July is National Ice Cream Month (thank you, President Reagan!), and we think that calls for a celebration. And considering the fact that we're hotel experts, our ideal way of commemorating the monthlong event is with a little getaway -- plenty of ice cream included. Therefore, we rounded up 10 hotels that love ice cream, gelato, and frozen yogurt just as much as we do. The proof? They all have their own ice cream parlors on-site. So whether in Hawaii or Miami, you can cool off this summer and grab a scoop of mint chocolate chip at these yummy spots! (P.S. July may be National Ice Cream Month, but we think you can enjoy these parlors all year long.)
Loews Miami Beach Hotel
Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92
Notice: Undefined offset: 5 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92
Notice: Undefined offset: 6 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92
Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 98
Notice: Undefined index: pass_through_args in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 158
Notice: Undefined index: wrapper in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 159
Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92
Notice: Undefined offset: 5 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92
Notice: Undefined offset: 6 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92
Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 98
Notice: Undefined index: pass_through_args in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 158
Notice: Undefined index: wrapper in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 159
Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92
Notice: Undefined offset: 5 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92
Notice: Undefined offset: 6 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92
Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 98
Notice: Undefined index: pass_through_args in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 158
Notice: Undefined index: wrapper in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 159
Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92
Notice: Undefined offset: 5 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92
Notice: Undefined offset: 6 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92
Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 98
Notice: Undefined index: pass_through_args in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 158
Notice: Undefined index: wrapper in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 159
The 790-room Loews Miami Beach Hotel is a luxurious mega-resort with attentive service and a big, freeform pool overlooking a beautiful stretch of beachfront. The hotel has a spa, gym, several upscale restaurants, and a convenient South Beach location. Families are drawn to the hotel for a list of supervised activities for kids and, of course the SoBe Scoops ice cream shop, with not only ice cream but also plenty of other sweet treats.
Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort, Panama City Beach
Edgewater Beach and Golf Resort is an enormous family and business resort that offers generous amenities compared to nearby hotels, including 11 pools and direct beach access. The large 500-unit resort offers activities, golf, dining, and a small store — all of which is uncommon for area hotels. During the summer, movies are shown outdoors at the main pool and guests can grab a scoop of chocolate with sprinkles at Edgie’s Corner Market.
Turtle Inn, Belize
Turtle Inn, owned by the Coppola family and sister property to Blancaneaux Lodge, is an intimate luxury resort set alongside a beautiful stretch of the Caribbean Sea near Placencia. Kids are allowed to stay here, but it mostly caters to couples — and it’s easy to see why. The resort offers a peaceful setting and Balinese-style private cottages and villas, each with a fabulous indoor/outdoor bathroom. Excellent snorkeling and scuba diving at the Belize Barrier Reef is a short boat ride away. Although the Kids Gelato Stand pictured above is “no adults allowed,” we think parents should steal a lick.
South Point Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas
This 2,163-room suburban hotel has big modern rooms and amenities apleny — great pools, a movie theater, a 64-lane bowling alley, a huge casino, even the occasional rodeo. But this is a much mellower version of Vegas, most popular among locals and families. Kids and adults frequent Kate’s Korner Ice Cream Parlor for a filling banana split or another creamy concoction.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Punta Cana
The massive, all-inclusive Hard Rock is a sleek option in Punta Cana, located on a gorgeous stretch of white-sand beach. In addition to its beautiful spot of sand, the size allows the resort to have broad appeal — it attracts families, couples, and partiers. The signature Hard Rock rocker vibe can be seen throughout the hotel, whether it be in the music-themed decor or the free guitar rentals. On-site amenities such as tennis, golf, and horseback riding help keep guests busy — but we’d want to spend the majority of our time at the retro-inspired Ice Cone.
Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki
The largest resort in Hawaii is a veritable village, with five towers, five pools, 20 bars and restaurants, 90 shops, direct beach access, and a separate lagoon. The crowds can get big and the lines long. But for families and other Waikiki vacationers looking for a self-contained resort with loads to do, the Hilton is a top choice. Before heading down to the pool or beach, we suggest going to the on-site Lappert’s, an outpost of the largest ice cream chain in Hawaii.
Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark
Not just any hotel in St. Louis can get away with using the word “Ballpark” in the name, but the Hilton — with its unmatched view of Busch Stadium — deserves the moniker. The 670-room property is divided over two towers, and thought it’s older (it used to be a Marriott) it underwent renovations in 2012. Its numerous meeting and convention facilities draw a business crowd, but the trendy rooftop bar — boasting 360 degree views — attracts a young and fun set, especially on game nights. Meanwhile, dining options on the main level include Yo Go, a bright spot to get your froyo fix.
Sheraton Waikiki
All the hallmarks of an upscale beachfront hotel can be found here, including multiple restaurants, sweeping ocean views, and family-friendly activities. What makes the Sheraton Waikiki stand out is its sheer size — it has a slew of features, including bustling shops and nightlife venues packed with both guests and Honolulu locals. The location, amenities, and views are hard to beat, but they come at the cost of sometimes overwhelming crowds. One place worth battling the slew of guests is the Baskin Robbins to grab a scoop of rocky road or a chocolate milkshake.
Hotel Santa Lucia e le Sabbie d’Oro, Sicily
Hotel Santa Lucia e la Sabbie d’Oro (meaning “golden sands”) is a value pick with a lovely outdoor pool and basic rooms with balconies and sea views. This property is quiet and peaceful, with fast access to the beach (via a steep set of stairs) and Cefalu, a tiny town that hosts numerous visitors each year on Sicily‘s northern coast. There’s convenient entertainment for kids in the summer and gelato year-round for everyone at the Bar Santa Lucia.
Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive
This 613-room mid-range resort in Orlando is geared toward family stays. After finishing a multi-million dollar renovation, the hotel is looking better than ever. The much needed revamping resulted in modern decor, two heated swimming pools and a 24-hour fitness center. After taking in the new landscaped grounds, head to Screams Ice Cream and Gift Shop for one (or two!) scoops of ice cream.
Check out Oyster’s page on Google+
To learn more about Lara Grant, visit her on Google+
RELATED LINKS:
- Kid-Friendly Summer Vacations: Our Top Tropical Picks
- Roller Coasters, Trapezes and More: The Best Kid-Friendly Amenities
- The Best Affordable Beach Motels EVER
All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission.