We would like to go to an warm climate upscale property in mid-January. We would be traveling with a 5 and 9 year old for five nights. We don't want to spend all day traveling, but want a warm climate. Which property would be better Beaches (Turks & Caicos) or Ritz Carlton Rose Hall.

Beaches is lovely, and great with kids but is it is not very upscale. It is only 10 minutes from the air port in Turks, and there are many non stop flights to turks from the north east.

The food and accommodations are on the level of a Marriott, if that give you any indicaiton.

I agree with the poster above. Beaches is no Ritz Carlton. The RC is currently running a very good all inclusive for $295/night. If price ic comparable, I would without a doubt choose the RC.

Like comparing chocolate mousse to Twizzlers.

Another vote for the Ritz, and I am willing to bet that the cost might even be less than Beaches. Go on the Key to Paradise Plan, which includes all meals and drinks (everything except bottles of wine). Try to get an executive suite (it was only $60 a night more) and you will have a separate living room with, I believe, a pullout couch, two bathrooms and two balconies -- great for a family. We took an early morning direct flight from Philly and were at the Ritz by 12 noon. There were lots of kids and they all seemed to be having a good time. The service was impeccable and the food was good. I've seen Beaches and it in no way can compare with the exception of the incredible Grace Bay Beach which is the nicest I have seen.

Thanks for the information on the Ritz. How is the weather in mid-January. Also, I heard the pool and beaches at the Ritz aren't the best. Would you go off property with children?
Thanks for the info

What island is this Ritz on that you are referring to???

I believe the Ritz Rose Hall is in Jamaica....

It's east of Montego Bay. The property is lovely, (though rather stiff/formal for my own taste) the guests I saw appeared to be enjoying themselves.

The beach is OK but it has waves and is maybe a little rocky. The pool looked very nice. They use another beach with calmer water nearby but I believe a shuttle is involved.

I guess there are kids there but I didn't see any...certainly none were running around the lobby yelling or anything like that.

The Ritz beach is quite small compared to the number of guest this resort holds and it's also a bit rocky (Half Moon next door has a great beach but I would imagine it's for their guests only). The Ritz does provide shuttle service to another beach. When I was there last December I did see lots o kids on the beach, in the pool, even strollers in the bar/lounge at night. It's well suited for families and they do cater to them.