A well-priced, amenities-packed hotel right on the beach in Sunny Isles, the Trump International Beach Resort offers service that's extremely friendly and professional, but more casual than at other Trump properties. Limited dining and nightlife options, plus kid-friendly features, make it a better fit for families and business travelers than scene-hunting sophisticates.

Four pools, great Italian cuisine, a luxurious spa, 97 huge, modern rooms, and some of Miami's most attentive service -- this is family-oriented Sunny Isles' best hotel. The rooms don't quite match Regent Bal Harbour's, but the Aqualina's beach is far better (especially with its free cabanas). For families especially, this a superb luxury pick.

For a well-equipped beachside Miami resort located in the safe, kid-friendly suburban city of Sunny Isles, the Marenas Resort (formerly Le Meridien, an upscale Starwood-brand hotel) is a fine option, even if its rooms are a bit small. This is especially true for families who want kitchen-equipped suites and a safe, 180-block distance from the scandalous South Beach scene.

The Intracoastal Yacht Club offers a quiet, bayside experience with fully equipped, family-friendly apartments that include kitchens, washers and dryers, modern electronics (but no Wi-Fi), and great balconies. But beyond in-room cooking, meals are a bit of a hassle, as is the 15-minute walk to the beach. Also, these are condominiums, so don't expect traditional hotel service.

Apartment-style suites, a huge assortment of kid-centered activities, and a beachside location in safe, suburban Sunny Isles -- the Newport is an excellent option for a family vacation. It might not be as swanky as the nearby Acqualina or Trump International, or even the Loews in South Beach, but it's often a better value.

A mid-tier, family-friendly place right on the beach, with an excellent gym and large, kitchen-equipped suites with scenic balcony views. But the 158-room Doubletree is slightly worn and not exactly stunning. It's worth it to compare its rates to those at the Trump and the Newport Beachside Resort, both nearby.

A dirty, smelly 250-room hotel with a drab gym and bad food, made worse by the fact that you've got to walk 15 minutes for strip-mall restaurants. The pool and the beach are decent, but this Ramada is cheap for a reason. For better rooms, sacrifice features and move to South Beach or spring for the pricier Newport Beachside.