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The Sunshine State has a lot to offer travelers: towering palm trees, miles of Florida Gulf Coast and Atlantic coastline, world famous theme parks, and national parks, for starters. If you need a place to stay while enjoying Florida’s natural bounty, the choices are nearly as wonderful and varied, from oceanfront resorts to historic inns.
To conclude the end of our inaugural year of Four Magazine, we decided to weigh in on travel experiences around the state—to share our opinions on the top independent hotels, resorts, and boutique inns. We rated them based on their rooms and facilities, location, service, food and drink, and overall value.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, coastal properties proved tough to beat. You may be able to smell the ocean from the terrace of The Black Dolphin Inn, which ranked #1 on our list. The Brazilian Court, an upscale-historic property perched in the heart of Palm Beach just off of Worth Ave, made a very close #2 spot. Rounding off our top 3 is Washington Park Hotel in Miami Beach.
All three of these independent hotels offer an impressive array of guest rooms, steps away to lots of activities in three of the hottest Florida destinations. “Our top three Florida inns are very luxurious without being stuffy,” says FOUR Magazine publisher, Melisa Kennedy. "We love how the Black Dolphin Inn preserved the history of the property while still maintaining a four-star level of amenities and service. Then you add in the fact that the owners are right there at breakfast interacting with their guests and asking how they can improve your stay just makes this a special place."
The Black Dolphin Inn is located in New Smyrna Beach. This Spanish Isle inspired historic waterfront estate features 14 luxurious guest rooms and suites perfect for a romantic getaway, weekend vacation or honeymoon. Guests come to explore New Smyrna Beach for the arts, beaches, great parks, nautical surroundings, and the food scene where it is all local and authentic.
The Black Dolphin Inn is located right in the heart of it all at 916 S Riverside Drive New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168. For more info, visit www.blackdolphininn.com and tell them FOUR Magazine sent you for a wonderful experience!