Help!
I'm looking for a domestic vacation that will give my husband and I: a great beach, 'cottage on the beach' type accomodations, and a private, serene environment.... need a break from work and people.... but, still want it to be a 'hotel' (someone to clean the room, etc.)... not looking for a house with a kitchen.... I find these easily abroad, but am having a tough time with the U.S. any help is appreciated !!!!

Do you have any idea where you want to stay? Pacific, Atlantic, New England? Warm? Cool? Great Lake? If you provided more of your criteria, it would help a lot.

And your budget. How much per night...

...more info.... I want something warm (we'd like to go the last week of May) enough to go in the water. Don't have a preference as to where, so long as the beach is clean, clear, and not rocky/dirty. We'd like to keep hotel costs under $300/day if we can. Everything else doesn't matter, costwise.

Thank you for any help you can give..I think I've spent too many vacations out of the states! I know so little about great vacatio spots here....

www.marinadunes.com

not really "cottage" accomodations, but very private, unforgettable sunsets.

Sounds simple but I don't think it is.

Swimmable water in late May=southeast. (rule out Maine etc.)
Cottages on beach that are not "kid friendly" hmmmm.. I've stayed in Clearwater Beach in cottages but very basic & lots of kids.

Try these (no personal experience)

"Casa Ybel Resort on the Gulf of Mexico offers a secluded seaside natural sanctuary, 114 luxurious beachfront suites, 14 miles of white sand beach and a romantic seaside restaurant...."

"Amelia Island Florida vacation rentals and accommodations. We offer resort rentals, oceanfront condos, homes and cottages for overnight lodging, weekly vacation or longer term rentals, 1-800-772-3359 http://www.ameliaislandvacation.com/

www.turtlebeachresort.com siesta key

The real answer is BERMUDA.

We love Florida altho it is hot in May. OUr favorite is Captiva Island (South Seas Resort). You can also look on VRBO.com (vacation rentals by owners). Found nice spot on the ocean at Cocoa Beach. Tween Waters on Captiva is nice. You'll havae to eat in their restaurant every day.

mclaurie, thank you! turtle beach resort looks just perfect !!!

my husband and I so appreciate your help!
j wangler

Glad I could help. Please post after you go and tell us how it was!

K10!

I hope you have not made the reservation yet. Was patting myself on the back for finding this place & decided to have a look at whether there were any reviews. There are & they don't sound good. Please read

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34618-d75236-r913753-Turtle_Beach_Resort-Sarasota_Florida.html

Came up with another option but it's over your budget but sounds REALLY perfect

SUNSET KEY GUEST COTTAGES AT HILTON KEY WEST RESORT
245 Front St., Key West, FL 33040, USA
Phone: 305/292-5300
Fax: 305/292-5395

This is a Hilton property on a private island off Key West. You take a boat to get there. Great review from Fodors and on Rants & Raves here. Hope you see this!

Found a bunch more options that sound great, all right HERE on the Fodors website under hotels in the Keys. Here are 3 that have cottages & sound good.

KONA KAI RESORT
97802 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo, FL 33037, USA
Phone: 305/852-7200 or 800/365-7829

THE MOORINGS
123 Beach Rd., Islamorada, FL 33036, USA
Phone: 305/664-4708
Fax: 305/664-4242

SEA ISLE RESORT AND MARINA
109 E. Carroll St., Box 1298, Islamorada, FL 33036, USA
Phone: 305/664-2235 or 800/799-9175
Fax: 305/664-2093

Hope one of these work.

Islamorada is very nice. Last year, I stayed at Hawk's Cay Resort in Duck Key. We'd drive to Islamorada for food, etc. Go to the Islamorada Fish Company! Awesome seafood of any sort - fish, shrimp.. anything!!

ttt