Florida is not just about Miami resorts or hotels near Orlando’s theme parks. Across the state, you can also find truly unique places to stay that can turn a simple trip into a memorable travel experience.
Sleeping underwater in the Keys, spending the night in a lighthouse-style home by the ocean, staying at a western ranch surrounded by cowboys, or booking a LEGO-themed hotel… Florida is full of unusual places to stay if you want something different from a classic hotel.
Here are 10 unique hotels and accommodations in Florida to consider in 2026.
1 – Jules’ Undersea Lodge — Key Largo
It is impossible to talk about unique hotels in Florida without mentioning the famous Jules’ Undersea Lodge, probably one of the most incredible places to stay in the United States.
Located in Key Largo in the Florida Keys, this underwater hotel allows you to literally sleep beneath the surface, more than 20 feet underwater. To access your room, you have to scuba dive into the lagoon before entering the underwater habitat through a moon pool, almost like an astronaut of the sea.
The experience usually includes:
- a night underwater
- scuba diving equipment
- snacks and drinks
- the famous underwater pizza delivery that has become legendary
The property is now also known as Jules’ Undersea Lab and offers educational experiences related to marine life. It is definitely one of the most unique places to stay in Florida.
2 – Katie’s Light — Amelia Island
Located on beautiful Amelia Island in North Florida, Katie’s Light looks like a New England lighthouse set right by the Atlantic Ocean.
This very original vacation rental was inspired by the famous Thomas Point Lighthouse on Chesapeake Bay and offers a completely different coastal atmosphere.
- You can expect:
- an incredible ocean view
- direct beach access
- lighthouse-style architecture
- a large deck
- a perfect atmosphere for a romantic or family getaway
Today, this property is more of a high-end vacation rental than a traditional hotel.
3 – The Treehouse at Danville — Geneva
This real luxury treehouse near Orlando allows you to sleep in the middle of nature, in a completely different atmosphere from classic tourist Florida.
The place is especially appreciated for:
its romantic setting
its natural surroundings
its glamping atmosphere
It’s cozy decor
and its peaceful forest setting
It is the kind of accommodation that is perfect for an original getaway far from theme parks and crowded beaches.
4 – The Gasparilla Inn & Club — Boca Grande
Open since 1913, the legendary Gasparilla Inn is one of the most elegant historic hotels in Florida.
Located on beautiful Boca Grande, this colonial-style hotel offers a luxurious and timeless Old Florida atmosphere with:
- historic cottages
- golf
- a private beach
- a marina
- vintage Florida decor
- and upscale service
It is the kind of place where you feel like you are traveling back in time.
5 – Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo — River Ranch
Welcome to one of the most unusual places to stay in Florida if you want a true Western experience.
Located in the open landscapes of Central Florida, this huge ranch offers:
- luxury glamping
- teepees
- western wagons
- cowboy-style lodge rooms
- camping
- weekend rodeos
- airboat rides
- a petting farm
- campfires
- country-style evenings
The resort has become extremely popular in recent years thanks to social media and its newer glamping experiences. It is also a great alternative to classic Orlando hotels.
6 – Historic Driftwood Resort — Vero Beach
Built with driftwood and known for having survived many hurricanes, the Driftwood Resort is a true symbol of Old Florida charm.
This historic beachfront hotel in Vero Beach stands out for:
- its unusual architecture
- its retro atmosphere
- its direct ocean access
- it’s authentic Old Florida character
It is the perfect type of hotel for travelers who love places with history and a strong personality.
7 – The Don CeSar — St. Pete Beach
It is impossible to miss this huge pink palace nicknamed the “Pink Palace.”
Open since 1928, The Don CeSar is probably one of the most iconic hotels in Florida, with:
- its legendary pink facade
- its white-sand beach
- its pools facing the Gulf of Mexico
- its historic, glamorous style
Even if you do not stay there, many visitors stop by just to admire the hotel and take photos.
8 – Bohemian Hotel Celebration — Celebration
Located in the very photogenic town of Celebration near Disney World, this hotel offers a much quieter and more elegant atmosphere than the typical tourist resorts in Orlando.
The hotel overlooks the lake in Celebration and is known for:
- its romantic atmosphere
- it’s boutique hotel style
- its proximity to Disney
- its restaurants
- its lakeside walking area
It is a great option for travelers who want to enjoy Orlando while avoiding the busier atmosphere of International Drive.
9 – Cedar House Inn — St. Augustine
Head to the oldest city in the United States with this beautiful Victorian bed and breakfast dating back to 1893.
Cedar House Inn is perfect for:
- history lovers
- couples
- romantic getaways
- travelers who love charming historic homes
The breakfast served in a Victorian setting adds even more to the immersive experience.
10 – LEGOLAND Hotel — Winter Haven
For families and LEGO fans, it is hard to find a more immersive hotel.
The LEGOLAND Hotel offers several themed room styles, including:
- pirates
- adventure
- medieval kingdom
- LEGO Friends
Kids especially love:
- treasure hunts inside the rooms
- LEGO activities
- play areas
- characters
- the very convenient access to LEGOLAND Florida
In recent years, the resort has also expanded with additional hotels, including Pirate Island Hotel.
Where to Stay in Florida for a Truly Original Experience
Florida has far more unique places to stay than many people imagine. Between historic hotels, underwater accommodations, treehouses, western ranches, and highly themed resorts, there are now many ways to turn a simple trip into a memorable experience.
These hotels also allow visitors to discover another side of Florida, far from the usual beaches and large classic resorts.
Whether you are planning a Florida road trip, a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an original escape, these addresses are definitely among the most memorable places to stay in Florida in 2026.
For everything you need to know about LEGOLAND, it’s here.
