Five-star South Florida

You don’t have to explain the appeal of wheels to a little boy.

“Car, car, car!” Aren squealed as we walked among the vintage vehicles.

He was especially mesmerized by a 1967 amphibious auto — he knows the word “boat” too, but didn’t seem quite sure of what to call it — and tried to climb under the railing to assume his rightful position in the driver’s seat. We stopped him just in time, trying in vain to explain that these cars were just for looking, not driving.

The Sonesta also offers something not ever luxury property in town can: a great beach. As a matter of fact, of the new luxury hotels that have opened in the recent past, the Sonesta is one of the only ones with a strip of sand in front of it — never mind the stunning ocean views from its high-rise rooms.

“You can’t visit Florida and not go to the beach,” said hotel spokeswoman Deborah Roker. “Especially if you’re a toddler.”

It’s obvious that the planners didn’t take their location for granted, though. Guest rooms are thoughtfully outfitted with mini-kitchens that feature granite counter-tops, plus sitting areas with spacious sofas that make you feel as if you never left home.

Alas, even though the Sonesta welcomes kids, its rooms are not entirely childproof, as we discovered. Actually, we’d like to take this opportunity to apologize for the water glass that Aren pulled off the table and broke. He didn’t mean it. Really.

One of the newest Miami luxury hotels, The Four Seasons, sets itself apart in other ways. The property is located in the tallest building in Miami, a 70-floor skyscraper in the middle of the city’s financial district. Strictly speaking, it’s a business hotel - with lots of breakable things for toddlers to get into. But then you discover the rooftop pool. Not just one pool, but several of them. And then you realize that the Four Seasons Hotel Miami has a fun side, too.

After we checked into the hotel, and baby-proofed our room by moving the guest directories, magazines and water bottles to a higher location, we changed Aren into a swimsuit and caught an elevator to the pool level. That’s where we found a lap pool, a children’s pool and a one-of-a-kind wading pool filled with islands that were planted with palm trees.

“It’s the perfect way to while away a balmy Miami day,” Eveliny Bastos-Klein, a spokeswoman for the resort, told us.

She was right. The view of Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami from the pool deck is panoramic. As we stood on the edge of the water taking in the skyline, we almost felt as if it didn’t matter that were weren’t at the beach and struggling to find a good spot for our towel and lawn chair. Besides, the service here was second to none.

While Aren thoroughly enjoyed the pools, it was the music that managed to hold his attention. The Four Seasons hid speakers in the foliage (wouldn’t want to have loudspeakers out in the open for everyone to see) and he couldn’t figure out where the tunes were coming from. He ended up spending a lot of time looking for the source of the sound while we relaxed in the cabana, which turned out to be a pretty good thing.

Traditionally, a luxury hotel is no place for kids. But as we visited three of Miami’s newest hotels, we were surprised at how many other children had brought their parents along for a vacation.

If you go…

The 395-room Trump International Sonesta Beach Resort is located in the city of Sunny Isles Beach, just north of Miami Beach. Both of South Florida’s international airports, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami International, are located only 17 miles from the hotel. Neomi’s Grill, its gourmet restaurant, offers a selection of gourmet entrees starting at $30. Rates range from $325 to $365 for a deluxe room. Call (305) 692-5600.

The 221-room Tower of the Four Seasons Miami stretches skyward near the heart of the business district, eight miles southeast of Miami International airport. American Airlines Arena, home of the Miami Heat, is only a five-minute ride, while South Beach’s late night hot spots are a 15-minute trip. At Acqua Restaurant, which serves northern Italian cuisine, entrees cost about $50. Rates for a standard room range from $350 to $525. Call (305) 358-3535.

The 117-room Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove is surrounded by the Miami areas’ best shopping. The exclusive Coco Walk is footsteps away, while Nieman Marcus at the Dadeland Mall is a short car ride down US 1. Miami’s business center is about five minutes away by car. The drive to Miami International airport will take about 25 minutes. At Bizcaya, a modern European grill, entrees start at $26. Call (305) 644-4680. Room rates range from $299 for a cityview room to $359 for a bayview room.

MORE FROM LUXURY

Luxury Section Front

Bon appétit! World’s most extravagant meals Best winter lodges across the U.S. and Canada Experience the heights of luxury travel Celebrities’ secret winter vacation spots Extreme excursions for thrillseekers World’s best business hotels 2009 Tokyo crowned gourmet capital of the world Top budget resorts in the U.S. Retreats that will satisfy your soul Resort offers free stay in downpours Luxury Section Front   Add Luxury headlines to your news reader: