City: Highland Beach, FL

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (561) 278-6241 or (888) 465-43

Address: 2809 S. Ocean Blvd.

Description: Along a narrow strip of land on the ocean just north of Boca Raton, three- and four-story palaces of varying styles line the beachfront, generally eliciting loud gasps from anyone who drives by. Most of us can’t afford to live in Highland Beach. But many of us can afford to stay there for a week or two, at this excellent Holiday Inn. Although the hotel was built in the late 1960s, it has been renovated periodically. The 109 guest rooms and six suites offer a wonderful opportunity to live—at least temporarily—in this ritzy little enclave. There are no stores in Highland Beach; in fact, other than those beachfront “palaces” and some condominiums, there’s pretty much just a small fire station and city hall/post office. Nonetheless, you’re just 3 miles from downtown Boca and 3 miles from downtown Delray. Rooms here have coffeemakers, minifridges, iron/ironing boards, and free morning paper, and microwaves are available on request. A full-service restaurant called Latitudes proffers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while Cabanas Lounge has live entertainment. As is the Holiday Inn custom, kids under 12 eat free. A fitness center takes care of your exercise needs, and a business center takes care of your professional ones. It’s a family-oriented place. Just make sure to keep your eyes on the road as you drive past those beachfront fantasy-homes!