Best resorts on gulf side of florida

Conde Nast Traveler recently announced its 2016 Readers’ Choice Awards, and Southwest Florida made a splash on one prized list.

Readers of the upscale publication named six Fort Myers- and Naples-area resorts among the 12 best properties along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The resorts and their rankings follow, with Southwest Florida hotels in bold:

• 1. The Gasparilla Inn & Club, Boca Grande
• 2. Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina, Fort Myers Beach
• 3. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, Naples
• 4. Sandpearl Resort, Clearwater
• 5. Naples Grande Beach Resort, Naples
• 6. South Seas Island Resort, Captiva
• 7. The Resort at Longboat Key Club, Longboat Key
• 8. WaterColor Inn & Resort, Santa Rosa Beach
• 9. TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, St. Pete Beach
• 10. The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, St. Petersburg
• 11. The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples
• 12. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

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We have created a list with the best small luxury hotels in Florida Gulf Coast, USA. Hope you enjoy it. We think it might be the best of its kind around. Tip: Set your dates to see room prices!

1 The Pearl Hotel (Rosemary Beach)

Highly elegant. Great location. Rooftop bar. Popular among couples. Offering an outdoor pool, restaurant, and free WiFi access, The Pearl Hotel is located on a private beach in Rosemary Beach, Florida. Camp Helen State Park is 4 minutes' drive away from the property. A small refrigerator and seating area are also provided in each air-conditioned room. Each room includes a flat-screen cable TV, iPad, and balcony. Featuring a bath or shower, the private bathroom is equipped with a hairdryer. A city or pool view is offered. Massages are offered at the Florida's Hotel Pearl spa for a fee. Bicycles can be hired to explore the surroundings. Camp Creek Golf Club is 6 minutes' drive away from the hotel. Deer Lake State Park is 6.5 km away. Pier Park and Panama City Beach are less than 13 minutes' drive from the property.

Based on my research this is one of the most ELEGANT hotels in Florida Gulf Coast. It also has A GREAT LOCATION.

2 Anna Maria Beach Resort (Holmes Beach)

Opened December 2021. Located in Holmes Beach, a few steps from Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria Beach Resort provides rooms with air conditioning. The property is situated 1.8 km from Holmes Beach, 2.7 km from Bradenton Beach and 2.7 km from Anna Maria City Pier. There is an outdoor pool and guests can make use of free WiFi and free private parking. The hotel features certain rooms with sea views, and the rooms have a balcony. At Anna Maria Beach Resort each room has a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and a patio with pool view. At the accommodation guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot tub. West Coast Surf Shop is 1.9 km from Anna Maria Beach Resort, while Anna Maria Island Historical Museum is 2.5 km away. The nearest airport is Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, 21 km from the hotel.

3 The Saint Hotel (St Pete Beach)

Opened June 2021. Located in St Pete Beach, 300 metres from St. Pete Beach, The Saint Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar. The property is around 2.3 km from Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center, 2.6 km from Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve and 14 km from Fort Desoto State Park. Providing free WiFi throughout the property, the allergy-free hotel features a hot tub. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a coffee machine, a microwave, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. At The Saint Hotel each room comes with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Sunset Beach, Treasure Island and St Pete Beach Theatre. The nearest airport is St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, 20 km from The Saint Hotel.

4 Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort (Marco Island)

Resort. Delightful property. Relaxing atmosphere. Cosy rooms. Tigertail Beach is 2 km from this resort in Marco Island, Florida. The resort features an outdoor pool with a terrace, free beach shuttle services, and apartments with fully equipped kitchens. The three-bedroom apartments at Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort include a water view from the private balcony. Each apartment provides cable TV with a DVD player. They are also furnished with laundry facilities. Lounge on beach chairs or enjoy the surrounding area on bicycle while staying at Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort. Guests can also go fishing and shelling. Tigertail Beach is 4 minutes' drive from the accommodation. Southwest Florida International Airport is 74 km from the property.

This is likely one of the most BEAUTIFUL resorts in Florida Gulf Coast. It also has very cosy rooms and outstanding views!

