Left Tents pitched in Little Talbot Island State Park Right Loungers near the swimming pool at The Biltmore Hotel, Miami
Left Tents pitched in Little Talbot Island State Park Right Loungers near the swimming pool at The Biltmore Hotel, Miami
Kitchen, dining, and living area in Hawks Cay Resort, Duck Key
With numerous lavish resorts, condos for rent, and campgrounds attracting millions of visitors every year, Florida truly can accommodate every taste and budget. There is a spectrum of accommodations for families – from exclusive resorts to basic motels, which usually have a pool where kids can splash around. Listings of suggested lodgings appear at the end of each chapter in this book, with price categories reflecting the cost for a family of four.
The winter months, especially holiday periods, are the most popular and the most expensive. Generally, the closer to the beach, the higher the price, so staying in a basic high-way motel and driving to the beach means saving, with rooms lodging four for as little as $150 per night, even in high season. Most places let kids stay free in their parents’ room; but some specify that sharers must be under age 12. Bargains can be found in the off-seasons, spring and fall. Hotels.com, Travelocity, and Expedia are good sources to find the lowest rates, while Kayak compares many discount hotel sites.
The state’s 6 percent sales tax, plus tourism taxes, can bring the total up a hefty 12 percent. Remember that tipping is not discretionary in the US. Many hotels also add on a daily resort fee. Ask before you book, or you might be presented with an unexpectedly large bill at the end of your stay.
Florida boasts resorts with golf, spas, tennis, beaches, and a variety of dining options. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is one that offers a range of accommodations, kids’ programs, and its own shops and restaurants. If budget allows, Ritz-Carlton resorts and hotels are among the top facilities in the state.
Space and cooking facilities are two important pluses for families choosing a hotel or motel. All-suite properties offer extra space, kitchens, and sometimes two TVs. Many modest hotels and motels provide microwaves and small refrigerators. Check whether cots or cribs are available and if they are free, if kids’ menus are offered in hotel restaurants, and if the hotel will help with recommended babysitters.
Florida is filled with condominiums and efficiency or studio apartments whose owners rent out their quarters when not in residence. Condo units provide comfortable space plus kitchens. Many condo buildings are conveniently located, some right on the beach, and usually have a pool. One-, two-, and three-bedroom units are available, and prices are competitive with hotels. However, there is usually no maid service. Condo listings are found in the accommodations guides published by local tourist offices, and also on websites such as HomeAway.
Many families report success with house swaps. If you live in Europe, for example, a Florida family might be happy to swap their home for yours, saving each of you a considerable amount of money. Swaps are arranged through specialized agencies such as Home Exchange and Home Link. For a small monthly fee, prospective swappers sign up and list their homes. Members can scan listings for the places they want to go, select properties, and send privacy-protected emails directly to the owners. It is always a good idea to exchange emails, talk on the phone, and trade recent home photos before signing an agreement.
Lavishly decorated lounge at the Hilton Hotel, St. Augustine
Many of the campgrounds for RVs across the state offer playgrounds and pools, as well as table tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts. All offer picnic grounds and convenient laundry facilities. Camp Florida has a complete RV Park directory, with hundreds of listings across the state. There are several RV rental agencies. Some campgrounds also provide rustic cabins for those without RVs. Guests staying in the cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds are offered complimentary coach transfers from the airport, and transportation to all Walt Disney World® attractions is available from the resort’s campground.
Most of Florida’s state parks have campgrounds for tents, and 19 of them also have cabins for rent at rates below most motels, with access to all park facilities. Lodgings range from well-equipped modern cottages such as those at Grayton Beach State Park to simple log cabins at Myakka River State Park. Bookings are essential and can be made 11 months in advance; check the Florida State Parks website for more information.
B&B inns are listed in local tourism directories and can be found through several booking services. These lodgings may be private homes or small inns. While often charming, not all offer the privacy or noise tolerance that families appreciate. Be sure to ask about specifics and family policies before booking.
Ritz-Carlton www.ritzcarlton.com
HomeAway www.homeaway.com
Camp Florida www.campflorida.com
Florida State Parks www.floridastateparks.org
B&B agencies www.bedandbreakfast.com www.florida-bed-and-breakfasts.net www.florida-inns.com