After wrapping up our very first Disney Cruise (which we absolutely loved—I’ll be sharing more about that soon!), we decided to extend our trip with a one-night stay in Miami. Flying all the way from Seattle to Florida is no easy feat, especially since direct flights that line up perfectly with cruise schedules are nearly impossible to find. Rather than stress about catching a flight at an awkward time, we built in an extra day to relax. That decision turned out to be one of the best parts of our trip.
We checked into the Washington Park Hotel in South Beach, and to our delight, it was the perfect spot for families. Having only ever visited Miami for girls’ trips in the past, I wasn’t sure what the family experience would be like—but this stay completely changed my perspective.
Bright, Spacious Rooms
The first thing we noticed when walking into our room was how open and airy it felt. Traveling as a family means you need space to spread out, and this hotel delivered. The decor struck the perfect balance between modern and playful, with pops of vibrant color and artwork that gave the whole space character. It didn’t feel cookie-cutter—it felt curated.
After days of excitement on the cruise, having a calm, comfortable room where we could simply relax was a treat. Our little one had space to play while we unpacked, and we all enjoyed just stretching out for a moment before diving back into exploring.
Architecture with Character
What made the Washington Park Hotel especially charming is that it isn’t just one massive high-rise. The property is made up of several buildings, each with its own unique personality. Wandering between them, I couldn’t help but admire the architecture. South Beach has such a distinct aesthetic—bright, bold, and full of history—and this hotel embodies it beautifully.
Every corner felt like it was made to be photographed. Between the colorful facades, lush greenery, and chic design details, the property practically begged for an Instagram moment. Coming from the Pacific Northwest, where the style and climate are completely different, it was refreshing to soak in the vibrant Miami vibe.
Easy Access and Convenience
Another big win was the location. After disembarking from the cruise ship early in the morning, we hopped in a Lyft and were at the hotel in just 15–20 minutes. With a tired family in tow, that short commute was a gift.
From the hotel, we found it easy to explore the South Beach area without needing to spend much time in transit. Restaurants, shops, and of course, the beach were all just a quick walk or ride away. For families traveling with kids, minimizing transportation logistics makes the experience so much more enjoyable.
Family-Friendly Perks
While South Beach often gets a reputation as a destination for nightlife and parties, we were pleasantly surprised by how family-friendly our stay was. The hotel offered thoughtful amenities that worked well for us traveling with a child, from spacious common areas to an inviting pool. We never once felt out of place as a family, which was reassuring given my initial hesitation.
Why We Loved Staying an Extra Day
If you’re planning a cruise that departs from or ends in Miami, I can’t recommend tacking on an extra day highly enough. Not only does it ease the stress of flight schedules, but it also gives you a chance to experience a different side of the city. For us, that meant moving from the magic of Disney at sea to the vibrant, colorful energy of Miami on land.
The Washington Park Hotel ended up being more than just a convenient place to stay—it became part of our family vacation memories. From the comfortable, modern room to the unique architecture and prime location, it checked all the boxes for a family-friendly hotel in South Beach.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with kids always involves a bit of juggling, but finding the right hotel can make all the difference. Our stay at the Washington Park Hotel proved that Miami isn’t just for nightlife seekers—it can be just as welcoming for families.
The next time we find ourselves in South Beach, whether before or after a cruise, I know exactly where we’ll be staying again.
