April 2009 - Reasonably Priced Beach Resort
 

I was curious if anyone can recommend a nice beach resort that would a) be in the Southeastern U.S. b) be warm enough to go swimming at around Easter, c)Have nice (i.e. 4 star and above) accomodations, and d) be under $400/nt around Easter.

Also there will be kids coming along, so no '18 and over' type places.

I'm trying to figure out where to go, and the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List and T+L 500 aren't that helpful due to the cost of places.

I may be dreaming, but I was hoping someone could possibly recommend a place that would be within the above needs? Thanks so much, my fellow Fodorites.

That is high season in Florida since it is Spring Break so it may be difficult

You've pretty much narrowed it down to Miami & the Keys in my opinion. http://www.konakairesort.com/ http://www.cheeca.com/ http://www.marquesa.com/ Not a lot in the way of beaches in the Keys & I'm not personally keen on South Beach.

Maybe not swimming in the ocean but you could go anywhere around Charleston, have a WONDERFUL time at the pool and playing in the waves for a lot less than that. Or at least a little less than that.

thanks gretchen! charleston seems like it may work...I also just found a deal at the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island for $350/nt. I'll be checking Miami and the Keys, too, SanParis.

Amelia was still having a chilly day here and there mid-May... but it's a great place, so if you're not absolutely into the swimming, or are quite hardy it could work very well for you.

Be careful going to Charleston at Easter time, if having warm weather is important to you. We went about 8 years ago when Easter was about as late as it can be in April, and we had a week of 60's temperatures. The weeks before and after were in the 80's. If you do choose Charleston, Wild Dunes Resort has some nice accomodations.

Swimming isn't the KEY thing here - only a respite from what can be snowy Aprils here in Pittsburgh.

ttt

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Siesta Key/Lido Key (sw gulf coast of Fla.) -- have not been there in April, but I *think* it's warm enough to swim there by then.

Easy to get to from Tampa AP, too.

Since you now say "swimming isn't the KEY thing" consider the Destin Florida area or Sanibel/Captiva on Florida's Gulf Coast. Watere may be a bit cool for swimming but those are nice beach destinations.

One other thought might be Hilton Head Island, SC.

Consider staying at a beach resort that has a heated pool. If you get warm temps, swimming is an option. Often the Carolina beaches from Myrtle to Hilton Head can have pleasant Easter weather, but then it can be cool as well.

Hilton Head has biking, kayaking, tennis, golf, shopping, nature cruises, sailing, sight seeing at nearby Savannah with other kid stuff including miniature golf and outdoor concerts for kids.

We are big Amelia Island fans & I have been in the water there in January & in April. I've also been in all kinds of clothes during similar timeframes. For Amelia, I would opt for a house/condo rather than any of the resorts or even a B & B in Old town. It will be cheaper & much better located than any of the resorts which kind of take up their own portion of the island -away from the Old Town or the primary beaches. For water temps - http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/