Grownup Accommodations
Boutique Accommodations in Florida
Whether you are looking for private homes with plenty of space for multi-generational groups to hang out that is near Disneyworld or Universal Studios, or you want something more beachy and close to the water, you can find all types of boutique accommodations in Florida.
KISSIMMEE
ENCORE CLUB Vacation Rental Home at Reunion, Kissimmee, Florida
Private pool at our Encore Club vacation rental
It doesn’t get more ’boutique’ than having your own home all to yourself! With literally thousands of vacation rental properties in the city, Kissimmee can boast that it has a home for every taste – from 2-bedroom condos to luxurious mansions with their own squash courts or bowling alleys!
Best of all, most of these properties are professionally managed by companies such as Jeeves Florida Rentals, which takes all the hassle out of the process and offers even concierge-style services to guests at a price that is a fraction of what those theme park resorts might cost.
I stayed in a property in the Encore Club community, managed by Jeeves, which offered 8 bedrooms, a media room, large great room, gourmet kitchen and of course, a private backyard and pool.
Read a more complete review of this property with additional photos.
ST. PETERSBURG
If you think that St. Petersburg is more beachy than boutique-y, these hotels might change your mind. In fact, there have been lots of changes to this city in recent years, with many new restaurants to discover and a vibrant arts and culture scene. And with the grownup amenities at these hotels, the only thing you’ll need to choose is whether you want to stay near the gorgeous white sand beach, or downtown where most of the restaurant and shopping action is.
THE HOTEL ZAMORA, St. Pete’s Beach
Cozy up with the terry robes provided by the Zamora.
One of the few modern additions to St. Pete’s beach in the last 10 years, the Hotel Zamora is a beautiful blend of historic-inspired architecture (the exterior is reminiscent of a Spanish hacienda) and stylish boutique hotel design. In fact, don’t be fooled by its simple facade – inside and at the back of this hotel you’ll find an oasis that offers all the amenities you’d expect from a more urban hotel, but with the perfect location just opposite St. Pete’s white sand beach. It’s also close to the Grand Dame of the area, the Loew’s Don Cesar, and the north end of Passe A Grille, both places you will want to visit if you are staying in St. Pete’s. For a more detailed description of the Hotel Zamora’s other hidden surprises, read the full hotel review.
THE BIRCHWOOD INN, Downtown St. Petersburg
The bathroom at the Birchwood Inn boutique hotel, St. Petersburg
Full disclosure, I didn’t actually stay at the Birchwood Inn while visiting St. Petersburg, but I did get a tour of the Inn’s hotel rooms, private facilities for dining and events, its rooftop lounge, and I enjoyed an incredible dinner at their restaurant, the Birch and Vine. And judging by the calibre of all of these, I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to stay here. Completely renovated in 2012, its 18 rooms are beautifully decorated in 1920’s-inspired decor, but with every modern touch and convenience you would want, and the luxurious appointments in the bathrooms will spoil you into thinking you’re a guest at a spa. And the Birchwood definitely has, location, location, location going for it: smack-dab in the middle of downtown restaurants, shopping, museums and nightlife, everything is literally here at its doorstep. Or if you’d prefer to rise above all this, their rooftop lounge is absolutely THE place to have a drink (and don’t be fooled into thinking this is out-of-reach expensive – the minimum spend to secure yourself a private lounge area here is actually very reasonable, especially if you are with friends.) The Birchwood provides everything you’d want in an urban grownup stay.
The upscale Canopy Rooftop Lounge at the Birchwood
CAPTIVA ISLAND
The barrier islands in Lee County (near Ft. Myers) are popular escapes for those who like to enjoy a more relaxed stay, and despite recent hurricanes, both Sanibel Island and Captiva Island have recovered well. So whether you come to shell, get out onto the water, or just relax by the beach or the pool, check out this part of Florida’s west coast.
‘TWEEN WATERS ISLAND RESORT & SPA, Captiva Island
This resort is practically an institution on Captiva and for good reason. Located ‘between’ two bodies of water off the coast (hence the name), ‘Tween Waters offers more traditional hotel rooms as well as colourful standalone bungalows. There are good restaurants on site, too, as well as a private beach, two pools (one ‘quieter’ – read ‘adult’), happy hour get togethers and more. Read our comprehensive review and more about Captiva island here.
Want to read more about our experiences in Florida? Click here.
