000-point free night certificate annually

Signup bonus

Currently around 150,000 points after tiered spend, see issuer for the current offer

The 85K free night cert covers a Saturday at the W South Beach or EDITION Miami Beach off-peak, both of which sell at $700 to $1,000 cash in winter. Platinum status at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach gets you a 4 PM late checkout and frequent upgrades to a partial ocean view. Art Basel week in December triples cash rates, so timing your free night cert to off-season makes the math work.

See this cardarrow_forward

If the top pick is not right

Alternative: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.

Conrad Miami is a strong Diamond property with breakfast in the 25th floor lounge and a saltwater pool. The free weekend night cert covers a Friday at the Conrad cleanly and the $400 Hilton resort credit applies at most Florida Hiltons.

American ExpressAnnual fee $550

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecMarriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express CardHilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
Annual fee$650$550
Best earn rate6 points per dollar at Marriotts, Platinum status, 85,000-point free night certificate annuallySee alternative section above
Signup bonusCurrently around 150,000 points after tiered spend, see issuer for the current offerVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

Miami hotels almost universally charge a $35 to $50 daily resort fee plus valet parking at $50 to $70 per night. Self-parking on Collins Avenue is essentially impossible during peak winter. Use Uber and skip the rental car unless you are heading to the Keys or Everglades.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for hotels in Miami?

expand_more

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card from American Express. The 85K free night cert covers a Saturday at the W South Beach or EDITION Miami Beach off-peak, both of which sell at $700 to $1,000 cash in winter. Annual fee is $650.

How many points do you need for a free night in Miami?

expand_more

Roughly 70,000 points per night at the recommended chain for Miami. Cash rate is around $420 per night, so the points stay is a meaningful discount versus paying cash.

Is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card a better choice for hotels in Miami?

expand_more

Conrad Miami is a strong Diamond property with breakfast in the 25th floor lounge and a saltwater pool. The free weekend night cert covers a Friday at the Conrad cleanly and the $400 Hilton resort credit applies at most Florida Hiltons. Annual fee is $550.