24 Best Places to Stay in Florida

January 15, 2022

Sunny cloudless skies, white sand beaches, and world-class theme parks make Florida a desirable destination for just about any traveler.

Whether you seek a hip boutique hotel in Miami or a sprawling five-star resort in Palm Beach, we have the inside scoop on the best places to stay in Florida. 

In fact, the sunshine state receives well over 30 million domestic visitors a year, making it one of the most visited states in the country.

From deep-sea fishing in the aquamarine waters of the Keys to catching up with Mickey at Magic Kingdom, there are so many ways to embrace the enchantment of Florida. 

Elevate the attraction of your next vacation by booking any of the best places to stay in Florida.

Luxurious Places to Stay in Florida

View of the Sunset Key Cottages from the water in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: Sunset Key Cottages via Facebook

Sunset Key Cottages 

A Florida Keys getaway is already irresistibly alluring, but add to the mix an abundance of elegant seclusion, top-tier service, and jaw-dropping natural beauty, and you'll be hard-pressed to leave.

The Sunset Key Cottages are consistently ranked as one of the top places to stay in Florida, and it's not hard to see why. Considered an 'Opal Collection' property, this resort is a true testament to luxury and privacy, sitting on a 27-acre island only accessible by boat or ferry.

Lucky guests will be able to unwind in seclusion as the resort only features 40 bougainvillea draped cottages.

Take a minute each morning to catch the picture-perfect sunrise from your cottage balcony while enjoying your daily "Rise and Dine" breakfast basket.

Table covered in a white cloth with a fruit and cheese board on it and three skinned coconuts with the Acqualina Resort & Spa logo burned into them and a bottle of alcohol on ice at the Acqualina Resort & Spa in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit:
Acqualina Resort & Residences via Facebook

Acqualina Resort & Spa

Step away from the hustle and bustle of South Beach and for your next Miami reprieve, and treat yourself to one of the most awarded luxury hotels in Florida.

Acqualina Resort is a welcome reprieve located in Miami's Sunny Isles Beach, an unparalleled pinnacle of service and sophistication.

Situated on almost five sprawling acres of magazine cover-worthy beachfront property, the lush grounds envelop you in luxury from the moment you check in.

Designed to mimic the look and feel of a Mediterranean-style villa, the resort features lavish guest rooms, outdoor terraces, oceanfront swimming pools, and world-class dining.

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Cool off in your private cabana rental for the day. Then, hightail it to the resort's Zagat and Forbes-rated restaurant Il Mulino New York for an Italian feast.

Aerial view of The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne with a blue cloudy sky behind it in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami via Facebook

The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami

Fire up the fancy when you reserve a room at one of the Ritz Carlton's best properties in the United States.

Enjoy an easily accessible slice of island life when you cruise on up to the Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne, Miami. This five-star hotel encapsulates Florida luxury with a tropical touch, a palm tree-studded paradise.

Almost every room boasts an oceanfront, Biscayne Bay, or resort garden view, and its 1,200 square private golden sand beach is simply swoon-worthy.

Tennis pros should take note, as the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center located here is considered one of the best in the world. 

A private beach side area with a bed, bathtub, and dining area along the beach at sunset at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: Little Palm Island Resort & Spa via Facebook

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

An adults-only paradise designed explicitly for digital detoxing? Sign us up! If your Key West getaway is sans kids, you need to spoil yourself with a stay at one of the best places to stay in Florida.

The Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is a heavenly enclave of charming British West Indies-style bungalows nestled on a private island.

Stroll the deserted beaches strewn with seashells and revel in the natural beauty of America's only private island resort.

Book yourself into their fabulous world-class spa for an exotic Four Hands Massage with macadamia nut oil, and put that phone on silent. Since there are no televisions or phones in any public areas or guest rooms here. The Little Palm is the perfect place to recharge sans social media updates. 

Pool and beach view off of a balcony at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort & Spa with a sunny sky, bright blue water, and lots of palm trees in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort via Facebook

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort & Spa

Looking to level up your Miami Beach luxury credentials? Sleep in sleek, chic refinement when you book a stay at The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. 

This urban sanctuary provides an unrivaled, opulent experience worthy of its prestigious Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond ratings.

Savor spellbinding ocean views as you pad around your expertly appointed oceanfront room, complete with a marble bathroom. Then, continue the pampering as you visit their 14,000 square foot Remedè Spa, and don't forget to make a reservation at their one-of-a-kind St. Regis Bar & Wine Vault.

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The Wine Vault showcases an exclusive selection of the World's finest champagnes, rare vintage wines, and handcrafted cocktails. All served in a sumptuous Asian-inspired setting. 

Aerial view of the The Breakers Palm Beach showing all of the amenities on a sunny day in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: The Breakers Palm Beach via Facebook

The Breakers

White glove luxury with a historic pedigree? Yes, please! For 125 years, the Breakers has been catering to the elite Palm Beach crowd. Families, couples, and international jet setters alike have assembled at this stunning property modeled after the Villa Medici in Rome. 

Initially commissioned by the great industrialist Henry Flager, the resort earned its moniker due to its proximity to the water, right where the waves crash and break. 

The hotel's architectural flair and European influence have attracted many famous figures, including the Rockefellers, the Vanderbilts, and Sir Elton John. Today's guests can enjoy their bespoke decor, luxe accents, and personal concierge services. 

A bright blue pool lined with chairs for laying out on and palm trees for shade on a sunny day at The Ritz-Carlton Naples in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples via Facebook

The Ritz-Carlton Naples

Are you seeking luxury in a more low-key locale? Experience top-notch golfing, beaching, shopping, and more when you reserve accommodations on Florida's gorgeous Gulf Coast.

The Ritz-Carlton Naples is a premier getaway for selective snowbirds, golf pros, beach bunnies, and everyone in between. Lap up the impeccable Gulf of Mexico views, or keep toasty in their massive heated outdoor pool. 

Grab a bite at any of their seven exclusive dining experiences before hitting the links at the 18-hole Greg Norman-designed Tiburón Golf Club.

Reserve a 'Club Level' access room for even more first-class service and receive special perks like a dedicated concierge, daily food presentations, hand-pressed garments, a stress-free checkout, and more.

Wide shot of the Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort with a walkway lined with palm trees and a pink purple sunset behind it in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort via Facebook

Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

A dose of art deco glam and a whole lot of history make Casa Marina as charming as ever. This over a century-old resort features an iconic facade conceptualized by the great Henry Flagler and constructed by the same architects as the NY Public Library.

An intriguing combination of classic luxury, style, and relaxation, Casa Marina is a testament to the eternal beauty and allure of a Key West Vacation.

Guests can kick back and relax on over 1,100 ft of private beachfront property or book a signature facial or massage at the Spa al Maré.

Cheers to your travel companion with a refreshing cocktail from the Sun Beach Bar and Grill as you marvel at a glorious sunset.

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History buffs will be overjoyed to note that Casa Marina has been bestowed a space on the National Register of Historic Places and that staying here means sleeping at the same luxury hotspot as Gregory Peck and Rita Hayworth. 

Coolest Places to Stay in Florida

View of a sitting room with ornate chairs, coffee table, and couch, it's walls decorated in florals and green at The Villa Casa Casuarina in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: The Villa Casa Casuarina via Facebook

The Villa Casa Casuarina

Dripping in drama and over-the-top opulence, the Villa Casa Casuarina is genuinely one of the best places to stay in Florida. 

Once the Versace mansion, this 23,000 sq foot style property has been converted into fabulous Mediterranean style lodgings. 

A vision of Versace excess, this infamous property features ten bedrooms, eleven bathrooms, and a 54-foot-long mosaic pool lined with 24-karat gold. Over 100 million Italian mosaic tiles were used in the mansion's design.

Constructed in 1930, a stay here is not only a slice of real Miami history (as the house contains many collections and designs of its former owner, the late Gianni Versace) but pure unadulterated luxury.

Real Versace fans can even stay in Gianni's namesake suite, overlooking Ocean Drive, and receive exclusive access to daily breakfast and the thousand mosaic pool.

Several red and white beach cabanas stocked with fruit and other amenities pool side at Faena Hotel Miami Beach in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: Faena Miami Beach via Facebook

Faena Hotel Miami Beach

Calling all Moulin Rouge fans! Revel in the artistic genius of Baz Luhrmann and his longtime partner and collaborator Catherine Martin when you can, Cancan it over to the Faena Hotel in Miami Beach.

Colorful, quirky, and very cool, the singular aesthetic of Luhrmann is visible everywhere, from the retro red and strikingly chic lobby to the vintage-inspired pool.

Ogle at the ever prevalent Damien Hirst Golden Mammoth on display before indulging in any of their world-class amenities, including 24-hour butler service and a 22,000 square-foot spa, or 'Tierra Santa Healing House.'

Unlock your inner peace at this top-rated oasis where relaxation goes beyond skin deep. Here shaman-developed rituals meet the latest scientific treatments and techniques to achieve unparalleled bliss.

