Recently Rejuvenated Florida Boutique Hotels to Book Now!

Last Updated on July 10, 2018 by Marybeth

Fresh starts. Second chances. Face lifts. These stories capture our attention, because everyone deserves those things – though perhaps not everyone needs all three…

‘Approachable’ and ‘experience-driven’ are terms that are appearing more and more as you look around to plan your next trip. Yes, sometimes you just want a quick overnight on your way to someplace better, a clean place to lay your head. But once you get to your destination you expect much more than that. Here you will find it!

With sparkling updates these Florida boutique hotels beckon to us as savvy travelers with their comforts, amenities, and experiences, while also piquing our curiosity with their often colorful pasts.

THE COLLECTOR LUXURY INN & GARDENS

149 Cordova St.

St. Augustine, FL  32084

904-209-5800  Book directly for best rates

The site of The Collector was the former Dow Museum of Historic Houses, nine historic homes dating from 1790 to 1910. Once a 16th century hospital and cemetery, an 18th century Spanish defense line, and the setting for the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation reading that freed Florida’s slave population; talk about a backstory!

One of the oldest surviving Colonial buildings in St. Augustine, The Murat House was built in 1790 and once was occupied by a nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte, Prince Achille Murat.

The Star Building, built in 1899 by local dry good merchant Emanuel de Medici, was first a general store. Later a kindergarten, then a toy store and millinery, it now serves as the Inn’s lobby.

For the complete history on every building – rose museum, rooming house, and a home once owned by St. Augustine’s oldest resident (103!) are among their former lives – visit The Collector’s history website.

• Possibly the most unique hotel experience you will ever have. With onsite private history tours, scheduled talks with art and history docents, painting classes with local artists, their own description as offering “an immersive experience” couldn’t describe it any better. Shaded peaceful gardens surround the full block of historic homes, heated swimming pool, fire pit and The Well Bar.
• The Well Bar has a past of its own – St. Augustine’s first 2-car garage! – and serves light bites along with classic cocktails, wine, and herb-infused elixirs. Guests may participate in The Well Bar’s mixology program to learn how to craft that perfect libation.
• Each room and suite has its own unique features including hardwood floors, fireplaces, coquina walls, stained glass windows, verandas or patios.
• Room amenities include kitchenettes with granite counters, luxurious bed linens with triple sheeting, bathrobes, LCD HDTVs, rainwater showerheads, luxury bath products, turndown service, WiFi, sleeper sofas in selected suites, and more. Some rooms are ADA compliant.
• Property amenities for guests include valet service and parking, European Continental breakfast, bicycles, lawn games, afternoon snacks and bottled spring water, daily afternoon and late night happy hour, live music.
• Within easy walking distance (just a few blocks) to the city’s most popular attractions, restaurants, shopping, and the Matanzas Riverfront.
• Rates start at approximately $170 in the low season, check their site for current pricing.

Photo courtesy of The Collector Luxury Inn & Gardens

HOTEL PALMS

28 Sherry Dr.

Atlantic Beach, FL  32233

904-241-7776

Photo courtesy of Hotel Palms

Established in 1947, this classic motor court hotel harkens back to those good old days when life was lived more simply. Formerly The Palms Retro – which was cute and fun, with 50s themed rooms (ours was The Divas, see photos of The Palms Retro, and what to do in Atlantic Beach, in Find Your Perfect Mix of Low-Key and Upscale in Atlantic Beach) the Hotel Palms has grown past cute and now has a cooler, modern look with placid neutrals, concrete floors, reclaimed wood, and a sumptuous minimalist vibe.

• One of the best reasons to stay at the Hotel Palms is their mission to help you feel like a local. Atlantic Beach has that inclusive, come-one come-all friendliness, with a community of entrepreneurs who support each other’s locally owned shops, restaurants and galleries in the surrounding Beaches Town Center.
• Another great reason to choose Hotel Palms is their courtyard, specifically designed as a quiet oasis for guests to enjoy morning coffee or afternoon wine in rocking chairs or lounge chairs. A patio with a fireplace is the perfect gathering place for chilly evenings. An outdoor shower and surround sound speakers complete the vibe. Many events and exercise classes are held here as well including Happy Hour Yoga (sounds like our kind of thing!), Pure Barre, pop-up shops, fashion shows, movie nights, book release parties, Moms Night Out… check their current events list by clicking their name above.
• A third reason (this reasons list is long!) is The Lounge, serving beers from local breweries and a variety of wines by the glass.
• And of course the cool – in look and in feel – rooms featuring uncluttered design and modern bathrooms. A variety of room types is available including some with desk areas in case you’ve brought work along (but try not to! This is the beach after all.) The Suite is the largest at 450 square feet, with a king bed, full sleeper sofa, dining nook and workspace. The Junior Queen room has the queen bed with a single bunk above, perfect for kids or kids at heart, and can connect to the Standard Double Queen next door if you need more space. Check their site for the variety of rooms to choose your best fit.
• Hotel Palms is a couple of blocks from the beach and Beaches Town Center, located on a quiet, mostly residential street.
• Rates start at approximately $145, check their site for current pricing.

