The Miami Beach Edition: An Urban Resort for Families

We love seeing more lifestyle hotels crop up that are more than just places to stay — they represent a refreshing way of living. The Miami Beach Edition is such a property and calls itself an urban resort … which, of course, begs the question, what is an urban resort and is it family-friendly? We found out that the answer is yes! Kids are welcome and find the same bliss as their parents in the sublime “only in Miami” relaxed atmosphere with loads of things to do.

The Miami Beach Edition, which has 294 rooms and suites plus 28 private bungalow rooms with a private outdoor space, is a different kind of kid-friendly hotel in Miami. There’s no kids’ club or milk and cookies at bedtime (although we were delivered an outrageous box of treats to watch a movie in our room by the wonderful concierge); the hotel works for families because every guest who stays here finds something joyful to experience … inside and out.

Here’s a look at the family-friendly highlights of The Miami Beach Edition:

Family-Friendly Review of The Miami Beach Edition

What is an Urban Resort?

If we use Edition Miami as an example, it’s a property in a city filled with resort-like spaces to play. Although the Edition’s footprint on South Beach feels intimate, there’s a shocking number of things to do without leaving the hotel and its beach club. Activity options include two well-sized swimming pools separated by a grassy garden with seating and bean bag toss. It’s very parklike and people feel inspired to act accordingly; on a Sunday afternoon all kinds of guests, including families, were simply chilling on the grass. You don’t need to be in a bathing suit to relax outside and feel welcome.

The outdoor bar, Tropicale, serves drinks and food throughout the day by the pool and at the beach club, which is equipped with umbrellas, lounge chairs and staff. The aptly named Sandbox has a screen for outdoor movies, Ping-Pong, hammocks and sheltered on-the-sand seating. We found that little kids love to play here during the day — it’s the world’s coolest giant sandbox!

When the outdoor entertainment options are exhausted, there’s a pool table in reception, as well as a bowling alley and an ice skating rink (!) in the lower level of the hotel.

And this urban resort has a very distinct adult side to it: There’s a popular nightclub, and the bowling alley and ice skating rink turn into adult-only spaces after 8p. There’s also a fully equipped 24-hour gym, as well as a full-service spa with nine treatment rooms.

Ian Schrager’s Magic

Ian Schrager is the genius behind the design. The Miami Beach Edition is the old Seville Hotel and has been thoroughly renovated and reinvented in a modern style, yet has retained its historic glamorous feel. Much of the hotel is white and very crisp — it’s light and bright with punches of gold. Latin music through the lobby creates an exotic mood with a distinctly Miami sense of place.

An expansive array of potted plants and soft lighting make the lobby inviting for lounging. It’s lovely to walk in the doors and be transported day and night to such a unique space. This is what getting away to a hotel is all about!

Stylish Guest Rooms Designed for Comfort

Rooms and suites follow the same clean, airy design as the rest of the hotel. They are sleek yet warm with oak-paneled walls, plush carpeting and soft blankets. It’s minimalist but designed for comfort and function with plenty of lounge seating. Some suites have terraces and the one- and two-level bungalows have a dining area, a living room and a spacious private deck. Upper-level bungalows have their own plunge pools.

Our room didn’t have an ocean view, but it still felt delightfully light and airy. You don’t need the ocean view here to find the rooms luxurious and beautiful.

Celebrity Chef Dining

The two restaurants by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Market and Matador, are both exceptional. Market offers all-day coffee and dining and features an open-air kitchen with takeout options, including charcuterie, smoothies, salads and an amazing dessert bar. Matador is the fine dining outlet and offers locally sourced cuisine inspired by Spanish, Caribbean and South American flavors.

One difficult decision is where to sit, as each restaurant offers distinct ambiance experiences. The dining room is stylish and sophisticated in a unusual round space, while the terrace feels more casual but is equally enchanting with candlelight and views of the pool and beach. Both have the same phenomenal food, but it’s nice to have two separate experiences from which to choose.

We had a tremendous meal on the terrace and found it vibrant and kid-friendly, particularly during the early seating. The menu isn’t fussy, it’s just good! From Roasted Snapper with Sweet Chili-Garlic Sauce to Avocado, Jalapeno, Cilantro, Lime and Onion Pizza, the menu is fresh and creative. Matador would be our go-to restaurant if we lived in Miami.

Location

Although the property is a little removed from the core action in South Beach, we still found the location convenient. We were walk-out to the boardwalk and a short walk to Citi Bikes, which enabled us to cruise easily down to the very tip of South Beach.

Guest rooms for a family of four start at $479 per night.

Relevant Links:

Browse our list of the best family-friendly hotels and things to do in Florida with kids

Best luxury family vacation ideas

72 Hours in Miami with Kids

Family beach vacation ideas with kids of all ages

Editor’s Note: Ciao Bambino received a media rate at The Miami Beach Edition. As always, our opinions are our own. Photos by Amie O’Shaughnessy and The Miami Beach Edition.