Whether planning a family vacation to Disney World or a romantic tropical getaway just for two, Florida remains a top choice for travelers. From the pristine powdery white beaches and turquoise waters to affordable restaurants serving the most delicious seafood you have ever tasted, there are many reasons to choose Florida for your next trip.
Now more than ever, Americans and international travelers seek opportunities to vacation and save money. One of the most important decisions you will make when planning your Florida vacation is where you stay, and the Sunshine State has no shortage of conveniently located Florida hotels and accommodations to consider.
Navigating the Hotel Star system can be confusing. Ultimately, a hotel’s rating indicates the quality you can expect during your stay. Five-star accommodations are luxurious but not suited to every occasion and budget.
This guide will help you find the best and most affordable options for your next Florida vacation. We also provide some important tips to ensure an inaccurate rating for substandard accommodations does not mislead you.
Who Decides The Rating That Florida Hotels Or Motels Receive?
All apartments, campgrounds, RV sites, hotels, and motels designated as public lodging in the Sunshine State are regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) under Chapter 509 of the Florida Statutes.
The 1-5 star rating system is accepted for all accommodations in the United States. However, this rating system is not federally regulated. It is based on trusted travel review resources, such as the Forbes Travel Guide (formerly Mobil Travel Guide). The AAA also ranks accommodations in the United States using a diamond rating instead of stars for restaurants and hotels.
The criteria used to determine the rank of public accommodations are the quality of the property, available amenities, cleanliness, ease of access, location, services, and the size and layout variations available to accommodate families, couples, and solo travelers.
Can A Hotel Falsify Its Quality Ranking?
You may be surprised to learn that it is easy for a hotel or motel to report a higher ranking to entice tourists. In many European countries, for example, the rating is federally regulated, and government agencies determine whether a hotel is a 1 to 5-star location. The rating is based on routine site and health inspections and customer complaints and is substantiated by reviews. However, a motel or hotel can self-assign a high ranking in the United States.
While the 1—to 5-star rating is a helpful guide, it is important to do your research before you book your vacation. Reviews from previous guests can give you valuable insights into whether the property has legitimately earned a quality ranking.
However, paying for positive reviews is common in travel and tourism. Research customer reviews from various sources and look for trends, such as poor cleanliness, pests, dated or poorly maintained pools and other amenities, or food service and safety issues.
Always research the location of your prospective Florida hotel or motel and check crime report data, bed bug and pest reports, and more. Crime and Place™ is a free mobile app that allows you to double-check the safety of prospective accommodations before you book your vacation.
You want your vacation to be memorable for all the right reasons, not ruined by an unfortunate experience. To avoid problems with your Florida hotel, thoroughly research where you plan to stay.
1-Star Rated Hotels
While exceptions exist, a 1-star rating for a hotel or motel indicates the most basic accommodations, which may not provide the comfort or amenities you expect for your Florida vacation. For example, these properties may not have a pool or fitness center that guests can enjoy.
The cleanliness and maintenance of 1-star-rated hotels can be concerning for most travelers. Rooms typically have old and outdated furnishings and bedding, and the mattresses and air conditioning quality may not be the best.
Typically, 1-star hotels are farther away from popular tourist activities, shopping, and restaurants. The “no-frills” room may not have a coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, a table and chairs for meals, or a desk.
If you have yet to travel to Florida, consider that a clean, safe, and comfortable room with satisfactory climate control may not be provided if you choose a 1-star motel or hotel. You may also have unwanted guests in your room, which can happen in lower-quality accommodations.
2-Star Rated Hotels
Have you ever stayed in a 2-star hotel? While it is one step up in quality from a 1-star level accommodation, 2-star hotels offer basic comforts with minimal extra features.
This accommodation type may have extra features such as a television, coffee maker, and a small desk and chair that may be older and outdated but still functional. Hotels in this category usually provide basic services, such as a continental breakfast and a front desk attendant.
