Florida revisit

Question

Hello,my daughter and I are planning a Florida trip .

Not quite a rd trip but want to travel around a bit .

Booked first night in Miami .

When we last went about 25 years ago we found it really easy to find little places to stay ,I remember a lovely room upstairs on Fort myers beach .

And a little wooden place in st Petes

Is this still possible or is is all airb&b or hotels now ?

Thanks for Any help

Answer

It sounds like you and your daughter are planning a great Florida trip! While the state has certainly evolved in terms of accommodations over the past 25 years, it’s still very possible to find unique, smaller places to stay that offer a more local, charming experience—though the landscape has changed a bit.

Here are some points to consider when looking for non-hotel, more personalized stays:

Airbnb and Vacation Rentals:
- While many smaller, independent places still exist, a lot of accommodations are now listed on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. These platforms offer a wide variety of vacation homes, cottages, and small apartments that can give you that local, cozy feeling you're looking for. The advantage is that you can find properties that are similar to the "little wooden place" in St. Pete you remember, with direct communication with hosts for a more personalized experience.
Smaller Inns and Bed & Breakfasts:
- While big chain hotels have expanded, smaller inns, boutique hotels, and bed & breakfasts are still very much alive in Florida, especially in places like Fort Myers, St. Pete, and other coastal areas. In fact, some of these establishments offer the same charm you remember, with the added benefit of personalized service and often a homier atmosphere. Areas like Key West, Sarasota, and the Gulf Coast still feature small, local-run inns.
Local Motels and Historic Hotels:
- If you're interested in a more nostalgic experience, many classic motels and historic hotels still operate across Florida, particularly in beach towns. In places like St. Petersburg or Fort Myers Beach, there are still smaller, mom-and-pop style motels where you can have a similar experience to the one you had 25 years ago.
Private Rooms in Local Homes:
- If you’d rather avoid a large hotel, consider finding private rooms within local homes via Airbnb. This can be a great way to experience the area like a local, often with less cost and more character than larger establishments.

While there are certainly more big hotel chains and commercial developments, Florida’s charm still lies in its smaller, unique places. It’s just a matter of seeking them out through updated platforms or by asking locals once you get there. You might even find some hidden gems that aren’t as widely advertised.

So, rest assured, it's still very much possible to find a quaint and local place to stay in Florida—especially with the variety of platforms available to help you locate unique accommodations. Enjoy your trip and the exploration of Florida’s beautiful spots!

Florida revisit

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