In the late 1800s through the early 1900s, health spas were all the rage. Before certain advances in modern medicine, people flocked to these resorts looking for cures for just about everything. One of these was the lovely Hotel Hampton in Taylor County, built in 1908. The 70-room, two-story resort touted all kinds of benefits from the sulphur water of Hampton Springs, and it even had a bottling plant so people all over the country could order shipments of the healing waters.
The resort was quite impressive, even by today's standards, with stables, tennis courts, a ballroom, golf course, spring-fed pool and baths, railroad depot, and its own farm and power plant. The Great Depression also served a fatal blow to many of these luxury health resorts, but Hotel Hampton actually stayed open, serving as military barracks in the 1930s and 1940s. Thus, the hotel managed to stay in operation until 1954, when it was destroyed by a fire.
The resort was quite impressive, even by today's standards, with stables, tennis courts, a ballroom, golf course, covered pool, spring-fed baths, and its own farm, power plant and railroad depot. The resort had rich and famous guests, including Theodore Roosevelt. The Great Depression served a fatal blow to many of these luxury health resorts, but Hotel Hampton actually stayed open, serving as military barracks for part of the 1930s and 1940s. The hotel managed to stay in operation until 1954, when it was destroyed by a fire.
Seeing the ruins of the fountains, pathways, and pools that are all that remains of the resort today, you would never guess what luxury once existed here. The area is open to the public, with parking and picnic tables to encourage visitors to explore and learn about the grand old hotel. Check out some photos of the resort then and now below:
Florida can be quite overlooked in the wintertime, except for those trying to escape winter elsewhere. Just because we don't get buckets of freshly fallen snow to wake up to on Christmas morning doesn't mean we don't get into the holiday spirit in Florida. The only difference is that maybe we need to take our holly jolly adventure indoors instead. Every year, Gaylord Palms Resort & Water Park in Florida turns into a winter wonderland of fun, and this year is no different. When it comes to the best holiday resorts in Florida, Gaylord Palms Resort is an obvious choice. Not only can you go snow tubing indoors, but you'll also be able to spend the night inside the Christmas-themed hotel in Florida and enjoy all the fun and festivities the next day, too.
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Every year, the Gaylord Palms Resort & Water Park in Florida transforms into a magical holiday wonderland. We’re talking more than three million holiday lights, and that’s just on the outside.
This hotel is world-renowned for the Christmas magic it introduces every year, bringing back some old holiday favorites while also incorporating new and exciting festivities. Guests have the opportunity to reserve a room and stay the night. Our recommendation? Try an Atrium-view room so you can fall asleep and wake up to the magic!
First things first, head on over to the Snow Factory to kick off the indoor winter magic. Guests can race down the snow-tubing mountain dubbed Snow Flow Mountain to see who makes it down the fastest. Then, stop and toss snowballs at targets at Snowball Build and Blast. Fun fact: did you know this tubing slide is made entirely of ice? Of course, that's only the beginning of this holly, jolly adventure.
Speaking of ice, this year marks the return of ICE!, a themed tradition that incorporates man-made ice sculptures that are as spectacular as you can imagine. Master artisans work for weeks in advance, expertly sculpting countless blocks of ice to create a veritable winter wonderland. It's an immersive experience, and if you've never experienced the holidays at Gaylord Palms, you'll want to put this at the very top of your bucket list.
This year, ICE! features Elf™ with mind-blowing artisan ice sculptures throughout. It's something that simply must be seen to be believed. The ice masterpieces are carved with precision and feature brightly colored ice telling the story of this famed holiday classic.
Make sure you make it to the market, too, in case you need to finish up some last-minute holiday shopping. You can reserve your spot today to get in on all of the fun. Looking for even more winter fun? You can enjoy indoor snow tubing, a themed ice wonderland, and a resort hotel stay all at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando.
Early morning Lake Eola Park during the Christmas holiday season in Downtown Orlando, Florida, USA.
Have you ever stayed at this Christmas-themed hotel in Florida before? Did you go snow tubing? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or, if you are looking for more information about how to spend the night here, including availability and nightly rates, then visit the Gaylord Palms Resort & Water Park website or the Gaylord Palms Resort & Water Park Facebook page.
Winter in Florida is a truly underrated experience. But as you can tell, there's so much to enjoy, from Christmas resorts to dazzling light shows and endless activities for the entire family. If you'd like to dive into even more Florida fun, be sure to take a look at our list of fun winter activities and adventures in Florida.
Florida is undoubtedly one of the most unique places in the U.S. With roughly 2,000 miles of shoreline, the Sunshine State is known for its countless beautiful beaches and warm weather. In addition, Florida is also home to a diverse population, remarkable wildlife, world-famous theme parks, and plenty more interesting adventures. There's a reason so many people visit the state each year! Whatever it is that brings you to Florida, there are endless options for hotel accommodations. That's why we narrowed it down to 12 of the very best hotels in Florida to stay on your next trip.
