Best places to stay in Florida for every budget

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Jen Lyons
August 1, 2024
Florida is a popular destination for all kinds of travelers, from theme park-seeking families to spring breakers, outdoor lovers to sun-seeking snowbirds. No matter your interests or the time of the year, Florida has plenty to offer.
The Sunshine State also boasts accommodations to fit every budget. Read on to discover great hotel options for every price point and travel style. 

Luxury accommodations

Discerning travelers will love that Florida has a wide range of upscale accommodations, from well-known international brands to individual properties. While you can find luxury accommodations across the state, the vast majority are located in the Miami area and in the Florida Keys. You will also find a handful of upscale properties in Orlando, in close proximity to Walt Disney World Resort. While prices vary by individual property and season, you can expect to spend at least $500 a night to stay in the Sunshine State’s chicest properties. Here are a few to check out. 

1. Fontainebleau Miami Beach 

Arguably Miami’s most iconic luxury property, Fontainebleau Miami Beach has been dazzling guests with incredible Atlantic Ocean views since 1954. Treat yourself to world-class cuisine, an adults-only poolside day club and LIV, a chic 18,000-square-foot nightclub. 

2. Ritz-Carlton South Beach 

Nobody does elegant service quite like the Ritz-Carlton. Their South Beach outpost is an Art Deco escape with an idyllic waterfront location. Guests wanting a private resort experience will want to book on the newly designed Club Level, which includes access to an exclusive oceanfront lounge, complimentary breakfast and dessert, and the services of a dedicated concierge. 

3. Villa Casa Casuarina 

Once the famed Versace Mansion, this opulent boutique hotel promises a truly unique stay. Each of the 10 rooms at Villa Casa Casuarina is one-of-a-kind, with Mediterranean-inspired design touches like Italian marble floors, hand-painted murals, stained glass and private balconies. Outside your suite, you’ll find a mosaic pool, the upscale Gianni’s Restaurant and the cozy Onyx Bar.  

4. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa 

An adults-only oasis in the Florida Keys, Little Palm Island is the country’s only private island resort, accessible only by seaplane or private boat. The resort is purpose-built for relaxation — you won’t find TVs or telephones in guest rooms or public areas. Rooms feature thatched roofs, ocean views and outdoor showers. If you can bear to leave your private suite, you can relax in the treehouse-inspired Great Room, snorkel the nearby marine sanctuary or enjoy a beachside meal. 

5. The Breakers 

Since 1896, the historic and stately Breakers Hotel has been the pinnacle of luxury in Palm Beach. It’s big on old world charm with Renaissance-style architecture, thoughtfully appointed rooms and suites, and a luxurious private beach club — complete with four swimming pools, private bungalows and beach access. Two championship golf courses are right outside your door. 

Mid-range accommodations

Florida’s mid-range hotels offer the best of both worlds: comfortable, conveniently located accommodations that allow you to stretch your vacation dollars a little further. You’ll find a wide selection of mid-range hotels across the state. Expect to spend between $200 and $400 a night, depending on the timing of your trip and the hotel’s proximity to top attractions. 

1. Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach 

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach combines spacious rooms with great ocean views. This AAA 4 Diamond Hotel offers everything you need for a wonderful resort vacation. Enjoy easy beach access, multiple on-site dining options, a full-service spa and a rooftop bar with can’t-miss views. 

2. Kimpton EPIC

With an ideal location in the heart of downtown Miami, the newly remodeled Kimpton EPIC hotel features stylish accommodations, two rooftop pools, waterfront dining and complimentary morning coffee and tea. Area 31, the on-site restaurant, offers one of the neighborhood’s most popular happy hours. Traveling with kids? Make sure to stop by the Kids Poolside Cabana, which is stocked with puzzles, games and plenty of shade for those hot Miami days. 

3. Omni Orlando at Championsgate 

For Orlando travelers who want to stay close, but not too close, to the Magic Kingdom, the Omni Orlando at Championsgate puts you in close proximity to theme parks but a world away. Spread across 800 lush acres, this family-friendly resort features two championship golf courses, multiple swimming pools, miniature golf and 10 restaurants. 

4. Marco Beach Ocean Suites

Perfectly suited for family travel, Marco Beach Ocean Suites has 60 one- and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and spacious living areas. Choose an ocean or garden view, all with easy access to Marco Island’s beautiful turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Three on-site restaurants and a heated outdoor pool round out the amenities.  

