For families looking for a hotel that is more than just a pool, staying at a beachside resort with a children’s day camp may be the answer. Fort Lauderdale and Miami both have a number of hotels that offer children’s programs that include such activities as snorkeling lessons, poolside movies, dance classes, and craft projects. Surprisingly though, some of these luxury hotels offer low season rates that are quite inexpensive.
Embassy Suites Deerfield Beach: Snorkelling and Boogie Boarding Lessons
This all-suite hotel is modern and luxurious featuring Suite Dreams beds by Serta, flat screen TVs, a wet bar with fridge and microwave, and a dining table. Children aged 4 to 14 can participate in the beachside day camp, Funky Fish Kids Day. The camp is offered daily from 10am to 3pm for the additional cost of $59 per child and includes activities such as snorkeling lessons, boogie boarding lessons, tie dying t-shirts, and a pizza party. (Low season rates for a two-room suite from $150; 954-426-0478)
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort: Full Size Kitchens with Grocery Service
Guests with kids under the age of 14 can participate in the resort’s complimentary supervised Day Camp. Although the program doesn’t operate on the beach, the Day Camp offers poolside fun and games for kids while parents can enjoy poolside cabanas and a full service spa. Families can book a luxuriously appointed suite that features a full size kitchen with stainless steel appliances, premium bedding, and large flat screen TVs. On request, the hotel will also pre-stock the fridge with their in-room grocery service. (Low season rates from $169; 954-414-2222)
Harbor Beach Marriott Resort and Spa: Poolside Movies and Daily Art Projects
Beachside Buddies for kids is the children’s day camp for kids aged 5 to 12. Children enjoy supervised sports, arts and crafts, and swimming in the tropical lagoon pool while mom and dad can enjoy some alone time. Standard rooms feature flat screen TVs and sumptuous bedding, and the property has seven restaurants and a spa. Family activities include evening poolside movies and making personalized sundaes. (Low season rates from $199 includes free kids meals; 954-525-4000)
Ritz Carleton South Beach, Miami: Club Level Suites Feature All Day Snacks
The supervised oceanfront Ritz Kids program for children ages 5 to 12 features activities such as Latin dance classes, pirate treasure hunts and sand castle building. Standard guest rooms feature high end amenities such as marble baths, luxurious cotton linens and IPod docking stations. The Club Level rooms additionally feature complimentary snacks, beverages, and sweets throughout the day. (Rates from $269 for a standard room and from $399 for a Club Level room; 786- 276-4000)
Lago Mar Resort: Children’s Beach Playground
Although the four-diamond resort doesn’t have a supervised children’s program, the property includes a beachside playground, tennis courts, beach volleyball and two large tropical pools. The rooms are appointed with down duvets and granite countertops. While the Italian restaurant on site, Aquario features a children’s menu, where during the summer, kids eat free. (Rates from $390; 954-523-6511)
Although most of these hotels have great rates already, guests can expect even lower prices if they book early and take advantage of discounts such as when using an AAA member card. Or check out some additional inexpensive hotels in Fort Lauderdale.