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Best Unique Hotels to Stay in Florida
There are so many unique stays in Florida simply because there are so many special places throughout the state! Some hotels are unique in terms of architecture and style, while others are one-in-a-million experiences. With Orlando being the theme park capital of the world, it's no wonder so many distinct hotels are in Florida. Here are two hotel options that are very unique in Florida.
Address 1: The Pearl Hotel, 63 Main Street, Rosemary Beach, FL 32413
Price $800/nightly
Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Spa, Direct Beach Access, Complimentary Beach Chairs, Valet, Breakfast
Rating 4.5
The Pearl Hotel looks like it was plucked right from a fairy tale. In the quaint town of Rosemary Beach, this hotel is perfect for a weekend getaway, or even to just visit and have brunch. All of the guest rooms are filled with art and stylish amenities, including TV mirrors, iPads, rainfall showers, and more. All suites have a balcony as well; you can request a room on the bottom floor for pool access as well. This hotel is definitely on the pricier side, but if you're willing to splurge, it'll surely be an incredible getaway.
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2. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando
Address 1: Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Jambo, Bay Lake, FL 34747, USA
Price $371/nightly
Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Hot Tub, Kid-Friendly, Restaurants, Room Service, Gym, Bus Service, Parking, Animal Viewing
Rating 4.7
There's no way that Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge in Lake Buena Vista could be left off of the list of most unique hotels in Florida! This resort is considered one of Disney's "deluxe" hotels since it offers incredible pools, unique sit-down dining, magical theming, and of course, wildlife viewing. There are a few different sections of the resort, as well as separate villas. Whether or not you stay in a room with a Savanna view, there are countless vantage points throughout the property where guests can sit and admire the animals. Whether you stay at this hotel or come to explore the grounds, the experience will be very cool and memorable.
Best Hotel Pools in Florida
Florida is home to some of the best hotel pools in the United States. With such warm weather and gorgeous beaches all around, people certainly come to the state with swimming in mind. There are definitely more hotel pools that are wonderful in Florida, but here are two that really stood out.
Address 1: W Fort Lauderdale, 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, USA
Price $467/nightly
Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Hot Tub, Hair Salon, Beach Access, Fitness Center, Spa, Restaurant, Room Service, Pet Friendly
Rating 4.2
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W Fort Lauderdale is a stunning contemporary hotel that's right on the beach. The design was actually inspired by a sailboat, and many of the rooms have either an ocean view or a view of the Intracoastal Waterway. The two infinity pools are absolutely picture-perfect, offering plenty of lounge chairs and immaculate views of the ocean.
4. Disney Yacht Club Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Orlando
Address 1: Disney's Yacht Club Resort, Bay Lake, FL 34747, USA
Price $419/nightly
Amenities: Kid-Friendly, Pool, Waterslide Hot Tub, Fitness Club, Spa, Restaurants, Character Breakfast
Rating 4.7
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Once again, a Disney World Resort has to be featured, simply because this pool is amazing. Stormalong Bay is known as the very best pool on Disney property, but it may even be one of the best pools in Florida overall. In the beautiful nautical-themed Yacht Club Resort, this pool is basically like a waterpark: it has slides, a lazy river, a shipwreck section to play in, and even a poolside bar where adults can purchase food and drinks. This massive area can be enjoyed for an entire day with family, whether you are spending time in the parks or only staying at the hotel. Guests staying at the Yacht Club or nearby Beach Club can only access this pool, so if you want to experience it, make sure you plan to stay at one of these resorts.
Best Luxury Hotels in Florida
There's no shortage of luxurious stays in beautiful Florida. Whether you're looking for something super fancy, or something more relaxing, there are some truly amazing hotels to experience. Here are two options that are perfect for special occasions and upscale getaways.
Address 1: Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, 28500 Overseas Hwy, Little Torch Key, FL 33042, USA
Price $1,290/nightly
Amenities: Ocean Front, Private Island, Water Activities, Restaurant, Spa, Pool, Hot Tub
Rating 4.6
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This hotel is located on a private island, which is about as luxurious as you can get. Little Palm Island Resort & Spa is only accessible by boat or seaplane and features beautiful grounds and elegant, island-inspired bungalows. Each space has a private deck with ocean views, as well as outdoor showers that can be enjoyed after a day in the ocean. Yacht transportation from the airport is free for guests, and there's even a library! At a price of $1,900 a night, this resort is obviously very expensive- but if luxury is what you're looking for in Florida, this resort in the Keys is one of the most upscale experiences in the state.
Address 1: Ritz Carlton Drive, Ritz Carlton Dr., North Naples, FL 34108, USA
Price $535/nightly
Amenities: Ocean Front, Pool, Hot Tub, Spa, Sauna, Golf, Scuba Diving, Waterskiing, Horseback Riding
Rating 4.6
The name Ritz Carlton already brings luxury to mind, but the Naples Resort is extra special. This newly renovated resort is kid-friendly with lots of activities, unlike the previous luxury resort on this list, which only welcomes children who are 16 and older. There are seven restaurants (three of which have bars), as well as a golf course right near the ocean. All of the rooms offer chic styling and comfortable amenities, making this a wonderful option if you're visiting the lovely town city of Naples.
