13 Best Hotels in Northeast Coast, Florida

Hand-stenciled Moorish columns and arches, handcrafted chandeliers, and gilded iron tables decorate the lobby of this late-1800s Flagler-era masterpiece. A retreat for the nation's wealthiest until the Great Depression put it out of business, it returned to its perch as St. Augustine's grande dame in 1999. The turrets, towers, and wrought-iron balconies offer a hint of what's inside. For a bit of pampering, head to the luxurious Poseidon spa. The location puts you within walking distance of many attractions.

This romantic waterfront inn has classic bay views and gorgeous antiques, as well as such contemporary conveniences as plush beds, double whirlpool tubs, and flat-screen TVs. Huge breakfasts, ordered the evening before, are usually served in the manicured courtyard, and guests gather at 5 for snacks, desserts, beer, wine, and homemade sangria. Owners and staff go to extraordinary lengths to accommodate guests' needs. Children, pets, and visitors with disabilities also find a warm welcome here.

Families love this Best Western for its affordable suites, and everyone loves it for its oceanfront location (just a half block from the Cocoa Beach Pier), its great views of launches from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral, and its proximity to Port Canaveral. The cruise pier is only five minutes away. The suites are modest but have two TVs, a separate living room, wet-bar area with sink, refrigerator, microwave, sofa bed, and a private balcony. In addition to the beach, outdoor spaces include fire pits and two pools.

Proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and reasonable rates make this four-story hotel a top pick for an overnight. Guests deem the rooms clean, comfortable, quiet, and larger than those in comparable hotels. The property also scores points for conveniences like 24/7 coffee and tea service in the lobby, complimentary hot breakfast, microwaves and refrigerators in every room, and a fitness room and pool.

It doesn't get much more convenient than this 19-story, waterfront hotel within walking distance of TIAA Bank Field, Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena, Daily's Place, Florida Theatre, Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, MOCA, and all things Downtown. The property, on the north bank of the St. Johns River, offers a rooftop pool; grab-and-go food and coffee 24/7 at Market; the Tavern for cocktails; the SHOR Seafood Grill for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and Morton's The Steakhouse for upscale dining. Rooms have cool turquoise color schemes, triple-sheeted beds, pillow-top mattresses, and ergonomic work chairs. Since the hotel encompasses 110,000 square feet of meeting space, chances are pretty good you'll share an elevator with someone wearing a name tag.

From the upper levels of this imposing 16-floor tower, which is across the street from the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, the smart, neutral colors and modern lines of the furnishings set off the views of the St. Johns River and its iconic bridges. A marble-floored, wood-paneled lobby leads to the reception area, an upscale lounge (JBar), and Juliette's Bistro, where cozy banquettes and tables bask in the airiness of a lofty atrium. Bell service is exemplary; many porters have more than a decade on the job, so they can and will happily help you find just about anything, including a cab.

Atlantic Beach's only high-rise oceanfront hotel captures the serenity of the sea through a color palette of translucent green, sand, and sky blue and reflective materials such as glass and marble. A sophisticated yet relaxed "art gallery" theme is carried through to the original photographs that hang in every room. Some guests balk at the $30-a-day resort fee that's tacked on to the room rate, but considering all it includes (Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerator, two bicycles for two hours daily, beach chairs and umbrellas daily), it's not such bad deal.

For cruise-ship passengers who can't wait to get under way, this splashy resort, done up in pink and turquoise, already feels like the Caribbean. Guest room decor is simple and restrained, but the pool is lushly landscaped and features a cascading waterfall, tiki bar, and occasional appearances by the "Radisson parrots," about a dozen wild birds who call the resort home. This resort, a little south of Port Canaveral, is not on the ocean, but only a short ride away.

Travelers love this all-suites property for its great location, modern design features, and family-friendly amenities. The beach and restaurants are a short walk away, though many prefer to prepare meals in their spacious suites, which are all equipped with contemporary kitchens, as well as cozy sitting areas, wood-paneled accent walls, and mood lighting in the bedrooms. Adjacent to the pool is an outdoor lounge and fire pit, where guests gather in the evenings

The four-story Residence Inn is one of the closest all-suite hotels to the Kennedy Space Center. Considerably larger than traditional hotel rooms, the one- and two-bedroom suites include a full kitchen (dishwasher and all) and separate living and sleeping areas. The morning buffet and manager's reception are popular with guests. It is also convenient to other area attractions such as Port Canaveral, the Cocoa Beach Pier, the Brevard Zoo, and Cocoa Village, and is only an hour from Walt Disney World.

In the early 1900s, Jacksonville's wealthiest residents built mansions along Riverside Avenue (dubbed the Row), and the three-story Riverdale Inn—well-preserved, with heart-pine floors, crown moldings, and guest rooms decorated to period—is one of only two such homes remaining. Despite being more than 100 years old, the mansion feels pristine, inside and out. Some rooms have fireplaces; all have bathrooms with tub–shower combos or showers only; one room has a whirlpool tub. Complimentary breakfast is made to order each morning, and the inn is within walking distance of numerous restaurants, as well as the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and the Five Points district. You can also pop downstairs for a drink at the Gum Bunch Pub.

Golf is at the heart of this luxurious resort, but there's no lack of opportunity for other recreation or for sheer indulgent relaxation, if that's what you're after. Besides offering access to the renowned Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, which hosts THE PLAYERS Championship each year, the resort has trails for jogging or biking, as well as an acclaimed 18-hole miniature golf course that appeals to the whole family. There are plenty of other activities for the kids, too. Or, you can simply laze about in the highly regarded spa or by one of the many swimming pools. It's not an oceanfront resort, but that's just a technicality: the exclusive oceanfront Cabana Beach Club is a three-minute drive or shuttle ride away. The elegant hotel tower is home to several casual restaurants and lounges, including Alice & Pete's Pub and the upscale Vernon's First Coast Kitchen & Bar featuring farm-to-table cuisine.

Inside two grand Victorian homes—surrounded by gardens in historic downtown and within walking distance of restaurants and entertainment venues—nicely appointed guest rooms have gleaming hardwood floors, antique furnishings, and modern conveniences like free Wi-Fi. There's also plenty of Southern hospitality, as well as amenities such as an eco-friendly salt pool, business services, and detached cottages with full kitchens.