Four Florida Hotels with Themes

Kara Franker

With so many great Florida hotels to choose from, why not make it fun by planning a vacation around a theme?

Love food? Got you covered. And, of course, there are a myriad of hotels for Disney movie buffs.

Check out these four themed hotels and get inspired to plan your next trip to the Sunshine State.

A Hotel for Foodies

Tampa’s trendy Hyde Park historic district is home to the Epicurean Hotel, a food-focused boutique property developed by the same owners of the legendary Bern’s Steak House. "Culinary culture continues to grow around the world, I think it’s great that Epicurean has so many elements inspired by food,” said Rachelle Lucas, food and travel blogger for thetravelbite.com. “The hotel creates share-worthy experiences for foodies that go well beyond a restaurant or kitchen."

Even the hotel’s 137 rooms are decked out in foodie-inspired decor. Think artisan pantries, wine racks with fine blends and cutlery-printed throw pillows. Room packages like “A Foodie’s Dream Escape” include a gift card to Bern’s Steak House plus a private tour of the wine warehouse.

The onsite dining options and activities do not disappoint. Sip on handcrafted cocktails at EDGE rooftop bar, sample farm-to-table cuisine at Élevage, then nosh on dessert at the Chocolate Pi patisserie. Take a cooking class at the state-of-the-art culinary classroom known as the Epicurean Theatre. Or relax at Evangeline Spa, where the “spa sommelier” will create a custom blend for your treatment made of fresh fruit, essential oil and locally grown herbs.

A Hotel for Fashionistas

Get a taste for haute couture and history inside the former Versace Mansion, now known as The Villa Casa Casuarina in the heart of Ocean Drive in South Beach. Originally built in 1930, the Mediterranean Revival marvel was purchased by fashion designer Gianni Versace in 1992, who resided there until he was murdered on the steps leading into his home. “It's the perfect hotel for fashion lovers because it was created by a designer that so many admire,” said Ginger Harris, Miami fashion blogger at electricblogarella.com. “The attention to detail at the house is something a fashionista would not only appreciate but take true inspiration from.”

Today the hotel is frequented by the Kardashian family and other A-list celebrities, and features 10 opulent suites, complete with king-size beds draped in Italian linen, mural-covered walls and marble bathrooms fit for royalty. The hotel also features a private mosaic pool and a decadent Italian restaurant called Gianni’s, which is open by reservation-only to the public.

A Hotel for Parrotheads

It’s always 5’clock somewhere in Florida, especially at the Margaritaville-themed resorts in Hollywood Beach, Pensacola and Orlando. Inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of singer/songwriter, Jimmy Buffett, these resorts are all about nonstop entertainment. Think margarita tastings, hula hoop contests, nightly live band performances and lots of tropical activities for the whole family.

All the hotels play a constant stream of beach tunes, serve Land Shark Lager, an island-style beer from the Margaritaville Brewing Company, and have a “Cheeseburger in Paradise” on the menu. Rooms blend colors of the sea, sand and sky to transport you to a laid-back state of mind. The Hollywood and Pensacola locations offer rooms with drop-dead gorgeous water views; the Orlando resort features a 12-acre water park.

A Hotel for Theme Park Lovers

Of course, no list of theme hotels is complete without mentioning the many places to stay at Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios Florida and SeaWorld Orlando.

There are more than 25 Disney resorts to pick from, ranging from budget-conscious to super luxurious—all of which fit a distinct theme. Animal lovers will love Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge or The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. Share the spotlight with some of your favorite Disney characters at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, a hotel that salutes the legends of Disney films.

Party like a superstar in the 12,000-square-foot pool with underwater sound system at Hard Rock Hotel Universal Orlando. You can even have a guitar and amp delivered to your room. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort puts a new twist on the 50’s and 60’s at this retro themed hotel complete with a bowling alley.

A SeaWorld hotel partner, CoCo Key Hotel & Water Resort features a 54,000-square foot water park—perfect for any sea-loving member of the family.

Check out more great places to stay in Florida.