The weather is getting cold here in Atlanta, and it’s almost that time of year when I start missing my former home – beachy San Diego. I wouldn’t call myself a snowbird quite yet, as it doesn’t snow that much in downtown Atlanta, but I’m definitely thinking about warm, sunny beaches. Sigh.

Coral Gables Biltmore

The upside of all this is that Florida beaches are only about a six hour drive away – Coral Gables is a little farther, about ten hours, but this town has some really pretty beaches as well. If you’re looking to swank it up on your next trip to Coral Gables, Florida, you might like the posh Coral Gables Biltmore Hotel. This classy hotel has everything you might look for in a 5-star resort, like an amazing spa, outstanding restaurants, a championship golf course and large, impeccably appointed rooms, suites and cabanas. All this and you’re only a few minutes away from South Beach and Miami!

For something more reasonably priced (which is tough to find in Coral Gables!), check out the Holiday Inn Coral Gables University of Miami. This hotel is located directly across from the University of Miami, and you can’t beat rates that start at around $150 per night. This hotel is perfect for both business and leisure travelers, and it’s very close to area attractions like The Shops at Sunset Place as well as Bayside Market Place. Families will love the location of the Holiday Inn Coral Gables, too – it’s a very short distance away from Parrot Jungle and the Metro Zoo!

South Beach Miami

Photo Credits: Allie Caulfield, Tabitum

The Gazebo Suite at the Ballastone Inn

In 2005, Frommer’s listed the Ballastone Inn as the best place to stay in Savannah, Georgia. It’s a four-story antebellum mansion, dating back to 1838, so obviously it has some historical charm, but that’s not the only reason people make the trek to Savannah to stay here.

The dining experience is part of the draw here — private tables are available either within the mansion or outside in the courtyard for an intimate breakfast, and every day they offer Traditional Afternoon Tea and an elegant cocktail hour, complete with hors d’oeuvres.

Obviously it has more than just a bit of Southern charm and some tasty treats going for it — we’re talking about a AAA Four Diamond hotel, after all. Each room is beautifully appointed, with authentic antiques (or at least high-quality reproductions), complete with Egyptian cotton linens and plush down pillows.

While the Ballastone Inn itself doesn’t have a spa or gym available, there are two nearby spas which will happily come to your guest room, and passes to the local gym are complimentary.

It’s a historically significant building in Savannah, having been awarded two commemorative plaques — from the Historic Savannah Foundation and the National Trust. Originally settled in 1733, the Ballastone Inn has been a private townhouse, a boarding house, a well-known bordello, and an apartment building for immigrant workers. Later, it was purchased by the Girl Scouts of America, who used the lower level as administrative ofices, and in 1980 it was converted into the bed and breakfast we see today.

You can check out this historic, romantic venue for yourself — rooms start at $235 and range up to close to $400, according to the website, but you can choose your room and see it from nearly every angle before you book by looking here.

Photo credit: ballastone.com