You'll find mostly chain hotels in downtown Miami. And while Coral Gables may be appealing, it's expensive, and the stylish high-rise hotels of Coconut Grove are even more so.

InterContinental Miami

Reservations: Toll-free 877-314-2424

www.icmiamihotel.com

A 639-room luxury hotel located next to the Bayside Marketplace and Bayfront Park, offering contemporary ambiance, an outdoor pool, lounge, health and fitness center, restaurants, and children's rates.

River Park Hotel and Suites

Reservations: 305-374-5100

This 135-suite hotel, located next to the Miami River, has small kitchens in each suite, a restaurant, fitness center with whirlpool, pool, valet parking, and special rates for kids.

Holiday Inn Marina Park Port of Miami

Reservations: Toll-free 800-356-3584

www.holidayinn.com

A 200-room hotel with an unbeatable location across from the Bayside Marketplace, with tropically furnished rooms, restaurant, bar, room service, car rental, complimentary morning newspaper, free parking, fitness center, and child care.

Days Inn Civic Center

Reservations: 305-324-0200,

www.daysinn.com

This central downtown hotel has 210 comfortable rooms, each with small kitchen and balcony with riverfront water view, plus a restaurant and bar, room service, car rental, complimentary morning newspaper, parking garage, fitness center, complimentary breakfast, pool, and children's rates.