Did you know that as a Florida resident you can get incredible hotel deals this Summer? I felt like a kid in a candy store while reading Jane Wooldridge's article in The Miami Herald: Why go far? 20 fabulous sleeps in our backyard.

Between coordinating the kids' Summer Camps, planning our annual Summer trip to Bimini and working really odd schedules, a weekend getaway to one of our very seldom visited beaches with spa treatments and major pampering sounds perfect.

Jane tells us,

Because big hotels have hundreds of rooms to fill, they slash rates dramatically -- this year as much as 40 to 75 percent. The result: That room at a resort with spa, multiple pools, beachfront locations and children's programs may cost only $20-$40 more than staying at a smaller hotel that's further from the sea and offers only a pool or hot tub.

And it's not just the rate that matters. Some resorts are sweetening the deal with gas rebates, food-and-beverage credits, late check-out times, spa discounts and stay-two-nights, get-one-free deals. Lodgings that once required a two-night stay on weekends are booking Saturday-night visits, so you can cadge a weekend away with only a one-night stand.

Here's the magic list - and let's thank Jane for doing the research.

Looking for Luxury?

• REGENT BAL HARBOUR: Summer rates from $375 -- about half the high-season tariff. 305-455- 5400; Valet parking, $32 per day.

• RITZ-CARLTON PALM BEACH: The hotel offers several good packages -- and rates go down in August. The Family Reconnect package includes a room for four people, breakfast daily for four, two passes to the children's programs, valet parking and a $50 credit good in the hotel restaurants, from $309 per night, Aug. 6-Oct. 1. The Summer Escape package offers a third night free plus $50 resort credit starting at $229 through Oct. 1. 561-533- 6000; Parking $25 per day.

• FISHER ISLAND: Summer rates drop from the astronomical -- $700 and up -- to a mere splurge starting at $249. 305-535-6076. Resort fees of $64.20 per day include the ferry pass.

• PILLARS, FORT LAUDERDALE: Rates from $185; stay two midweek nights this summer and get a $50 credit toward meals or drinks. 954-467-9639. Free parking.

Like Historic Charm?

• THE BREAKERS: Daily rates start at $369 through July 30 and drop to $299 Aug. 1-Sept. 30; the longer you stay, the lower the rate; 561-655-6611 or 888-BREAKERS. Parking $20 per day.

• BOCA RESORT & CLUB: Florida resident deals start at $129 per room through October; if you need more space, a two-bedroom bungalow starts at $199. Parking is included; 888-491-2622.

• THE COLONY, DELRAY BEACH: Rooms from $120; 561-276-4123. Free parking.

Resorts

• FAIRMONT TURNBERRY ISLE, AVENTURA: Florida resident rate of $289 includes valet parking, daily breakfast buffet, a $50 resort credit and shuttle to the beach club; available dates vary. Regular summer rates start at $179 per night; 305-932-6200. Resort fees $13.56 per day.

• WESTIN DIPLOMAT, HALLANDALE BEACH: Florida resident rates start at $179; 954-602- 6000. Self park $17, valet $20.

• LAGO MAR, FORT LAUDERDALE: Summer rates from $180; children 12 and under eat free through Sept. 30, holidays excluded; 800-LAGOMAR. Free parking.

Beach in Style

• GANSEVOORT SOUTH: Summer rates for Florida residents start at $250 and run through Oct. 1; 305-604-1000. Parking $38 per day.

• HOTEL DE SOLEIL, MIAMI BEACH: Rooms from $295; 305-672-4554. Parking $32 per day.

• SADIGO COURT, MIAMI BEACH: A one-bedroom suite with kitchen goes for $145 this summer and includes continental breakfast; 305-672-9135. Parking cards are sold here for $10 per 24 hours.

• ATLANTIC: Summer rates start at $199 -- if you can snag one -- and the hotel has a fourth-night-free program this season. 954-567-8020. Parking $28 per day.

"The" Urban getaway

• MANDARIN ORIENTAL, MIAMI: Florida residents pay $269 midweek, $289 weekends; this Fantastic Florida Escape package includes daily breakfast for two, complimentary valet parking and 10 to 20 percent off some spa treatments, through Sept. 30. 305-913- 8288. Parking $32 per day.

• FOUR SEASONS, MIAMI: Stay three nights and pay $225 per night; stay two nights and pay $250. Parking $28-$33 per day.

• FORT LAUDERDALE GRANDE: Summer rates start at $99; 954-463- 4000. Parking $19-$23.

On the Beach

• COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT MIAMI BEACH: Rates start at $125 per night; the breakfast buffet costs $9.95 per person; ask about packages. 305-538-3373. Parking $25 per day.

• WRIGHT BY THE SEA, DELRAY BEACH: Studios from $125 through Oct. 31; free parking. 561-278- 3355 or 877-234-3355.

Vegas Attitude??

• SEMINOLE HARDROCK: Most nights, rooms run $239 (though a few $139 and $179 rates do pop up); 866-502- 7529. Parking $7-$12.
• THE MICCOSUKEE RESORT: in west Dade has a better deal: $89 per night for Florida residents through Aug. 31; 877-242-6464. Free self parking, $3 for valet service.

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