Lastly, don't forget to book a snazzy reservation at any of the hotel's acclaimed culinary concepts, including the Filipino-inspired Pao by Paul Qui. 

Aerial view of The Pearl RB at sunset in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: The Pearl RB via Facebook

The Pearl

Quaint beachy charm with a splash of panhandle pizzaz is what's in store for guests lucky enough to snag a reservation at the Pearl.

Situated right on Main Street in the cozy town of Rosemary Beach, the Pearl manages to strike an effortless balance between laidback cool and luxury.

This boutique property is regularly voted one of Florida's best places to stay. This boutique property is all about the little details. From the check-in cocktail to freshly baked treats at bedtime to the complimentary valet service, small touches here make a world of difference.

From the striking black and white striped awnings to the property's fairytale-like pointed turrets and spacious terraces, every element of the Pearl is designed to illuminate and shine. 

Enjoy top-tier amenities, sensational Gulf of Mexico views, all wrapped up in an understated, elegant coastal style.

Before checking out, be sure to head to the roof for an ice-cold mojito at the Havana Beach Bar & Grill, a spot so popular even locals have a hard time snagging a table!

The Collector Inn

Are you headed to the Nation's Oldest City? Then, hit the ground running when you stay at the distinguished Collector Inn.

Conveniently located at the edge of St. Augustine's Old Town, the Collector provides the perfect jump-off point for exploring this historic city's most storied attractions.

Meander through the hotel's brick-laden courtyard inhaling the sweet scents of honeysuckle and jasmine while lingering over a glass of wine.

A fascinating amalgam of past and present, the Collector's property is the former Dow Museum of Historic Houses. This one-acre garden oasis contains historic homes dating back to the 18th century.

Now lovingly restored and just brimming with unique touches, such as original fireplaces, verandas, and coquina walls, this hotel is the ideal choice for any discerning traveler.

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After a day exploring the city on foot or by a cheery beach cruiser, wind down with a glass of wine from the nearby San Sebastian Winery as you warm yourself by one of the Inn's many blazing fire pits.

View of a restaurant at Alfond Inn with handing lights and green landscaping in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: The Alfond Inn via Facebook

Alfond Inn

All the charm of a boutique inn with the luxury and five-star amenities to rival the luxury chains? The Alfond Inn may be a study in contradictions. But, as proved by its AAA Four Diamond Rating and consistent ranking as one of 'the best hotels in Florida,' it works.

Located in the lovely hamlet of Winter Park, just a stone's throw from downtown Orlando. Similarly, just a mere half an hour from Walt Disney World. The Alfond Inn is a hidden gem of Central Florida, boasting 112 tastefully appointed rooms.

In addition to their state-of-the-art pool and fitness center, the Inn is a huge proponent of the arts. It showcases the Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art for Rollins College, part of the Cornell Fine Arts Museum.

Stroll down the cobblestone streets of nearby Park Avenue, perusing the many boutiques and restaurants before settling in at the hotel's on-site award-winning eatery, Hamilton's Kitchen, highlighting exquisite Southern Fare executed with a modern twist. 

View of the pool with chairs lining it and palm trees with the ocean in the background at Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club via Facebook

Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club

While Miami certainly has no shortage of cool hotels, the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club might just win for the coolest place to stay in Florida.

A glamorous legacy of style, sophistication, and elegance, the Surf Club is an oceanfront destination that respects its past while firmly rooted in the present.

This 1930s era establishment used to cater to celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra, seeking refuge from the limelight.

This Miami Beach-bound property boasts architecture by Pritzker-prize-winning architect Richard Meier and interior designer Joseph Dirandan.

All hotel guests can feel like A-listers when they retreat to their rooms. Enjoy reveling in custom furnishings, flat-screen TVs, floor-to-ceiling windows, and marble bathrooms.

Soak in the oceanfront views available at the Lido Restaurant and Terrace as you sample sophisticated Italian cuisine. 

Two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels each with their own green and a white stripped beach chairs and The Colony Hotel Palm Beach in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: The Colony Hotel Palm Beach via Facebook

The Colony Hotel Palm Beach

Think pink! Design enthusiasts and architectural aficionados will flock like flamingos to the iconic Colony Hotel in Palm Beach.

The rosy facade of this retro-chic building is guaranteed to make you smile. Add a glamorous tropical-themed scheme and thoughtful amenities like their beach butlers and complimentary bike rentals. We can assure you will never want to leave!

Soak up some sun on the sandy beach just feet away from the hotel's entrance, and leave the heavy lifting to the hotel. They will happily provide you with a fully catered beach experience. Complete with gourmet bites, a branded YETI cooler, dishware, ice, and napkins. 

