FL Accomodations-Kitchen- Uncrowded Beach- Seeking Suggestions and Info.
 

[Note: I posted a very similar request about Hawai`i but there are some <BR>differences in the requirements listed below] <BR> <BR>I would appreciate suggestions and info. regarding accomodations in Florida that <BR>meet the following requirements: <BR> <BR>- Kitchen or at least full-sized refrigerator and microwave oven <BR> <BR>- clean <BR> <BR>- non-feather pillows <BR> <BR>- nice view, if not ocean then garden-type view ( I should at least be able to <BR>see some greenery and the sky without leaving my room/apt.) <BR> <BR>- Balcony or porch (or at least table inside with view) <BR> <BR>- Not more than a 5-10 minute* walk from a beach that doesn't get very crowded <BR> <BR>(* You may have noticed that in my Hawai`i post, I said "preferrably not more <BR>than a 15 minute walk <BR>from a beach." The reason for the difference is that because of the spectacular <BR>beauty and exotic appeal of Hawai`i, I am willing, if necessary, to settle for <BR>a longer walk to the beach. In Florida, on the other hand, I would absolutely <BR>not want to be any more than a 5-10 minute walk to the beach) <BR> <BR>- Not more than a 50 min. drive from an airport that has non-stop service from <BR>one of the NYC airports. <BR> <BR>I do _not_ require air-conditioning or a pool. <BR> <BR>I am interested in knowing of both 1 bathroom accomodations that would be good <BR>for 1 person as well as accomodations with at least 2 bathrooms and 2-3 <BR>bedrooms. <BR> <BR>My price limit is not more than $150- a night for 1 bathroom and not more than <BR>$250-300 a night for 2-3 bathrooms. <BR> <BR>I am especially concerned about the question of reliablity and quality with <BR>private rentals and establishments that are not AAA or Mobile rated. I don't <BR>need luxury but I would not want to arrive in a dirty place. <BR> <BR>Also, I would like to when the 'off-season' is for Northern Florida. Is it <BR>pretty empty between November and March? When does the Spring Break crowd start <BR>arriving? <BR> <BR>Thank you very much for any info. <BR> <BR>

Suggest you contact Il Tucano Motel, 12321 Gulf Blvd. in Treasure Isalnd, Floriday - AC is 727. Small family-run place across from the beach - one minute. Small, new pool. Private courtyard - 8 units - set up like a small apt. with kitchen, LR, BR and Fla. room .. about $80 per night. Doiuble entrance. Free parking next to your unit. I have no financial interest .. owned by friends, and we use them several time a year. Give them a call and see if they meet your needs.

I would suggest Siesta Key. The beach is wonderful and very uncrowded. Siesta Key is just south of Sarasota. Tampa is an hour's drive. We go to Siesta yearly. Summer is wonderful. There are condos that offer just want you want. I always rent from a rental company called Siesta4Rent. There website is www.siesta4rent.com.

Regarding off-season: I'm certainly no expert, but from what I've seen, probably mid May to early November in the St. Pete Beach area. Many folks from Canada, Michigan, etc. begin to arrive in November/early December, and usually start north in April and May. Then the motel business switches from long-term rental to transient, nightly reservations.

I live in Northwest Florida (Panama City). Spring Break officialy begins here in two weeks, and runs through Easter weekend. During that period, especially March, the beaches will be very crowded. The low season here is from Labor Day until the end of February. Prices go up during the afore-mentioned Spring Break period. Prices drop slightly from the week after Easter until the week before Memorial Day. The high season is from Memorial day through Labor Day.

Anna Maria Island, a barrier island west of Bradenton, an hour south of Tampa. Very old-style Florida. Coconuts Resorts sound made to order for you. Gulf front, very well maintained; efficiencies up to a very large 2 bedroom apt. on the property. Two good fishing piers on the island. Plenty of dining choices. Very untraveled that time of year. IMO, I don't think the St. Pete area beaches are what you'll want. It's very commercial and very spread out. As a matter of fact, a lot of the folks up that way go to Anna Maria when they visit the beach. Siesta is also a good choice but a little harder to find rentals.

Vilano Beach Motel, a 1950 style art deco motel! <BR> <BR>Located on Vilano Beach - the closest beach to historic St. Augustine, OLDEST CITY in the USA! <BR>...the Vilano Beach Motel, also known as Magic Beach Motel is footsteps away from the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. <BR> <BR>Each of the rooms, affordable, yet comfortable, feature queen size beds, cable television <BR>and most have kitchenettes. The Family Suites even include a complete kitchen with full <BR>size appliances - refrigerator, stove and sink. <BR> <BR>Jacksonville Airport is about 45 minutes north odf St.Augustine. <BR> <BR>Northeast Florida is NOT known for attrcting hoards of partying springbreakers...I know St. A is a very nice place to visit and relax ...and I recently heard about this Motel...I'm going to check it out next week...hope this helps, enjoy! <BR> <BR>VilanoBeach Motel <BR>50 Vilano Road, St. Augustine, Florida 32095 <BR>Phone (904) 829-2651 Fax (904) 829-5992 <BR>[email protected] <BR> <BR> <BR>&lt; http://www.vilanobeachmotel.com/welcome.html &gt; <BR>