5 WaterColor Inn & Resort (Santa Rosa Beach)

Resort. Charming. Boasting a private beach, WaterColor Inn & Resort is located in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Bordering the resort is Grayton Beach State Park, a 2,000-acre park with nature trails for hiking and bicycling as well as a Western Lake, where visitors can swim, fish, canoe, paddle board, and kayak. Guests can enjoy complimentary use of bicycles, kayaks, and canoes on site. A balcony and a living area with a sofa bed, flat-screen cable TV, and DVD player are featured in the spacious guest rooms. A refrigerator is provided as well as an en suite bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Extras include a desk and ironing facilities. When away from the resort, visit Deer Lake State Park, a pristine conservation area located 7.5 km from the WaterColor Inn, and explore the pathways that showcase several species of indigenous plants.

Is it only small luxury hotels you're looking for? Here are our other lists for Florida Gulf Coast:

6 Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota (Sarasota)

Resort. Romantic. Comfortable beds. Great breakfast. Popular among women. Situated in Sarasota, 2.6 km from Siesta Key Public Beach, Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota, Siesta Key Beach boasts a hot tub and a private beach area. Siesta Key is 3.6 km from the property. Free private parking is available on site. All units are air conditioned and feature a seating and dining area. There is also a kitchen, fitted with a dishwasher. Hyatt Siesta Key Beach features free WiFi. Accommodations features a spa bath. Hyatt Siesta Key Beach, A Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota also includes a fitness centre, barbecue facilities and a game area with shuffleboard and ping pong. Sarasota is 10 km from Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota, Siesta Key Beach, while John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is 15 km away. The nearest airport is Sarasota Bradenton Airport, 16 km from the property.

This resort has SUPER COMFORTABLE BEDS.

7 Henderson Beach Resort (Destin)

Resort. Lovely property. Unique. Great views. Henderson Beach Resort is located adjacent to Henderson Beach State Park and offers private beach access. Guests can take a refreshing plunge in one of the property's 2 pools or unwind in the full service spa. Several dining options are available on site that guests are sure to enjoy. 30,000 square feet of meeting and event space is available as well. Complimentary WiFi is provided for all guests. Rooms feature a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a coffee maker. A balcony with a view of either the pool, ocean, or courtyard is provided as well. Guests can enjoy access to the in-room mini bar and refreshment counter. Select rooms include a sofa bed. Guests can work up a sweat in the on-site fitness centre. The business centre is perfect for business travelers. The resort provides a variety of activities including paddle boarding, biking, and kayaking. Offering a resort view, Primrose is a full-service restaurant that serves fresh seafood and steaks. Horizons offers panoramic views of the Gulf Coast. It features an octagon-shaped bar and serves fresh seafood, as well as a variety of additional menu items. Sea Level Pool Grill is a casual dining option that offers snacks and lunch items. HarborWalk Village is 8 km from Henderson Beach Resort. The nearest airport is Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, 14 km from the property.

8 The Avalon Club (Clearwater Beach)

Opened May 2021. Located in Clearwater Beach, The Avalon Club offers beachfront accommodation 100 metres from Clearwater Beach and provides various facilities, such as an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a business centre. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Every room comes with a private bathroom, while selected rooms include a kitchen with a dishwasher. The hotel offers a terrace. Popular points of interest near The Avalon Club include Sunsets at Pier 60, Clearwater Marine Company and Captain Memo s Pirate Cruise. The nearest airport is St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, 16 km from the accommodation.

9 Art Ovation Hotel (Sarasota)

Historic. Charming. Lovely interior design. This Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection hotel is located in the heart of Downtown Sarasota and features quarterly curated exhibitions, performances, and special guest appearances. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is 5 km away. A 50-inch flat-screen TV with Netflix and Hulu, in-room tablet, and small refrigerator. Free WiFi is provided. A Nespresso coffee machine and a private bathroom with a bath or shower and free toiletries are also included. A year-round outdoor pool and a fitness centre are on site at the Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection. Guests can use complimentary bicycles and a shuttle (within 4.8 km) to Downtown Sarasota, St. Armand's Circle, and Lido Beach. Overture Restaurant and Gallery Lounge serve American fare with simple blends, fresh ingredients, and artistic presentation. Perspective Rooftop Pool Bar offers private poolside cabanas, seating, and cafe fare with a bay and city view. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including golfing and cycling. The Sarasota Bradenton Airport is 6 km from the property.

10 Majestic Beach Resort (Panama City Beach)

Resort. Great views. Popular among women. Situated in Panama City Beach, 900 metres from the beach, Majestic Beach Resort features free WiFi access and free private parking. The resort has a hot tub and sauna, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Each room at this resort is air conditioned and is equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Some units feature a seating area where you can relax. The rooms are fitted with a private bathroom. A swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness centre are among the amenities at the property. You can play tennis at this resort, and the area is popular for golfing. Ripley's Believe it or Not! is 1.4 km from Majestic Beach Resort, while Shipwreck Island is 1.8 km from the property. The nearest airport is Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, 19 km from Majestic Beach Resort.

