This story begins on December 2, 2025…

I left Jonathan Dickinson State Park on my way to my usual south Florida winter campground.

After an eventful November, I was ready to settle in for a few months.

While driving, I realized I wasn’t digging the thought of spending this winter at the campground.

This feeling came with a persistent nagging thought urging me to change my plans completely.

The more I ignored the thought, the stronger it got: I needed to stop at the extended stay hotel to see if there were any openings.

A Little Extended Stay Background

Transporting back in time to February 2025…

While here in south Florida, the van was in the shop for several days because critters had a jolly good time chewing wires and stuff up under the hood.

The shop wasn’t sure how many days they would need for repairs so I reserved an entire week at an extended stay hotel. For my needs at that time, booking by the week (vs booking by the day) was my best option.

Surprisingly, I tolerated this hotel quite well with my MCS.

I enjoyed having air conditioning, hot showers, and the freedom to spontaneously hop in the van to run errands, go to the park, or sight-see without the hassle of packing up the van and getting it all back out when I returned to the campground.

It was a refreshing week and I told myself I wouldn’t want to do hotel life for longer than a week. I may have been in denial!

Listening to the Persistent Voice Within

Returning to December 2, 2025…

Before checking in at the campground, I stopped at the hotel to see if anything was available.

They had a room for 5 days but I would need to check out for a day, go somewhere else, and check back in a day later.

Rather than mess with all that, I went to the campground for 5 days which ended up being the most humid December days this area has had in years.

I survived the humidity with minimal grumpiness (depending on who you ask) and have been at the hotel for a week now.

My Take on Hotel Life So Far

It’s only been a short while but I’m allowing myself to enjoy it – which is difficult for me to do.

Each unit has a kitchen, full sized fridge, microwave, stove, bed, and more. It’s like having my own little apartment without having to jump thru the hoops of renting one. There’s no lease, no deposit, no anything of that nature.

I got in during their weekly rate special – which turns out to be less than if I paid their monthly rate.

It costs a bit more than the campground but less than renting an apartment in this area.

My room is on the top floor – which means I’m a VIP in a Penthouse suite, right? 😉😅

Hotel life is different than van life. There are adjustments to be made but I think I’m over that hump.

Parting Thoughts

My room is blocked off until the end of March. I can check out earlier, if needed, or I can extend my stay. The weekly rate special applies until I check out.

I have no idea where this winter (or hotel life) will take me but life can only be lived one moment at a time – and moment by moment is the extent of my plan.

Trying new things is one of the spices of life. This change of pace might be just what I need.

One thing’s for sure, I’ve been sleeping darn good!

Connie 🌼