Whether you are a hotel guest or a local, you must check out the scene at Swifty's, the hotel's famous pool bar. Offering al fresco seating underneath a hanging garden, as well as the hotel's signature 'Pink Paradise' drink.

An indoor swimming pool with palm trees, low light, and wooden accents at The Setai Miami in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: The Setai Miami Beach via Facebook

The Setai Miami

South Beach panache, Asian-influenced hospitality, and art deco ambiance fuse together to create a high-end hotel experience at The Setai Miami.

'Setai' is a shortening of the entire "SELATAN PANTAI." This means "South Beach," in the southeast Asian Bahasa language, seeks to provide its guests with an unreplicable five-star experience in the very heart of Miami.

It is beautifully housed in a restored 1936 landmark building within the Art Deco District. This Forbes and Travel + Leisure award-winning resort boast 90 Art Deco rooms, 55 Ocean Suites, and one Penthouse.

Sophisticated travelers will be thrilled not only by the upscale Asian aesthetics but by the Miami-based amenities and features. Boasting three temperature-controlled sparkling pools, beachfront services, dining experiences, and a world-renowned spa.

Spend the day frolicking at the beach and then undo the sun's damage by booking a Setai Signature Master of Time Treatment at the Valmont Spa.

Nicest Places to Stay in Florida

Balcony view over looking a walk, pool, and the beach at Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina via Facebook

Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina

Are you dreaming of that pitch-perfect Florida Keys vacation? Make your tropical dreams a reality when you plan a stay at the sensational Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina.

As idyllic as its name would suggest, the PostCard Inn is awash in beachy laidback charm and luxury. Sandy feet may be the norm here, but you will be greeted by five-star service and a wealth of 1950s era charm.

This oceanfront resort has been entertaining and exciting beach bums for 70 years with its full-service marina, private beach, lagoon-style pool, and popular Tiki bar.

Located halfway between Key West and Miami, in the exotic oasis of Islamorada. Guests here are all about that aquatic life. Meanwhile, indulging in world-class sportfishing, boating, and snorkeling.

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After a full day of surf and sun, unwind your chic and nautically decorated Floridian-style cottage with oceanfront views. 

View of the exterior of the Inn on Fifth at twilight in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: The Inn on Fifth - Naples, Florida via Facebook

Inn on Fifth

Naples is synonymous with old Florida elegance, culture, and sophistication, and nowhere are these tenants more apparent than on the Inn on Fifth.

A haven of high brow class, five-star dining, and discreet service. The Inn on Fifth is a go-to destination for those in the know in Naples.

Embrace the premier shopping, dining, and Gulf Coast beach views when you stay right in the heartbeat of the city. Smack dab on the ritzy and eternally fashionable Fifth Avenue, the Inn has 119 rooms and suites. Including 32 uber-luxurious Club level accommodations.

Located just across the street, these premier suites serve up many perks. Enjoy access to a private rooftop with a jacuzzi, complimentary continental breakfast served at the lounge, and more. 

Looking up a the light pink The Vinoy Renaissance St Petersburg Resort & Golf Club with Palm tree in front of it and a blue cloudy sky behind it in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit:
The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club via Facebook

The Vinoy Renaissance St Petersburg Resort & Golf Club

Once just considered a sleepy retirement community. Recently, St. Petersburg has exploded in popularity. Stroll around the charming downtown area and see all the fuss is about when you stay at Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club.

A Marriott property with a distinctly boutique feel. The Vinoy exemplifies Floridian elegance. Observe its Mediterranean Revival lobby, to its glass chandeliers, wooden ceilings, and vintage tiled floors.

Built in the 1920s, this expansive property has been refurbished to marry its historic charm with modern conveniences.

Guests can walk hand in hand to the lusciously landscaped Vinoy Park for a picnic then savor a sunset. Or explore the bustling action in thriving downtown St. Petersburg. 

Spend an afternoon enjoying a cocktail on their wrap-around porch or take a dip in one of their two pools. Next, work up a sweat in their state-of-the-art fitness center.

Best Places to Stay by Florida Themeparks

Wide shot of the miami-florida-usa-Mystic-Dunes-Resort-and-Golf-Club and pool on a sunny day in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: Interval International via Facebook

Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club

Are you looking for the creature comforts of home, plus convenient family-friendly amenities? Then, enhance the pleasure of your next Orlando excursion when you stay at Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club.

Choose from 1 or two-bedroom condos which feature furnished patios, full kitchens, and washers and dryers.

