Opened in June of 2014, the 231-room Hilton Cabana Miami Beach is an upper-middle-range hotel on 63rd St. and Collins Ave in North Beach. Retro guest rooms and suites have pops of color, flat-screen TVs, iHome docking stations, and (in some cases) balconies. As some rooms face a wall, ocean-view and oceanfront rooms are worth the upgrade. Amenities include a wide beachfront with loungers and umbrellas (for a fee), two swimming pools, a French-inspired restaurant, two bars, and a 24-hour fitness center. But the hotel is far from the nightlife found farther south, so it's best for families or couples seeking a beach stay. Those who'd rather be in South Beach should compare rates with the more upscale Redbury South Beach, often only slightly pricier.
Opened in June of 2014, the 231-room Hilton Cabana Miami Beach is an upper-middle-range hotel on 63rd St. and Collins Ave in North Beach. Retro guest rooms and suites have pops of color, flat-screen TVs, iHome docking stations, and (in some cases) balconies. As some rooms face a wall, ocean-view and oceanfront rooms are worth the upgrade. Amenities include a wide beachfront with loungers and umbrellas (for a fee), two swimming pools, a French-inspired restaurant, two bars, and a 24-hour fitness center. But the hotel is far from the nightlife found farther south, so it's best for families or couples seeking a beach stay. Those who'd rather be in South Beach should compare rates with the more upscale Redbury South Beach, often only slightly pricier.
The upscale Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach is an all-suite property with a relaxed North Beach location. The 290 suites are modern and swish, with sitting areas, furnished terraces, and bathrooms with Italian marble and soaking tubs. Galley kitchenettes feature high-end appliances and room service is available 24/7. Expect panoramic views from the sixth-floor pool area, aromatherapy spa treatments, and a state-of-the-art-gym with free morning yoga. A kids' club offers half-day programs and a chic cocktail lounge has an upscale nautical theme, plus there are a well-reviewed Mediterranean eatery, poolside grill, and market. The resort fee covers bikes, access to most facilities, and Wi-Fi, though valet parking and bringing a pet will cost extra. For those wanting a younger, trendier vibe, the nearby W Fort Lauderdale has nightly activities and two pools.
The upscale Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach is an all-suite property with a relaxed North Beach location. The 290 suites are modern and swish, with sitting areas, furnished terraces, and bathrooms with Italian marble and soaking tubs. Galley kitchenettes feature high-end appliances and room service is available 24/7. Expect panoramic views from the sixth-floor pool area, aromatherapy spa treatments, and a state-of-the-art-gym with free morning yoga. A kids' club offers half-day programs and a chic cocktail lounge has an upscale nautical theme, plus there are a well-reviewed Mediterranean eatery, poolside grill, and market. The resort fee covers bikes, access to most facilities, and Wi-Fi, though valet parking and bringing a pet will cost extra. For those wanting a younger, trendier vibe, the nearby W Fort Lauderdale has nightly activities and two pools.
The 85-room upscale Naples Bay Resort and Marina is something like a small Italianate resort city, with a marina and bay at its center, and a sophisticated European vibe that feels many miles away from its beachy Naples surroundings. The grounds are huge, with three restaurants, five pools -- including an adults-only lap pool and a lazy river -- plus a tennis center, enormous fitness center, and full-service spa. There's a free shuttle for local destinations. Guest rooms are spacious and classic, with private balconies, while suites offer full kitchens and, in some cases, marina views. With its close proximity to popular Fifth Avenue, an array of sophisticated on-site features, and a kids' club, this is a great option for families seeking an elegant Naples getaway. Expect to pay a daily resort fee.
The 85-room upscale Naples Bay Resort and Marina is something like a small Italianate resort city, with a marina and bay at its center, and a sophisticated European vibe that feels many miles away from its beachy Naples surroundings. The grounds are huge, with three restaurants, five pools -- including an adults-only lap pool and a lazy river -- plus a tennis center, enormous fitness center, and full-service spa. There's a free shuttle for local destinations. Guest rooms are spacious and classic, with private balconies, while suites offer full kitchens and, in some cases, marina views. With its close proximity to popular Fifth Avenue, an array of sophisticated on-site features, and a kids' club, this is a great option for families seeking an elegant Naples getaway. Expect to pay a daily resort fee.
