Florida beach escapes for under $150 a night
— -- Looking for a great deal on a winter getaway to the wide, sugar-sand beaches of Florida?
Here are five near-the-beach digs for under $150 a night including tax during the priciest time of year. We targeted our search to the stretch of coastline from Clearwater Beach to Venice, because the beaches here draw rave reviews from different sources and for different reasons. Plus, the Gulf side waters are calmer and warmer than those on Florida's opposite coast.
But while finding a great beach is easy, finding a decent, $150-or-less lodging near a great beach in peak season when "even the crappy places are full," according to one hotelier, is not.
Still, the following spots fit the great-value bill. (One is a few bucks more; skip a trip to Starbucks and you'll make up the difference.) All are in one-of-a-kind Old Florida lodgings.
Our advice: Go sooner, not later. Peak-season winter rates along Florida's central Gulf Coast don't kick in until as late as February (and continue through April) at most area hotels. And, as with most good deals, there are caveats. Among them:
• Peak-season bookings typically require a week-long stay.
• Maid service, if available, may be limited, since most are "self-catering" lodgings.
• Availability is limited. Be flexible, but plan ahead.
Our five finds arranged in north-to-south order:
316 Hardin Ave. B on Anna Maria Island
The basics: The one-bedroom cottage (the smaller part of a duplex) has an open floor plan with bright, tropical decor and a full kitchen.
The vibe: This seven-mile-long barrier island near Bradenton has a laid-back ambiance (maximum speed limit is 35 mph). There are no chain lodgings (though there are plenty of strip malls on the busier south end). On the north end, the town of Anna Maria presents a charming throwback to Old Florida. Six miles of walkable beach are wide and lovely, and in many areas, shaded by pines.
Nearest beach: Anna Maria, three blocks away.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV/DVD player. A free trolley cruises the island every 20 minutes.
The deal: $138.72 a night Feb. 11-April 6; seven-night minimum in high season.
Information: Anna Maria Island Real Estate, 877-778-6066; islandreal.com
Beachcomber on Casey Key
The basics: The inn features nine units in "New" and "Old" Florida sections. The efficiency apartment in the cottage-style Old Florida dwelling isn't roomy (unlike the inn's pricier digs) but it's charmingly decorated and meticulously maintained by the on-site owners.
The vibe: Casey Key is home to some of the state's most lavish beachfront homes but you wouldn't guess it from its sleepy, fishing-village ambiance. Several small hotels are clustered at the southern end, where there's an uncrowded public beach (with twice-weekly drum circles and belly dancers). Venture a bit north for miles of pristine empty sand.
Nearest beach: The inn has private beach access.
Amenities: Beach bags and beach chairs, gas grills and outdoor dining areas, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, laundry facilities.
The deal: $120 a night, based on a week-long stay January-April.
Information: 941-488-0715; beachcombercaseykey.com
Sea Crest on Siesta Key
The basics: The 1957 40-unit condo complex is well-maintained by attentive on-site managers. A one-bedroom off-the-beach unit features a full kitchen and spacious living room.
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