Top Boutique Hotels in Miami for a Dream Vacation in the Tropical Paradise

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Excellent amenities and impeccable hospitality blend with a typical laid-back, relaxing ambiance of the beachfront lifestyle at boutique hotels in Miami. The following recommendations offer everything you need for a memorable tropical vacation.

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Sonesta Coconut Grove Miami

Tucked away in a quiet corner at The Grove, Sonesta Coconut Grove Miami offers elegantly appointed rooms with panoramic views of the sprawling Biscayne Bay. Guests can also enjoy the bay views while savoring delicious Latino dishes at the hotel’s onsite restaurant. Sonesta Coconut Grove Miami’s strategic location ensures quick access to CocoWalk and the downtown shopping plazas, coffee shops, eateries, and of course, Miami’s effervescent nightlife. You can choose from the city-view and bay-view rooms and suites. Rooms are cozy and comfortable, while suites are spacious and come with a separate living room and a fully equipped kitchen.

DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay

Overlooking the Sea Isle Marina, DoubleTree by Hilton Grand Hotel Biscayne Bay is only 3.5 miles from South Beach. The hotel’s guest rooms feature king-size beds with down-filled duvets, work desks with chairs, LDC televisions, coffee makers, mini-refrigerators, and private balconies from which you can enjoy the views of the waterfront or the city anytime. If you are planning an extended stay, then choose from the hotel’s premium condominiums, which are more spacious and come with a separate living area, a private balcony, and a well-equipped kitchen.  From a plush swimming pool to a full-service spa to a state-of-the-art business center, this Biscayne Bay hotel has everything to satisfy your leisure and business needs.

South Seas Hotel

Located right on the South Beach, South Seas Hotel welcomes leisure seekers with uninterrupted ocean view, a lush tropical garden with hammocks, swimming pools lined with coconut palms, and a poolside restaurant and bar. A beautiful white-sand beach waits just behind the palm groves and South Beach’s lively entertainment district is only a brief walk from the hotel. The guest rooms are designed to ensure pure tropical bliss with soft beds, white linens, bright interiors, stylish furnishings, and orchid arrangements. Room amenities include a flat-panel television, Wi-Fi, work desk, safe, fridge, and continental breakfast.

The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami

Set amidst a verdant tropical garden to keep out the hustle and bustle of the city life, The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami ensures a quiet, relaxing retreat with a promise of the ultimate luxury. The boutique hotel close to Coral Gables’ shopping district, houses a luxury spa, a plush swimming pool, a fitness center that is accessible 24 hours, and a huge meeting space with business services including fax, photocopy, translator, and staffs for assistance. An array of elegantly appointed rooms come with plush beds, down-filled pillows, a TV with popular movie channels, a computer desk with chair, complimentary coffee/tea, a private balcony overlooking the beach, and a deluxe bathroom with premium bath amenities.

Conrad Miami

Overlooking the Biscayne Bay, the 36-storey hotel Conrad Miami stands tall on the Brickell Avenue, Miami. With modern rooms featuring minimalist decor to soothe your eyes, a luxury spa to pamper yourself anytime, a plush rooftop pool to soak in, and a bar with signature cocktails and wines to unwind, Conrad Miami is a perfect casual weekend getaway at the heart of Miami. The guest rooms feature premium bedding, flat-panel HDTV, work desk with a table lamp and ergonomic chair, a mini bar, a coffee machine, and a spacious bathroom with bathtub, shower, bathrobe, and toiletries.

Boutique Hotels in the US Santa Barbara – The Taste of Spanish Riviera on the Californian Coast

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With the Pacific on one side and the Ynez Mountains on the other, the historic town of Santa Barbara is only an hour’s drive from Los Angeles. Its white stucco buildings with red-tiled roofs, brick walkways, and warm subtropical weather are reminiscent of the fascinating Spanish Riviera. Bicycle or walking tours are the best way to explore Santa Barbara’s picturesque harbor, nature parks, museums, wineries, and Hispanic architecture. With luxurious accommodations and a range of upscale amenities, boutique hotels in Santa Barbara can serve as the perfect base for exploring the downtown attractions.

