The Good Family Hotel Guide: Boca Raton Resort & Beach Club, Florida

Mood

Mood

Somewhere between the unreal and the surreal. A huge sporting resort set in 356 acres, styled according to the Europhile fantasies of its creator,architect Addison Mizner. Cross the Alhambra with Florence, throw in the Hurlingham Club, add a skyscraper and you get an idea.

Accommodation

Best for families is the Beach Club, right on the sea, which has interconnecting rooms.

Refuelling

Italian, French, seafood, you name it, and an excellent selection for children. As with practically anywhere else in the US, you can order one adultportion (always huge) and as many plates as you like.

Beach

Wonderful fine sand, although big Atlantic breakers can limit the swimming.

Activities

Excellent childcare programme daily, with clubs for various age groups. Parents are given a pager to keep in touch. The resort has a first-rate tenniscentre, and a championship golf course. Adults' and children's lessons in both.

Fellow guests

Lots of American families, particularly New Yorkers. A few British, Germans and French.

Out and about

Take an airboat ride into the Everglades from nearby Loxahatchee. Drive up the coast to Palm Beach and see the extravagant mansions belonging tothe Vanderbilts, Kennedys and Astors.

Sample prices

Seven nights (room only) from £879 per adult, £229 for children under 12 and £129 for the under 2s. Includes return flightsfrom Gatwick and car hire.

Address

Boca Raton Resort & Club, 501 East Camino Real, Boca Raton, Florida 33432 6127 (001 561 447 3000, fax: 001 447 5870, e-mail: reservations@bocaresort.com)