Image courtesy of the Amelia Island Tourist Development Council

 

Published Jan. 3, 2019

By Maryann Hammers

 

 

If you’re flying to Florida for a winter getaway, be sure to check out these military deals on hotels and accommodations throughout the Sunshine State.

Amelia Island

Just off Florida’s northernmost Atlantic coastline, Amelia Island is treasured for its long stretches of quiet beaches. Accommodations include a mix of upscale resorts and charming bed-and-breakfasts (B&Bs), and historic downtown Fernandina Beach features eclectic shops, attractions, and eateries. The area’s “Seaside Salute” program offers military discounts on accommodations (B&Bs, condos/home rentals, hotels, motels, and resorts) and activities (camping, boat rentals, river cruises). View the complete list. To learn more, request a visitor guide, or get details on the Seaside Salute, call (904) 277-0717.

Crystal River

Plantation on Crystal River in Central Florida is surrounded by King’s Bay, lakes, rivers, wildlife refuges, and state parks. The Plantation features a full-service marina, golf courses, and a spa. Military members get a 12 percent off best available rates weekdays (Sunday through Thursday) and a 10-percent discount on weekends (Friday and Saturday). Call (800) 632-6262.

Florida Keys

 

Hawks Cay Resort recently reopened following a $50 million renovation with redesigned guestrooms, two new restaurants, and an expanded adults-only area. Active duty and retired military members enjoy a year-round 20-percent “Salute to Heroes” discount on accommodations. If you’re planning ahead for next year, the resort hosts an annual Heroes Salute program starting around Labor Day, with extra-special pricing on accommodations and activities, plus military events, tributes, and ceremonies. Book online using promo code HEROES, or call (866) 525-5368.

Miramar Beach

 

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa is the largest beachfront resort in the Northwest Florida Panhandle, with amenities including beachfront cabanas, three pools, tennis courts, a spa, and a beachside bar and grill. Active duty and retired military members and veterans and their families get a discounted Military Family Rate for leisure stays. (At this writing, the best available rate was $174, compared with $165 for the military rate.) A $30 resort charge is additional, which includes Internet, self parking, fitness center access, beach games, free breakfast for kids under 10, and other services. Call (850) 267-9500.

Orlando

 

If you prefer homes to hotels, check out Contempo Vacation Homes, which offers accommodations ranging from two-bedroom condos to six- to eight-bedroom pool homes. Active duty and retired military members get a 20-percent discount. Regular rates range from $92 a night to $358 a night, depending on the type of home and season. Military ID is required. To get the discount, you must book directly through the reservation department at (800) 475-1694 or send an email.

 

Planning to travel in 2019? Global Resort Homes offers Orlando and Kissimmee vacation homes, townhomes, and condos near Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and other top attractions. Military members get a 30-percent discount during off-peak seasons in May, late August through mid-November, and early December. Call (844) 362-1254 and ask for the “Thank You” military discount.

 

Shades of Green is an Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) with 586 guestrooms starting at $119 for a standard room to $449 for a two-bedroom suite, or check out these packages that include meals. Find out here if you’re eligible to stay an AFRC and what form of ID will be required. Veterans with proof of honorable discharge/DD Form 214 are welcome to stay in January and September. Call (888) 593-2242.

 

For more military discounts in Orlando, click here for deals on accommodations, shops, attractions, restaurants, shows, and theme parks in the area. Be sure to scroll all the way down so you don’t miss anything.

 

St. Pete Beach

 

Tradewinds Island Resorts offer deeply discounted military rates as low as $129 at Island Grand and $109 at Guy Harvey Outpost. For those prices (representing up to 50 percent off), you’ll need to stay on specific dates in December and January (listed here). You’ll get a 10-percent discount on all other dates. Resort amenity fee ($45) is extra. Use promo code MILITARY. Call (888) 587-0700.

For a limited time, Sirata Beach Resort, located along the Gulf Coast waters of St. Pete Beach, offers active duty and retired military members a special Superhero Salute rate starting at $120 (plus tax and resort fees). The family- and pet-friendly resort has three restaurants, new beachfront pools, a “Splash Zone” area for kids, plus activities, live entertainment, and water sports. Book online using promo code HEROES, or call (855) 344-5999.

Deals are available as of Jan. 3, 2019, and may be subject to change.