11 Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club (Holmes Beach)

Set in Holmes Beach, 350 metres from Anna Maria Island, Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, Autograph Collection offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, free bikes and an outdoor swimming pool. Featuring a fitness centre, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk and an ATM for guests. All guest rooms at the hotel come with a seating area. All rooms include a safety deposit box, while selected rooms also offer a balcony. All units will provide guests with a dishwasher. Continental and American breakfast options are available every morning at Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, Autograph Collection. The accommodation offers a sun terrace. Popular points of interest near Waterline Marina Resort & Beach Club, Autograph Collection include Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and West Coast Surf Shop. The nearest airport is Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, 27 km from the hotel.

12 Edgewater Beach Hotel (Naples)

Historic. Located in Naples, this beachfront resort features an on-site restaurant. Free WiFi access is provided. Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club is 1.3 km away. All rooms have a kitchenette, balcony, and seating area with a flat-screen TV. Some Edgewater Beach Hotel room include a water or pool view. Extras include an iPod dock, seating area, and CD player. When not diving into the Gulf of Mexico, guests can use the fitness centre or buy essentials in the on-site shops. This Florida Edgewater Beach Hotel offers free parking as well. Coast offers global cuisine with beachfront views. Indoor and outdoor seating is available during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The property is 2.0 km from Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens and 7.0 km from the Naples Museum of Art. Collier-Seminole State Park is 32.1 km away. For guests looking at stays between August 8th and December 8th, 2022, please note that on the dates you have selected, a select number of unoccupied suites located in the main tower will be undergoing a demo and renovation of their exterior balconies, with construction noise possible between 8:30am – 7pm.

13 ROOST Tampa (Tampa)

Newly opened, August 2022. ROOST Tampa has free bikes, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and shared lounge in Tampa. Featuring a garden, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. Private parking is available on site. The rooms in the hotel are fitted with a coffee machine. ROOST Tampa offers a sun terrace. Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Tampa, like cycling. ROOST Tampa features amenities such as an on-site business centre and hot tub. Speaking English, Spanish and Japanese, staff are willing to help at the 24-hour front desk. Popular points of interest near the hotel include Amalie Arena, Cruise Line Terminal and Hyde Park. The nearest airport is Tampa International Airport, 9 km from ROOST Tampa.

14 Carillon Beach Resort Inn (Panama City Beach)

Resort. Comfortable beds. Great value. Popular among women. Carillon Beach Resort Inn boasts private beach access to the white sands of the Gulf of Mexico. Carillon features 4 pools, 2 hot tubs, and a variety of shops and restaurants onsite. Rosemary Beach is 3.2 km away. A free limited beach shuttle is provided. Complimentary WiFi is provided to all guests. Carillon Beach Inn units are decorated in calming colours and feature views of the ocean or Lake Carillon. They include a kitchenette and dining area. Flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations are also offered. Carillon Beach has a modern fitness centre that overlooks Lake Carillon. Salon Baliage & Spa offers a variety of relaxing massages and beauty treatments. The resort’s Market Street is home to shops, restaurants, and galleries. Guests can buy coffee and snacks at Hava Java before visiting Camp Helen State Park, which is less than 10 minutes from the Carillon Beach Resort Inn. The shopping at Pier Park is 12 minutes' drive away. Holiday Golf Club is 14.4 km from the inn.

15 Inn at Pelican Bay (Naples)

Charming. Nice style. Superb breakfast. Popular among couples. This 4-star boutique Naples, Florida hotel is 1.6 km from Vanderbilt Beach and across the street from Mercato Shops, which offers a movie theatre, restaurants, and shopping. The hotel provides breakfast, WiFi, and transportation to the beach. Guests can take a refreshing plunge in the outdoor heated pool or relax by the fire pit. Guestrooms feature hardwood floors and a refrigerator. A private bathroom with bathrobes and a walk-in shower is also included. A 55-inch flat-screen cable TV is available in each room. A hot buffet breakfast is offered from January to April. From May toDecember a continental breakfast is provided instead. Guests will enjoy a beach transfer service and 24-hour fitness centre throughout their stay at the Inn at Pelican Bay. A concierge is on staff to assist with arranging dinner and taxi reservations. The hotel is within walking distance of numerous restaurants and 3.2 km from the Naples Museum of Art. Southwest Florida International Airport is 43.4 km away.