Soak away the aches from a full day at Disney or Universal with a soak in your whirlpool bath. Or head to any four on-site pools located on 600 acres of tropical Florida natural preserves.

Need a bit more poolside privacy? For some ultimate R&R, reserve a private cabana for a day. Then, receive your choice of six beverage cans (soda, water, beer), two specialty cocktails, or two frozen tropical escapes.

Fiends of the green will be salivating to hit the links on Mystic's 18-hole golf course. Meanwhile, less experienced golfers can have a blast putting on their mini-course. 

Three tiki huts with water slides coming out of them into a light blue pool at Liki Tiki Village in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: Liki Tiki Village via Facebook

Liki Tiki Village

Fire up those torches and prime yourself for an island getaway when you stay at the Liki Tiki Village. Centrally located in Orlando, the Liki Tiki Village is an aquatic oasis bursting with pirate-themed adventure.

First, conquer the waterslides and wave pools at Liki Tiki Lagoon Water Adventure Park. Next, hit up the mini-golf course. Finally, grab some grub at the on-site Shipwreck Sally's Bar & Grill.

After your theme park fun, take a quiet reprieve in your comfortably adorned one or two-bedroom villa. Then later, explore more of the resort's 64 acres of Polynesian-themed paradise. 

A bright blue pool with the Regal Oaks behind it and a water slides in the background

photo credit: Regal Oaks Resort by TGM via Facebook

Regal Oaks - A CLC World Resort

Fulfill every Orlando vacation fantasy when you stay at the award-winning Regal Oaks Resort. Everyone will appreciate the polished touches and incredible amenities at this glittering Kissimmee property. And just 5 miles from Disneyworld!

Unwind in style and comfort in your gorgeously furnished 2-4 bedroom townhome rental. Featuring a thoughtful pack of household essentials, allowing you and your traveling party to settle in with ease.

Flit from the clubhouse, fitness center, and swimming complex. Then, towel off and head into Old Town USA for an evening of Central Florida entertainment. 

View of the entrance to Magic Village Yards with a giant metal "M" on the front of it in Miami, Florida, USA

photo credit: Magic Village Vacation Homes via Facebook

Magic Village Yards

Need to host a whole gaggle of Disney devotees? If your Orlando theme park vacation includes a crowd, Magic Village Yards is the place to be.

Book a three or four-bedroom villa in this luxurious concierge-style community, just mere minutes from Mickey's birthplace.

Host a cookout using your state-of-the-art grill. Or settle in for the evening when you plan a movie night in the living room area.

The ideal compromise between a fully equipped vacation home and a boutique hotel. Magic Village Yards will undoubtedly cast a spell on the whole family. Be wowed by its clubhouse, on-site restaurant, concierge services, fitness room, and heated outdoor pool. 

Aerial view of the bright blue pool at Margaritaville Resort Orlando in Orlando, Florida, USA

photo credit: Margaritaville Resort Orlando via Facebook

Margaritaville Resort Orlando

Ready to take a trip to the magic mind of Jimmy Buffet? While you may not need to be a 'Parrot head' to stay at Margaritaville, we can't guarantee you won't be 'wasting away' after a stay at this tropical resort.

Instantly be transported to your vacation happy place when you enter this hotel's jaw-droppingly beautiful lobby. It's complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, views of the overflowing lagoon pools, and of course, a refreshing "welcome cocktail."

Savor first-class touches such as a rain head shower and deluxe linens in your private room. In addition, enjoy services such as 24-hour access to the Fins Up! Fitness Center, the St. Somewhere Spa, and the Parakeet's Kids Club. As well as the resort's pools and lagoons.

Fuel up for hours of theme park thrills at the intimately high-end Euphoria Fish House. Or grab a poolside Margarita at the Salty Rim Bar and Grill.

Water-loving kiddos (and adults) will flip over the on-site Island H2O Water Park. This aquatic wonderland is Orlando's most immersive and technologically advanced water park. Featuring over 20 experiences, including thrilling slides, a lazy river, a wave pool. Additionally, it boasts a kids-only area. 

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From marveling over art deco architecture in Miami to being sorted into your favorite Harry Potter house at Universal Studios. There are so many ways to spend a Florida vacation.

Beach days in Palm Beach, snorkeling in the Keys, and Magic kingdom memories make for unforgettable adventures.

Whether you are aching for a premier luxury experience to celebrate a special occasion. Or craving a hit of cool to shake up your accommodation game, a stay at any of the best places in Florida will brighten any getaway. 


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Written By Isis Maya

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central America and her love o ...

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