Florida is neck and neck with California when it comes to one of those states that you’d be delighted to visit at any time of the year, thanks to its golden beaches, famous attractions and range of budget-friendly activities. But if you’re on the East Coast and craving a little sand and surf, The Sunshine State makes a lot of sense—and it does, indeed, have a lot to offer. Here, a roundup of the best hotels in Florida, from St. Petersburg to Miami Beach.
The 15 Best Hotels in Florida for the Ultimate Sunny Getaway
It’s The Sunshine State, after all
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Published Jun 13, 2024
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Marriott
- Location: Delray Beach
- Rates: from $249/night
- Why We Love It: hip neighborhood, excellent dining, social environment
Possibly the swankiest Hilton around, The Ray Hotel occupies prime real estate in the vibrant Pineapple Grove Arts District and boasts numerous amenities that appeal to any traveler seeking luxury. For starters, there’s a fabulous rooftop, equipped with cabanas and other comfortable spaces designed to encourage socializing. The hotel also boasts exclusive beach access, rooms with private balconies and three different restaurants, all of which receive rave reviews from happy guests. Indeed, the hotel itself is so comfortable you might be tempted not to stray from it at all, but we’d be remiss not to mention that guests can (and should) avail themselves of the free shuttle service to downtown Delray—a surefire way to get a better feel of the town and enrich your vacation experience beyond the trappings of a luxury resort.
- Location: Orlando
- Rates: from $1611/night
- Why We Love It: family-friendly, excellent guest services, fine dining
I recently enjoyed a fabulous visit to the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes with my two children and partner and can’t stop raving about it to friends and family. The hospitality is second to none, the french fries, which can be delivered to your poolside cabana, are crazy good and the on-site Michelin-recommended restaurant has a menu that will make you swoon. There’s also a whole host of family-friendly activities available to guests, including a pretty incredible falconry experience and a drop-off kids’ club that allows parents to get some much-needed R&R. Oh, and did we mention that the hotel has water slides that provide all the thrills of the nearby amusement parks without the additional cost and ridiculous lines? Yep, this Orlando spot checks all the boxes.
- Location: Miami Beach
- Rates: from $850/night
- Why We Love It: notableinterior design, excellent service, urban wellness retreat
This Miami Beach hotel is a work of art, which should come as no surprise, considering that it was designed by an award-winning duo from the film industry. There’s plenty more to Faena Miami Beach than the swoon-worthy aesthetics, though; the hotel has made a point of providing top-notch hospitality and high-end amenities, so you can expect a well-appointed guest room and highly attentive service throughout your stay. In fact, one of the many glowing reviews of the place reads, “there are no words to describe the sumptuousness and elegance you are treated to as a guest at Faena,” and goes on to describe the hotel as having a “holistic approach to relaxation and community.” In other words, if you want to find a wellness retreat in an unexpected place, Faena certainly fits the bill.
- Location: Palm Beach
- Rates: from $658/night
- Why We Love It: authentic vintage vibes, amazing on-site dining, beachfront location
Four Seasons has a long-standing reputation for excellent, luxurious accommodations and their Palm Beach location is no exception. This particular property is praised by reviewers for having a charming “vintage Florida vibe” with, of course, very modern and grand amenities. Poolside cabanas are available to guests, the beach upon which it sits is pristine and pretty dreamy and, per the reviews, the on-site dining options will blow your mind. That said, we’d be remiss not to note that most of the less positive reviews of the place, which are few, can be filed under ‘bang for your buck’ (‘cause yeah, it’s expensive).
- Location: St. Petersburg
- Rates: from $107/night
- Why We Love It: close proximity to cultural attractions, boutique vibes, budget-friendly, high quality food
Now if bang for your buck is a key factor in your Florida vacay, this budget-friendly boutique hotel definitely delivers. By all accounts, The Hollander boasts very comfortable accommodations, an excellent and very friendly service team, plus a hard-to-beat location that’s only steps away from some of the major cultural attractions as well as the beach of St. Petersburg. (If you’re not familiar with the destination, it’s one of the hippest places in the state.) Poolside service—cabanas and all—is highly praised, as is the food, so it’s safe to say that this hotel will leave you wanting for nothing and without making you broke, to boot.
- Location: Miami
- Rates: from $370/night
- Why We Love It: central location, top-notch service, swoon-worthy decor
Here, another trusted name in hospitality. The Mandarin Oriental in Miami (i.e., one of the most electric and culturally vibrant cities in Florida) boasts generously sized guest rooms with impeccable decor and, thanks to its downtown location, provides visitors with easy access to the city’s top attractions. You don’t need to take our word for it, though—just read the thousands of glowing reviews that include expressions of genuine gratitude for the amazing accommodations and vows to never stay anywhere else in Miami.