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Montecito Inn

A landmark boutique hotel established by Charlie Chaplin in 1928, Montecito Inn bears a tradition of luxury and elegance. The hotel’s guest rooms and suites are designed in classical Mediterranean themes, reflecting the Spanish colonial aura prevalent across Santa Barbara. A range of upscale amenities includes an onsite restaurant, meeting rooms, spa, fitness center, an outdoor pool with hot tub, concierge, and valet. Continental breakfast, Wi-Fi internet, bicycle rental, and access to the hotel’s Charlie Chaplin DVD library are some of the complimentary amenities, which make it a great value for a luxury hotel.

Spanish Garden Inn

As the hotel name indicates, Spanish Garden Inn provides a setting and ambience at par with the rich Spanish heritage of the city. Located at the heart of Santa Barbara’s historic Presidio district, this boutique hotel offers quick access to State Street shopping district, museums, Stearns Wharf, and Old Mission Santa Barbara. The guest rooms feature king or queen beds, high-definition TVs along with DVDs, Wi-Fi internet, coffee makers, and premium bath accessories. You can choose from Deluxe and Superior rooms and suites depending on the size of your group.

Harbor View Inn

With Santa Barbara Winery within walking distance and the Old Mission Santa Barbara a 10-minute drive from the hotel, Harbor View Inn offers oceanfront rooms perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape or families planning a relaxing retreat in Santa Barbara. The hotel’s rooms and suites come with an array of luxury amenities including a king-size bed with fine linens, flat-screen TV with HBO and games channels, CD/DVD player, coffee maker, mini bar, iron with ironing board, and daily newspaper delivered at the doorstep.

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The Presidio

If you are looking for a Santa Barbara boutique hotel within budget, The Presidio is an option. Located on State Street, Santa Barbara’s vibrant shopping and entertainment hub, The Presidio offers contemporary-style accommodations along with modern amenities that ensure a remarkable living experience at lower rates. Its strategic location allows quick access to most of Santa Barbara’s downtown attractions as well as popular restaurants and bars. Rooms come with deluxe bedding, 42-inch LED TV with free movie channels, complimentary Wi-Fi access and bike rentals, and eco-friendly bath amenities.

Santa Barbara House

Santa Barbara House, formerly known as The Parkside Inn, is a pet-friendly, midrange hotel run by the Hyatt group. Tucked away in the quaint neighborhood of Por La Mar Drive, Santa Barbara Housepromises a quiet, relaxing stay.  The hotel’s spacious guest rooms are decorated in contemporary style. Each room comes with a king bed or two queen beds, a large flat-panel television, a desk with chairs, and a private balcony with sitting arrangement. The range of hotel amenities includes a swimming pool, onsite dining, gymnasium, and free parking and Wi-Fi.

Top 5 Things in Kansas City Your Kids Will Enjoy the Most

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Situated on the western border of Missouri, Kansas City serves as the gateway to the state. From history to culture, from music to sports, Kansas City has manifold sides to explore. The city has so much on its platter that you may get confused as to what to see and what not on your first visit. Sometimes, while traveling with kids, parents find it difficult to choose the places where their kids can have the best time. Following is a list of top five things in Kansas City that your kids will enjoy the most.

Kansas City, Missouri

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Encounter the Wild at Kansas City Zoo

Kids of all ages can enjoy an entire day at the city’s zoological park. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including kangaroos, rhinos, chimpanzees, and tigers. You’ll find zebras and giraffes grazing in the secluded areas resembling the African wetlands. A Sky Safari can take you closer to the relaxing herbivores on the field. The zoo remains open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have time after all this, the kids can enjoy a few fun rides, too.

Discover the Creative Genius in Your Little One at Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope is one of the must-do, free activities for kids in Kansas City. With an array of engaging art-and-craft and do-it-yourself activities, you can discover the artistic genius in your little ones at the art sessions at Kaleidoscope, which opens at 9:30 in the morning. Since the ticket is free, it is better to book your spot in advance.

Let Loose the Child in You at Loose Park

There are many pools and spray grounds dotting the Kansas City metropolitan landscape that offer free access to visitors. Loose Park, at 52nd Terrace and Summit Street, is a place with several fountains and shaded picnic tables placed amid a huge landscaped garden. You can book a table for up to 10 people for $25 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the park.

