Where to stay in Florida

Hello all,

Never been to Florida before and looking for suggestions on places to stay for a male couple I want to take in some of the theme parks but also want a bit of a beach holiday (probably Miami) to relax after the parks.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

Thank you.

I've always stayed on the gulf coast, anywhere from Treasure Island up is really nice. I like North Redington Beach for preference.

[Neil]

What sort of place do you want, Hotel? villa? Onsite? Offsite? The parks are all around Orlando and there is literally thousands of places to stay, from budget to luxury and everything in-between. We stay in a villa because we like the space, the fact we can get away from the parks and the home away from feeling, but you would need to drive if staying in a villa.

As for the beach part, well Miami is about 4 hours away, and in my opinion overpriced and overrated. I would head to the Gulf coast and stay somewhere like Clearwater or if you want to go further south somewhere like Naples.

Villas are great in Orlando, a welcome retreat from the parks. The Dibb has lots of villa listings, some reasonably priced!

For the beach, another vote for the gulf coast, a nice mid range I love is http://www.tradewindsresort.com/propert ... grand.aspx

Another vote for the Gulf here. Sarasota is just lovely as is Naples.
Have never had the urge to visit MIami, but regular cruise friends tell me that due to the amount of cruise traffic out of Lauderdale it can become pretty busy!
As another suggestion, maybe have a look at Daytona, Ocala and St Augustine, all very interesting places and not a long drive from Orlando.
It really does depend on what is your preferences.

For the Gulf Coast my vote would be for Sarasota. In fact its becahes have just been voted the best in the US. I have stayed at the RC in Sarasota which is very lovely and the beach club on Lido Beach is great. Cheaper options include the Hemsley Sandcastle and the Holiday Inn. Certainly a great spot and often pretty quiet, except if you go the weekend of the world powerboat championships!


As for Central Florida I cannot really comment as never had cause for staying anywhere there due the old folks living there. However, the Marriott World Centre does an amazing brunch and is just a stones throw from Disney and is spoken of very highly by locals. IIRC its the largest Marriott in the world and has facilities to meet that title.

[mitchja]

Miami South Beach area is quite busy and crowed with lots or bars/clubs/cafes etc with people partying into the early hours so if you want some peace and quiet, I'd avoid South Beach.

Not a massive fan of Miami here, been there done that, got the t shirt kinda' place. Whilst the beach and Art Decor areas are worth seeing there's not much else.

Parking in the South Beach area of Miami is also a complete nightmare as most of the hotels there don't have their own car parks (or if they do, they only fit a few cars on them) so you have to end up paying to park you car in the municipal car parks which can work out quite expensive over several days.

Another vote for Sarasota here y). Indian Rocks beach is also a nice area, although it's pretty quiet.

AS you are a male couple, I would seriously consider spending some time in Key west and/or Miami beach. In my travels around Florida, I have always found those places very gay friendly with lots of appropriate night life, if you are interested in a lively time of course!

There are lots of hotels in both places. If going to key west, spend the extra and get as close as possible to Duval street, Well worth it. With Miami, close to south beach is advisable. I have stayed twice at Essex house, which is one block from the beach and a nice base at a very reasonable price for south beach.

As for Orlando, its difficult to recommend without knowing your budget. If you can, staying onsite at a Disney hotel, followed by Hard rock hotel at universal would be my recommendation.

as a Fla resident I can heartily second the gulf coast -oh yea its where we live !!! Miami -busy overcorwded overpriced and the Atlnatic isnt as nice.
on the Gulf anyhwere from Naples to Tampa you will find awesome beaches. Sarasota is indeed gorgeous but busy, other palces can be quieter. definitely go for a villa -more space and privacy and time to chill in your own pool

I'd go with most people's views here and suggest the gulf coast - every time. Miami is pretty manic - Fort Lauderdale makes Miami look quiet! Have to agree with most here too in going for a villa - even if you prefer a very busy lifestyle/holiday, it's just so nice to be able to go 'home', chill out, relax, take a dip in a pool. Beats hotels hands-down, every time.

Another Key West fan, though it has to be said, it is not a great beach location. I still like the geography of the keys, and I love the scene, which is still party, but less intense than SoBe.

Beaches all around the gulf are typically far superior than the Atlantic, I would agree.

Very jealous - I love Florida.
You will have the best time in Orlando. Plan it well and make the most of your time.
As the others say, it all depends on your budget.
International Drive is a great place to stay. There are many hotels and restaurants there to suit most budgets, I can recommend the Peacock or the Omni Rosen. Both are large impressive hotels - not luxury but great and quite central to most of the major attractions at Universal and Disney.
Once you have knackered yourselves out I would highly recommend Naples on the Gulf Coast.
We found this fabulous hotel right on the beach through Virgin Holidays. The rooms overlooking the Gulf Coast were to die for and the service and friendliness of the staff were second to none.
Check the link out.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review ... orida.html

Whatever you end up doing you are sure to have a fab time.
Enjoy.

Clearwater and Naples, both amazing and less touristy

Clearwater and Naples, both amazing and less touristy

Couldnt agree more, Naples is in particular a classy place and well worth a visit. y)

cheers

alex

Naples is indeed a greta place, beaches are beautiful.for villas close to town and beaches check out Lely. good for golf too if you are interested. mind the shops though, many dont put prices on goods (if you have to ask sir....) and some allow entry by appt only !!) decent night time atmosphere too