Vacation destination inquiry

Have you looked at the Don Cesar?

 

I like the breakers in Palm beach... they have a dedicated kids area... and serenity pool for adults... the pvt beach is just ok...

 

if you want the Islands... La Samanna on St. Martin. My wife and I just got back from a week there.

 

With young kids try the grand Floridian at Disney, club level. Always a nice spread of food all day for eating and snacks, monorail to the park and back.

For more grown up the ritz anywhere club level is always fun.

How about the presidents sweet at the falls view Sheraton overlooking Niagara Falls in Canada? Always fun.

 

If you can extend to HI:

With kids - kaanapali area on Maui.

Lots of day trip places to go from there.

Ritz: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KapaluaMaui/Default.htm

Atlantis was nice, I had the suite adjacent to the Bridge Suite, but was too crowded during Easter. I would recommend it for the kids, it has some nice features and the kids enjoyed it.

 

Nothing beats Hawaii for a warm weather vacation spot, nothing. But it is a long haul from the east coast and only you know how well everyone could deal with that. For the east coast my favorite beach is White Crest beach on the national seashore of cape cod, would require close supervision of children. In both places I would suggest renting a home vs an over-priced hotel. If your kids are too young for the water, then San Fran would be nice at that time IF the cable cars are running. Lots to do there, very scenic, and include napa, the redwoods, and the coast. Also London is the same distance from NYC and there is plenty to do there, you could car-spot around harrods.

 

Agreed with The Breakers for Palm Beach, and also with Grand Floridian in Orlando. We do Grand Floridian at least twice a year with our family.

Also, consider Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast. A *decent* hotel with some very spacious accomodations, nice beach, great pools and dedicated kids club activities. Our family likes this property also.

Good luck, you probably won't go wrong. Nothing wrong with staying on the Main Land - plenty of great places to kick back!

Edit: Don't know if you're thinking about cruising, but Disney Cruise Line is a good one for families with young kids - also, they have a dedicated Concierge Level if you demand that differentiated status!

 

There was an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal last week - it might have been Friday, I forget. Basically, it was a conversation with the General Manager. He was very candid about their desire to remain independent (YAY) of the big hotel brands, saying that he probably gets a dozen inquiries per month about buying the property. It is still owned by the Flagler family, and that area is RICH with history, if you care to check it out. Very educational actually. Flagler basically built Florida (with his railroad), and his influence is all over the place. Palm Beach was sort of his playground, but his notable works are also found in St. Augustine. I loved it.
Also, the Breakers just wrapped up about $250 million in renovations, spread over a 10 year period I believe. It's a great place. You won't regret it.
Of course, we've already got 2 vacations booked at the Grand Floridian this year, but we won't be going to the Breakers. Bummer...
From my childhood, a few hotels stood out to me as marks of success. Meaning, if I could afford to stay there, I'd achieved some of my goals. The Breakers was one of those hotels.

 

Take a cruise for sure...... Oasis of the Seas or Allure of the Seas..... We went ont he Oasis of the Seas last year and we are leaving this Sunday on the Allure of the Seas.... We book the Crown loft Suite which has two floors an is AMAZING.... My wife and I travel with our two sons, 10 and 13... We fit into that cabin very comfortably..... Please look into it, you and your family will LOVE IT!!!!!

 

ritz carlton dana point, ca. near la jolla. beautiful area.
or
in laguna beach, ca is the montage resort. very hi end.
check em out.
ed

 

Grand Cayman. Several nice hotels alond 7 mile beach in variuos price ranges. Nice sand and easy beach swimming. Heading back for our second trip at the end of the month and bringing my 5 year old.

 

This. First class place, amazing beach, lots to do on the island. Took our kids when they were 11 and 8, they still talk about it 7 years later.

 

Al, have you ever considered joining a vacation club? I'm not talking about a time share either. Take a look at this... Luxury Vacations, Residences & Travel Destinations | Exclusive Resorts it's perfect for families that like to vacation in high end locations.

I've stayed in some of their properties and as much as I like the Four Seasons, Ritz, etc it's just so nice to have your own home, IMO.