Black Dolphin Inn, New Smyrna Beach
This elegant B&B overlooks the Halifax river and takes its name from the dolphins that patrol the waters off its dock. The expansive great room downstairs includes a bar, sitting area and breakfast room, where a full Southern-style breakfast is served at weekends. You are within walking distance of restaurants and shops in the historic downtown area and a short distance from beaches , surf shops and Flagler Avenue's beachside galleries and eateries.
• +1 386 410 4868, blackdolphininn.com. Doubles from $129 B&B
Horse & Chaise Inn, Venice
This charming inn lies in the heart of Venice's historic district, developed as a planned community as an investment by a railroad union during the 1920s. At the time, railroads were rapidly spreading across Florida for transport of winter crops to the populous north and to bring northerners south for respite from Yankee winters. The stucco exterior and tasteful landscaping blend well in this neighbourhood of stately homes and wide boulevards. All nine rooms are comfortable and plush, and the reading room serves as a gathering place for guests to play games. There's a 24-hour snack cupboard to supplement the gourmet breakfasts. You are a pleasant walk from white-sand beaches and be sure to try the seafood at the nearby Crow's Nest, overlooking the inlet to the Gulf of Mexico. Just don't try to book for the summer months: t
• +1 941 488 2702, horseandchaiseinn.com. Doubles from $119 B&B. Closed from July until 15 October
The Heron House, Key West
One of the few surviving houses from Key West's 1886 fire, this historic inn is a stone's throw from the frivolity of Duval Street, the old town and the historic seaport, and perfect for a romantic getaway. Many of the 23 rooms and suites have private decks and balconies, or french doors onto verandas that spill down to the central courtyard and pool. You would think you're in the South Seas with rattan furnishings, hand-crafted wall panels, stained glass and original Key West watercolours. It's surrounded by fine restaurants, but you can get down and dirty at the nearby Half Shell Raw Bar.
• +1 305 294 9227, heronhouse.com. Doubles from $179 B&B (continental breakfast)
'Tween Waters Inn, Captiva Island
Thirteen historic cottages on the beachfront anchor this 13-acre resort, which has expanded to include motel accommodation. You can rent a kayak or take a ferry into Pine Island Sound and explore the islands beyond. Cabbage Key's historic restaurant is accessible only by boat or ferry.
• +1 239 472 5161, tween-waters.com/TW_UK/. Doubles from $165 B&B
Sundy House, Delray Beach
A B&B and restaurant in a coastal town with a great beach and lots of restaurants and culture. One thing that makes it special is the acre of tropical gardens that wrap around the complex. Another is the natural, non-chlorinated pool that swimmers share with fish. There's a restaurant with tables dotted around the gardens – one of which has come to be known as the proposal table. The 11 rooms, which include four cottages, are decorated in an offbeat, eclectic style.
• +1 561 272 5678, sundyhouse.com. Doubles from $119 B&B
Rod and Gun Club, Everglades City
Everglades City, the tiny town that is the gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands, can provide a fishing lodge experience reminiscent of old Florida in its heyday. Built by the developer Barron Collier, who bought up so much land in south-west Florida that a new county was named after him in 1923, the lodge is all dark wood and peck cypress inside. Rooms are in cottages in the grounds.
• +1 239 695 2101, evergladesrod andgun.com. Doubles from $95
Island Hotel, Cedar Key
You won't be stopping here on your way to someplace else. The main route, I-75, is about 60 miles away. And that's exactly why Cedar Key is worth the drive. The island has great beaches, kayaking and art galleries. The Island is a gracious B&B with 10 rooms, a wonderful restaurant and a popular bar. There are no phones or TVs (but there is Wi-Fi). Rooms are not luxurious but they are decorated with antiques. Two have bathrooms across the hall, which makes them good for travellers on a budget.
• +1 352 543 5111, islandhotel-cedarkey.com. Doubles from $80 B&B
Cabins, Lake Louisa State Park
The word cabin doesn't do justice to these spacious, well-equipped small houses with two bedrooms, two baths and screen porches with rocking chairs facing Lake Dixie in the distance. The kitchens have a microwave, dishwasher, towels, linen – in fact, everything you need to set up housekeeping except food. In the winter, visitors cosy up around the gas fireplaces. With opportunities for hiking, kayaking and geo-caching, you won't notice the lack of TVs or telephones.
• +1 352 394 3969, floridastateparks.org/lakelouisa. Cabins sleep up to six, from $120 a night. Kayaks and lifejackets from $8 for two hours
Kenilworth Lodge, Sebring
An interesting budget option in a lakeland area often overlooked by visitors. Built in 1916 by George Sebring, who founded the town with dreams of creating a utopian community, the hotel has a grand staircase and a huge lobby, a porch with rocking chairs and a deep swimming pool. Rooms are clean and comfortable though some are dated (ask for a renovated room or poolside cottage). The place is full – and rates high – during race week in March, when Sebring International Raceway hosts the Twelve Hours of Sebring, the opening event of the American LeMans series.
• +1 863 385 0111, kenilworthlodge.com. Doubles from $77
Victorian House, St Augustine
St Augustine was founded in 1565 by a Spanish admiral, making it the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the US. It's full of historic B&Bs, and the Victorian House, a well-preserved 1895 building, epitomises all the things that are enchanting about them. A key asset is its excellent location, on a quiet street in the historic district, where horse-drawn carriage tours clip-clop past over the cobblestones. Another is the breakfasts, a cut above the usual.
• +1 904 824 5214, victorianhousebnb.com. Doubles from $119 B&B
Bonnie Gross and Bob Rountree of FloridaRambler.com
All room rates subject to additional local hotel taxes
• For more information on holidays in the USA, visit DiscoverAmerica.com
