Stay Local... at these hotels and resorts!
When you want to experience true relaxation, stay somewhere that offers local flavor! These resorts offer a wide array of experiences, not to mention more local influences than commercial resorts. Choose a boutique hotel attached to a nature preserve, relax in a bungalow on an island, park yourself at an RV resort, or enjoy a historic location. Wherever you are in Florida, stay somewhere with local charm.
In the Panhandle
Adjacent to a quiet nature preserve and featuring a timeless, refined seaside elegance, The Henderson, a Salamander Beach & Spa Resort, is a must visit when staying in Destin and the Emerald Coast. Whether you are staying at The Henderson or enjoying one of their premier restaurants or spa, you simply must experience the classic relaxation available here. Guests will find 170 impeccably appointed and spacious guest rooms and eight suites - including sixteen specially designed spa rooms featuring a private spa elevator just steps from your door. Each guest room offers magnificent views of either the Gulf of Mexico and the adjacent nature preserve. A great perk is that your dog can come along and stay with you, with dog-friendly suites, dog beds, water bowls, and more. Salamander Spa offers eleven exquisite private treatment rooms as well as sunlit relaxation spaces. Dining at The Henderson is another experience you cannot miss, whether you are a guest here or not, thanks to their focus on freshly caught seafood and the overall flavors of Destin. hendersonbeachresort.com
Located in the beautiful Santa Rosa Beach area, the Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse is an old fashioned romantic getaway where you can create lasting memories. Guest rooms are each unique, some with full kitchens and three pet friendly suites so that your furry friends can join you. In addition to the guest rooms, there is the beautiful cafe - at which each guest receives a delicious breakfast every morning. Each of the rooms is located in a unique historic building: The Café Building is home to Hibiscus Café and four guest rooms; The Woodpecker Cottage is just across the courtyard; Bert’s Barn, built in 1904, has five guest rooms. The Flats offer three luxury condo suites with private balconies. Relax in the courtyard overlooking the garden, find a comfy table for breakfast, or sit back in one of their big chairs to read a good book.
hibiscusflorida.com
A stay in Seagrove is full of adventure. WaterColor Inn is nestled on nearly 500 acres of sugar white sand beach and surrounded by 1,400 linear feet of beachfront and pine forests alongside Western Lake, the state’s second largest naturally occurring coastal dune lake. The 60-room inn offers deluxe accommodations designed by David Rockwell, each overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and donning a pair of Adirondack chairs on the patio (and on the first floor, a private outdoor cabana shower). Perfectly encapsulating the spirit of an intimate beach getaway - while providing the functionality necessary for a family vacation - the freshly redecorated beachfront rooms bring the outdoors in, mere footsteps from the sand. From the soft linens to the spa inspired toiletries, every well appointed room offers a relaxing and comfortable seaside oasis. The inn has just undergone some incredible renovations, so be the first to see them!
watercolorresort.com
On the Gulf Coast
Downtown St. Pete also offers comfortable but unique places to stay without having to compromise location or comfort. The Mansion Inn is settled on the waterfront in the historic district of Old Northeast, within just five blocks of all that downtown has to offer. This urban wonder puts a diverse mix of restaurants, shops, museums, and parks within easy reach but offers a getaway from loud bars and busy nightlife. The mansion offers 13 unique, newly renovated rooms overlooking a quiet poolside courtyard; perfect for couples, families, or anything that might bring you to this downtown gem.
mymansioninn.com
For a completely unique and utterly Amelia Island experience, stay at the Bungalow Beach Resort. Harkening back to the 1930s when much of the island became developed, this resort puts a charming spin on the bungalow experience with beach-chic decor, bright and airy sitting, dining, and kitchenette areas, and cozy bedrooms. Enjoy their heated pool, or spend your time on the quiet beach in a comfy resort beach lounger. You’re just a walk (or a bike ride) away from all of the island’s attractions.
bungalowbeach.com
Just a short walk or bike ride away from the public beach are the Siesta Key Beach Villas, a series of cozy, casual villas that exude a tropical theme for your own island-style getaway. These spacious villas range in size from studios to larger spaces with kitchens, dining and sitting areas, private bedrooms and more. Relax in a shaded hammock, take a walk out to the beach, or ride around Siesta Key Village on one of the Villas’ bike rentals.
siestakeybeachsidevillas.com
Featuring an absolutely perfect location directly on the beach, the Beachcomber in Venice is a charming costal getaway offering fully-furnished vacation rental units, each with expansive views of the Gulf. Enjoy walking right from your unit onto the sand and take advantage of the Beachcomber’s free beach accessories, relax in the beachfront pool, or venture to nearby Main Street to go shopping!
beachcomberinvenice.com
A great option for families is a stay at Periwinkle Park and Campground, a gorgeous campground resort that includes a fantastic bird park! They feature many species of exotic and native birds including toucans and macaws, plus brown & ringtail lemurs add a mix to the aviary. All of the beautiful birds were obtained through rescue efforts. Children especially will love this resort attractions!