Best Boutique Hotels in Florida
A trip to Florida doesn't have to be super expensive to feel like a special occasion! There are some wonderfully themed boutique hotels throughout the state that offer lots of charm and unique experiences. While these hotels are small, they're very stylish and still have everything you'll need for a stay. Here are two boutique hotels in Florida that will absolutely not disappoint.
Address 1: The Local - St. Augustine, 512 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
Price $98/nightly
Amenities: Pet Friendly, Fitness Center, Pool, Parking
Rating 4.8
This bright hotel is budget friendly and very fun! Offering colorful rooms and friendly hospitality, The Local- St. Augustine is the perfect place to stay for a weekend getaway, or even for a special occasion where you'll want to take photos. The property is located in close proximity to the historic downtown, but it's also not too far from the beach. Guests also appreciate the easy virtual check-in and the vintage-style swimming pool- if you decide to stay at this affordable spot, you'll want to come again and again!
Address 1: Hotel Cabana Clearwater Beach, 669 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767, USA
Price $188/nightly
Amenities: Pool, Beach Access, Restaurant Parking
Rating 4.4
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This 40s' style hotel is only a two-minute walk from the beach, and the property offers loaner beach gear to guests. Hotel Cabana has a picturesque pool in the center of the Key West-inspired building, and the rooms are known for being clean and spacious. This hotel is a great option for its fabulous location and its affordable price.
Best Beach Resorts in Florida
With over 2,000 miles of coastline, it goes without saying that there are countless beach resorts in Florida that are stunning. There are so many wonderful towns throughout the state that are right on the water or within walking distance from the beach, making it hard to choose where to go to be close to the ocean. Here are four of the best beach resorts that we could find throughout Florida- there are certainly many others, but these four really stood out.
Amenities: Pool, Spa, Kids Center, Tennis Courts, Golf Course, Water Sports Facility
Rating 4.4
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Located in the beautiful Florida Keys, this beachfront property is perfect for a tropical getaway. All guest rooms feature a laid-back, island theme, and some have oversized tubs and balconies. There are also more spacious suites available with pull-out sofas, providing extra room for larger parties. There's so much to do at this resort - water sports, spa visits, tennis games, and more are available to visitors.
Address 1: WaterColor Inn, 34 Goldenrod Cir, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, USA
Price $737/nightly
Amenities: Pool, Spa, Waterslide, Lazy River, Hot Tub, Beachfront, Restaurant, Adults Only Pool
Rating 4.6
Situated on nearly 500 acres of gorgeous, sandy beach, WaterColor Inn overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. All guest suites offer modern amenities, including a Keurig and mini fridge, and larger rooms offer incredible panoramic views. In addition to being located directly on the beach, there's also a beach club, three restaurants, a spa, and more. Not to mention, valet parking is complimentary!
Address 1: Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa, 3793 NE Ocean Blvd, Jensen Beach, FL 34957, USA
Price $389/nightly
Amenities: Pool, Hot Tub, Restaurant, Bar, Beach Yoga, Room Service, Breakfast Included, Spa, Fitness Center, Pet Friendly
Rating 4.5
Located near Jensen Beach, this resort is an upscale accommodation that won't break the bank. The beach that guests have access to is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, and the hotel prides itself on providing great service so guests can enjoy their time on vacation. There is one ocean-front restaurant that's known for having amazing food, in addition to three bars that adults can enjoy. All rooms offer balconies with amazing views, making this resort one of the best beach hotels you can find in Florida.
Address 1: Dream South Beach, 1111 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA
Price $292/nightly
Amenities: Pet Friendly, Spa, Pool, Massage Center, Close To Beach, Breakfast Buffet
Rating 4.2
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Last but not least, this art deco-inspired hotel is the perfect place to stay on a trip to the lively city of Miami. Located only two blocks from the beach, this property features a chic infinity pool with views of the ocean. All guest rooms are very stylish, but the suites come with a dressing room, sun deck, and outdoor showers. The use of two lounge chairs and towels is included in the daily resort fee- plus, there's a contemporary Mexican restaurant in the hotel. While you'll definitely want to leave Dream South Beach to experience all of Miami's nightlife, great food, beaches, and more, you could easily just hang out here all day!
Whether you're coming to Florida for the first time, you've been visiting for years, or you live here, there's always something new to explore. All 12 of the hotels listed here are some of the very best in the state- if you're traveling to any of the towns/cities mentioned above, you won't be disappointed if you choose to experience one of these stays. Have you been to any of these hotels? Let us know in the comments! Or if you're leaning more toward a Vrbo for your Florida trip, here are some of the best rentals in the state.
Looking for even more travel inspiration? Check out this stunning footage of the Everglades:
