Hotels · Our pick in Florida
Where to stay in Florida: the back story
The back story
About Where to stay in Florida: the back story
Florida is two coasts and a long way from top to bottom, so where you stay shapes the whole trip. In Orlando, a resort near the parks saves hours on the road; in Palm Beach, the grand hotels are the destination in themselves; and on the Gulf, from St. Pete Beach to 30A, you wake up with the sand outside your door.
Orlando and the parks
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando are resort hotels with golf and spas, a short drive from the theme parks; the Conrad sits within the Evermore resort. For something calmer, Winter Park’s Alfond Inn and Park Plaza Hotel are on or near Park Avenue, with its shops and restaurants.
The Palm Beaches
The Breakers is Palm Beach’s great oceanfront resort, and the Brazilian Court is a smaller hotel a few blocks from Worth Avenue. South along the coast, Eau Resort & Spa is in Manalapan and The Boca Raton is on the water in Boca Raton.
Book the special nights first, by the beach or in Palm Beach, then fill in Orlando and the cities around them.
The Gulf coast
The Don CeSar is the pink landmark on St. Pete Beach, and Opal Sands faces the sand at Clearwater Beach. In Sarasota you can choose between the Ritz-Carlton downtown, the arts-district hotels, and the beach resorts of Lido Key and Longboat Key. In the Panhandle, WaterColor Inn, the Pearl at Rosemary Beach, Henderson Beach Resort and Hotel Effie are spread along the Emerald Coast.
The Historic Coast
The Ritz-Carlton and the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge are on the beach on Amelia Island, and the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club sits on the ocean between Jacksonville and St. Augustine.
Planning the route
Orlando to Palm Beach or Tampa is about two to three hours by car, and the Panhandle is a long day’s drive or a short flight away. Brightline trains link Orlando with West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
Our advice: give the beach at least three nights. One night by the sea is never enough.
Why it's on our list
- Orlando and the parks
- The Palm Beaches
- The Gulf coast
- The Historic Coast
- Planning the route
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Where to stay in Florida: the back story before you go.
Check availability
Opens Booking.com in a new tab with your dates. ULTIMATE Florida Guide doesn't take bookings or payments.