Effie Sandestin

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

Occupying an elegant building next to Baytowne Conference Center, this upscale hotel with views of Choctawhatchee Bay is 2 miles from Miramar Beach. It’s a mile from Highway 98.

Polished rooms have Wi-Fi, flat-screens and minifridges, plus tea and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms add balconies and/or wet bars; some offer bay views. Suites feature separate living rooms. An upgraded suite includes a kitchen.

Amenities consist of a refined restaurant, a coffee bar and a lobby bar, as well as a spa and a fitness center. A rooftop pool has an adjacent bar and bay views. Breakfast and parking are available.

Ritz-Carlton Grand Lakes Orlando

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

Set on 500 tropical acres, this luxe spa resort is 8.8 miles from Universal Orlando.

The elegant rooms have Wi-Fi (fee) and flat-screen TVs with premium channels, along with balconies and marble bathrooms. Suites add separate living/dining areas, soaking tubs and lake views. Club-level rooms have access to a lounge with free refreshments and Wi-Fi. Room service is available 24/7.

There are 11 restaurants, including a chic sushi bar, a French-inspired cafe, and an acclaimed fusion eatery with a terrace. There’s also an 18-hole golf course, a fitness center, and a spa with 40 treatment rooms, plus 3 outdoor pools and 50,000 sq ft of event space.

Universal Loews Orlando

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Within the Universal Orlando Resort complex, this chic, tropical island-themed hotel is 3 miles from the Orlando Eye observation wheel and 12 miles from Walt Disney World.

Modern rooms come with flat-screen TVs, minifridges and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms have lagoon or pool views, while suites add separate bedrooms, plus individual features such as balconies, wet bars, kids’ bedrooms and/or kitchenettes.

There are 4 themed restaurants and bars, plus a pool with waterfalls and slides. There’s also a playground and a gym. Perks include free park shuttles, plus access to character events and early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

This lavish luxury hotel is 4.5 miles from Epcot and 5.1 miles from Magic Kingdom, and offers free shuttle service to both parks.

The refined rooms feature coffeemakers, designer bath products and flat-screen TVs with Blu-ray players. Suites add dining areas, living spaces and kitchenettes; some also feature balconies with golf course or nature preserve views.

There’s over 35,000 sq ft of meeting space and a business center. Amenities include an outdoor pool, poolside cabanas (fee), a renowned golf course, a day spa and multiple dining options. A resort fee covers Wi-Fi and access to the spa, fitness center and the driving range.

Four Seasons Walt Disney

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , , , /by

This luxury golf hotel within Walt Disney World Resort is 3 miles from both the Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs, a complex with dining & shops.

Refined rooms with cool color schemes feature Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, balconies, and marble bathrooms offering soaking tubs. Some rooms have park views. The chic suites include private terraces and/or free-standing tubs.

There are multiple restaurants and bars, including a rooftop steakhouse restaurant and a refined Italian eatery. There’s also a 13,000 sq. ft. spa, a golf course and a fitness center, as well as tennis courts, and a water park with a lazy river and waterslides.

Conrad Fort Lauderdale

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the New River, this high-end, all-suite resort is a minute’s walk from the beach and 15 minutes’ walk from Hugh Taylor Birch State Park.

Polished suites provide free Wi-Fi and smart TVs, plus kitchenettes and living areas. They also have balconies or terraces with ocean or river views. Some have full kitchens, pull-out sofas and/or direct pool access. Room service is offered 24/7.

An airy, modern restaurant offers views of the ocean. There’s also a bar. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, a poolside bar/grill and a hot tub, plus a spa, a fitness center and yoga classes. A resort fee applies.

The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

This upscale beachfront hotel is 1 mile from the International Swimming Hall of Fame and 3 miles from both the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the Museum of Discovery and Science.

Elegant, understated rooms come with balconies, Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Upgraded rooms provide access to a lounge offering snacks and computer access.

Amenities include an outdoor, ocean-facing pool with a poolside cafe-bar serving light lunches, a luxe day spa and a fitness center. A business center and event space are also available. A resort fee covers Wi-Fi, beach chairs and umbrellas, as well as bike rentals and fitness classes. Parking is available.

The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , , , /by

Set along a sandy beach, this high-end hotel is 6 miles from both the Amelia Island Museum of History and Amelia Island State Park.


Refined rooms offer Wi-Fi access, flat-screens, balconies and marble bathrooms. Suites add separate living areas, pull-out sofas and/or fireplaces. Some provide access a club lounge with free breakfast, snacks and drinks. Room service is available 24/7.

Amenities include 4 restaurants, a lobby bar and a spa. Other amenities consist of a gym, an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, plus a lounge and direct beach access. There’s also a tennis court, an 18-hole golf course, and meeting event space. Parking is available.

The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , , /by

Overlooking the bay, this luxury hotel in the former John Ringling circus troupe’s home is a 13-minute walk from Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and 1 mile from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.

Stately rooms and suites featuring balconies offer, 42-inch smart TVs and 24-hour room service. Some upgraded quarters add bay views, whirlpool tubs and/or club-lounge access.

There are 3 chic restaurants and a tiki bar, along with poolside food service. Other amenities include a refined spa, an 18-hole golf course and an outdoor pool. The hotel’s beach is 3 miles away on Lido Key and has a free shuttle. A resort fee covers Wi-Fi and use of tennis courts.

Brazilian Court Hotel

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

A 4-minute walk from the Everglades Golf Course and 2 blocks from the beach, this sophisticated boutique hotel is 1.5 miles from the Norton Museum of Art.

Luxe quarters range from studios to 3-bedroom suites, and feature whirlpool tubs, designer sheets, wet bars and free Wi-Fi. Some offer private terraces or patios.

Free amenities include shoe shine service and Wi-Fi throughout. There’s an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, a salon and spa, and a fitness room. Open-air galleries host a library and multi-screen TV area. An on-site restaurant serves French fare, and there’s indoor and outdoor event space.