My wife, daughter and I were lucky enough to enjoy a few days in the warmth of South Beach, courtesy of the Washington Park Hotel a few weeks ago. We went in late March, and didn't really think about it, but we arrived just at the tail end of spring break, and just before Ultra Music Festival started during Miami Music Week. So oops, we managed to visit South Beach, a major entertainment destination at one of its biggest weeks. But to be honest, the best part about the Washington Park Hotel, is that it served a little oasis away from the constant party scene found throughout South Beach. This was refreshing as parents, don't get me wrong, we love to party and have a great time, I'm not that old and stale! Just happy to have a place to kick back and relax with our little one amongst the rest of the area. Don't get me wrong Washington Park is a blast as well, they really cater to all traveler types.
The hotel itself was pretty cool, it took up an entire block of Washington Avenue, consisting of four different art deco buildings, and a private pool, it doesn't reflect the typical hotel setup in South Beach. Most of South Beach's hotels line up side by side, squished into its few blocks to maximize space. Washington Park Hotel instead sits a perfect 3-block walk from the beach and has lots of green space, hammocks, and hang out spots to feel at home. Each building sticks to South Beach's famous art deco design, while each having its own unique style.
Our room was conveniently located in the Kenmore building, which was also where the main check-in lobby and lobby bar were found. We had a nice 3rd floor room that looked out over the pool. The rooms had a clean modern feel, with all the standard amenities you can expect, and Starbucks coffee! A daily necessity in our household, so that was a bonus. Very comfy beds, and we loved the robes available to use during your stay as well.
The coolest part of the hotel for us as parents had to be the roof access in our building. Since South Beach is the place to party, and traveling with our little one as well as my wife's twin sister, husband and their little one, it was the perfect place to hang out, enjoy a drink and observe the South Beach nightlife. I was surprised how little the other guests took advantage of this perk, maybe an unadvertised secret!
The pool was a great place to end each afternoon. Although it wasn't huge, it was never overcrowded and we were always able to find plenty of space and loungers. Our daughter is a total water baby and we had a blast splashing away, but she passed out for a nap two different days by the pool. It was the perfect mix of relaxation and fun. It was also cool being able to see the hustle and bustle go by on Washington ave, while being nestled in our peaceful pool loungers amongst palm trees, flowers, and high shrubbery.
South Beach has some amazing food and a few of the spots we enjoyed most were the hotel's onsite restaurant Employee's Only (same management as the NYC location) which is a prohibition era bar with amazing cuisine and cocktails. Another spot, Naked Taco which boasts both traditional and super creative mexican cuisine, and affordable sangria pitchers, and complimentary tequila shot starters ;) Another was Sushi Song, a few blocks north on Washington Ave for super affordable sushi. We also enjoyed The Playwright, a dublin inspired Irish Bar a few blocks north on Washington as well. I mean as an Irishmen myself, I felt right at home, but really the had the best happy hour apps and drink specials we saw all week.
Overall Washington Park Hotel gets two big thumbs up from me. Honestly the escape they've created is enough for me to keep coming back, having the hotel to kick back and enjoy the sun after our days of exploring the town and hitting the beach was awesome. We definitely look forward to visiting the Washington Park Hotel again soon, there's no better place for our family in South Beach! Again I would like to thank the Washington Park Hotel for hosting us, but as always all opinions are my own!