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Fontainebleau has a well-known nightclub on the premises, Liv, which is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; and this may be a bonus or a deal-breaker, depending on your family. Late on these evenings, usually around 10 or 11, you'll start to see a parade of club-goers lining up in the lobby of Chateau to get into the club. At this time the lobby starts to turn into a place you might not want to be wandering around with your kids. There are scantily clad club goers, socialites, and I suspect a few prostitutes parading through the lobby until the wee hours. We stayed on through the weekend and noise wasn't an issue for us; but we did hear a few complaints from other guests. Double check that your room is not too close to the club and if you have teens, be aware that you might not want them wandering around the lobby late at night.
There is also a resort fee. As much as I hate them, this one really isn't as outrageous as I've seen. It's low-cost and includes gym and beach access, unlimited Internet (but only if accessed through the in-room iMac computer), daily newspaper, local calls and one beach chair (but no umbrella, that'll cost extra) per guest. At a place like this I assumed I'd pay that just for the beach chair. The expensive valet fee, however, is inexcusable. There is an 18 percent gratuity added to all charges made in the resort, so be careful not to over-tip in the restaurants.
All About the Extras
"Non-aggressive" pets are welcome, but you'll pay a mandatory cleaning fee. There is a pet park on the northeast lawn with benches and a waste station.
The resort offers a complimentary shuttle to three shopping spots in nearby South Beach.
Kids get a personalized key and a packet with activities when they check in, with coupons for free meals and snacks.
The Art of Smart Timing
Miami's weather is warm and sunny all year round, with the driest month being January. Peak travel season is January through April, and it's then you will find the highest rates. Generally summer is the least expensive and least crowded time to visit, and you can often find some great deals at Fontainebleau then. Hurricane season is June through November.
Getting There
Miami International Airport (MIA) is the nearest airport and it's about a 20-minute cab ride to the hotel. From Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) it's about 35 minutes.
For Mom and Dad
The two-story, 40,000-foot Lapis spa is outstanding. There are 30 treatment rooms with all the services you'd expect (massages, scrubs, facials, hair, nails and make-up) as well as a small co-ed pool and lounge area. The hotel also has a great gym (5,800 square feet) with ocean views, and top-of-the-line cardio and strength training equipment, free weights and TRAZER 2 3-D interactive fitness.
From 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, Fontainebleau has a parents' night out, which includes dinner. This is a great opportunity to dine in one the amazing restaurants on the premises or head into South Beach for a few hours.
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