T+L Review of Flamingo lodge in Florida’s Everglades National Park

Visitors to the area can opt for a different camping experience than RVs or tents. Florida’s Everglades National Park You can now check in Flamingo LodgeThe park’s one and only hotel.

Everglades National Park in Florida, which covers 1.5 million acres and was originally intended for day-visitors, has been a destination for local tourism enthusiasts since 1947. Flamingo Lodge was opened in 1966 as a response. In 1966, Flamingo Lodge opened with 60 units on two floors and an inground pool. Over the next 40-plus years, it became a popular destination for both locals and visitors from out of town.

In 2005, the lodge had to be closed due to the damage from hurricanes Katrina or Wilma. The structure was finally demolished by 2009. In the years that followed, those who wanted a place to sleep in the park were able to rent houseboats, set up tents, park campervans or RVs and park them, but the closest hotel was an hour away, in Florida City.

The Flamingo Lodge finally reopened at the end of 2023 It was destroyed in 1992, nearly 20 years ago. The 24-room lodge was built from steel shipping containers by a public-private venture between Flamingo Adventures, based in Florida, and the National Park Service.

Flamingo Adventures’ general manager, JJCondella, said in an interview that the Flamingo Area in Everglades National Park is a popular destination for park visitors who want to experience America’s largest tropical wilderness. Travel + Leisure. “The Flamingo lodge was a popular destination for almost 40 years. We’re proud to reveal the new Lodge – the only Hotel within the National Park – with our National Park Service Partners.”

In January, eager to see the new digs I made my first overnight trip to Florida Everglades National Park. Although I’ve been living in Florida more than 20 years, I consider myself a glamper. I had never camped in the park over night before. During my visit, I enjoyed kayaking on the bay and a sunset boat tour through the marsh. I also hiked quiet trails and was grateful to return to a warm shower and comfortable bed every evening.

Here’s what you need to book a stay in Flamingo Lodge if you are considering an overnight trip to Florida’s biggest national park.

The Rooms

My 420-square foot one-bedroom suite featured waterproof laminate wood flooring, a fridge and microwave, as well as a kitchenette. The main room had a comfortable but compact sleeper sofa and workspace. There were also four ottomans. The only indication that the container was used to construct the lodge were the corrugated white metal ceilings.

The suite was decorated with tropical accents, including teal walls, lime curtains and gold palm leaf art prints. In the bedroom, a queen bed and a standalone closet were provided for storage. The other guest room options are studios and two bedroom suites with the largest being 640 square feet. Although there is no television, there are many miles of wilderness for you to explore.

Food and Drink

Breakfast burritos and smoked salmon bagels round out the morning menu. Lunch and dinner include coconut shrimp, crispy empanadas, a flavorful conch chowder soup, as well as casual dishes inspired by Florida’s flavors. Breakfast burritos, smoked salmon bagels, and coconut shrimp are on the breakfast menu. The lunch and dinner menus include crispy empanadas and flavorful conch soup.

Cook-your-catch is also available at the restaurant. Chefs will cook, fry or blacken freshly caught fish, then serve it along with fries, salad or plantain crisps. You can take meals to the patio and use outdoor grills available between buildings on a “first-come-first-served” basis.

Experiences and Amenities

Although the new lodge is lacking a pool it’s surrounding park offers a variety of water activities. You can book activities through the National Park Service, or Flamingo Adventures which offers both guided tours and rentals of water equipment. Tim Taylor, an experienced park ranger and my guide on my first day, shared with me the colorful history of the park. We went for a two-hour tandem tour. We were able to whoop as bottlenose and manatees swam just feet from our kayaks. A bald eagle was also hunting fish, inches above the water.

The afternoon boat tour was also full of families. We floated along the brackish waters as our guides pointed out herons and ibis. A grayish-black, but still standing crocodile posed for photos. I spent my mornings on the trails around the lodge, which are perfect for biking and walking.

The Guy Bradley Visitor’s Center is located just a few steps from the lodge. Named after a bird conservationist and offering interactive displays, it tells the story of the first inhabitants of the park. The pastel-pink, art deco structure will reopen to the public in July 2023 following extensive renovations for damage caused by Hurricane Irma. The outdoor amphitheater is about a mile away from the lodge, where nature talks take place a few times a week.

Accessibility and sustainability

The lodge was built to withstand hurricanes and sea-level rises. It is made of steel shipping containers, with hurricane-impact glass, and is raised 13 feet above the ground. This structure meets Florida building codes for coastal areas that are high-hazard.

In an interview, Allyson Gatt, Everglades National Park’s chief of communications, said that incorporating considerations for durability to face climate change in both the new visitor center and lodge provides resiliency. We hope that the new visitor center, restaurant and lodge will encourage more people to explore and rediscover Everglades National Park.

Also, the visitor’s centre has recently installed energy-efficient Windows and LED Lighting. The property is equipped with solar panels (which are used for heating the bathrooms and showers of the nearby eco tents). It also has a lodge stocked full of sustainable and environmental friendly soaps. Four ADA-accessible rooms can be reached by a walk and elevator.

Location

The lodge is situated deep within Everglades Park. It’s about 45 minutes away from the park’s entrance and two hours from Miami. The park is not accessible by public transportation, so you will need to rent a vehicle. However, once at the lodge the restaurant, visitor center and marina are all within walking distance.

What to Expect from Your Stay

Flamingo lodge is perfect for campers looking to relax at the end the day. Though there are no bells and whistles like a spa, gym, or tennis courts — the lodge really just provides a comfortable, convenient option for overnight stays.

The lodge is a great option for multi-generational trips. Older family members will appreciate the air conditioning, hot showers and clean sheets. Daily housekeeping can be requested.

Rates are cheaper during Florida’s high-season. From June to October, they start at just $159 and from November through May they start at only $259. Flamingo Lodge is only open for a maximum of 14 days. You must pay a park entry fee to enter Everglades National Park and access the restaurant. Reservations must be made by phone at (855-708-2207), through the website, or via email. lodge’s official website.

Every T+L review is written either by an editor, reporter, or both who have stayed in the hotel. Each hotel selected also adheres to our core values.