5 Florida Hotels You Need to Know
From a bungalow on an exclusive private island in the Keys to a spacious vacation home on the white sandy beaches of South Walton, Florida has many hidden treasures that you may have yet to discover. Here, we unlock the secrets behind 5 Florida hotels that we love and you need to know.
WaterColor Inn & Resort
The WaterColor Inn & Resort, is the Gulf Coast’s premier luxury destination. Located in Northwest Florida on scenic 30A, it borders a 220-acre dune lake on 499 acres, with 1,400 linear feet of beachfront on the renowned sugar-white beaches of South Walton.
Embedded in the park-like setting of the sprawling 499 acres are spacious 1-6 bedroom vacation homes that offer the perfect setting for larger groups with a full kitchen for family dinners and plenty of gathering space to enjoy time together. Also on the property, just footsteps from the beach, the deluxe beachfront rooms have been furnished for the full comfort of guests with everything from soft linens to spa-inspired toiletries.
WaterColor Inn and Resort has been awarded the Florida Green Lodging Program’s coveted Two Palm status, one of just three hotels in the state to attain this certification.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is the peak season, but the fall offers beautiful weather, no crowds and great events.
Best Room
All of the rooms of the Inn face the Gulf with the 2nd to 4th floors over looking the water. Panoramic views can be enjoyed from 3 Rotunda Rooms as well.
Dining
Dining options include casual breakfast and creative dinner menus with Gulf-side views from Fish Out of Water, the Gathering Spot with indoor and poolside service for lunch and dinner including the Sushi Bar, and the BeachClub and Margarita Bar serving salads, sandwiches and snacks.
Attention To Detail
All guests of the Official Vacation Provider for WaterColor Resort receive complimentary use of bikes, kayaks and canoes at Western Lake, access to KidsCamp, WaterColor Signature Bath Amenity and the ease of the Resort Charging Privileges.
Avg Room Rates
Ranging from $295 -$625 for Inn Rooms
Ranging from $295 - $1200 for Vacation Homes and Condos
Little Palm Island
Experience the tropics in Florida like never before at Little Palm Island. A short ride by seaplane or yacht lands you on the intimate Lower Florida Keys escape graced with over 250 Jamaican coconut palms. Guests break away from the stresses of everyday life on this private island oasis dotted with 15 thatched roof bungalows just steps from the crystal waters.
Once frequented by presidents including Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy, the island now serves as the ultimate destination for the guests with a thirst for luxury. With plush interiors and ocean views from every bungalow, Little Palm Island aims fulfill every desire. Whether a sand bar picnic, mangrove maze, kayaking or lobster dinner serenaded under the stars, your dream experience awaits you.
Best Time to Visit
December - May, as temperatures are warm but not too high during that time.
Best Room
Island Grand Suites are two 1,000 sq. ft. suites that offer exquisitely decorated spaces with British Colonial furnishings, separate living/dining area, slate floors, and a large private front porch with redwood hot tub, lounge chairs and dining table. They also feature his and her bathrooms. “His” bathroom is equipped with a large slate shower, with three unique shower-heads and “her” bathroom has a large, claw-footed porcelain tub and vanity table. The Island Grand Suites include a welcome bottle of champagne and fruit, water sport amenities, mini bar beverages and guaranteed beach dining (weather permitting.)
Dining
The award-winning Dining Room at the Little Palm Island by Chef Luis Pous offers a unique blend of French and Pan-Latin cuisine. Little Palm Island was recognized as the Best Hotel Dining in Florida and Number Three in the US by Zagat in 2010.
Attention to Detail
Little Palm Island offers Ultimate Themed Picnics to its’ guests, which include exclusive transportation on a Cessna 206 Amphibious Seaplane to a secluded island with lavish choices of cuisine varying from a scrumptious spread of freshly caught local seafood to a hand-picked assortment of artisanal cheeses and rare wines. Picnics start at $2,999.
Average Room Rate
Ranging from $899 - $2,499 per night
Special Offers
Little Palm Island offers a variety of packages throughout the year. Please visit littlepalmisland.com and click on the “packages” tab for current package offerings.
Postcard Inn
Cancel your board meetings, throw on some board shorts, and head to the Postcard Inn. Originally a 1950’s motel turned Travelodge, the Postcard was given new life in 2005 as the chic, bohemian inn it is today. A casual, vintage-inspired destination located in St. Pete, the Inn features distinctive rooms that are a throwback to a time when road trips ruled and surfers were kings. Just steps from the warm sand and the cool waters of the Gulf Coast, each room offers eccentric decor elements including vintage light fixtures, refurbished surf gear and cozy bedding creating a low-key and relaxed environment.
Best Time to Visit
The fall and the spring offer the most enjoyable weather.