Budget-friendly accommodations

Florida is a big state with a wide range of attractions, which means there are plenty of options for travelers seeking affordability without compromising comfort or convenience. Choose from independent hotels and resorts or your favorite national or international hotel chain. Here are a few great budget hotels in Florida where you can expect to spend less than $200 a night. 

1. Comfort Suites Maingate East Kissimmee

Disney vacations can be spendy, but staying just outside the park can be a smart way to save some money on your Orlando vacation. Comfort Suites Maingate East Kissimmee offers a wealth of budget-stretching amenities, including a complimentary hot breakfast buffet and shuttle services to nearby theme parks. Need a day off from the parks? Splash around in the heated pool or hot tub. 

2. Lime Tree Bay Resort

The Florida Keys has a reputation for being expensive, but there are a few affordable gems throughout the island chain. Lime Tree Bay Resort is located between Islamorada and Marathon on a quarter-mile, white-sand beach. Choose from studio guestrooms, townhomes or suites, and enjoy a wealth of complimentary amenities, including daily continental breakfast, boat docking and unlimited use of kayaks, paddle boards, bicycles and tennis rackets. 

3. Inn on the Beach 

Tucked away on the south end of St. Pete Beach, Inn on the Beach is a laid-back retreat with tidy, well-appointed rooms, some of which have kitchenettes and private balconies. Guests love the lack of hidden fees at this hotel. There are no resort fees, no parking charges and amenities are all included. 

4. Hyatt Place Tampa/Busch Gardens

Tampa offers a wide variety of attractions, and the Hyatt Place Tampa puts you in the middle of all the action. Located less than two miles from Busch Gardens and within quick access from Amalie Arena, Adventure Island Water Park and Zoo Tampa, this hotel offers studio-style rooms, complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi. 

Unique stays and camping 

Hotels and resorts aren’t your only option when vacationing in Florida. Take a look at these unique accommodation types that guarantee a trip you’ll never forget. 

1. Pearl Bay Chickee

A visit to Everglades National Park is a glimpse into the incredible biodiversity of Florida. Truly immerse yourself with an overnight stay in a chickee, a raised platform over the water where you can pitch a tent and spend the night in the wilderness. Operated by the National Park Service, Pearl Bay Chickee is accessible by boat and is the perfect place to bird watch, stargaze or simply listen to the sounds of the wilderness. 

2. Adventures Unlimited

Located in Northwest Florida, Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center offers kayaking, ziplines and ropes courses. Best of all, you can stay there overnight. Accommodations include rustic cabins, tent camping sites and even a cabin made from a train caboose. 

3. Holly Bluff Marina

Renting a houseboat is more than a place to stay; it’s a whole vacation on its own! Located on the St. John’s River in DeLand, Florida, Holly Bluff Marina rents out a wide selection of houseboats for overnight stays. Explore the network of rivers, lakes and channels to spot manatees, alligators, turtles and exotic birds. Then, retire for the night in a well-appointed houseboat with room for your whole family. 

4. Jules’ Undersea Lodge

Ready for a truly one-of-a-kind stay? Head to Key Largo and Jules’ Undersea Lodge, the world’s only underwater hotel where scuba diving is the only way to get to your room. Located in a lagoon 30 feet underwater, your dive to your room is a great way to see the fish, seahorses and manatees that call this body of water home. Once in your room, relax and watch aquatic life go by while you await your special evening pizza delivery.

How to choose the right accommodation

With seemingly endless accommodation options, how do you make the right choice in deciding where to stay in Florida? In addition to budget, here are a few other considerations: 
  • Season: Florida is known for its year-round sunshine and warm weather, but there are a few factors you’ll want to keep in mind before you book a trip. The winter months tend to be warm and dry, while the summer months are hotter, more humid and prone to hurricanes. 
  • Crowds: Because Florida is such a popular vacation destination, hotel prices can skyrocket during peak travel times like spring break, summer vacation and the holiday season. For the best prices (and least crowded beaches and attractions), consider booking mid-week stays or during off-peak months. 
  • Location: When choosing a hotel, convenience is key. Proximity to nearby attractions saves time and transportation costs. If you’re seeking a beach vacation but you have only limited time available, staying steps to the sand may be worth the extra cost, compared traveling to and from the beach and hotel every day. 

Buy your own piece of paradise with Pacaso

No matter what type of stay you prefer, accommodation costs can really add up — especially if you are a frequent visitor to Florida. Consider putting your vacation dollars toward a place of your own. As a Pacaso co-owner in your favorite Florida destination, you’ll have a luxury vacation home to call your own. Find your perfect home base to explore the state’s beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, lush wild spaces and action-packed attractions. 

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