JoyT

My husband and I are retired Canadians looking for an affordable winter destination in Florida. We plan to travel south Feb '16 in pursuit of a future (2017+) destination community which has beaches, cycling and golf. We will be driving and staying a few days on the gulf coast, Atlantic coast and key west (primarily to visit as I understand very expensive there). Our goal is to 1) travel economically 2) find community options which meet our social and financial objectives 3) Find monthly rental options.

Looking for affordable accommodation recommendations and overwhelmed by all the hotel and vacation rental sites.
Is there an easier way? Is there a discount option for multiple location bookings? Is there a preferred rental/hotel/motel provider?

J62

It's now clear what your specific financial objectives are.

Can you define "affordable"?

NeoPatrick

Good question, J62. $100,00 purchase? $750,000 ? Renting a month for $4000. We need a clue.

NeoPatrick

By the way, realize that February is one of the two most expensive months in Florida. If any place is giving significant discounts, there must be a reason.

330east

The Glades-Naples, FL-Heather Zurlo (friend, not an ad)

Dukey1

I live in Florida and I agree you need to define the term "affordable."

Since you've already decided to visit certain areas you need to do that and perhaps then come back and ask more specific questions.

On one note, if you are looking for a community "with beaches" (plural) that is not going to be Key West: pools, yes, a whole bunch of beaches, no.

vincenzo32951

As I understand your question, for the moment, you're just looking for recs on short-term places to stay in Feb '16, and not recs on longer-term places for 2017?

Of course, as others have noted, you need to provide how much you want to spend. Short-term rentals in FL can be expensive in Feb., since it's prime time. You might try VRBO.com. Put in your dates and desired locales, and see what comes up.

NeoPatrick

"The Glades-Naples, FL-Heather Zurlo (friend, not an ad)"

Interesting. The Glades is a large, long established complex of condos in Naples that attracts people because their sales prices seem low by comparison to similar condos. But what people do not realize until it's too late (obviously they're not doing all their homework) is that this complex has some of the highest land or recreation leases or pay offs and highest maintenance costs of any comparable units. Most savvy realtors will steer you far away if you are purchasing. On the other hand it can be a very good economical place to rent a unit.

JoyT

Thanks for your responses, we have spent a few days online looking at nightly and weekly accommodation options. Thinking $200 CAD funds/night or $1400/week.

Yes we have discovered Feb is for the most part booked. Thanks for suggestions of Glades in Naples, will look into. VRBO has a few options we are looking into. A motel with kitchenette would work well also.

Hoping you can recommend communities we should explore for future long term commitment that have a beach, golf near by and safe cycling trails. We need to use accommodation this year as a base to explore community options.

330east could I get contact info for Heather Zurlo with thanks.
Your feedback is very helpful and much appreciated.

vincenzo32951

As for future, long-term recs, everyone has a favorite spot -- east coast, west coast, etc. What's your budget? And are you talking about a winter rental or a purchase?

On the east coast, I recommend you take a look at Melbourne Beach, about an hour south of Cape Canaveral. It would seem to meet you needs -- beach, golf, cycling -- but I suspect there are lots of places in FL that meet those needs. One of the features of Mlb Bch is a hindrance to your short-term needs: the area is mostly residential and has few hotel/motel/short-term rentals.

NeoPatrick

Ah, I think I was not understanding your original post. You aren't looking for a place to eventually buy, but rather just doing a couple short stops this next trip to find future places you could rent for a month or two. Is that it?

gracie

Have you considered Northwest Florida? It is not in your geographic area, but it will be considerably less expensive than South Florida. The low season in Northwest Florida runs from November 1st through the end of February. It is not as warm in NWF, but it warm enough that we attract thousands of winter visitors from Canada and the Midwest.

TDudette

Hi, JoyT and good luck with your search. I made 2 sojourns to FL that I reported about here so click on my name and see them if you wish.

My desire was to find a nice walkable down town and I wasn't interested in being right on the water. Naples, Sandford, Winter Park and Mt. Dora were the ones I visited and liked. I was turned off by the miles of roads with CVS pharmacies and big box stores.

I have friends who love Destin, Venice and Palm Beach. Quick visits with parents to Tarpon Springs, St. Petersburg and Sarasota left nice impressions.

Please narrow down your list to the kinds of activities in which you plan to participate--you'll get even more suggestions.

TDudette

I'm going to "top" my TR's FYI.

Dukey1

Gracie's comment about the "warmth" in NW Florida alone is a reminder that the weather can be a stopper for some folks.

Those "miles of CVS pharmacies" have been cleverly concealed behind masonry walls along some streets (but they're still there).

"Quebec South" season is ramping up here in SE Florida and you know because the traffic seems worse and you actually need a restaurant reservation on a Wednesday night. But that comes with the territory.

best way to know about all of this IMO is to simply come and see for yourself.

JoyT

Thank you kindly for all your feedback. TDudette I read your review of Mt.Dora & Naples. Thanks
Gulf side is our preference and a walkable town would be ideal. I think we will just come and see for ourselves as Dukey1 suggested. We like to cycle, golf, walk the beach and yes enjoy good food at great prices. I am currently checking all the recommendations.
Yes NeoPatrick you have it correct, exploring Feb/Mar 2016 for future rental options in 2017+
I am back researching and was finding the services of "Shannon Fore" helpful, has anyone used this vacation rental service? Prices seem more reasonable than VRBO.

SusanMargaret

We are Canadians who sold in SW Florida this year. Getting a booking for next year even in April/May was challenging, but one suggestion I have is the La Quinta Inn and Suites at Sanibel Gateway. It is in a good location, with easy driving access to Sanibel and Captiva and Fort Myers Beach - both great cycling and beach locations. The price in February seems to be about $200 a night. I have driven by the Inn, but haven't been inside, but it looks well kept. It is a couple of minutes walk from a Publix grocery store, a three minute drive to the Shell Point Golf Course (which my husband has played often and likes a lot) and you could cycle to Bunche Beach in a few minutes.

TDudette

You are welcome, JoyT. Good luck and please report back.

NeoPatrick

I'm trying to find this Shannon Fore, you mentioned. Any link? Where is she or is this the name of a rental company?

JoyT

Thanks Susan Margaret. Just checked La Quinta out and they are in the $230/night range which seems the average. Will keep in mind. We probably need to book now for 2017 from what I am seeing in availability of monthly rentals. Like the sounds of Sannibel gateway for 2017 also!! May look a booking a few days then exploring further south towards Naples and Marco Island. Hoping to find an affordable B &B/lodging in that vicinity.
All your suggestions are so very helpful, many thanks.