The moment my cab pulled up to the Eden Roc Miami Beach, I was ambushed with top-notch service. A friendly bellman greeted me, guided me to the front desk and waited nearby while I checked in, making sure that I didn’t need a thing. This moment foreshadowed my entire stay at the Eden Roc, during which I experienced stellar service from pretty much every staff member I encountered.

I was on a pre-cruise stay in Miami, and I had booked an ocean-view room with a balcony at the Eden Roc. I must admit that the room was so beautiful — with jaw-dropping ocean vistas, luxurious bedding and a deep Jacuzzi tub positioned so that one could enjoy the coastal views while relaxing in soapsuds — I was tempted to skip the cruise and stay right where I was. But despite all its charms, the Eden Roc isn’t exactly a family-focused hotel.

Of course, families can stay here and have a fantastic experience, as the hotel does offer convenient touches like onsite babysitting, a children’s pool and connecting rooms. But if you’re looking for an array of kids’ activities and character dining, you won’t find it here. With its trendy boutique-hotel styling and plush ambiance, the Eden Roc is an excellent choice for families with older teens, who will most likely be thrilled that their parents had the foresight to book such a cool and trendy hotel.

The Eden Roc has 631 rooms, 96 of which are suites. All rooms are smoke free.

Accommodations are "spa-inspired," and they look trendy and plush, with clever lighting; clean, white bedding; and soundproof windows. There are no kid-friendly touches in the rooms, like kids' bath products or toys. Amenities include air conditioning, cribs (free and available upon request), 24-hour room service, free cots, cushy robes and irons with ironing boards.

The standard guest rooms at the Eden Roc can accommodate up to five people, and there are plenty of other options for families seeking lots of space. Adjoining rooms with connecting doors are available here. And two-level lofts and suites with separate living spaces are fantastic options for larger groups staying at the Eden Roc.

Pools
The pool area at the Eden Roc features a beautiful collection of outdoor swimming pools, one of which is a children's pool. Towels are provided, and two of the pools are heated. Families can enjoy views of Miami Beach while taking a dip in the hotel pools. There are spacious outdoor restroom facilities near the pools, so you won't have to trek back through the lobby every time one of the kids needs the bathroom.

Beach Activities
The soft white sand of Miami Beach is just a stone's throw from Eden Roc. Pack your beach bag and spend the day building sandcastles and swimming in the ocean. (Forgot something in your room? The walk back to the property is a cinch!) Eden Roc's helpful concierges will help families arrange water sport activities from jet skiing to sailing to water skiing.

Cabana Club
Kid menus are available at the Cabana Club, a charming eatery located near the pool area that serves salads, sandwiches and burgers. This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and dress is casual. (I saw people sitting down to eat in their swimsuits).

1500 Degrees
This upscale restaurant, open for breakfast and dinner, serves dishes created by celebrity chef Paula DaSilva. There aren't kids' menus here, but the chef will accommodate children.

Room Service
There's no room service menu for kids, however child-friendly options like pizza and sandwiches are on offer. Room service is available 24 hours.

All about the Extras
Babysitting services are available at the Eden Roc, through an off-site program called Arsicare Group. Rates start at $18 per hour, and parents must pay for the caregiver's parking (which costs $17 per day). There's a three-hour minimum for on-site childcare.

The hotel has a fitness center with cardio machines and free weights. Guests must be 16 years of age or older to use the hotel gym.

The Art of Smart Timing
Miami -- it's a year-round destination. Any time of year you visit, you're bound to find plenty to do and balmy temperatures. Low-season in Miami is summer, high-season is winter, and shoulder seasons are fall and spring. Rates at Eden Roc tend to be most reasonable during summer, during which families should keep an eye out for low-season deals.

Getting There
The nearest airport is Miami International Airport, which is 11 miles away from the hotel. Fort Lauderdale International Airport is 25 miles from the hotel. This property is an excellent choice for families catching cruises out of Fort Lauderdale or Miami. A quick cab ride from the hotel will get you to either cruise port in a snap.

There is no airport shuttle service from either Miami or Fort Lauderdale airports. Cab fare costs about $32 from Miami Airport and $80 from Fort Lauderdale Airport.

For Mom and Dad
There's a jogging trail near the hotel on which mom or dad can go for a run. Another noteworthy parent-friendly plus: There's a Starbucks here! If your kids are addicted to the coffee chain's rice krispie treats and you're addicted to grande soy lattes, the Eden Roc has you covered.