Set on a long expanse of white sand beach on the east coast of central Florida, the AAA four-diamond Vero Beach Hotel and Spa is the rare luxury hotel that caters just as well to adults as it does to families and those traveling with children. The hotel’s 131 rooms and suites are grand enough to satisfy travelers looking for high-end; the setting is beautiful enough that those looking for romance won’t be disappointed; and families are equally provided for with kid-friendly amenities and plenty of space to stretch out, both in the rooms and on the extensive grounds.
The grounds of the beachfront Vero Beach Hotel and Spa
Every room at the hotel has a king or queen bed(s), microwave and mini-bar (or larger kitchen), HD LCD TV, and luxury bath with granite counters, marble flooring, and a glass-enclosed rain shower (some also have Jacuzzi tubs). Interior rooms sacrifice a view and balcony for lower price while other rooms have balconies or patios. Room types include: deluxe two queen and deluxe king, studio suites with one king or two queens, two and three bedroom grand suites with living and dining areas, and the type of room I shared with my family: the Two Bedroom Suite King/Queen + Queen.
Looking through the window from the living room to the main bedroom
With white linens and light blue accents, dark wood, and white tile flooring, our room was tastefully decorated in what the hotel calls West Indies style. We had one room with a king bed, one room with two queens, one bathroom with shower and tub, and a large sitting room with wetbar, couch (which pulled out to a double bed), small dining table, and patio with additional seating.
It was the perfect amount of space for a group of six: my husband and I, my mom, my grandma, and my sister and my niece.
One of the two queen beds
Guests can use the hotels’s bikes free of charge, there’s morning coffee in the lobby every day, a wine reception each night, and a yoga mat in every room. As Kimpton members (joining their InTouch loyalty program is free) we also received free wi-fi and one free minibar item.
Our bathroom
The hotel’s perfectly landscaped grounds kept us busy for two days without ever leaving the property. There’s a full-service spa and salon on-site, as well as a 24-hour fitness center. In-room dining is available from 6am to 11pm daily (which we appreciated when we had a late-night craving for mac and cheese) and there are two restaurants, the more formal Cobalt restaurant, and the poolside Heaton’s Reef Bar and & Grill, where we enjoyed snacks like hummus and pita bread, chicken fingers, lobster tacos, and plenty of pina coladas by the pool. My one complaint was that service could – at peak times – be frustratingly slow.
Lounge chairs facing the beach
In addition to the pool, there’s a hot tub and, of course, the gorgeous beach just steps away. My niece made sandcastles and body-surfed in the waves while we laid on the soft warm sand. Kayak rentals, cabanas and umbrellas are also available from the hotel. At night, large firepits overlooking the beach were the perfect place to relax and listen to the sound of the waves.
Volleyball nets on the sandy beach
The Vero Beach Hotel and Spa has all the amenities of a luxury resort but doesn’t neglect kids. Cribs and playpens, high-chairs and booster seats are available and the hotel will provide an in-room safety kit that includes outlet covers, toilet latches, and nightlights. There are even kid-sized versions of the hotel’s signature animal-print robes available for use (or to purchase and take home).
And since pets are part of the family too, the hotel welcomes them with in-room pet amenities such as food and water bowls and doggie beds.
The pool at Vero Beach Hotel and Spa
Though we spent our time on the property, the town of Vero Beach is another draw of the hotel. Within walking distance (or a quick ride on the complimentary bikes) are a plethora of boutiques, beach bars, and restaurants. If you can pull yourself away from the hotel, there’s plenty to do in town, but between the gorgeous beach and the beautiful pool, the fitness center and spa, and two great restaurants, there’s no need to leave if you don’t want to.
Looking towards the beach and bar
If you go:
Room rates start at around $220 per night. The hotel is pet friendly and offers several perks to Kimpton members (it’s free to join the loyalty program). Valet parking is $15 per night, and the hotel is located about two hours from the Fort Lauderdale airport. You can book directly with the hotel or check rates at Expedia or other booking sites.
