Cool Hotels In Florida For A Unique Weekend Getaway

Location: River Ranch
Price: Starting at $342/night
Guests: Up to 4

Amongst the most unique hotels in Florida, The Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo is where adventure park meets rustic luxury. The property grounds look straight out of the “Princess and the Frog” fairytale- full of weeping willows, lagoons, and foggy, rolling hills. Not to mention, your experience is fully customizable with the choice between glamping tents, private cabins, or a more luxurious stay in the main lodge (did someone say clawfoot bathtub?).

The saddle rail car cabins are particularly special, nestled alongside a quiet ravine. Right at your doorstep, you’ll have access to an arcade, swimming pool, miniature (and regular) golf courses, everglade tours, bull riding, shooting ranges, bonfires, horseback riding, jetplane rides, and more, making it a great choice if you’re traveling with littles. There’s no shortage of adult fun either, with an onsite saloon and smokehouse grill. If you really want to embrace the lifestyle, you can even get yourself outfitted with some boots and chaps at their western general store. It's one of the best hotels in Florida for a unique experience! We love ranch hotels, Greenhorn is our favorite in California if you ever come out West.

Location: Ferdinanda Beach
Price: Starting at $1205/night
Guests: Up to 4

If you haven’t had a chance to spoil yourself in a while- here’s your sign that you deserve it. “Treat yourself” is the motto of this barrier island resort. The landscape of the island itself is to-die-for with long boardwalks stretching over grassy sand dunes, miles of uninterrupted coastline, and sailboats lining the horizon. The resort boasts a few aesthetic amenities of its own: A grand selection of beachside fireplaces, a piano lounge with sweeping views of the ocean, and a AAA, five-diamond restaurant that serves up infused bourbons. Amelia’s Island’s Ritz Carlton Spa is the place to be if you’re looking to unwind, with a series of innovative relaxation therapies.

Guest favorites include the “Heaven in a Hammock” massage which takes advantage of zero-gravity hammocks to mimic the motion of the tide and the CBD relief package featuring CBD infused baths and massage oils. Once you’re all rested up, I recommend looking into a sunset cruise with one of the local sailing clubs departing from Fernandina beach- doesn’t champagne on the water sound splendid? It's one of our favorite cool places to stay in Florida when you are looking for luxury weekends.

Location: Miami
Price: Starting at $1266/night
Guests: Up to 4

1 Hotel, South Beach is without a doubt one of the coolest hotels in Miami. This luxury eco-resort is seeking to redefine the eco-tourism experience down to every detail. Within its ultra-modern interior, every piece of the 1 Hotel South Beach tells a story of another life. Repurposed natural elements like coral stone and pine beetle kill line the walls and furniture made of fallen Amazonian trees grace every room. The cups in your suite were even made from recycled wine bottles, making it one of the most fancy hotels in Florida.

One of the craziest hotels in Florida, they feature not one, not two but seven farm-to-table restaurants/bars, a holistic spa, and an adults-only rooftop pool for catching some respite from the Miami heat. Even with all of these striking design details and amenities to consider, hands-down, the best part of this resort is its private beachfront. 1 Beach club is like nothing you’ve ever seen before with its eclectic collection of rattan furniture, Persian rugs, straw umbrellas, daybeds, pillow poufs, and bohemian textiles. People from all over the world travel just to get into this beach club, and pay a hefty price tag for access. When you’re staying here though, the world is your oyster and you have unlimited access. How sweet is that?

Location: Lake Buena Vista
Price: Starting at $553
Guests: Up to 4

Okay but did you really go to Florida if you didn’t go to Disney? Quit trying to justify it and just book yourself a stay at The Animal Kingdom Lodge. I promise it will be one of the most unique hotel experiences you’ve ever had. Here you can embrace your inner child and indulge your sophisticated, adult self. You and your accompanying guests will be transported to the pains of the Serengeti as you watch zebra, giraffes and antelope roam from the balcony- just remember to upgrade to a Savanna room! The Lodge is best known for its fine dining and opulent, culturally inspired decor. With several restaurants on-site you’ll celebrate the many regional cuisines of Africa and a visit to Jiko will allow you to taste the magnificence of Africa’s wine regions (guided or sipped at your own pace).

This resort has also recently introduced a wine and paint night experience with a full view of the savanna- a millennial dream come true. But let’s be honest, you didn’t come all the way here not to get the full Disney package- be sure to take advantage of the close proximity and free shuttle service to all the best Disney parks. If you want to up the nostalgia factor, I recommend booking a special breakfast experience with one of your favorite characters at one of the parks or neighboring resorts (whose amenities you’re welcome to explore). Definitely one of those funky places to stay that you'll fall in love with.

