Four Florida Resorts Named Among The Best New 2023 Hotels

Travel and Leisure released a list of the best new 2023 hotels that have opened this year, and a four Florida resorts were named among them.

It's worth pointing out that this time of year is quite nice for travel. The rates are in a down period, post-summer, and pre-holiday rush. To help those looking to book their next trip, this feature puts the hotels they feature into three different categories. They include affordable luxury, best new wellness getaways, and inviting beach vacations.

Though some of the hotels listed here are ideal for warmer climates, they offer plenty of entertaining options in all seasons. Or perhaps you are already exploring summer plans for 2024. Regardless, these best new hotels are scattered across the globe, from Istanbul to New York. Their common theme is that each has a boutique charm to them. In addition, their ambiance and architecture display a unique character.

In Florida, the four resorts that were named among the best new hotels of 2023 are all quite different from each other. They span three major markets, however.

Located at 321 Collins Avenue, South of Fifth is part of the Life House's artistic cottage-style hotel portfolio. This location has the Atlantic Ocean at your fingertips, yet is secluded enough to enjoy quiet time. This 1920s-style architecture was converted into a house-like hotel that resembles a cottage. They also have their own café and wine bar onsite.

This is a new luxury hotel in downtown Tampa. Tampa Edition has 172 rooms and "is near major sites like the Florida Aquarium, Tampa Bay History Center, the Hillsborough River Walk, and several cruise terminals," Travel and Leisure explains.

Miami makes its second appearance here with the Mayfair House Hotel and Garden, which just reopened after a two-year renovation. There are 179 guest rooms with private terraces. They describe themselves as situated in Miami's "most walkable neighborhood," where you can fully experience Biscayne Bay and South Beach.

This hotel is a 22-story high-rise and the largest of the four Florida hotels named among the best new spots in 2023.  It consists of 189 rooms. The third level has a private sun deck with Atlantic Ocean views. Furthermore, there is a restaurant, bar, and spa to enjoy.

According to Infrastructure Report Card, there are 617,000 bridges in the United States. Outlets such as Attractions of America and Mr. Hudson have each come up with lists of the most beautiful bridges. Two of them call Florida home.

A bridge can be a historical landmark in addition to a pathway that connects communities. Certain bridges, like the Golden Gate in San Francisco, draw thousands of tourists each year. People plan trips around visiting this site and taking in its incredible views. Unsurprisingly, the Golden Gate Bridge is either #1 or #2 on each of the aforementioned lists.

The bridge that it shares the top spot with is famous for its ability to walk or bike over. The Brooklyn Bridge connects Brooklyn Heights to Manhattan via six lanes. Many charity-driven bike rides also cross here as it offers unique perspectives into New York City without any tollways.

In Florida, American Road and Transportation lists over 12,000 bridges in the Sunshine State (though not all of them are in functional condition). There are two however, that stand above the rest. One is architecturally astounding. The other feels like a gateway into a mysterious paradise.

"American bridges are often designed with looks to match their engineering ingenuity," Mr. Hudson explains.

What's fascinating about bridges in America, is they are constructed of different materials and serve different purposes. For example, the final and tenth selection in Attractions of America's feature is the Benson Bridge, Multnomah Falls, in Oregon. This is a foot traffic bridge that is only 45 feet long. It allows visitors to walk 105 feet above the Lower Multnomah Falls cascade

Let's take a look at the two most beautiful bridges in Florida.

Connecting St. Petersburg to Terra Ceia, this bridge is 4.1 miles long. This stunning bridge over Tampa Bay is often lit up with colors that highlight the skyline. Furthermore, since 2018, there has been a Skyway 10K race that closes the bridge each year.

This two-lane bridge is technically part of Route 1. It's a magical gateway into the Florida Keys. Mr. Hudson points out, "the Seven Mile Bridge usually has space for sightseers to park up and admire the Florida Keys." In 1982, a heavy renovation made the lanes wider, allowing for a safer and more comfortable drive. The last annual seven-mile bridge run took place this past April.