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Small inns offer charm, comfort
By HERBERT HILLER Although Florida is noted for its large resorts, it also boasts lesser-known, quality lodgings that are small -- country hotels, B&Bs and in-town lodgings. Here is a sampling of accommodations that are not enveloped by their golf courses or multiple tennis courts and swimming pools. GROVE INN COUNTRY GUESTHOUSE
This 56-year-old motel that once housed crop buyers has become an arty, preservationist-run 14-room inn. Fields still extend out back; tropical plants glorify the courtyard. Continental breakfast served, though most units include kitchens. Ten minutes to restored downtown Homestead.
ROYAL PALM HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST
Betty and Bob Faub, who gave up library and teaching careers for their place of dreams, elaborate their find for guests at this transformed 1925, Mediterranean-styled, two-story Old Northwood house. Airy curtains set off four boldly painted rooms; common areas are variously bright or meditative. Tropical gardens embrace a cottage and pool. Rates include full breakfast. CRAWFORDS COCOA CABANAS, COCOA BEACH
Forget lace and luxe: Down-home Crawfords is Florida's Florida. That is, cozily by the sea where you can walk out of your cabana (one of five), squish sand between your toes and plunge into the surf. Detailed to their doorknobs, units are seashore-themed, with full kitchens, phones and generous entertainment centers. Pet-friendly, too. ISLAND COTTAGE BY THE SEA
Cherubs, bough wreaths and carefully chosen china configure the sentiment couples romantically experience in these fully supplied, kitchen-equipped, large efficiencies. Four units -- garden-side, poolside or up winding exterior stairs -- rest across a narrow shore road from the beach. Owner's art gallery on premises. CHALET SUZANNE
A legend since 1931, maybe the only Florida B&B you have to experience. A place of spoiled-child comforts with a restaurant of eclectic imagination, in a Tyrolean setting. Three cheers for an American original! WONDERLAND INN
Utter -- and utterly sensitive -- transformation of a mom-and-pop motel now satisfies as 11 cottages on two acres of gardens, 20 minutes from Disney World, half that from historic Kissimmee. Cottages are cheery, with garden murals and wicker. Kitchen facilities, smallish bathrooms. Expanded continental breakfast; also, a wine hour. THE VIRGINIA HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST
In old town Punta Gorda, this two-story, turn-of-the-20th-century vernacular house coddles guests in two suites. They are rich with art and wicker that combine Americana and gallery-quality pieces collected from around the Far East by a retired doctor who kept an inn. Expanded continental breakfast. NEW WORLD INN
In the heart of old Pensacola, rooms here immerse visitors in history. Each interprets the life of an important town figure. Outside are the streets of filigreed balconies that lead to the port where the 16 rooms of the inn, outfitted on two floors with elegant reproductions and antiques, occupy an old warehouse. Continental breakfast. -- Longtime Florida resident Herbert Hiller is working on another guidebook to the state.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 
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From the Times Travel page
From the AP |