Location: Miami
Price: Starting at $215/night
Guests: Up to 4

Miami is so much more than spring breakers- it has a rich history and colorful personality just like the Vagabond hotel. It’s a total standout in comparison to its other boutique hotel counterparts with geometric wall paintings, cute terrazzo flooring, and a hip, retro feel. When you’re not sipping on cocktails at the turquoise bar, be sure to get a good look at mermaid and dolphin mosaic pool tile because this outdoor swimming pool seems to be a guest favorite. I hear it was imported all the way from Italy! You should also plan to dine in once or twice because Mr. Mandolin is known for its fabulous Mediterranean/Agean dishes in an upbeat, casual atmosphere.

Location: Sarasota
Price: Starting at $130/night
Guests: Up to 6

If you’re looking for a more unique getaway in Florida, why not try out a surf shack-inspired tiny house? These little themed hotels in Florida come at a great price, a streamlined check-in process, and provide you with all the amenities you need, wrapped up in a cute little package. Indoor/outdoor living is key at the Tiny House Siesta, with outdoor showers and picnic-style dining at the forefront of the guest experience. Guests can also request beach bikes or scooters if they want to go exploring so the beach, shopping centers, the opera house, and art museums are never too far away.

Location: Palm Beach
Price: Starting at $855/night
Guests: Up to 4

This Palm Beach boutique hotel will leave you feeling like you’ve landed in historic Havana. Designed with old-world, Latin undertones the entire hotel is a work of art. Think fabulous peacock chairs, eccentric patterns, and lots and lots of pink. If you’ve ever wanted to give travel blogging a try, this is the place to do it because this hotel is insanely photogenic. Not to mention, the attention to detail and customer service is next-level. As a guest, you are welcome to use their branded beach cruiser bikes with wicker baskets and custom bike maps, take advantage of their stunning breakfast-in-bed menu, or hire their beach butler service that comes complete with a pink yeti cooler chalked full of your favorite libations, branded umbrellas, expensive beach chairs, and fluffy hotel towels. Dinner is served Alfresco under a hanging garden, twinkling lights and warm evening breeze, and tables everywhere are adorned with big, beautiful blooms.

The Colony has partnered with trendy local floral designers to provide you with modern arrangements so feel free to request one in your room. Last, but most certainly not least, they want you to know that they love your pets as much as you do. That’s why when you bring them along (doggos AND kitties are welcome here), they are provided with custom branded beds and handmade treats direct from the hotel chef.

Location: Orlando
Price: Starting at $207/night
Guests: Sleeps 2-6 with room upgrade

If Disney isn’t your personal ideal of self-indulgent nostalgia, perhaps Universal Studios is (Hello Harry Potter fans). Amongst all the cool hotels in Orlando is this colorful themed beach resort that presents a family-friendly fun zone in the center of all the action. You can even see Volcano Bay from your window!

Complete with vintage diner-inspired decor, a ten-pin bowling alley, and a waterpark-style swimming pool, you’ll find your inner kid in no time. Some guest rooms come with a fully-equipped kitchen, which is a great way to save some cash if you’re traveling on a budget, but I must admit the prices are pretty great already considering how close the hotel is to all of the main attractions.

Location: Miami
Price: Starting at $207/night
Guests: Up to 4

Want a VIP experience at a budget-friendly price? One of the best boutique hotels on Miami beach in Florida, the Nautilus by Arlo is an absolute steal! You can live the high life at just a fraction of the cost with nest daybeds in the courtyard, a mix of modern design, old-world accents, and some funky Floridian wallpapers. If you want to lay in bed all day and take in the ocean view from your wall-to-wall windows, I won’t blame you, but you may want to take a moment to stroll through the Nautilus’ impressive bamboo garden or head up to the rooftop terrace for some sunbathing.

When you start to feel like some adult beverages (you’re on holiday, after all), an exclusive art deco bar with a jazzy ambiance that rivals some of the best club lounges in the city awaits downstairs. And if you are feeling like a little pre-game, these hotel rooms have the best stocked in-room mini bars I’ve ever seen with anything and everything you need to whip up a fancy cocktail.

