Miami Hotel for six
 

We are traveling to Florida in June to go diving in the Keys. There are six of us, my husband and I, my 22-year old daughter, 15-year old son and 9-year old twin boys. We will fly into Miami, spend one night and then drive down to Key Largo and spend five nights at the Ocean Point Suites.

Then I would like to return to Miami and spend two nights on a fabulous beach at a wonderful resort before heading home. But I am having a difficult time finding a resort that can accommodate six without it costing $500 a night for two rooms.

Any suggestions?

You have a problem, "fabulous beach at a wonderful resort" in Florida and under $250 a night per room rarely go together. The good news is that you're talking June when rates do come down in most of Florida, but not so much in the Keys or South Beach, where high prices remain the norm through the summer.
Have you thought about renting a two bedroom condo for the longer stay? Most will sleep six, and give you two bathrooms. Or is the Ocean Point Suites OK and priced right?

Ditto on the condo idea. You aren't going to find a hotel room that sleeps six.

What about two hotel rooms?

Thanks for the replies. The Ocean Point Suites is a 2 bedroom condo and we can get a good rate on that through the dive shop.

My problem is really Miami. I did find the Doubletree Ocean Point Beach Resort & Spa - Miami Beach N which has a 2 room suite for $315 a night. How's that location?

I'm definitely open to renting two rooms if the location were better. Thanks!

Barbara, when you say location, what are you looking for?

What do you want to be close to?

I know the area very well and if you can tell me what you want, I can give you locations that may work the best for your family.

Miami beach may not even be what you are trying to find. Biscayne Bay and Key Biscayne are also wonderful.

Thanks Go Travel.

I'd like to be within approximately 30 min. of the Miami airport so flying out isn't a hassle. (We fly out on a Tuesday at noon.)

Since the keys don't have much of a beach, I'd like to be right on a big sandy beach, with a beautiful pool for the kids to play in, something with a tropical feel to it. Maybe some jetskiis available to rent, or kayaks would be fun.

I'd like shops for my daughter and I to walk to. And cute cheap places nearby to grab breakfast or lunch. Family friendly evening dining.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

I know this sounds a little odd but check out The Greenbriar Beach Resort in Hollywood Beach Florida. It is right over the Miami-Dade County line into Broward County.

Redone little mom & pop hotel/appartments that are very nicely appointed on the prettiest stretch of beach in south Florida.

Your rate for a two bedroom or two one bedrooms will be well under $500 and probably under $300 per night. Award winning place. I loved the place and all accommodations have full kitchens and it serves breakfast daily.

Thanks GoTravel - that area and hotel look great, but the hotel website says it's a 45 min. drive to the Miami airport.

Any other suggestions that are closer?

After lots of research I reserved two rooms at the Holiday Inn South Beach. From the reviews on trip advisor I hear the ppol is nice and the beach is great, plus there is no parking fee and no fee for beach chairs (those are just the type of fees that bug my husband).

How about recommendations for family dining in the area.

Thanks

There is an Outback Steakhouse in the Holiday Inn. Also, Jerry's Deli is down the street on 14th & Collins, and try Davids II on the corner of Lincoln Road Mall and Meridian for great fairly inexpensive Cuban. News Cafe for breakfast and lunch is a great place to people watch.

Since you have so many kids, I suggest going to either the CVS or Wings on Lincoln Road and purchasing a couple of cheapie styrofoam coolers and stocking up on snacks and drinks. My husband and I usually buy bread, bologna, and cheese to make sandwiches to take to the beach. Food is expensive in South Beach. Also, we don't have to leave the beach every time we want something to eat or drink and I know how teenagers can be.

You'll love the location of the Holiday Inn and I think it is one of the best deals in South Beach. Free parking and free beach chairs. That is a rarity.

Forgot to add, there is also a Walgreens right next door to the Ritz-Carlton on the beach side of the corner of Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road. The Wings is catty-corner to Walgreens and the CVS is right down Lincoln Road on the same side of the street as Wings. Walgreens doesn't carry beer or wine but CVS does.

Thanks Go Travel - I'll print your advice and take it with me.

We are back from our trip. Thanks for all the help. The Holiday Inn was a great bargain, not fancy and new, but clean and the beach was fabulous.

We ended up eating at Nexxt Cafe for dinner, which we all really loved; the Front Porch for breakfast, Roberto was great with the kids and the orange french toast was wonderful; the 11 St. Diner for breakfast, mixed reviews but the french fried french toast was the favorite; Jerry's Deli for lunch, wonderful sanwiches; Versailles for dinner and pastries, dinner was good and the pastries were great, but if I was choosing again, I would just stay in South Beach.

Unfortunately it poured when we were there, but we managed to find some beach time and would love to return.

Thanks again.

Thanks for posting back. I wish more people did that, as we often never get feedback on all the suggestions.