By Nanette Wiser
It’s time to drive that car and flap your wings, little bored bird. Florida and Pinellas residents can get GREAT deals here at home or a road trip away.
Some restrictions apply; discounts and promotions subject to change and availability. Tax not included. Must have valid Florida ID. Offers 2020 only. May require advance booking.
DAY STAYS
VRBO and Air BNB allow you to explore a neighborhood or a getaway to the beach. Some hotels offer day passes to enjoy the amenities. Be queen for a day in a local spa (Woodhouse downtown St. Pete, Opal Sands Resort in Clearwater Beach, Spa Oceana at The Don Cesar or Sandpearl Spa.
Explore Dunedin and Honeymoon Island from The Fenway Hotel, and enjoy their Sunday barbecue and jazz. Florida residents save 20% on accommodations and receive two complimentary cocktails and bike rentals for two to explore downtown. Boutique rooms and suites feature light, airy décor, complimentary Wi-Fi and pillowtop bedding.
Tradewinds Island Resort and RumFish Beach Resort offer 12% discount when you are a Paradise Rewards member and book direct on the website (go to Offers). Pet friendly, with a private beach and fun activities/amenities, all re-imagined for COVID-19 safety precautions. Lots of family and romance packages to choose from.
Book a staycation at the pet-friendly Sirata Beach Resort where Florida residents enjoy up to 20% off and 1-2 kids eat free (with certain restrictions). Treasure Island Beach Resort and Opal Sands Resort Clearwater Beach offers a 30% discount for Florida residents and suite discounts 40% thru 6/30. The Don Cesar Hotel offers 15% off for Florida residents and $25 daily resort credit with private beach access.
The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club Spa Getaway offers an upgraded luxury bay view room with one king or two double beds, $100 spa credit at the Vinoy Salon & Day Spa, 25% off second spa treatment and 20% off spa merchandise.
The Karol Hotel features a stylish lobby restaurant, a lively rooftop bar overlooking the waters of Tampa Bay, a resort style pool and fitness center and 35% off room rates and two complimentary cocktails at the rooftop bar thru 8/31 (Promo Code L9Z).
ROAD TRIP
No shoes, no flight, no problems! A weekday trip to Sarasota’s St. Armand Circle, St. Augustine, Jax Beach, Mt. Dora, Anna Marie Island or Brooker Creek Preserve on your way to Innisbrook Resort (15% discount for Florida residents) shakesout the cobwebs. Explore Florida from the safety and fun of these resorts.
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa: With rates starting at just $384, the Destination: Vacation package includes overnight accommodations, drink vouchers for two, and a $50 resort credit. The Sunshine & Good Vibes package also includes overnight accommodations and drink vouchers for two, along with breakfast for two, and waived resort charge.
AAA Four-Diamond Reunion Resort & Golf Club, Orlando: Families can relax in one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, all with separate living and dining areas and fully equipped kitchens. The resort’s 2,300 acres offer plenty of outdoor options, including meandering walkways and bike paths, three championship golf courses, tennis and pickle ball courts, a five-acre water park, footgolf and more. Fourth Night Free, 7-day special 30% discount and 10% Florida resident discount apply when available.
Westgate Cocoa Beach: Florida residents 10-20% discounted room rates starting at $225/night. Minutes away from the Kennedy Space Center, enjoy an intimate oceanfront retreat, beachside concierge service and one-on-one surf lessons and full kitchens.
The Inn at Fifth, Naples: Enjoy a Florida resident discount 25% off best available rates Sunday through Thursday nights, or 20% off best available rates Friday and Saturday nights on overnight stays thru 10/20. Check out a four-night stay well package thru 10/30 in a standard room, a $150 poolside food and beverage credit, ice cold sparkling wine in room upon arrival, a cooler bag with bottled water and snacks for the beach ($899).
Bungalows, Key Largo: Reopening June 17th, the “Summer in the Florida Keys” promotion features 10% off, rates starting at $785 (rates are for two nights and two people) thru 9/9/2020. This adults-only inclusive resort features two floating tiki boats for nautical happy hour, sunset sailing on a 56-foot catamaran with drinks/apps at night, or by day, a “Backcountry Swim + Sail” excursion to kayak the Everglades or lounge on a drink mat set out across the vessel’s stern. The private bungalows boast bougainvillea-laden veranda, oversized soaking tub and outdoor garden shower and comes with two Huffy beach cruisers. Book a spa treatment at the full-service Zen Garden.
