A "small secret" kept by locals in the know, this gem is one block from the beach and on the Intracoastal Waterway. Its design recalls the colorful architecture of 18th-century British colonial Caribbean plantations. Most rooms have views of the waterway or pool, with French doors opening to individual patios or balconies. Rooms have rattan-and-mahogany headboards and antique-reproduction desks and nightstands; suites include wet bars with refrigerators and microwaves. The Secret Garden is a tiny restaurant for hotel guests and selected insiders. Pros: attentive staff; lovely decor; idyllic pool area. Cons: small rooms; not for families with young kids.
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