Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach

Right on Ocean Drive in the formerly sleepy but now hopping SoFi enclave of South Beach, the Hilton Bentley has an enviable beachfront perch, easily strollable to the shops, dining and nightlife. Your days will somehow fill themselves with minimal (read: zero) planning on your part. With a sparkling blue pool, large, lounger-filled sun deck, private beach club and rejuvenating spa services all just steps away, vacations don’t get much more effortless than this. Make your way to the fitness center, should the motivation strike. Or rent bikes, pack a picnic and go exploring. If you’re back in time for dinner, inquire about a table at Santorini by Georgios, and feast on traditional and modern Greek fare. Not sure this is the kind of place where they yell “Ooopa” when the flaming saganaki appears, but if you’re feeling it, why not. If you’ve got another night open, the Prime 112 Italian Steakhouse is a can’t-go-wrong choice for expertly prepared classics. Reserve an afternoon (or splurge on a full day) of spa treatments. Having this much you-time is a luxury – take full advantage of it.

Spacious one-bedroom suites have a sleek, modern European flair, and treat you to lush courtyard and sparkling ocean views. Each is equipped with a well appointed kitchenette with stainless steel appliances and the all-important coffee maker. The private terrace may be your favorite “room” in the house. If you can’t manage to sleep in even on vacation, grab your mug and a book, and head outside for some blissful peace and quiet until the little ones in footed jammies show up, book in hand, looking for a lap to sit on and someone willing to read, doing all the voices. Traveling for special occasion? Book the 3,500 square foot, two-bedroom penthouse. Both king bedrooms have an en suite marble bath with jetted tubs, plus roomy walk-in closets for all those going-out outfits you brought, and private oceanfront terraces. The pièce de résistance is a spiral staircase leading up to a 1,500 square foot split-level rooftop terrace with private whirlpool tub and stunning views out over the water.

South Beach is nonstop action, so it’s easy to find things to keep your crew entertained. Check out the Adrienne Arsht Center and the New World Symphony for performing arts. Or hit the Wynwood and Design District for Art Deco-themed weekends and walks. Time it right and you can join the crowd swooping into town for the annual Art Basel – people watching at its finest. Stroll the Lincoln Road shops, stopping for fancy coffees or double scoops of gelato along the way. Lunch on Cuban classics in Little Havana. Or spend an afternoon with the critters at Jungle Island.