This post is in collaboration with the Hipmunk Hotels campaign.
With sunshine, warm water beaches, mangrove forests, amusement parks, and other natural sites, is anyone really questioning why Florida is one of the USA’s most popular destinations for fun-loving travelers? Fortunately, vacationing in Florida doesn’t require a massive budget. Here are five places where you can score a great deal on accommodation.
Image by Love to Travel via Trover.
Panama City
With miles of beaches along the Gulf Coast, Panama City attracts thousands of adventure enthusiasts each year as a prime camping, swimming, and boating spot. Families will love Shipwreck Island, a tropical-themed waterpark while college students prefer the city’s more rambunctious spring-break party spots. Stay at the Red Roof Inn for a central location just two miles away from downtown with an outdoor pool, fitness room, and all basic amenities. Though it’s not the most luxurious, at around $100/night, it’s an incredible value.
Gainesville
Gainesville is home to the University of Florida and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for the Florida Gators, a variety of natural and cultural museums, Paynes Prarie, and Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park – a rainforest punctuated by a 120-foot-deep sinkhole. When in town, stay at the SpringHill Suites, a hotel known for friendly staff, comfortable beds, delicious breakfast options, and offer a discount card to nearby attractions.
Palm Beach Gardens
Urban yet beachy, Palm Beach Gardens is a great stop for people looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation. Hop on a boat tour during the day, get a massage from one of the many spas in the afternoon, and explore the lively bar scene once the sun goes down. Stay at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Palm Beach for spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and great customer service, all at a low price. Double rooms typically are priced at $100 per night, though you can often snag it for even cheaper.
Sunrise
In the 1960s, a pair of developers built an upside down house (complete with upside down car in the garage) to lure people into settling at Sunrise. Today, Sunrise maintains its small-town quirks and charm with fewer than 100,000 residents. When visiting this beachside town, stay at the DoubleTree by Hiltonhotel. At around $120/night for a double room, you’ll be a short distance away from watching the Florida Panthers hockey team at the BB&T Center, the Springtree Golf Club, and Sawgrass Mills. Each room comes with free Wi-Fi, microwave, mini-fridge, and access to an outdoor pool.
Spring Hill
Spring Hill is the perfect base if you want to take advantage of beautiful beaches, the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Refuge, and all of Tampa’s main attractions for just a fraction of the accommodation costs you’d likely pay in nearby Tampa. For incredible value, stay at Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham for as little as $65 per night for a double room. At this price, you’ll be getting access to an outdoor pool, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and free continental breakfast.
Consider one of these cities for your next Florida vacation. You’ll thank yourself for choosing a beautiful destination and a high-value hotel.