Learn New Things at Science City at Union Station

Science City at Union Station is a great place for kids to discover the wonders of science and learn more about scientific discoveries and the latest technologies in a fun way.  From exploring the exhibits, to joining the demo of science in our daily life activities, to exciting sky-bike rides, kids can choose to do whatever they like. Your chance to explore the grand architecture of the Union Station is a bonus.

Enjoy Movies Under the stars

After a day full of fun and activities, it is time to make the nights special in Kansas City. Instead of spending the evening in the hotel room, take your kids out to the Crown Center, Kearney Amphitheater, or Theater in the Park, where they can watch movies while sitting right under the stars. From the classic fairytale, Cinderella, to the latest science fiction, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, your little ones can choose from a range of movie showings at these open-air theaters.

Accommodations in Kansas City

Just as you pick the tourist attractions selectively for your kids, you are extra careful about where to stay in Kansas City  while traveling with kids. Although there is no dearth of accommodations in Kansas City for every budget, Crowne Plaza Kansas City Downtown, Holiday Inn Country Club Plaza, and InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza are some of the family friendly hotels where your little ones would enjoy their stay.

 

Hipmunk Hotels: Riding the Waves in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Sarasota, and More

With sunny weather, sandy beaches, and turquoise waves, the coastal cities of Florida are surfers’ paradise. Here is a quick guide to help you select your destinations and hotels in South Florida.

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Fort Lauderdale

Sprawling beaches and wide variety of watersports are the major attractions for tourists in Fort Lauderdale. You can rent a yacht anytime and sail out in the ocean for fishing and dolphin-watching or explore the inland waterways. Adventure lovers can go surfing, snorkeling, or scuba diving in the gulf. If you can take some time off The Strip, there are rollercoasters, airboat ride, and swamp safari to make your vacation even more exciting. While luxury hotels and resorts are aplenty, La Casa Del Mar and Granada Inn are some of the hotels in Fort Lauderdale, FL where you can find the calm and comfort of boutique-style accommodation.

Treasure Island

If you want to experience the charm of Florida beaches without the maddening crowd, Treasure Island is the place to be. Madeira Beach and St. Pete Beach are the major entertainment hubs where you will find many hotels, restaurants, shops, and bars. After a day full of waterfront recreation, take a relaxing walk along the boardwalk at John’s Pass Village. Cruises are widely available here. You can also rent your own speedboat for a thrilling ride to the sea or a fully personalized dolphin-watch tour at your own pace. When it comes to accommodation, there are many hotels in Treasure Island, FL, offering pet-friendly, air-conditioned rooms along with free breakfast and airport shuttle service within $100 a night.

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St Petersburg

St Petersburg boasts of its one of the main cities in the  with the third-largest public waterfront system in America. However, with several fine art galleries, museums, and craft centers St Petersburg also has a cultural side to explore. Sunken Gardens, a beautiful botanical garden at the downtown and the adjacent Great Explorations Children’s Museum are must-sees if you are traveling with kids. There are accommodations for every budget in St Petersburg. The Inn on Third and Cordova Inn Downtown St. Pete are some of the centrally located hotels in St Petersburg, FL, which offer complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking facilities.

Pompano Beach

The heart of Gold Coast, Pompano Beach offers excellent jet-skiing, sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling facilities for adventure seekers. The other major attractions of Gold Coast, Miami and Fort Lauderdale, are also a short drive from the city. The city’s municipal fishing pier with beachside playground and picnic tables is an ideal place for family fun and outdoor relaxation.  With so many things to do, vacation in Pompano Beach can be an expensive affair. Ebb Tide Resort Oceanfront and Clarion Inn are some of the hotels in Pompano Beach, FL that offer non-smoking, air-conditioned rooms and swimming pools at moderate price.

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Sarasota

With beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and upscale shopping centers, Sarasota has everything you need for a refreshing break. From history to modern art to nature, you will find a variety of tourist attractions in Sarasota.  Whether it is exploring Sarasota Jungle Gardens, watching big cats at Gulf Coast Sanctuary, or learning the history of circus at The Ringling, Sarasota offers plenty of options other than watersports to keep you busy all day. Those who want to splurge, can book any of the several beachfront hotels in Sarasota, FL. On the other hand, Quality Inn or The Inn at Midtown can be your options for low-cost hotels ensuring comfortable rooms with basic leisure amenities and quick access to the famous Siesta Key Beach.