Suggestions for Gulf coast beach holiday location, but still close to chain restaurants/malls

[Colette-S]

Hi Colette, we have done Naples and Sarasota. Loved Naples and so did the kids. Had 5 nights in Miami this year and loved it there too and will definitely be going back.mtried Boca Raton too - lovely area but too pretentious. Can't help with villas sorry but sure there will be plenty of help on here

[COL41]

Hello fellow Colette! We stayed on South beach last year and loved it. Planning on spending first few nights of next holiday back in Miami and exploring it a bit more. How old are your children. Mine will be 13 and 16 and happiest on the beach or in a pool

[Colette-S]

Originally Posted by COL41

Hello fellow Colette! We stayed on South beach last year and loved it. Planning on spending first few nights of next holiday back in Miami and exploring it a bit more. How old are your children. Mine will be 13 and 16 and happiest on the beach or in a pool

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Mine are now 14 and 15 and are also happy with pool and beach.mthey are always on the go and there was lots for them to do in Naples. We have done the journey from Miami to Naples and it's really easy

[COL41]

That's good to know-thanks. Where did U stay in Miami? We're leaning towards going back to the South Beach area, felt quite safe there and apart from cycling along the seafront, we literally spent four days chilling by the pool or on the beach. Hoping to be a bit more adventurous next summer

[Colette-S]

We stayed at The W Colette. Loved it and will definitely stay there next time. We all got into one suite and there was loads of space. It was in a really good spot on south beach too

[Colette-S]

Went on a really good boat tour too. I still have the details if you want them

[COL41]

That doesn't look too far from where we stayed before-we were at the Savoy. DH has found somewhere on Airbnb and has just fired off some questions to the owner. I like it as it's an apartment and has loads of space plus a communal pool and less than £100 a night. Will def look at The W though. Can't justify prices that some hotels want next year. Would def be interested in details of boat tour- thanks

[Colette-S]

It's all about catching the right rate. January is the best time with lowest prices. Keep an eye on rates - get a decent cancellation policy and you can always cancel and rebook if a deal comes. The W regularly had a 4 night for price of 3 deal on

[COL41]

Thanks, will bear that in mind. Planning to look for free cancellation places for car hire as that's double at the moment compared to what we paid last year. Have never used Airbnb so have posted on here on a separate thread to see if there any pitfalls, before deciding on booking that or going for a hotel again

[Colette-S]

Good luck! I'm sure it will be lovely