Best Value Stay: Postcard Inn on the Beach

Postcard Inn on the Beach
St. Pete Beach, Florida
postcardinn.com; 800/237-8918

The Digs
The 196-room rehabbed U-shaped Travelodge resurrects 1950s surfer cool with a modern twist. Crisp white bedding, flat-panel TVs, free Wi-Fi, patios with hammocks, and beachy murals make it current.

You'll Love It If
You’re craving style—and a beautiful beach—at a retro price. The hotel, owned by New York restaurant impresario Stephen Hanson, also showcases the barbecue stylings of pitmaster “Big Lou” Elrose and a wide variety of bourbons.

Don't Miss
PCI Beach Bar and Snack Shack. This revamped take on the Swigwam, a favorite local beach bar, draws a mix of salty old-timers and hipsters.