When it comes to spending time away from home, finding a fabulous and interim sanctuary is at the top of my priority list. Let’s face it—globe trotting isn’t always as fabulous as it may seem, especially if you can’t find and/or afford clean and comfortable lodging during your stay away from home. When vacationing, if finding a great hotel with amenities like the ones you’ll find flipping through the pages of your recent Conde Nast interest you–then I’ve got you covered. Generally, I tend to scope out independently owned and operated boutique style hotels—simply because I can find a traditional or chain hotel anywhere. It’s like restaurants, there are plenty of chains to go around and sometimes the best foodie spots are those word of mouth dive diners that are independent of any major chain. When away from home and stuck in a hotel for days on end—I expect my experience to be equal or greater to that of living at home. I mean, that’s the basis of vacationing right? Living in Florida, I’ve had my share of hotel visits up and down the East and West coastlines. So today, I’ve listed my fab five favorite hotels within the state. 

I. The Palms Hotel & Spa – Miami Beach, FL | With transitional modern décor and a private beach, what more can a girl want? Nested off of Colins Avenue and  practically right in the heart of the Art Deco District, this hotel offers a great luxury boutique experience.  You can also catch some really great deals on rate (less than $200 per night), unlike some of the other options on this list. The trick is all in the timing.

II. Sonesta – Ft. Lauderdale, FL | I first stayed at this hotel when it was called B Ocean and loved it. Although the hotel is not directly on the beach front, it is only a hop skip and jump (one block) away. I stayed here one summer with an awesome nightly rate of $99. Most Ft. Lauderdale or Broward County hotels will generally offer competitive rates since they tend to compete with neighboring South Beach hotels. It’s a great stay for the value.

III. Mandarin Oriental – Miami, FL | Located in the Brickell neighborhood overlooking Biscayne Bay. A plus for me is that you don’t have to contend with the hustle and bustle and tourist traps of South Beach. Part of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group which has hotels in Las Vegas and New York— this is one of my best hotel experiences to date. Let’s not mention the world class spa and fine dining options. If you can splurge and experience greatness, Mandarin Oriental is certainly the way to go.

IV. Mondrian South Beach – Miami Beach, FL | Geesh, there are so many hotels to choose from on South Beach. I mean countless. Other favorites are Shore Club, The Delano, Fontainebleau and others; but the Mondrain is a super cool spot, with modern décor that will greet you upon arrival with an ultra lavish lobby. Rest assure that the rooms are equally as fabulous. It’s in a great location to catch all of the South Beach action.

V. Eden Roc – Miami Beach, FL | While the Eden Roc is a great hotel, ensure that you request a room in the newer tower. The hotel was originally built in the 1950s and has recently gone through renovation efforts. A Renaissance hotel (Marriott chain), the Eden Roc is a great hotel alternative in the heart of Miami Beach especially for frequent travelers who have racked up Marriott reward points that they are looking to cash in. If you don’t mind the excessive tourist fees (resort fees) that comes along with South Beach, this hotel is a great choice on the beach.

Let’s face it, it will cost a pretty penny to stay at a four or five star hotel. However, a stay at a  luxury hotel while on vacation can mean the world of a difference. Here are some travel tips to help lower your nightly rate.

• Share a Room – By sharing a room with someone that you actually like (because it’s important), you can split the cost of the stay. 
• Compare Prices Online – Expedia, Kayak, Orbitz, Priceline, HotelChatter and Travelocity are a few places to start your online search. 
• Negotiate – I am the queen of negotiation. I think it’s the New York in me. But seriously, pick up the phone and call the hotel reservations desk and try to negotiate a lower rate. I’ve done it countless times and it worked. Don’t forget to also negotiate room upgrade as well. If it’s your birthday or anniversary, don’t hesitate to share that with the hotel. I’ve gotten countless free upgrades during my stays. If you never ask, you’ll never get.
• Consider Packages – Even if you may not need any of the amenities or services that comes along with a package, if it’s cheaper—-take it.
• Use Frequent Traveler Points – If you are a frequent flyer, chances are you belong to a hotel reward program. Put those accumulated points to use. Most of the time you can also cash in your airline points for free hotel stays. If you travel frequently and are not part of any rewards program, sign up now.
• Travel off season – Travel cost are most high during the popular seasons (spring, summer). Consider traveling outside of these seasons if your travel plans are flexible. You could save hundreds.