Oi mates! Fancy escaping the rat race and finding a little gem in Florida? Not fussed on the big city lights and would rather bask in some good old small-town vibes? Then you gotta check out Punta Gorda. Nestled in Southwest Florida, this beauty’s got all the friendliness of a local town with a dash of Southern charm thrown in.
So, where’s good to kip? I’ll give you the lowdown on the Wyvern Hotel. Smack dab on Retta Esplanade, you couldn’t ask for a better spot. It’s right in the mix, with all the pubs, eateries and whatnot just a stone’s throw away. I popped in myself and I’m here to give you the skinny on the place.
Opened its doors in 2008, the Wyvern Hotel’s the place to be for those who’ve got the lowdown as well as out-of-towners. Not far from the peaceful Peace River, step into their lobby and, bang, it’s like you’ve walked into an art gallery, with local artists’ stuff all over the walls. And get this – if you fancy a piece, you can buy it right there! It’s got that Florida flavour that’s just brill.
The hotel’s got a cool Art Deco style that nods to the past, back when it was all about the pineapples here. Fancy a late-night nibble or some Wyvern merch to tackle the Florida heat? They’re sorted for that. And if you like a bit of news with your brekkie, they’ve got free papers on weekdays for the national news and local ones on the weekend. Parking’s free too – no worries there.
The rooms? Well, there’s 63 to choose from, with seven different designs. Views of palm trees or yachts chilling in the marina, the rooms are massive and have a super calm vibe with their whites and beiges. And the beds, it’s like snoozing on a cloud with their Serta pillow-top mattresses. The bathrooms are top-notch, all marble and granite, and they’ve got fancy Tarocco toiletries that smell like you’ve nicked a Sicilian orange.
Fancy a bite? The hotel’s got two belting restaurants: Perch 360 and 88 Keys Florida. Perch 360 is the posh one on the roof where you can lounge with a mimosa or a bloody Mary – bottomless, mind you, if you’re feeling peckish. 88 Keys is great for breakfast; try the bagel with lox or the biscuits and gravy. And if you pop out, hit up Peace River Seafood for their standout blue crabs and cracking gator gumbo.
For a bit of retail therapy, leg it to Fishermen’s Village. You can find some cruelty olive oil and craft beer to taste while taking in the sights. For anyone who’s into their art and botany, you can’t miss the Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens with its epic plant displays and sculptures that’ll have you looking twice.
Long story short, the Wyvern Hotel is the dog’s bollocks for an off-the-main-road Florida experience. And getting to Punta Gorda is a piece of cake with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic flying straight to Tampa. Rooms at the Wyvern start from around 142 quid a night, give ’em a ring on +1 941-639-7700, or throw them an email at [email protected]. Check out their website at thewyvernhotel.com for the full run-down.
Right, that’s your lot from me! If you’re after a Florida holiday that’s a bit different, Punta Gorda and the Wyvern Hotel are well worth a punt. They’ll knock your socks off, I promise!
+ There are no comments
Add yours