Where to Stay in Florida: Areas and Hotels

If you're visiting Florida for the first time, the most logical base is Miami, as it has an international airport with direct flights, a city beach, and easy access to car hire for day trips. Couples looking for something quieter and more romantic usually prefer Key West, with its colonial houses, sunsets, and almost Caribbean atmosphere. Families with children almost automatically opt for Orlando, thanks to its theme parks and hotels with pools and rooms featuring multiple beds.

For travellers on a more limited budget, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale offer good value for money, with beaches close to the city and less tourist pressure than Miami. Fort Lauderdale, in particular, combines marinas and canals with a more relaxed pace, while being very close to Miami for those who want to experience both.

Florida is a large state, and distances matter: Miami is about a four-hour drive from Orlando and over three hours from Key West. If your trip involves many stops, it's better to choose two or three bases rather than moving daily.

Practical Information for Florida

Florida is served by several international airports, with Miami (MIA) and Orlando (MCO) being the largest, followed by Tampa (TPA) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL). There are no direct flights from Greece, so the journey usually involves a stopover at a European or American hub, with a total travel time of over fourteen hours. If your trip includes a stop in New York, it's worth incorporating it into the same itinerary to share the flight cost.

Car hire is almost essential outside Miami, as distances between cities and even within cities themselves are considerable, and public transport is limited. Key West is an exception, as it's small and easily walkable, while the journey there from Miami is via the Overseas Highway, a scenic road over the Florida Keys.

The best time to visit is from late October to April, when humidity and heat are more tolerable, and the risk of tropical storms is lower. Hurricane season officially runs from June to November, peaking in September, which is worth considering if you're travelling in summer. Accommodation prices rise significantly in winter, especially around the holidays, when many Americans from northern states head to Florida to escape the cold.

The currency is the US dollar, and most Greek travellers need an ESTA approval before departure if travelling with a Greek passport under the Visa Waiver Program. Tipping in restaurants and hotels is considered almost obligatory, usually around 15 to 20 per cent of the bill.

Finding cheap flights from Greece to Florida requires a little patience, as prices change depending on the season and the intermediate stop. For general advice on bookings and timing your purchase, see our guide on flights to America, which applies to destinations beyond Florida. Many visitors combine Florida with other states on the same trip, so it's worth planning what else you want to include in advance to properly organise your route and travel.

If your trip isn't limited to Florida but covers a larger part of the country, it's a good idea to first check our general guide on where to stay in the USA, which compares areas across many states. Similarly, those planning to add the west coast to the same trip, often with an intermediate flight, will find our guide on where to stay in Los Angeles useful, as distances within the US are greater than they appear on a map.

Language is not a barrier, as English covers all daily needs, from car hire to ordering in restaurants. In more touristy areas, such as South Beach or International Drive, you'll encounter staff who speak other languages, but basic English will always see you through. Card payment is the most common method, even for small amounts, while cash is mainly needed for tips or at small local shops.

Regarding safety, Florida is not significantly different from other American tourist destinations: central, tourist areas are generally safe at night, while usual caution is advised in less well-lit spots away from the centre. Travel insurance with health cover is considered essential, as the cost of medical care in the US is particularly high, even for simple visits.

Miami: Beach, Nightlife and South Beach

Miami is the most popular gateway to Florida, with South Beach featuring the most photographed Art Deco buildings and the busiest activity, while Brickell offers a quieter, urban experience with bay views.

1. Hotel Breakwater South Beach

A classic Art Deco building on Ocean Drive, with direct access to South Beach and a vibrant neighbourhood surrounding it.

• Average cost: 140 to 220 € per night
• Ideal for: first-time visitors to Miami and nightlife enthusiasts

2. Colony Hotel

One of Ocean Drive's most recognisable buildings, with iconic blue neon and Art Deco style rooms just steps from the beach.

• Average cost: 150 to 230 € per night
• Ideal for: couples seeking iconic accommodation

3. The Marlin Hotel

A boutique hotel in South Beach with a strong design character, popular with visitors who want stylish accommodation near the entertainment.

• Average cost: 160 to 240 € per night
• Ideal for: couples and small groups of friends

4. citizenM Miami Brickell

A contemporary hotel in Brickell, with small but well-designed rooms and easy access to the city's financial centre.

• Average cost: 110 to 170 € per night
• Ideal for: travellers who prefer a quieter, urban neighbourhood

Orlando: Theme Parks and Family Holidays

Orlando is the capital of theme parks, with Disney World, Universal, and SeaWorld attracting millions of families every year. The area around International Drive has the most hotels with easy access to the parks, while the city centre offers a quieter alternative.

5. Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection

A hotel with a strong thematic design on International Drive, close to parks and shopping centres.

• Average cost: 130 to 190 € per night
• Ideal for: families who want a central location

6. Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive Convention Center

Two-room suites with complimentary breakfast, ideal for families needing more space during an extended stay.

• Average cost: 150 to 210 € per night
• Ideal for: families with children

7. DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown

Located in downtown Orlando, away from the hustle and bustle of the parks but with easy access by car.

• Average cost: 100 to 150 € per night
• Ideal for: those who want a quieter base away from the parks

Key West: Colonial Atmosphere and Sunsets

Key West, the southernmost point of the contiguous United States, stands out for its old colonial houses, narrow streets, and Duval Street with its bars and restaurants. It's small, easily walkable, and offers a more relaxed, almost Caribbean experience, in contrast to the fast pace you'd encounter if you plan to spend 24 hours in New York on the same trip.

8. Ambrosia Key West

A complex of bungalows around a tropical garden and pools, just a few minutes' walk from Duval Street.

• Average cost: 180 to 260 € per night
• Ideal for: couples seeking tranquillity close to the centre

9. Orchid Key Inn, Adults Only

A small adults-only hotel with a pool and tropical surroundings, ideal for romantic holidays without children.

• Average cost: 170 to 250 € per night
• Ideal for: couples without children

10. The Perry Hotel & Marina Key West

Located next to a marina, with modern rooms and views of the boats, a little further from the hustle and bustle of the centre.

• Average cost: 220 to 320 € per night
• Ideal for: couples seeking a quieter location with a view

Tampa: Urban Life at Affordable Prices

Tampa offers a more urban experience than the neighbouring resorts on the west coast, with a vibrant city centre, a riverwalk along the Hillsborough River, and easy access to beaches like Clearwater, a few kilometres to the west.

11. Hilton Tampa Downtown

A central hotel with river views, close to the Riverwalk and most downtown attractions.

• Average cost: 140 to 200 € per night
• Ideal for: travellers who want a central, comfortable base

12. Aloft by Marriott Tampa Downtown

A modern hotel with a youthful style, next to the Riverwalk and within walking distance of restaurants and bars.

• Average cost: 120 to 170 € per night
• Ideal for: younger travellers on a moderate budget

13. Hotel Tampa Riverwalk

Located on the Riverwalk, with direct access to parks and museums along the river.

• Average cost: 110 to 160 € per night
• Ideal for: couples who want to explore on foot

Fort Lauderdale: Marinas and Peaceful Beaches

Fort Lauderdale is known for its canals, earning it the title 'Venice of America', and for its beaches, which are quieter than Miami's, from which it's only a half-hour drive. If your trip includes the northern coast, also see our guide on where to stay in New York.

14. Riverside Hotel

A historic hotel on the main shopping street, Las Olas, with walking access to shops and restaurants.

• Average cost: 150 to 220 € per night
• Ideal for: couples who want a central location

15. W Fort Lauderdale

A beachfront hotel with modern design, pools, and bars overlooking the ocean.

• Average cost: 220 to 320 € per night
• Ideal for: couples seeking luxurious beachfront accommodation

16. Aqua Hotel

A small hotel near the beach, with simple rooms and affordable prices for the area.

• Average cost: 90 to 140 € per night
• Ideal for: travellers on a limited budget

Frequently Asked Questions

Which area of Florida is best for a first visit?

Miami is the most practical choice, as it has a large airport, a city beach, and easy access to car hire for excursions to Key West or Fort Lauderdale.

Do you need a car in Florida?

Almost always yes, except for Key West which is easily walkable. Distances between and within cities are large, and public transport is limited.

What is the best time to visit Florida?

From late October to April, when temperatures and humidity are milder and there is no risk of hurricanes.

How far is Miami from Orlando?

Approximately a four-hour drive, so if you want to visit both, it's best to include them as separate bases in your trip.

Where should you stay if you want to visit the theme parks?

In Orlando, ideally near International Drive, where most hotels are located with easy access to Disney World and Universal.

Is accommodation in Florida expensive?

Prices vary significantly depending on the area and season, with Key West and beachfront hotels in Fort Lauderdale being more expensive than Orlando or Tampa.

Do I need a visa to travel to Florida?

Greek passport holders usually only need an ESTA approval before departure, as part of the US Visa Waiver Program.