Miami vacation fun for families (Part 1 – where to stay)

July 7, 5:37 PMFlorida Travel ExaminerLarraine Stacey

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Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne

Vacationing families in the know have always been hip to Miami’s myriad attractions. But as the city developed its image in recent years as a sophisticated tropical resort destination, trend-conscious travelers have been more visible than the toddler through teens set. But now, with an influx of both new and expanded attractions with fresh family appeal, a new crop of luxury resorts that cater to families and the arrival of national hotel chains offering affordable family accommodations, Miami has once again reinvented itself as a fun and exciting destination for all ages and budgets.

With a great mix of natural wonders to explore, fun-filled tourist attractions to discover amidst Miami’s unique multicultural vibe and the always-present lure of beach, ocean and bay, Miami spoils families with a multitude of choices.
 

Mandarin Oriental Miami (South Beach)

Five-Star Family Fun

The spoiling starts at check-in for families who now view Miami as a conveniently located luxury resort destination. New properties that have opened in the past few years offer all of the upscale amenities of similar resorts in the Caribbean and Hawaii -- in what is often a far more accessible location. Families can vacation in style at fivestar beachfront properties that specialize in pampering guests and their children, catering to every imaginable whim. Pint-sized guests receive extra special attention – with perks ranging from free dining to their own little bathrobes.

When quality family bonding gets to be a little too intense, guests at Miami’s top resorts can take advantage of programs designed to give families a break from each other. Guests at the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne can indulge guilt-free in signature spa services, such as an Everglades Grass Body Wrap, secure in the knowledge that their youngsters are safe and happy at the Ritz Kids pool and spa. At the Loews Miami Beach, a massive free-form pool and easy beach access are the primary lures, but the Loews Loves Kids program brings it up a notch with welcome gifts for children under ten, supervised recreational programs, lending game libraries and special children’s menus. At the Mandarin Oriental Miami, children are greeted with a special welcome gift, their own bathroom amenities and bathrobes and complimentary in-room DVD players and discs. The Four Seasons Hotel offers a Kids for All Seasons activity center stocked with cotton candy and popcorn machines kids and offering arts and crafts, board game tournaments, computer games and more.

Doral Golf Resort and Spa

The Sonesta Bayfront Hotel - Coconut Grove Located within steps of the shopping, dining and nightlife of CocoWalk and Streets of Mayfair and feature spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline.

Miami’s Doral Golf Resort and Spa has been the site for great family getaways for over 40 years and offers Camp Doral, a full-fledged daily program that will occupy the most tireless of rugrats. There’s plenty to enjoy together as well -- from tennis to the water slide at the Blue Lagoon Water Park to just lounging around. At the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, the venerable resort offers Family Values, a program that rewards families with free dining from the children’s menus, nightly milk and cookie delivery, passes to area attractions and many other perks. Miami Beach’s Fontainebleau Resort, the Loews Miami Beach and others offer children’s camps or special programming designed to appeal to families.

For budget-conscious families, Miami is one of the world’s best-kept secrets for affordable accommodations. Summer temperatures are moderate, while hotel and motel rates drop as much as 50 percent. Meanwhile, large hotel chains, including Doubletree, Marriott, Holiday Inn, Homewood Suites, Travelodge and many others offer affordable accommodations year round -- many with built in kitchens for cooking on a budget -- in locations that are convenient to beaches and tourist attractions.

Miami vacation fun for families (Part 1 – where to stay)
Miami vacation fun for families (Part 2 – beaches and parks)
Miami vacation fun for families (Part 3 – things to do)
Miami vacation fun for families (Part 4 – nature/wildlife)