- Location: Key West
- Rates: from $148/night
- Why We Love It: great location, Cuban vibes, adults-only, excellent service, charming ambiance
This Key West resort is only for adults, but it’s brimming with the kind of charm that only adults are likely to fully appreciate. Mid-century details in the decor, lush landscaping, live Flamenco guitar that can be enjoyed poolside from morning to night are just a few of the resort’s unique features that will absolutely transport you to Cuba without even having to bring your passport. The hotel is also conveniently located within close proximity to all the best shopping and dining spots on the island, so it’s safe to say you’ll be wanting for nothing.
- Location: Miami Beach
- Rates: from $652/night
- Why We Love It: central beachfront location, pristine rooms, ocean views, exceptional service
This South Beach gem boasts a prime location in the heart of Miami and prides itself on a highly attentive and professional standard of service, impeccably clean rooms with elegant decor and an inviting ambience that makes guests feel immediately welcome. As if that weren’t enough, this property also benefits from a beachfront location, multiple (adults-only and family-friendly) pools and rooms that offer sweeping ocean views.
- Location: Boca Raton
- Rates: from $146/night
- Why We Love It: central location, beachfront, modern amenities, excellent service
Here, a fabulous Boca Raton Marriott that recently received a major upgrade after a three-year renovation with updates that include elegant marble bathrooms and state-of-the-art technology. That said, happy visitors are most impressed with the top-notch service and hospitality and the very central oceanside location, which makes it easy to have all manner of provisions (dining, shopping, etc.) at your fingertips…or a short walk away, at least. File this one under ‘no rental car needed.’
- Location: Surfside
- Rates: from $1018/night
- Why We Love It: special occasion-worthy, honeymoon destination, tailored customer service
Here, another Four Seasons you can count on to be a winner. This particular property is praised by those who value customizable hospitality services and excellent spa treatments. In fact, it’s a special occasion-worthy property and the staff will bend over backwards to make your occasion exactly that. Alas, some reviewers report that this comes at the cost of regular visitors.
Best for Walkable Attractions
11. Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale
Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale
- Location: Fort Lauderdale
- Rates: from $151/night
- Why We Love It: excellent service, close proximity to attractions, city views, spacious rooms
It’s rare to find a hotel that has earned a perfect five-star profile, but the Hyatt Centric Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale has achieved it, and for good reason. For starters, the location is hard to beat—putting guests within walking distance of the city’s top attractions, as well as nightlife, dining and shopping options. The spacious and well-appointed rooms also offer stunning views of the city skyline and reviewers rave about the friendly and accommodating service provided by the hotel staff.
- Location: Bal Harbour
- Rates: from $793/night
- Why We Love It: ocean views, close proximity to nightlife, excellent service
The St. Regis has a fine reputation and this location lives up to it, being a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond hotel for nine years running. The location is also ideal for folks who want to be close to the action of South Beach, which is just 15 minutes away, but also desire a quieter place to retire at the end of the day. The elegant rooms boast beautiful ocean views and guests generally give glowing reviews about their stay, though we’d be remiss not to mention that some question the value of the stay, given the hotel’s considerable nightly rate.
- Location: Ponte Vedra
- Rates: from $418/night
- Why We Love It: top-notch food, family-friendly, peaceful retreat, excellent service, outdoor recreation
Whether you’re booking a honeymoon stay or traveling with kids, the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club will make you feel like royalty. This oceanfront resort has nearly a dozen different on-site dining options, all of which receive rave reviews for serving up gourmet fare, and opportunities for recreation abound, thanks to a 36-hole golf course, 15 Har-Tru clay tennis courts, four swimming pools and a children’s playground. Best of all, the beachfront property will happily arrange water activities for you and your family, with options that include kayaking, boat tours, bicycle cruisers and more.
- Location: Coconut Grove, Miami
- Rates: from $320/night
- Why We Love It: great location, large rooms, excellent dining
Let’s be honest, Miami is where it’s at…but if you want to have the Miami experience without being in the center of the party action at all times, Coconut Grove is an excellent place to stay and The Ritz is, well, The Ritz. This particular property belonging to the beloved luxury hotel chain is a bayside retreat that features swoon-worthy tropical landscaping, farm-to-table dining options that receive high praise, large and luxurious rooms, plus a location that appeals to every visitor seeking relaxation without sacrificing access to the city’s main attractions.
- Location: St. Augustine
- Rates: from $144/night
- Why We Love It: ocean views, close proximity to city center, luxe amenities, private beach access
This spot might not have a big name but it’s just as luxe as more recognizable highscale hotels and has boutique charm to spare. The rooms are very well-appointed (think 55" flat screen TVs, Keurig coffee makers and designer toiletries) and its one-acre private beachfront location is absolutely serene, whilst still being just a stone’s throw away from St. Augustine’s vibrant downtown. What more could you want, you ask? Well, let’s just say the egg and sausage breakfast gets rave reviews and is pretty much the icing on the cake.
