Charming yet Recession Proof – Deals at Florida Bed & Breakfasts
December 10th, 2008 by Jane Leisteiner, under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
Special packages, seasonal discounts and free amenities are just a few of the reasons to spend your vacation at one of the cozy inns listed in the book, “Bed and Breakfasts and Country Inns,” published by American Historic Inns, Inc. Incredibly, these inns are participants in the Buy-One-Night-Get-One-Night-Free program, which makes your vacation even more enticing. Here are a few examples from Florida of the savings that can be had. (For more details on participating inns, visit the iLoveInns.com site).
Ride a complimentary bicycle down the historic streets of Saint Augustine when you stay at the St. Francis Inn. The beach and other local attractions are a short ride away. Amenities include a full complimentary breakfast, fireplaces and pools. In addition, many of the rooms have kitchenettes for home-cooked meals. The Cottage suite is perfect for sharing the cost of a room with friends. Free admission to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum is included in your stay. The rates range from $109-$229 per night.
If you are traveling with a group, the cottages at Center Court-Tropical Inn & Cottages in Key West sleep up to ten people. Some also have barbecue grills, hammocks and a private pool perfect for parties. Complimentary weekend happy hours keep the party going seven days a week. Innkeepers keep guests stocked with beach towels and a bag for day trips to the ocean. The rates vary from $130-$265 per night.
Step through the columned doors of the Coombs House Inn in Appalachicola. Here, a day at the beach is a no-brainer with beach chairs, umbrellas, bikes and even a tandem bicycle ready for use. The rooms are stocked with massage whirlpools, mini refrigerators and access to the veranda. Guests are well fed with full breakfasts in the morning and wine, cheese and snacks on weekend nights. The rates at this Florida bed and breakfast start low at $89 and cap at $229 per night.
The affordable Allison House Inn in Quincy is a not-so-guilty pleasure. Rest up on lavender-misted pillows for a day of treasure hunting at the local antique shops. The English-style bed and breakfast resides in historic “Coca-Cola Town” not far from Tallahassee. Give into the temptation of fresh muffins and bread in the morning and homemade Biscotti and sherry all day. At $95-$140 per night, if you can’t spare the carbohydrates, you probably can spare the money.
Surrounded by magnificent Magnolia trees, the Magnolia Plantation Cottages and Gardens in Gainesville, Florida is a charming facility with year round rates running from $115-$330 per night. Every room in the restored French Second Empire Victorian Inn contains a fireplace and claw foot tub. The cottages, of Craftsman, Country and Colonial design, include hot tubs and fireplaces, with kitchens for cozy evenings in. The Charleston-style courtyards are perfect for an evening stroll as are the tropical gardens. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and cocktail hour as well.
There are over 19,000 B&Bs and country inns listed at iLoveInns that you can find information on if you are still undecided about where to stay. A great resource is the best-selling bed and breakfast guidebook, “Bed & Breakfasts and Country Inns.” Included in the book is a Buy-One-Night-Get-One-Night-Free Certificate which comes in handy. And for celebrating any special occasion, an iLoveInns gift certificate is the perfect solution.