sanibelcamping.com
In Central Florida
Magic Moment Resort and Kids Club is a boutique hotel with a big dream, promoting quality time for families in an era when this has become a rarity. Magic Moment is passionate in creating an environment of togetherness, making every moment count with all kinds of unique touches that make it fun for everyone. The luxurious lobby area is great for adults, while it’s contrasted by the special area for young ones: a kid’s club with bright colors, comfy couches, toys to share, video games, tabletop games, and more! The pool is another venue for adventure, and even has a snack bar to keep the little ones’ “hanger” at bay. When you want to spend some quiet time together, sit and tell stories in the beautiful garden area.
magicmomentresort.com
Traveling on RV trips has become more and more popular in recent years. Five Star RV Resort is the newest luxury RV resort located in Auburndale, Florida, less than an hour from both Tampa and Orlando. The resort is a jewel in the setting of Florida watersports country, next to the new USA Watersports Complex! The resort borders Lake Myrtle and has spacious pull-through and back-in RV sites.
fivestarrvfl.com
The Alfond Inn is a quintessential boutique hotel in downtown Winter Park, with a stylish atmosphere and top-notch amenities. Sitting on the previous property of the once-illustrious Langford Hotel, the Inn carries on the legacy of luxury with big, airy rooms and an attractive combination of heavy furniture with clean lines. The boutique hotel showcases The Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art for Rollins College, which is part of the Cornell Fine Arts Museum. You can feel even better staying at The Alfond when you know that it is owned and operated by Rollins College, with its net income directed to The Alfond Scholars program fund. thealfondinn.com
On the Atlantic Coast
In Daytona Beach, you’ve got your choice of beachfront accommodations that make it easy to transition from the room to the sand with the young ones. Oceanside Daytona offers 165 spacious rooms, including one-bedroom and Penthouse suites, as well as a freshwater pool that is a delight to swim in and overlooks the ocean. Here’s a hint to parents - you can sip on some delicious beverages while lounging poolside and watching the kids swim. Built in 1973, Oceanside Inn is one of the staples along this stretch of A1A in Daytona Beach Shores. As of July 2019, the hotel is under new management and is already undergoing improvements and renovations.
oceansidedaytona.com
Located in Indiantown, part of the idyllic Martin County, is the historic Seminole Inn, a beautiful boutique hotel built in the 1920s by Baltimore banker S. Davies Warfield and just renovated in 2018, today it brings to remembrance Southern elegance of times past with opulent guest suites, a farm-to-table restaurant, and breathtaking event spaces.
seminoleinn.com
Hollywood puts an emphasis on checking out their Superior Small Lodging (SSL) options for a true Florida experience during your vacation. Riptide Hotel, which is right on the beach and adjacent to the Broadwalk, features 21 oceanfront suites, all spacious and tastefully decorated to exude a vibe of barefoot elegance.
riptidehotel.com
Create your *mini* home away from home at Homestead Tiny House Resort! The “tiny houses” are available to rent while visiting the Williston area for a week or weekend. There are five separate units, each with a porch and plenty of room to spread out once you are outside. Each tiny house has a brand new interior and bright shiplap walls with tasteful décor. While in the area, the new Sad Donkey Coffee Shop offers an array of drink specials usually found in urban areas. Homemade Danishes and muffins will start your morning off on the right foot.
homesteadtinyhouse.com
In the Florida Keys
The all new 12-acre “luxury inclusive” adults only 135 unit Bungalows Key Largo, with a “Florida chic” design, is to open in late 2018. Bungalows average 800 square feet, with private outdoor plunge pools or tubs. Amenities include Zen Garden Spa, two pools, three restaurants, Tiki style boats, 1,000 feet of shoreline and lush, palm lined grounds.
BungalowsKeyLargo.com
You don’t have to drop a load of money to stay in the Florida Keys - you just have to drop anchor! Drop Anchor Resort and Marina holds a special place in the heart of those who frequent Islamorada. The resort offers a beautiful tropical setting and picture-perfect marine decor. Spacious rooms with lots of natural sunshine emit an Old Florida feeling, and your relaxation will reach new heights at the waterfront pool. Enjoy easy access to your vessel when you dock at the resort marina.
dropanchorresort.com
Nestled into the heart of Key West is the very special Perry Hotel, a boutique hotel with handcrafted touches and personal service that create a luxury environment for guests. Upon your arrival you’re handed a glass of champagne, and you could arrange with the concierge to schedule activities and events during your stay. The Perry offers complimentary shuttle service to Old Town, as well as bike rentals, so you could go exploring, or perhaps you’d like to stay at the hotel and take a dip in the dazzling waterfront swimming pool. The hotel is surrounded by a marina village, so this is a great spot for boat owners or to find a rental for the day. One of the top draws to this hotel is that they offer pet-friendly accommodations, as well as two dog parks - so your furry friend can have a great vacation, too.
perrykeywest.com