An upscale resort that seamlessly blends business savvy with family-friendliness, the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes is a solid option for all kinds of Orlando travelers. Located midway between Disney World and Universal Studios, the JW Marriott appeals to families, and its massive lazy river pool is great for kids. With over 100,000 square feet of meeting space, the hotel also attracts business travelers, and is a popular spot for conventions. The nearly 1,000 guest rooms are tastefully decorated and include mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs. Varied dining options, Starbucks, a lovely spa, and an 18-hole golf course are other standout features, and guests are welcome to use all amenities at the adjoining Ritz Carlton. Expect to pay a resort fee and extra for parking. The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is located within Walt Disney World, and offers Disney related perks, but rooms aren’t as upscale.
An upscale resort that seamlessly blends business savvy with family-friendliness, the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes is a solid option for all kinds of Orlando travelers. Located midway between Disney World and Universal Studios, the JW Marriott appeals to families, and its massive lazy river pool is great for kids. With over 100,000 square feet of meeting space, the hotel also attracts business travelers, and is a popular spot for conventions. The nearly 1,000 guest rooms are tastefully decorated and include mini-fridges and flat-screen TVs. Varied dining options, Starbucks, a lovely spa, and an 18-hole golf course are other standout features, and guests are welcome to use all amenities at the adjoining Ritz Carlton. Expect to pay a resort fee and extra for parking. The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is located within Walt Disney World, and offers Disney related perks, but rooms aren’t as upscale.
This beautifully restored, 393-room beachfront property is a modern reincarnation of Miami’s first luxury hotel -- The Royal Palm. Highlights at The Royal Palm, Miami-South Beach (formerly The James Royal Palm) include two swimming pools, two restaurants, three bars, a full-service spa, stylish rooms, and a great address on swank Collins Avenue. The rooms are modern and sophisticated, with original paintings by local artists. Guests have to pay a daily “beach fee,” but they get a lot in return, including free bikes, beach chairs, and a welcome basket with a bottle of water and fresh fruit.
This beautifully restored, 393-room beachfront property is a modern reincarnation of Miami’s first luxury hotel -- The Royal Palm. Highlights at The Royal Palm, Miami-South Beach (formerly The James Royal Palm) include two swimming pools, two restaurants, three bars, a full-service spa, stylish rooms, and a great address on swank Collins Avenue. The rooms are modern and sophisticated, with original paintings by local artists. Guests have to pay a daily “beach fee,” but they get a lot in return, including free bikes, beach chairs, and a welcome basket with a bottle of water and fresh fruit.
A five-minute drive from Disney World theme parks, this 1,335-room convention hotel is a great value for budget-minded families. The trade-offs for those who can overlook the dowdy decor include large suites, ample dining options, and features like an enormous pool and a two-story fitness center. Travelers looking for more modern rooms (with private balconies) might prefer Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress -- where the pool's waterslide is 50 feet longer than Caribe Royale's -- though rates are higher.
A five-minute drive from Disney World theme parks, this 1,335-room convention hotel is a great value for budget-minded families. The trade-offs for those who can overlook the dowdy decor include large suites, ample dining options, and features like an enormous pool and a two-story fitness center. Travelers looking for more modern rooms (with private balconies) might prefer Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress -- where the pool's waterslide is 50 feet longer than Caribe Royale's -- though rates are higher.
The 222-room, upper-mid-range Lido Beach Resort is located on Lido Key on the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Sarasota. A family-friendly property, the hotel has multiple pools, a beachfront tiki bar, and a restaurant atop the eighth floor of the tower. Rates are variable depending on room size (two-bedroom suites cost quite a bit more), but are reasonable for the area.
