May 30, 2025

Pour One Out for This Cocktail-Themed Florida Hotel That Bounced Back After 3 Hurricanes

The oceanside town of Gulfport, Florida, took a massive beating after getting hit by three consecutive hurricanes, with the last being Helene in October of 2024. And while some businesses closed their doors forever, the Peninsula Bed & Cocktails reopened as a beacon of hope and strength for the beloved vacation spot, which sits just south of St. Petersburg proper.

Inspired by its eccentric community of artists, writers, musicians, and small business owners, the yellow-splashed Peninsula has creatively reimagined a traditional bed and breakfast experience by putting classic libations, rather than home-cooked breakfasts, at the forefront of its ethos.

Its 16 themed rooms and suites, named after world-famous drinks such as the Old Fashioned, Margarita, Mimosa, and Paloma, incorporate these beverages and their unique ingredients into the design and aesthetic through color palettes, wallpaper, and quirky artwork.

Rooms are also fitted with full baths, blackout curtains, mini fridges, and Beekman 1802 beauty products. There are even two dog-friendly rooms for those who can’t part from their four-legged friends.

While the property itself is smaller in size and only has three floors, it’s anchored by a—you guessed it—bustling bar that offers craft cocktails and live music, which can also be enjoyed from its oversized veranda that looks out onto the town’s main street of Beach Boulevard.

What St. Petersburg touts in convenience, the Peninsula matches in charm, making it a wonderful alternative or addition to any Sunshine State escape in Pinellas County.

Top Takeaways

Location: Gulfport, Florida

Address: 2937 Beach Boulevard, Gulfport, FL 33707

Rating: Four-Star

The Vibe: The Peninsula's charm lies in its varied vibe, shaped primarily by your room choice. Guests in the Negroni Suite, for example, will enjoy moody dark woods accented with Hermès-orange fabrics, while those in the Mai Tai Room can cozy up to blush pinks inspired by the tropical cocktail. Choose a room that matches your personality or call ahead—Peninsula’s friendly team is happy to help you find the perfect fit.

Food + Drink: Guests are welcomed with a complimentary cocktail to enjoy at the property’s iconic Lobby Bar. As for food, you’ll want to head down Beach Boulevard, where you’ll find no shortage of delicious options. Neighborhood favorite StormRunners Tavern delivers ocean views, grouper sandwiches, and the city’s friendliest wait staff, while Stella’s is consistently ranked among Florida’s top brunch spots (don’t skip the banana nut bread French toast). For hearty Italian fare, Pia’s Trattoria draws the biggest crowds with rustic ciabatta, silky carpaccio, and a chicken parmigiana that might just rival nonna’s.

Amenities: Welcome drink, parking, dog-friendly rooms, contactless check-in/check-out, and complimentary Wi-Fi

Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Gulfport is charming and walkable, with easy access to St. Pete Beach, the St. Pete Pier, and even Tampa if you’re craving big-city energy. It’s the ideal stopover before or after a coastal escape—or a low-key home base for exploring Pinellas County.

5 Nearby Attractions: St. Pete Beach, Salvador Dalí Museum, St. Pete Pier, Tuesday Gulfport Market, River Boat Cruises

Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Gulfport’s small-town spirit makes it one of the country’s best-kept secrets for antiquing and yard-sale treasure hunts. Stroll the residential side streets, where locals post up in lawn chairs with coolers of beer and vintage finds. It’s an interior designer’s dream—brimming with one-of-a-kind pieces that may just become your next family heirloom.

Rooms: 16

Pricing: Rates start at $122 per night.

Closest Airport: Tampa International Airport (TPA)