Photos courtesy of Hotel Palms

The Lounge

MARQUESA 4-1-4

600 Fleming St.

Key West, FL 33040

800-869-4631

Photo courtesy of Marquesa Hotel

The Marquesa Hotel, one of Key West’s most luxurious boutique hotels, recently added 14 rooms to their property by purchasing two historic homes – The Pilot House and The Kerr House – and replacing a building behind those two, creating a beautiful tropical hideaway surrounding a swimming pool and fountain.

The Victorian Pilot House was built by Julius Otto as a private residence circa 1900, and the William Kerr House was built in the Carpenter Gothic Style in 1878.

• The new annex of Marquesa 4-1-4 is a half block away from the original Marquesa, and guests have access to the swimming pools and amenities there. Check-in, as of this publication, is at the Marquesa at the address above.
• Just a block away from bustling Duval St., Marquesa 4-1-4 feels worlds away from the action. The ability to walk everywhere and take in all the sights and sounds and then settle into a peaceful oasis is priceless.
• Guests are offered wine at check in, and complimentary coffee and tea are set up each morning poolside.
• Room sizes vary and all have either a private porch or balcony. The Garden Cottage has a large poolside porch.
• Some rooms have a separate living room, and all rooms have either a wet bar and fridge or a mini bar fridge. All rooms have microwaves.
• Cafe Marquesa, Zagat’s highest rated restaurant in Key West, occupies its own historic building at the original Marquesa. Open for dinner 7 days a week, 6 – 10 p.m, serving Contemporary American Cuisine including grilled meats and fresh local seafood.
• Rates at Marquesa 4-1-4 start at $300, click on their name above to visit their site for more details.

Photos courtesy of Marquesa Hotel

STREAMLINE HOTEL

140 S. Atlantic Ave.

Daytona Beach, FL  32118

386-947-7470

Okay, talk about a HISTORY! We knew we loved just the look of this freshly renovated Art Deco beauty, but then we read what happened here: NASCAR WAS BORN!

In 1947 on the rooftop – where the Sky Lounge is now located – “after libations and deliberations,” a meeting between race car drivers, officials and promoters ended the evening with a signed formation of what is now known as NASCAR. Officially known as The Birthplace of Stock Car Racing, the Streamline also hosted numerous celebrities and moonshine gangsters, and was headquarters for the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corp during World War II.

The 6 million dollar renovation is complete! Come discover:

• Oliver’s Hideaway bar and lounge: offering more than “bar and lounge” may imply, entrees include Bacon Wrapped Filet Medallions and Fire Grilled Salmon. Or choose something lighter from the Starters like Tuna Ceviche, or Soups and Salads such as Prohibition Stew.  Burgers and Sliders round out the menu to enjoy along with a hand-crafted cocktail. Open daily 5 – 10 p.m.
• The Sky Lounge overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and the city and is the perfect place to enjoy the views along with a hand-crafted cocktail, beer and wine. Open Sun-Thurs 11 am-10 pm and Fri Sat 11 am-12 am.
• Luxury rooms boast a soothing neutral palette with a sophisticated feel. All rooms feature complimentary breakfast, a 50″ Flat Screen Smart TV, fine bed linens, luxurious bath products, oversized bath sheets and complimentary robe for use during your stay. Some rooms include a microwave, wet bar and refrigerator; click their name above to make your choice. A King one bedroom suite with wet bar and living room is available as well as a two bedroom suite. Free wi-fi and free parking.
• The location is just across the street from the beach, and there are multiple restaurants within walking distance. The Daytona Beach Main Street Pier is two blocks away.

Photo courtesy of the Streamline Hotel

FENWAY HOTEL

453 Edgewater Dr.

Dunedin, FL 34698

COMING SOON

The Fenway Hotel before construction began. Photo courtesy of the Fenway Hotel.

You will want to book a stay at the Fenway Hotel as soon as the major overhaul is finished later this year. Built in the early 1920s, the building was home to Pinellas County’s first radio broadcast sent from the roof in 1925. The rooftop lounge, overlooking the St. Joseph Sound and Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands, will be called Hi-Fi  in homage to that long-ago beginning. The Fenway has also been home to various school campuses before spending the last 10 years boarded up and empty.

Expect luxurious rooms and amenities in addition to the unique character the Fenway will bring with its nod to The Jazz Age. (Listen now to their own Jazz channel on Spotify!) You’ll dine at the onsite HEW Parlor and Chophouse, swim at the resort style pool and enjoy drinks at its bar. The huge front lawn will host croquet, bocce and badminton.

The Fenway Hotel is located just a few blocks from Dunedin’s Main Street and the myriad of shops and restaurants you’ll find there, and just two blocks to The Pinellas Trail. Ideally located about half way – less than 10 minutes – between the causeway to Honeymoon Island State Park to the north, and the causeway to Clearwater Beach to the south, you’ll have your choice of beach experiences during your stay.

Begin your booking process now – click on their name above –  to ensure you’ll be one of the first to experience the ‘timeless rhythm and modern spirit’ of the Fenway Hotel.

Have you stayed in any of these rejuvenated boutique hotels? What property would you add to our list?