The 222-room, upper-mid-range Lido Beach Resort is located on Lido Key on the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Sarasota. A family-friendly property, the hotel has multiple pools, a beachfront tiki bar, and a restaurant atop the eighth floor of the tower. Rates are variable depending on room size (two-bedroom suites cost quite a bit more), but are reasonable for the area.
The five-pearl Ritz-Carlton, Naples is a true luxury resort in a spectacular private beachfront setting. For those who can afford the steep rates, it offers VIP service and a top-notch array of amenities. Its 420 guest rooms are elegant and stylish, but not overly luxurious or opulent, with 42-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, iPod docs, terrycloth robes, and marble bathrooms with Asprey bath products. Many units have private balconies with waterfront views. Among the hotel's excellent lineup of features include two large pools (one that’s adults-only), a massive spa and and fitness center, and seven dining options. Travelers looking to spend a bit less but still want an upscale stay on the beach can consider the luxury Naples Grande Beach Resort.
The five-pearl Ritz-Carlton, Naples is a true luxury resort in a spectacular private beachfront setting. For those who can afford the steep rates, it offers VIP service and a top-notch array of amenities. Its 420 guest rooms are elegant and stylish, but not overly luxurious or opulent, with 42-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, iPod docs, terrycloth robes, and marble bathrooms with Asprey bath products. Many units have private balconies with waterfront views. Among the hotel's excellent lineup of features include two large pools (one that’s adults-only), a massive spa and and fitness center, and seven dining options. Travelers looking to spend a bit less but still want an upscale stay on the beach can consider the luxury Naples Grande Beach Resort.
A 10-minute drive from Walt Disney World, this mid-sized, decor at this three-pearl resort is a bit old-fashioned, but it can be a great value compared to nearby hotels such as Staybridge Suites next door. Multiple room configurations make Cypress Pointe ideal for families and big groups, and layouts range from Studios with whirlpool tubs to Two- and Three-Bedroom Condos with full kitchens and living rooms. Kid-friendly amenities include an erupting volcano feature in the pool, a huge game room, and a playground. However, most buildings lack elevators and housekeeping is only provided once per week. This is a time-share community as well, and guests have been subjected to hard sells and pitches in the past.
A 10-minute drive from Walt Disney World, this mid-sized, decor at this three-pearl resort is a bit old-fashioned, but it can be a great value compared to nearby hotels such as Staybridge Suites next door. Multiple room configurations make Cypress Pointe ideal for families and big groups, and layouts range from Studios with whirlpool tubs to Two- and Three-Bedroom Condos with full kitchens and living rooms. Kid-friendly amenities include an erupting volcano feature in the pool, a huge game room, and a playground. However, most buildings lack elevators and housekeeping is only provided once per week. This is a time-share community as well, and guests have been subjected to hard sells and pitches in the past.
The 100-room, upper-middle-range Albion is one of the best values in South Beach, with a location just blocks from the beach and Lincoln Road Mall. Art Deco-inspired interiors are stylish and cute, and an extensive art collection owned by the Rubell family -- best known for its Studio 54 connection -- is displayed throughout the common spaces. Rooms are clean and modern, with a stylish, nautical-inspired navy and white color scheme, and great amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and iPod docks. The pool is a lovely spot for a quiet day in the sun, and the lounge offers poolside food and drinks service until the late afternoon. The hotel also features a tiny fitness center and meeting space, but there is no on-site parking, and the fee for valet service is steep. Young partygoers may want to compare rates at the Catalina Hotel.
The 100-room, upper-middle-range Albion is one of the best values in South Beach, with a location just blocks from the beach and Lincoln Road Mall. Art Deco-inspired interiors are stylish and cute, and an extensive art collection owned by the Rubell family -- best known for its Studio 54 connection -- is displayed throughout the common spaces. Rooms are clean and modern, with a stylish, nautical-inspired navy and white color scheme, and great amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and iPod docks. The pool is a lovely spot for a quiet day in the sun, and the lounge offers poolside food and drinks service until the late afternoon. The hotel also features a tiny fitness center and meeting space, but there is no on-site parking, and the fee for valet service is steep. Young partygoers may want to compare rates at the Catalina Hotel.