Anonymous wrote:Has anyone heard of this place it's supposed to be better than Italy riveria because it's cleaner and no pickpocketers or tourist traps/scams

https://www.southernliving.com/acqualina-resort-and-residences-on-the-beach-sunny-isles-florida-11991726

Is this a joke? If youve ever been to Italy, this is as far from what's actually there.

This is called marketing 101.

Selling the idea of a beautiful holiday but no, this is just big American resort. It's set next to a beach. I mean there's nothing but the resort. Go see the resort but don't expect it to be more.

Sorry but if you believe their sales pitch I gave a bridge to sell you.

Anonymous wrote:Title says it all, the choices are overwhelming and we haven't been to any of them. Happy to pay for a great one - any recs? Thank you!

I love Cocoa Beach and the Kennedy Space Center, so: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mlbcogi-hilton-garden-inn-cocoa-beach-oceanfront/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there a reason it needs to be Florida vs other warm locations near water?

Not OP, but we go there in December since it's an easy flight. Caribbean doesn't have a lot of close directs from here except Bahamas, and it can be cold there in December too. They also don't heat the pools at Atlantis. The nicer resorts would be boring for teens.

Where are you flying from? DC has quite a few direct flights.

+1 to the Don Cesar

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there a reason it needs to be Florida vs other warm locations near water?

Not OP, but we go there in December since it's an easy flight. Caribbean doesn't have a lot of close directs from here except Bahamas, and it can be cold there in December too. They also don't heat the pools at Atlantis. The nicer resorts would be boring for teens.

We went twice for winter break to Puerto Rico. One time were on south coast and one time on north coast. Both were quite warm and beautiful and easy direct flights.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there a reason it needs to be Florida vs other warm locations near water?

We have limited time for a vacation in December so between the short non-stop flight and the fact that my kids have never been to a Florida beach makes it appealing. Definitely want something where we can swim in the ocean so we may need to go to the Caribbean instead.

Puerto Rico would fit the bill.

Marriott Singer Island

^ And even the smaller hotels often have heated pools

Take a look at Venice Beach on the west coast. Even if it's too cold to swim, the teens can have some fun looking for sharks teeth on the beach.

Plus, do what locals do. Wear a skin rash long sleeve shirt which will help keep them warm in the water. Added benefit is you don't have to slather on sunscreen every few hours.

Venice has a very nice fishing pier and a historic downtown area which is fun to wander and grab a bite.

No deluxe resorts but there are decent, affordable and basic hotels in the area.

If you want deluxe, you could go up to the Ritz in Sarasota.

Anonymous wrote:Has anyone heard of this place it's supposed to be better than Italy riveria because it's cleaner and no pickpocketers or tourist traps/scams

https://www.southernliving.com/acqualina-resort-and-residences-on-the-beach-sunny-isles-florida-11991726

So, it’s nothing like Italy at all, but Sunny Isles is nicer than Miami imho because it is less crowded, quieter, etc.

Has anyone heard of this place it's supposed to be better than Italy riveria because it's cleaner and no pickpocketers or tourist traps/scams

https://www.southernliving.com/acqualina-resort-and-residences-on-the-beach-sunny-isles-florida-11991726