Motel Bianco has a cool, throw-back appearance with two levels of rooms with outdoor walkways and orange doors surrounding an open-air courtyard designed to encourage mingling. The lobby is bright with a white front desk in front of an orange wall. White pod-like chairs and a sleek black-and-white table give the space a futuristic feel. Black rattan tables and chairs, and tall palm trees add a casual, beach-y vibe. There’s a microwave and coffeemaker set up in the courtyard for guests who want to have breakfast outdoors. Guests in the drive-up rooms can park right in front of their doors.

Motel Bianco is located in the Design District, an up-and-coming neighborhood once plagued by urban decay. Some guests still have reservations about the area. There are several restaurants within two blocks from the hotel, including fast-food and sushi places. Downtown Miami is within a 15-minute drive. The Miracle Mile, Downtown Coral Gables, and South Beach are less than a 25-minute drive away. 

Rooms at Motel Bianco have tile or wood floors, white walls, and modern if sparse decor mostly in shades of cheerful yellow and white. Furnishings include tables serving as desks coupled with chairs and matching nightstands and low dressers. All rooms have small, flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. Double Rooms can accommodate up to four guests. Bathrooms have shower/tub combinations and no shelving, making it tricky to find a spot for toiletries. Courtyard rooms have free Wi-Fi, while drive-up rooms do not, although Wi-Fi is available in the public areas. Some guests complain that the hotel could be cleaner.

The budget Motel Bianco offers a free breakfast, including cereal, bagels, and pastries that can be eaten in a charming open-air courtyard. There’s free Wi-Fi in common areas and in the drive-up rooms, and an ATM in the lobby. As with many hotels in the budget category, it has no fitness center or pool but the hotel has arranged a discount for guests at a nearby gym.