traveler120

Hello All! We're looking for a low-key, laid back getaway in Florida. Someplace with good food and a great beach. Not looking for a big resort or a place with lots of kids. Tennis courts at or nearby would be a plus too. As you can tell, we're at a loss for ideas. Please help!

Cicerone

Well, without a budget, OR time of year, OR a location in the huge state of Florida, it is really hard to make suggestions. Take a look at shl.com for a start, these are small, mostly non-chain hotels. Also try tripadvisor.com but search B&Bs and see what they have to recco. You might try a place like Seaside, Florida which is just charming all over and I am sure has some nice little inns. Or Captiva, and in particular a place like the ‘Tween Waters Inn. See http://www.tween-waters.com/. I have not stayed, but enjoy their restaurant and setting, marvelous sunsets. I would try the cottages along the beach road; not sure if they are noisy, I imagine at night they get very little traffic; I have not stayed there so perhaps others can comment or see tripadivsor.com.

Another place I personally have always wanted to stay is the Gardens Hotel in Key West. I was supposed to go last Feb but had a family illness which prevented the trip. Not sure about the tennis courts. See http://www.gardenshotel.com/index.htm. There are other small inns in Key West that might fit your specifications.

Cicerone

Sorry website for Small Luxury Hotels is slh.com

ccolor

Try Lauderdale By the Sea for the east coast or Treasure Island/Madiera Beach for the west. Both places have lots of small hotels and both cities are pretty laid back.

SusanCS

Key West is a favorite travel destination of mine, but if you're looking for a great beach, you'd be terribly disappointed with Key West.

traveler120

Thanks for the info. As for time of year, we're thinking sometime in February (though not President's Day week) and as for budget we're trying to keep it under $400/night.