You can save money staying in 2-star accommodations, but make sure you read the reviews carefully. If possible, look for pictures of the rooms so you know what to expect. If you need a basic room to sleep at a budget price, you can often find reasonable options, typically located further from popular tourist attractions.
3-Star Rated Hotels
If you are traveling with children or a large group, the cost of hotel accommodations can skyrocket, particularly if you need to reserve more than one room or suite. Many 3-star hotels offer a variety of room layouts to suit families, business travelers, couples, and solo travelers and balance economy pricing with average amenities.
Unlike a 1-2 star hotel, this type of accommodation typically offers extra comforts and convenience services, including a restaurant, mini-fridge, microwave, pool, and fitness center. You can also expect updated furnishings, a higher level of cleanliness, and effort spent on maintenance and the overall aesthetic of the facility.
There is no shame in your game if you reserve accommodations at a 3-star Florida hotel or motel. In fact, most budget-conscious families appreciate the value that they provide. Why spend all your hard-earned money on a hotel room when you can reduce costs and use the extra funds to have more fun on your Florida vacation? Staying at a 3-star hotel with a kitchenette can also help you economize on meal expenses.
One of the other nice things about 3-star, family-friendly hotels or motels is casual attire. Flip-flops, shorts, and a T-shirt are acceptable; you do not need to dress up to enjoy your hot breakfast or visit the vending machines. The vibe is comfortable and relaxed.
4-Star Rated Hotels
Accommodations ranked as 4-star facilities are a tremendous step up in terms of luxury and fun, convenient amenities. Suppose you are planning the vacation of a lifetime or a special event such as an engagement, wedding anniversary, or romantic getaway. In that case, you may want to splurge on 4-star accommodations to enjoy a more luxurious experience.
Some of the things you can expect from a 4-star Florida hotel include:
- Spacious, contemporary rooms with new furnishings.
- More extensive beds with premium mattresses and bedding.
- An in-room safe to securely store valuables.
- Room service and onsite restaurants.
- Indoor or outdoor pools and hot tubs.
- Aesthetic services, including spa, haircare, or a nail salon.
- State-of-the-art gym or fitness center.
- Onsite social activities such as yoga, live music and bar, movie nights, and more.
- Concierge guest services, including valet parking.
- Luxury bathrooms, including soaker tubs.
Finding great deals on 4-star hotel accommodations is more complicated but possible. Seasonality is a factor; you can get discounted rates if you book in the off-season. For some people, the upgrade for a memorable vacation is worth the extra money.
5-Star Rated Hotels
Make sure you pack your business casual attire because 5-star hotels and resorts typically have a more formal dress code as you stay in the lap of luxury for your Florida vacation. This accommodation category is the pinnacle of comfort, aesthetics, and onsite services.
A 5-star hotel offers the highest level of luxury and service. These hotels provide a fantastic experience with top-notch comfort and style. You can expect beautifully decorated rooms with high-quality furniture, plush bedding, towels, and stunning views.
The hotel staff is very attentive to your needs as a guest, offering services like 24-hour room service, secure parking, concierge assistance, and personalized touches to make your stay memorable.
In Florida, 5-star hotels often have unique amenities such as world-class spas, gourmet restaurants with award-winning chefs, and private beach access. You might also find features like infinity pools, golf courses, and exclusive lounges. Everything is designed to make you feel pampered and cared for, ensuring an unforgettable stay.
You can also expect the best 5-star Florida hotels to be conveniently located to major tourist attractions and activities. Less time driving means more time having fun! At the end of a long day of adventures, you can retire, relax, and recharge at your elegant hotel or resort.
As a world-leading vacation destination, Florida offers plenty of motels, Florida hotels, and alternative private accommodations, such as vacation villas and Airbnb locations. Remember to consult with our guide to find the best Florida hotels to plan your trip to Disney World, Universal Studios, Legoland, and other popular attractions.
The accommodations you choose can either make or break your vacation. Spend time researching the best choice for your budget and travel needs.
