Food Traveler Magazine Summer 2017 | Page 28

Authentic LOCAL HOSPITALITY BY KEVIN FRITZ Nothing compares to staying at a place where you’re treated like family. While large hotel chains and resorts have their place, a stay at a small hotel, inn, bed & breakfast, cottage or condo, whose owners are committed to providing each guest an extraordinary vacation experience, is second to none. For an extraordinary vacation experience, the Superior Small Lodging Association (SSL) has you covered. The nonprofit organization represents approximately 150 individually owned lodgings around Florida, each featuring fewer than 75 rooms, all working diligently to ensure guests experience authentic local Florida charm and character, as well as the modern amenities and comforts today’s traveler has come to expect. HIGH STANDARDS But that’s not all. To ensure you’re getting the vacation expe- rience you deserve, each property must pass an extensive annual inspection conducted by a professional inspector. In- spectors grade everything from general cleanliness to secu- rity, amenities and kitchen items. If properties fall short, they must address the inspector’s concerns to remain in good standing. Those properties that receive a 100 percent score on the housekeeping portion of the inspection are awarded their White Glove Award. You can be sure you will be staying at a lodging that has high standards for cleanliness, security and guest services. An overwhelming number of SSL members not only pass in- spection, they get great review scores. In 2016, 90% of SSL members received at least a 4 out of 5 traveler review score on Trip Advisor and 20% achieved perfect scores of 5.0! You can see why guests keep coming back year after year. Maybe it’s because members care about each guest. They are mostly managed by mom-and-pop innkeepers. No giant, lost-in-the-sauce hotel chains here. Nor will you find resort fees or parking fees that many properties tack onto your bill when you checkout. SO MANY OPTIONS The options offered by the array of properties make it easy to find one that fits. Looking for an apartment with a sitting room and kitchen? How about a condo or cottage on the beach? Or maybe a junior suite with a kitchenette on the In- tracoastal will suffice. Need just a hotel room? No problem. Superior Small Lodging has the perfect gem to make your vacation experience everything you’re looking for. To find your perfect Florida vacation accommodation visit superiorsmalllodging.com.