With private access to Sunny Isles Beach in north Miami Beach, the Doubletree Ocean Point welcomes you with its signature warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in (hard to beat a welcome like that). The zero-entry oceanfront pool is perfect for sitting with toddlers in the shallow end, while the older kids compete for most dive sticks retrieved in the deeper end. Reward the winner and runner-up with the chance to make an ice cream run for your whole crew – The Market is just steps away. Assuming you have afternoon beach patrol covered, go hit the fitness center, then head over to The Salt Day Spa for a deep tissue or hot stone massage. Meet back up for exotic tropical cocktails and fruit smoothies at the poolside Wet Bar, then head back to your suite to get started on dinner. You’ll definitely want to save a night or two for the onsite bistro, named The View for obvious reasons. Grab a table al fresco and feast on American classics inventively infused with spice for a Miami-style spin.

Each comfortable one- and two-bedroom suite is well appointed, easily accommodating four to six guests in beds and a sleeper sofa, so no one’s stuck camping out on the floor. And access to a washer/dryer means you can pack lighter on clothes, and heavier on snorkel fins and sand buckets. The fully equipped kitchen may just inspire you to venture beyond your usual cereal and yogurt, into the land of french toast, pancakes and omelets. Or surprise everyone with elaborate, barista-recommended gourmet coffee drinks from The Market. Got nappers? Tuck them in, then slip out onto your private terrace with the monitor while they snooze, getting lost in your book and/or the ocean views until someone comes looking for the person in charge of sippy-cup filling.

The highlight of the area is undoubtedly the beach, but if you’re feeling adventuresome, there’s deep-sea fishing and snorkeling steps away. Cultural venues abound, from concerts and screenings at the Frank Gehry-designed New World Symphony, to dance performances at the Arsht Center. Jungle Island is a hit with kids. That said, they’ll also be perfectly content sampling the goods from a gelato stand along the Lincoln Road pedestrian mall. Rent bikes and zip by the Art Deco masterpieces along Ocean Drive, or check out an art walk in the Design District. Indulge in a platter of rope vieja, fried plantains and black beans in Little Havana. Or jump in the car and go see the Villa Vizcaya, the Barnacle or historic gardens at The Kampong in nearby Coconut Grove.