Marriott Hutchinson Island Beach Resort, Golf & Marina
With a 77-slip marina, a full water-sports program, a golf course, two pools, tons of tennis courts, and children's activities, this self-contained resort is excellent for families, most of whom prefer to stay in the tower directly on the ocean. Nevertheless, the main building on the Intracoastal Waterway (or Indian River, as it is called here) has a lovely, spacious pool courtyard and shuttle transport to the beach. The rooms have quality fixtures like granite vanities, plush bedding, and soothing beach-accented decor. Wet bars are in all guest rooms, and the rooms in the beachside Sandpiper building have kitchenettes. The staff here are genuinely friendly and interested in making you feel at home—so much so that they'll organize children's activities even if yours are the only kids on the property. At the resort's golf-centric Ocean Club, you'll find 18 holes, a warm-up aqua range, and a putting green for members and hotel guests only. The only thing this hotel doesn't have is a wide range of eating options (there's an outdoor café at each pool, and there's just one indoor sit-down restaurant), but it gives you more of an excuse to try the great local cuisine.
