On my list of the great joys of life that begins with Food (in my younger days it began with something else….sigh), Travel has worked its way up to number two on that list.
Last week I was invited to stay at the The Desoto Oceanview Inn as part of the Blogger Road Trip that Superior Small Lodging was sponsoring to help build awareness of these “Old Florida Style” accommodations located throughout the state of Florida.
When I drove up to The Desoto Oceanview Inn, I immediately knew this wasn’t just another ocean-side resort. The care and detail that had gone into the landscaping gave the property a tropical island feel as I stepped through their welcoming entrance.
And to validate the feeling of the tropics I noticed this sign as I toured the property. The Desoto Oceanview Inn had been Certified by Broward County as “Florida Friendly NatureScape Property“. You don’t see this certification on many properties, just another example of the extra pride and attention to detail that they take at The Desoto.
Every morning you could find me sitting outside our room in the tiki hut next to the bird cages. Actually you could find me there anytime we weren’t at the beach, the breeze was delightful and the birds next to the hut were very relaxing and entertaining.
But I think the best part of waking up (definitely not that certain brand of coffee in my cup) was hearing the soothing sounds of the ocean, which was a very short walk to the end of the block.
I’ve had much longer walks from parking lots to the beach, in fact it wasn’t even a half a block away.
This was the entrance to a very quiet beach, complete with a lifeguard stand. While the beach was a little narrow, there was plenty of room to set up our chairs and umbrella and a long secluded beach for quiets walks collecting shells and watching Pelicans dive into the ocean.
Of course if you prefer a less quiet wider beach, just a few minutes down the road you’ll find the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. And no I didn’t misspell it, its called the Broadwalk.
You’ll find some great dining spots, shops, an all day bike path, street entertainers and of course the beach.
Speaking of restaurants you can find a few very good spots within walking distance from The Desoto Oceanview Inn. Our first night we walked down to the Quarterdeck after being told by our hosts Steven and Josias it was Lobster Night at The Quarterdeck. We also tried Jimbo’s Sandbar with Chef Paul’s Redneck Cuisine and Oprah’s Favorite Burger Restaurant Le Tub, as well as a few other delicious spots close by in Hollywood.
There are also bikes available if you don’t feel like walking, and a very nice bike path right near the ocean. You can also forget about packing beach chairs, umbrellas, and beach towels. You’ll find everything you need to make your stay enjoyable. If you’re up for Yoga, they even have some yoga mats for you to use to become one with nature in their tropical courtyard or on the beach.
The Desoto Oceanview Inn is an Eco Friendly and Green Hotel, using earth friendly cleaning products, recycling, and much more. Click on the link to learn more about their Eco friendly practices.
If enjoy a good book you’ll find an extensive lending library of books. I understand the locals keep it stocked up pretty well as they borrow and drop off books regularly. There are also board games, a computer room and great free wifi! (better than my Verizon Hotspot)
Every morning you’ll find a delicious vegan breakfast set out, and if you don’t feel like brewing your coffee in your room, there’s a pod coffee maker with lots of different options as well as teas.
Sea shells, coral and nautical decorations can be found displayed throughout the area.
Lisa and I both loved the tropical foliage and flowers all around this tropical paradise.
And night time out in the tiki hut is simply amazing…..sigh We spent the evenings on the beach and then under the stars in a tiki hut sipping wine and bellinis.
You really need to spend at least 3 days at The Desoto Oceanview Inn to truly appreciate all they have to offer as well as the surrounding area. Of course many of their guests stay much longer, making it a home away from home. It’s also close to Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale, as well as the Everglades if you want to go out exploring the area. Your hosts Steven and Josais are available on the property 24/7 to help with anything you might need to make your stay more enjoyable.
When Lisa and I left, we felt as those we were saying goodbye to old friends, not just checking out of a hotel. Don’t you want that feeling when you travel? Making new friends around on your travels is half the fun of traveling!
When you travel throughout Florida always look for the Superior Small Lodging Association logo that gives you the assurance that member properties are up to standard. If you want to experience Florida at its best, where ever you travel in the state look for the Superior Small Lodging member properties, you’ll be glad you did.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Superior Small Lodging of Florida. All Opinions are 100% mine.
Nazim Beltran
This reminds me of a place in Hutchinson Island, FL where Betti and I spent a wonderful weekend.
The big difference is always to go to places where the owner/s are proud of what the have to offer.
When I see this I sure miss Florida!
Chef Dennis Littley
I have so much of Florida left to explore Nazim, I can’t wait to find more places like The Desoto!
Suzi
Great article here Chef. Sounds like a lovely spot there on Hollywood Beach and of course the Boardwalk LOL. Love the Vegan Breakfast, how did you like that? Don’t forget to let me know the next time you and Lisa venture into Mt Dora.
Chef Dennis Littley
Thanks Suzi, were headed up to NJ for 5 weeks so I probably won’t make it over to Mt. Dora till the fall, but I’ll definitely let you know when I come over.
Suzi
Okay great. The fall is probably better anyway, not quite so hot. Off again?? LOL. Have a great time in Jersey!!