This boutique hotel has a highly rated breakfast.

16 Belleview Inn (Belleair)

Charming. Historic. Superb interior design. Situated in Belleair, 2.5 km from Belleair Beach, Belleview Inn features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, private parking, a fitness centre and a garden. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a business centre. The hotel offers a terrace. The nearest airport is St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, 21 km from Belleview Inn.

I think this is one of the most charming, well designed and historic boutique hotels in Florida Gulf Coast! WOW!

17 Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Gulf Breeze - Pensacola Area (Gulf Breeze)

Opened March 2021. Situated in Gulf Breeze, 500 metres from Dolphin Square, Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Gulf Breeze - Pensacola Area, an IHG Hotel features accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a fitness centre and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a business centre, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel has family rooms. Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet or an American breakfast. Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Gulf Breeze - Pensacola Area, an IHG Hotel offers a sun terrace. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Gulf Breeze Shopping Center, Shoreline Park and Woodland Park. The nearest airport is Pensacola International Airport, 12 km from Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Gulf Breeze - Pensacola Area, an IHG Hotel.

Is it only small luxury hotels you're looking for? Here are our other lists for Florida Gulf Coast:

18 Wyvern Hotel (Punta Gorda)

Historic. Great value. Rooftop bar. Popular among couples. Wyvern Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection boasts views of the Punta Gorda city skyline, 2 on-site restaurants, and a poolside rooftop bar. Fisherman's Village marina and shopping centre is 6 minutes' drive from the property. Complimentary WiFi is provided for all guests. A 32-inch flat-screen cable TV, and a seating area are featured in all rooms at this Wyvern Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection. An iPod docking station is provided. Select rooms have a city or harbour view. Guest computers are available upon request at the Wyvern Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection. Guests can consult concierge services regarding a local tour or dinner reservations. Free parking is offered on site as well. Perch 360 offers rooftop dining for lunch and dinner while 88 Keys Florida serves contemporary American fares for dinner. The full-service bar is located on the hotel roof and features nightly specialty cocktails. Guests will be 4 minutes’ walk from the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center and 7 km drive from the Punta Gorda Airport. Seminole Lakes Country Club golf course is 11 minutes' drive away.

This hotel has a popular rooftop bar and a unique rooftop pool.

19 Hyatt Residence Club Bonita Springs (Estero)

Relaxing atmosphere. Unique. Popular among women. Featuring free WiFi, a year-round outdoor pool and a barbecue, Hyatt Residence Club Bonita Springs, Coconut Plantation offers accommodation in Estero, 3 km from Coconut Point. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. All rooms are equipped with a TV as well as microwave, refrigerator, and coffee-making facilities. Facilities and amenities include a basketball court, volleyball court, and a shuffleboard court. Guests can relax in the lazy river during their stay. Free private parking is available on site. You can engage in various activities, such as golfing and fishing. Miromar Outlets is 7 km from Hyatt Residence Club Bonita Springs, while Florida Gulf Coast University is 9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Southwest Florida International Airport, 16 km from the property.

20 Epicurean Hotel (Tampa)

Elegant. Unique. Good breakfast. Popular among couples. This boutique Tampa hotel features 2 on-site restaurants, an appointment-only full-service spa, and an outdoor pool. The restaurants and shops of Channelside Bay Plaza are 4.2 km away. Free WiFi, a 42-inch flat-screen cable TV, and minibar are featured in all rooms at this Tampa Autograph Collection Epicurean Hotel. A balcony and microwave are included in select suites. Chefs demonstrate mixology, cooking techniques, and wine pairing in the Epicurian Theatre for a fee. A fitness centre, business centre, and concierge services are offered by Epicurean Hotel Autograph Collection as well. Tapas and specialty cocktails are served at Edge, and Chocolate Pi Pâtisserie coffee house is on site. Guests can experience Continental cuisine at Élevage for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Upscale steakhouses and tapas-style cuisine like Bern's Steak House and Ciro's Speakeasy and Supper Club are within 8 minutes’ walk of the property. Hyde Park Village is 2.6 km from the hotel, and Lowry Park Zoo is 13.3 km away.

This hotel is popular among couples travelling to Florida Gulf Coast.

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