Originally Posted by
ElevatorEnthusiast
See the map below - Miami Beach is a separate island that is really only accessible by car (as is the rest of Miami) - it's long, and most of the hotels are located on the beach - there are good restaurants on the island (highly recommend Mister O1 for pizza, though there is also a location in Brickell) - Miami Beach is divided into South Beach, "Mid-Beach" and then further northern areas, like Bal Harbour (further north than the screenshot below). Downtown Miami, also known as Brickell, is on the mainland and is seen on the left-side landmass. Brickell is really the south side of the river, but it doesn't really matter as most things are clustered on the shores of that river that you can see. There are no beaches here - just a lot of hotels, offices, residences, and shopping malls - this is where the skyscrapers are, etc. If you stayed in Brickell or Downtown, you would need to drive to a beach.
Thanks. I guess beach ppl shld prob stay on miami beach?
Originally Posted by
nacho
What about Marriott Vacation Club properties? They are generally super kids friendly and we tried it in Breckenridge CO a few years back and it was my youngest's favourite Marriott (he likes the activities and a nice pool and the spacious suites). I have 3 kids too and their age difference is 3 years (now they are in their teens).
How does one look at vacation club properties? I'm just a regular platinum member.
Originally Posted by
Eujeanie
We just got back from a cruise where we spent 2 nights on the front end downtown (Brickell) and 2 nights on the back end on the beach.
What do you plan on doing that doesn't involve the beach?
I'm sure you want a nice pool? but the hotels are high rises with small footprints and small pools, mostly rooftop pools. And Miami Beach (south beach) is party central. And Brickell is very "city", walk out the door to teeming traffic.
Might I suggest the Miami suburb of Orlando/Kissimmee with kids that age?
In terms of doing stuff...maybe just hanging around, exploring, yes possibly pool. Honestly im from Toronto, so the goal is just to get out of the cold for a little bit while the kids are off school.
I'm assuming orlando being a suburb of miami is a joke? Since I think it is 3 hours away lol. In retrospect Orlando would have made much more sense, but then I thought it would have to be a Disney trip which I wasnt really prepared for. Flight is already booked and i cant change it without cost so sorta stuck now lol.
Originally Posted by
longtimereader firstimeposter
I would highly recommend the Ritz Key Biscayne. Lots of kids activities and also walking to several restaurants/avoiding the crazy Miami crowds.
What kind of kids activities are there?
Originally Posted by
Eujeanie
I thought of that, too, but isn't it right on the beach? Would the Ritz in Coconut Grove be good for kids? That's not really near the water.
Maybe moot, as I think the ritz is out of my points/cash budget for the dates I am looking at.