Great family-friendly hotels in Downtown Miami
By Rowena Carr-Allinson
Marriott Miami Key Biscayne (Marriott)
Perfectly located if you are heading on a cruise, or want to visit the Art Deco and Design Districts, this 579-room Downtown Miami hotel prides itself on catering for families. With beautiful rooms and practical amenities like an outdoor pool, whirlpool and 24-hour state of the art fitness center, it’s also got a choice of restaurants including Catch on the waterfront or the Espressamente Illy Café coffeehouse. For those who want to get out onto the water, the hotel is home to a 200-slip Marina with fishing excursions and on-site boat rentals. In addition to rollaway beds, cribs and sleeper sofas, the hotel has a Kids Eat Free (ages 4-12) policy!
Epic Miami (Epic Hotel)
Part of the Kimpton chain of hotels, Epic Miami is a 411-room hotel located on 18th to 30th floor of a high rise on Biscayne Blvd. Rooms come with all the usual Kimpton perks, such as Frette linens and in-room yoga mat for those who might need a little meditation time, but most of all they have great views over Biscayne Bay and Brickell Key from their private balconies. Other hotel features include two pools, complimentary tea and coffee in the lobby, a full marina, valet parking, and twice-daily housekeeping upon request which can come in handy when traveling with messy little ones! Missing the pets? You can borrow a goldfish for the night too.
Four Seasons Hotel Miami (Four Seasons)
Ultra family friendly, the Four Seasons will provide everything from childproofing in the rooms to cribs, high chairs and play-pens on a complimentary basis. They’ll also make sure the little ones are kitted out with adorable child-size bathrobes, baby and children’s toiletries and can supply books, DVDs and board games for entertainment too. What’s more, the team will prepare age-appropriate welcome treats, such as juice and cookies that are bound to go down well. Outside, the kids will be delighted to find several pools, including the Palm Grove pool with its shallow waters, palm islands and hammocks, and a 7th floor heated pool with its own children’s area.
Mandarin Oriental Miami (Mandarin Oriental)
Situated right on Brickell Key, the Mandarin Oriental Miami is all about top end service, stunning waterfront views and Asian inspired serenity. There’s a private beach, infinity pool, beautiful award-winning spa, and two- or three-bedroom suites, ideally suited to families where one can request cribs, babysitters, diaper genies, and kids bathroom amenities. The hotel is also a gourmet adventure with its French Asian Azul restaurant, Peruvian cuisine at La Mar and fresh sushi or tapas at the Oasis Pool Bar. Even better, for each adult eating, children (under 11) get a complimentary meal from the kids menu at La Mar and the Oasis Pool Café.
(MORE: Look for kid-friendly attractions to see and visit in Miami.)
Viceroy Miami
Viceroy Miami (Viceroy)
Set at the northern gateway to Brickell Avenue, the 148-room Viceroy Miami is definitely hip and happening. The sleek and sophisticated hotel offers two-bedroom residences, with their own fully equipped kitchenettes, perfect for traveling families in need of a little independence and a place to whip up a quick child-friendly meal or warm up a bottle. Another major attraction? The beautiful 15th floor 300-foot infinity pool and deck. Those with time to relax should stop by the very impressive 28,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, a vision in white, with jaw-dropping views over the water. Finally, if you’ve booked a sitter, the 50th floor lounge is the THE place for a cocktail with skyline views.
Rowena Carr-Allinson contributed this to MiniTime.
