Florida Fling : Hotel group offers activities program with month rental

Seniors who stay at least a month in one of four resort hotels on Florida’s west coast will gain free access to a full program of recreational activities.

Near the city of St. Petersburg, the Senior Vacation Hotels of Florida offer a daily inventory of free events that include shopping excursions, fashion shows, concerts, holiday festivals, ballroom dancing, exercise classes, picnics, beach parties, luaus, sing-alongs, happy hours, bingo, bridge and other table games. Two complete meals are served as part of the all-inclusive program. Though a minimum one-month stay is usually required, some seasonal two-week specials are available.

Also included in each rental are a welcome party, courtesy bus transportation to local shopping and movies, free parking, coin-operated guest laundry service and live entertainment. Depending on the season and choice of hotel, monthly rates range $875-$1,125 per person, double occupancy. Single occupancy can cost up to $300 more per month. There are additional charges for a refrigerator or television, an extra-large room, a corner room or a room with a water view, at charges ranging $25-$100 per person per month.

Day excursions are offered at regular admission prices for such popular Florida attractions as Disney World, Epcot Center, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, Sea World, the Ringling Museum, Medieval Times and Cypress Gardens. Guests are free to arrange their own side trips and entertainment, including golf and deep-sea fishing. In March, 11 major league baseball teams hold spring training camps nearby, and there is college and professional football in the fall.

For a brochure with rates and a list of all available features, call (800) 223-8123 or write to Senior Vacation Hotels, 7401 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, Fla. 33710.