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Finding good rates in Florida
Autumn brings out the best rates at many Florida resorts. If you still have vacation or furlough days and you’re looking for good value, check out the bargains at moderately priced and upscale resorts.
Stuart Arp, general manager of Sandpiper Resort in Clearwater Beach, says the busy season for Florida’s resorts is February through the end of summer.
“You will find gorgeous weather and good values in the fall before the mass of people from the north arrives in the state,” Arp says. “You get great deals on airfare, too.”
Here’s a sampling of bargains at resorts throughout the state.
Amelia Island Plantation hosts Family Value Days through Dec. 31. For $229 a night, you get accommodations in a two-bedroom, resort-view villa. Free family recreation includes nature tours, bike rentals, youth programs, the Just for Kids evening program and family poolside crafts. Ages 12 and younger ordering from the children’s menu dine free for breakfast, lunch and dinner (based on two children per paying adult). Youths ages 15 and younger play golf and tennis free with a paying adult. 866-213-8045; www.aipfl.com. Use promo code “Family.”
The South Seas Island Fall Bed & Breakfast special starts at $169 a night through December and includes accommodations in Harbourside guest rooms and complimentary breakfast buffet at the Point. The resort, No. 1 on Parents magazine’s Top Beach Resorts for Families, is positioned at the end of a small isle and is known for its white-sand beaches and natural beauty. 888-2-CAPTIVA; www.southseas.com.
Port d’Hiver Bed & Breakfast offers a Spa Day Getaway for $250 per person per night in its luxurious Windward or Mangrove Suite through Jan. 1. The package includes an afternoon of pampering with lunch at Essentials Day Spa; 60-minute Ultimate Unwinder Massage; 60-minute Essentials Euro Facial; Hot Milk and Honey Manicure and Pedicure; breakfast with mimosas, coffee and newspapers; 5 p.m. wine, refreshments and fresh-baked cookies. Port d’Hiver was among 2009’s “Most Romantic Inns” announced by American Historic Inns. 866-621-7678; www.portdhiver.com.
Walt Disney World is promoting a $54 room-only offer through Dec. 24 at its value resorts (Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s All-Star Resort). Benefits of staying at a Disney resort include extended theme park hours, complimentary transportation to and from the Orlando airport, complimentary transportation throughout the resort, and package delivery from Disney shops to hotels. Save up to 30 percent when you purchase the Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining. 407-WDISNEY; www.DisneyParks.com.
Stay on site at one of the three Universal Orlando Resorts and save up to 40 percent through Dec. 26. Best value: Stay five nights for the price of three ($132 a night) at Loews Royal Pacific Resort from Nov. 29 through Dec. 17. Ride the Universal Express at no charge and move to the front of attraction lines by showing your hotel key card. Kids eat free for lunch and dinner at select hotel restaurants from Nov. 29 through Dec. 17. 888-273-1311; www.universalorlando.com/hotels.
Through Nov. 21, Rosemary Beach lodging properties are available for up to 40 percent off high-season rates with a two- or three-night stay. More than 200 properties are available, including cottages, carriage houses, lofts, flats and a contemporary inn. Complimentary DVD rentals, access to the fitness center, tennis on clay courts, four pools and 2.3-mile fitness trail. 888-855-1551; www.rosemarybeach.com
Earn a chance to win a free night at 5 Inns of Elegance when you book a two-night stay for Sundays through Thursdays until Dec. 31. These inns are situated in the historic downtown, within walking distance to historical and family-friendly attractions. Rates start at $139 a night and include hot breakfast, parking and wireless Internet access. 877-616-6444; www.InnsofElegance.com.
TradeWinds Island Resorts, consisting of two sister properties, offers two packages this fall. The Sunsets package at Sandpiper Suites through Dec. 31 offers four nights in a Gulf-front suite,starting at $698. A continental breakfast is provided. If Fido and Fluffy need a vacation, the Island Grand’s Fido’s Fabulous Adventure package offers two nights in a pet-friendly suite, starting at $347. The nightly pet fee, included in the package, provides use of Pet Play Zone and Doggie Accessory Center plus a Bow Wow WOW pet amenity stuffed with a TradeWinds bandana, toys and treats. 866-587-8538; www.JustLetGo.com.
Steinhatchee Landing Resort is offering a 50 percent discount for travelers who stay four or more nights in a one- to four-bedroom cottage through Jan. 30. Prices for a four-day midweek stay range from $280 to $292 for a one-bedroom cottage. A villa-style honeymoon cottage is $468 to $542. The resort is situated on the banks of the Steinhatchee River, three miles upstream of the Gulf of Mexico. Activities include fishing, paddling, swimming, croquet, biking and tennis. 800-584-1709; mention Fall 50, or visit www.SteinhatcheeLanding.com.
– By Marge Peterson
