The Big Six: Florida inns

Postcard Inn, St Petersburg

Opened last autumn, Postcard Inn has brought vintage motel chic to Tampa Bay. A former Travelodge has been given a surf-focused makeover, enhanced with retro light fittings, surf boards, tropical colours and mid-centuryfurnishings. The Snack Shack serves up grills and cold drinks by the pool, while Wildwood is a barbecue and burger joint overlooking the beach.

Postcard Inn, 6300 Gulf Boulevard, St Pete Beach, Pinellas County (001 727 367 2711; postcardinn.com). Double rooms start at $100 (£66), including breakfast.

The Addison, Amelia Island

Amelia Island is one of the most southerly of the Sea Islands off the eastern seaboard, extending north from Florida into Georgia and South Carolina. The Addison is in the historic Fernandina Beach district, housed in a Victorian mansion that was built for a wealthy merchant. The B&B has been sensitively expanded to offer a total of 14 rooms that feature light, elegant design – four posters, hardwood floors and big windows. Many have a porch overlooking the courtyard.

The Addison, 614 Ash Street, Amelia Island, Nassau County (001 904 277 1604; addisononamelia.com). Doubles start at $194 (£129), including breakfast.

Key Lime Inn, Key West

A few minutes' stroll from Duval Street's lively night scene, Key Lime Inn provides a retreat from the bustle in one of the oldest buildings in this historic neighbourhood. Contained within the pastel- green mansion house and a dozen surrounding cottages are 37 rooms of simplistic but tropically-shaded design. Guests can enjoy an impressive breakfast under the trees that surround the large heated swimming pool.

Key Lime Inn, 725 Truman Avenue, Key West, Monroe County (001 305 294 5229; historickeywestinns.com). Doubles start at $167 (£112), including breakfast.

Port D'Hiver, Melbourne Beach

An hour's drive from Orlando, Port d'Hiver was built in 1916 as the Pink House. Inside it's all colour, whether in the Yellow Room or the red Windward Suite. Breakfast is served overlooking the sand dunes or in the garden.

Port d'Hiver, 20 Ocean Avenue, Melbourne Beach, Brevard County (001 866 621 7678; portdhiver.com). Doubles start at $222 (£148), including breakfast.

Greenview, Miami Beach

This classic South Beach art deco hotel has had its original features restored, while the 45 rooms have been updated to feature bright white and apple green decor. Surrounded by more art deco treasures, the hotel is also a block away from the beach.

Greenview, 1671 Washington Avenue, South Beach, Miami (001 305 531 6588; greenviewhotel.com). Doubles start at $119 (£79), including breakfast.

Eo Inn & Spa, Orlando

Smartly decorated in shades of grey, white and taupe, rooms are wired with the latest technology and are punctuated with black and white photos of Florida scenes. A spa and rooftop Jacuzzi complete the sleek picture.

Eo Inn & Spa, 227 North Eola Drive, Orlando, Orange County (001 407 481 8485; eoinn.com). Doubles start at $140 (£88), including complimentary coffee.