Doubletree Ocean Point Beach Resort & Spa
17375 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33160
Phone: 866.623.2678
Fax: 786.528.2519
Website: www.oceanpointresort.com

The Beachside Pool

To say that life at Doubletree Ocean Point Beach Resort and Spa revolves around casual oceanfront living would be an understatement. The pool area feels like an extension of the private beach, which stretches from the hotel down to the Atlantic. And if guests aren't splashing in the waves, they are most likely taking in the water views from the enormous terraces that embrace the guest rooms.

In keeping with the style of Miami's South Beach, which is only 25 minutes away, the tower architecture at this Sunny Isles' resort is influenced by the Art Deco movement. Of note is the curved porte-cochere and the retro-feeling pool terrace. The bedrooms are a bit more contemporary, fusing Danish modern accents with subtle tropical notes. Still, they are the kind of rooms the Rat Pack might have fled to with its families on the occasional weekend away. Frank and his crew would have been in good company, since parents and their kids flock to this place, especially during the holidays. Particularly popular with toddler-toting folks is the zero entry swimming pool and infant massage at The Spa.

Your own private world of in-suite comfort

While the ocean views are a highlight, the accommodations run a close second. The smallest studios measure in at 400-square-feet, and the one- to three-bedroom suites range up to an impressive 1,898-square-feet. All of the suites feel like full-service apartments, with airy living rooms and bright kitchens. An abundance of extras includes VCRs and CD stereos, Jacuzzi tubs, queen sofa beds and stackable washer/dryers. And, of course, there's the ocean, which can be seen from the floor-to-ceiling bay windows in the dining nooks, the vast windows in the bedrooms and the porches that wrap around the suites like living works of art.

Unlike at most hotels that tout their views, higher does not necessarily mean better at Doubletree Ocean Point Beach Resort and Spa. Down near sea level, View restaurant opens onto vistas as good as those found on the top floors. And The Market brings the beach indoors, with its fun courtyard setting dappled with umbrella tables. The Spa offers poolside services, such as Tiki torch massages, and even closer to the waves are two private cabanas right on the sand. Complete with cable, telephones and internet access, they mean you don't have to sacrifice fresh sea breezes just because you need to keep up with your work emails.

With its hot tubs tucked into rock waterfall grottos and an offering of complimentary catamarans, kayaks and paddle boats, the resort strives to make the most of its surroundings. Yet its seemingly single-minded focus on the beach doesn't mean it has neglected traditional resort niceties. There are Aveda bath amenities, valet parking, a concierge and a spacious fitness room that feels like a small health club. Add to this a just-off-the-beaten path location and it makes a pleasant retreat for casual gatherings of family and close friends.