Location: Key West
Price: $107/night
Guests: Up to 2

Have the Florida keys been calling your name? Yeah, mine too. Old Town, Key West is one of the coolest places to stay in Florida and it’s no secret why. Only a hop, skip and a jump from the historic seaports, Duval Street, arts district, AND entertainment district, you’ll never run out of things to do. It’s also a 9-minute drive to Stock island, where some of the best Key West attractions are centrally located. With all that excitement, you’re certainly going to want a relaxing home base and Poppy Cottage is exactly that.

This tropical oasis is absolutely bursting at the seams with southern charm. I’m talking white picket fences, rocking chairs on the front porch, and a quaint, classic facade under the swaying palms. Oh, and while it may not be the first thing you consider when choosing your home-away-from-home, your Insta-baddie self might be interested to know that this unit features super trendy SMEG appliances are available. If there are any digital nomads out there, you can also rent this beauty for a month at a time and live like a local. Score!

Location: Fort Lauderdale
Price: Starting at $208/night
Guests: Up to 4

If you’re looking for unique places to stay on the east coast, look no further than this Fort Lauderdale gem. The Kimpton has an undeniable old Hollywood motel feel and a vibrant social scene for those who like a little nightlife action. Each room entrance features an iconic blue door just begging to be in your next Instagram post, but frankly, this entire place is just waiting to be snapped- you’ll feel like you’re living in a postcard. During the day, you can cruise circles around the hotel perimeter in a leisurely riverboat, but if you want to up the ante and go for something a little more exclusive, you can also look at a charter with one of the nearby yacht clubs. In the evenings, taste the Latin and Caribbean menu at Botanic, and sample some spirits at

The Good Bar- with so many tasty options in-house, you won’t ever need to worry about finding a restaurant in town. You may also be the first one to experience their new rooftop lounge, opening soon. Oh, and did I mention you can take salsa lessons by the pool? This makes it one of those cool resorts in Florida that you can make not only memories but learn some new skills.

Location: Key West
Price: $444/night
Guests: Up to 4

Forget Victoria’s Secret, meet Elizabeth’s Secret: the cutie Key West vacation rental of your dreams. Amongst all the cool places to stay in Key West, this is darn well worth a mention. A stay here is a promise of the mellow lifestyle that’s all but patented by the sunshine state. Inside, you’ll unwind in a clean, modern homestead with turquoise tropical accents, but the backyard hideaway is what really sets this little cottage apart from the rest.

Amongst lush tropical gardens, you can show off your grilling prowess (BBQ is a staple around here), lounge in chaises by the pool, or spend happy hour on the porch swing with a mai tai. Already Sold? Elizabeth’s Secret has one more trick up her sleeve- a private outdoor shower so you can rinse off the day’s salty air and sunshine to the soundtrack of birds chirping.

Location: Little Torch Key
Price: Starting at $2990/night
Guests: Up to 6

Ready to turn up the heat? This romantic fantasy resort on a private island beach is exquisite- exactly what you need to thirst your quench for luxury and mega-impress your partner. They pride themselves in being America’s only private island resort. Only accessible by seaplane or boat, you’re guaranteed all the romance and seclusion of the Caribbean without leaving the continental US. You’ll love its bohemian flair and upscale lobby lounge with a travel-inspired, west indies tiki vibe, but what exactly does a stay at Little Palm get you? Private chaise lounges in tucked-away corners of the beach, candlelit private dining tables, spa tubs in all rooms (jetted or vintage clawfoot, take your pick!), outdoor showers, and seaside hammocks in a luxury bungalow.

Guests absolutely rave about the romantic turndown service which includes champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, rose-petal drawn baths, lit candles, and a selection of aromatic massage oils. Oh, and all the eco-warriors out there may also be interested to know that Little Palm Island is a certified eco-resort with multiple environmental conservation efforts including reef and seagrass restoration projects and the banning of single-use plastics on site. This is seriously one of the most fun hotels in Florida for adults, and also the most romantic, so hurry up and pack your bags.

Location: Islamorada
Price: Starting at $223/night
Guests: Up to 6

For a stay at a cool resort in Florida with a killer backstory, choose the Postcard Inn: home of the original rum runner. Islamorada is a fun, yet quiet destination that is mere minutes from all the famous Key Largo resorts. You’ll have access to 14 acres of private grounds in the county, including sprawling private beachfront and cottage-style accommodation. If you’re bringing Fido along, you might be interested to know that the entire property is pet friendly and that upon your arrival, they will be gifted their own personal bowl and a doggy bag of special treats.

Here, you can visit the History of Diving Museum, catch some live musical performances or participate in a plethora of watersports. When you’re looking for a little more action, you can also go on a quick jaunt over to Key Largo for some bigger-scale attractions. We love these luxury hotels!