Best Room
The Pool Rooms are the most unique because they come with a little front yard that has a private hammock for guests. Many times guests will rent a few rooms in a row and have yard parties over looking the Jr. Olympic size pool with the Gulf of Mexico just beyond. 
Dining
Wildwood BBQ & Burger comes to St. Pete Beach via New York City, where it has received shining reviews for its slow-smoked BBQ and lively atmosphere. With multi-regional American barbecue, local seafood and griddled burgers from Pit Master “Big Lou” Elrose, guests are guaranteed a finger-licking good time. Enjoy BBQ favorites like ribs, brisket and pulled pork with house- made sauces.
Attention to Detail
“It’s not the age, it’s the attitude” One of the most interesting details about the Postcard Inn is that they inspire a nostalgic feeling in their guests along with creating a welcoming and laidback atmosphere that allows guests to be themselves. In addition, each one of the 196 rooms is completely unique with all the guest room lamps, pictures, and many other cool, eclectic items having been purchased at local area flea markets, consignment shops and garage sales.
Average Room Rate
Starting at $139.00 during Summer- Winter
Starting at $169.00 during Spring
Special Offers
Summer Weekday Wipe out specials start at $90.00 per night. Check their website for rates and other specials.www.postcardinn.com
Omphoy Ocean Resort
As the first oceanfront hotel development on Palm Beach in more than 18 years, the Omphoy Ocean Resort provides the allure of New York and South Beach boutique hotels with its clean, fresh and simplistic design. Infused with earth-friendly details and modern Asian influences, the Omphoy blends a hotel experience that evokes a new level of balance creating a relaxed and tranquil setting unlike anything else in Palm Beach.
With 130 guestrooms and suites all offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway, the resort features custom-designed furniture and beds that seem to float above the ground covered in crisp white sheeting. Pure bronze tiles cover the floors of all guestrooms and bathrooms, bringing luxurious elements of the earth to life.
Best Time to Visit
Depending on your preference in temperatures, winters are usually the most temperate, but summers offer the best rates
Best Room
The Omphoy’s Oceanfront Suite offers spectacular views from a balcony that extends from the bedroom to the living room. It also features a spacious bathroom with a floating tub, a separate shower and separate living room area that includes a wet bar.
Dining
Chef Michelle Bernstein, winner of the 2008 James Beard Award for “Best Chef in the Southern United States” offers an ever evolving menu focusing on fresh seafood with a Mediterranean flavor at her signature restaurant, Michelle Bernstein at The Omphoy. Her renowned cuisine integrates the finest seafood and quality cuts of meat available, paired with crisp romaine hearts.
Attention to Detail
Not only is the Omphoy the only oceanfront boutique hotel on Palm Beach, it is the only boutique hotel in Florida located directly on the ocean north of South Beach. The sleek and modern design is unlike anything else in Palm Beach.
Average Room Rates
$210 for Standard Room
Starting at $750- $1199 for Oceanfront Suites.
The Villa By Barton G
Inspired by the Alcazar de Colon in Santo Domingo, the oldest European structure in the Western world, the Villa by Barton G offers an experience like no other. Once the home of fashion designer Gianni Versace this South Beach boutique hotel blends elegance and opulence with unparalleled service. The art of Versace and the home’s original owner have been restored to its present day form, which the Villa’s own exceptional designs play off of. Versace’s influence can also been observed in some of the rooms with furnishings that feature Versace’s signature Medusa head on the knobs.
Best Time to Visit
November-April is their peak season. During this time the Villa does afternoon tea beside the pool. Reservations required. 
Best Room
The 10 lavish suites offer very distinct experiences. The Signature Suite features animal print fabrics and frescoes, while the Azure Suite has Wedgewood panels on the walls and a lovely blue and white color palatte. Some suites are more masculine, others more feminine and still others gender neutral. It is very difficult to choose the best when they are all so unique.
Dining
The critically acclaimed Dining Room at The Villa By Barton G., features refined continental cuisine by Chef Jeff O’Neill. Indulge in signature dishes that include Soy Cured Bigeye Tuna with Compressed Cucumber, Vodka Cured Salmon with Mustard Caviar and Whole Dover Sole. Reservations are required.
Attention to Detail
From the time a guest checks in until they check out, it’s all about the details at the Villa. Guests are served by private butlers rather than concierges who assist with anything from unpacking luggage and setting up cabanas on the beach to making restaurant reservations and getting VIP access to clubs- whatever the guest desires. Every detail has been carefully orchestrated including their own scent that infuses each room with a citrus and spice base that matches their custom toiletries. It’s all part of the Villa’s allure as a hideaway that is unmatched.
Average Room Rates
Starting at $895 for Superior Suites.
Special Offers
The website thevillabybartong.com highlights special offers at certain times of year. Check frequently or follow on Twitter @villabybartong for a heads up when offers are posted.
