Punta Gorda means “Fat Point,” and its name has been on local maps since 1851. Settlers arrived in the area of present-day Punta Gorda during the late 1800s. Union Army veterans Frederick and Jarvis Howard homesteaded an area near Punta Gorda about 10 years after the Civil War. By 1879, a railroad charter was established at nearby Lake City and Charlotte Harbor, Florida. In 1887, the first settlers began incorporation talks and the city was dubbed Punta Gorda after the first mayoral election.
Punta Gorda continued to grow after official incorporation. A U.S. Army airfield was constructed during World War II to help train combat air pilots. Entrepreneurs created canal-front home sites in 1959, which led to an intense growth spurt. By the 1980s, a new shopping, marina, and restaurant complex called Fisherman's Village was built, and it continues to be one of the area's best attractions.
Today, Punta Gorda has bounced back from damages from 2004's Hurricane Charley. Its historic downtown and waterfront have been revitalized, and many sites are designated on the National Register of Historic Places.
Whatever your reasons for visiting Punta Gorda, it's important to find the right hotel that allows you to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
When should you visit Punta Gorda, FL?
The best time to visit Punta Gorda and Florida's west coast in general is from March through the end of May. Spring provides comfortably hot temperatures that are suitable for outdoor adventures and festivals. Check out the Punta Gorda Spring Arts and Crafts Show, The Hibiscus Festival, the Muscle Car City Monthly Car Show, or the popular Spring Bash. Keep in mind that hotel rates tend to be high during spring, especially during key events, so plan your trip several weeks in advance to get the best deals.
Hurricane season runs from June to November, but don't let the threat of storms and elevated temperatures dissuade you from experiencing Punta Gorda in the summer. Check out the city's Annual 4th of July Celebration at Fisherman's Village. You'll also love the monthly Alive After Five event in downtown, which is held every third Thursday of the month and features live musicians, food trucks, artist demos, and other forms of entertainment.
Temperatures fluctuate between the low 50s and high 70s during Punta Gorda's winter months. While it may be too chilly for a dip in the Gulf, you can still take a cruise on Charlotte Harbor. Fun trolley tours start operating in January and only run until April due to the excessive summer heat, so there's plenty to experience. If you're here in November or December, be sure to visit the Festival of Lights in Fisherman's Village.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Punta Gorda, FL:
Punta Gorda, FL: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. rate trends by star rating class in Punta Gorda, FL. Browse these charts to determine the cheapest months to book a room in Punta Gorda for any future trips.
Where are the top luxury hotels in Punta Gorda, FL?
4 Star Average Prices: $176.51
If you're looking for more upscale digs in Punta Gorda, you have a variety of options.
The Wyvern Hotel Punta Gorda is a four-star accommodation overlooking the Charlotte Harbor and downtown Punta Gorda. The luxurious property boasts a rooftop restaurant, herb garden, and pool with shaded loungers, allowing you to view the panoramic cityscape a number of different ways. Complimentary amenities include concierge services, a well-equipped fitness center, poolside service, a lobby coffee station, ultra-high-speed wireless internet access, room service, and two full-service restaurants. Enjoy weekday happy hour on the rooftop at Perch 360 or utilize the on-site meeting space, catering services, and professional event planner to throw your own party.
Guest rooms at The Wyvern Hotel Punta Gorda feature king or double beds, extra-large flat-screen TVs with video on demand, iPod docking stations, deep-soaking tubs, marble floors, in-room safes, direct-dial access telecommunication systems, business desks, and comfortable pillowtop mattresses. Pet-friendly rooms are also available if you're traveling with your canine family members.
Another upscale option is Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside. Situated on the Charlotte Harbor close to charming shops and restaurants, this property immerses you in Punta Gorda's revitalized downtown area. The hotel offers an on-site business center with copy and printing services, an outdoor heated pool, a fitness facility, free parking, a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, vending machines, and 24-hour security. Four Points by Sheraton is also highly accessible, offering ramp access for wheelchairs, braille elevators, knock-lights, grab bars in guest bathrooms, and light-equipped fire alarms. Guest rooms include bathrobes, hairdryers, hypoallergenic pillows, sofa beds, in-room electronic safes, ironing facilities, room service, and ergonomic workspaces. Wireless high-speed internet is available for free in all guest rooms. Choose from a room or suite with views of the harbor, water, or marina.
What hotels in Punta Gorda are best for travelers on a budget?
3 Star Average Prices: $123.43
Finding an affordable hotel in Punta Gorda is easier than you might think.
Knights Inn Punta Gorda is conveniently located off Interstate 75 and offers a no-frills stay close to beaches, restaurants, and historic sites. Guest enjoy amenities such as a free breakfast, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, free parking, ample on-site parking for cars and large vehicles, and an outdoor pool. Bright guest rooms include work desks, ironing facilities, alarm clock radios, comfortable bedding, and optional rollaway beds.
A similar option is the nearby Knights Inn Port Charlotte. This pet-friendly accommodation offers RV, bus, and truck parking, available cribs, an on-site restaurant, and free breakfast. Each guest room includes complimentary Wi-Fi, bathroom toiletries, ironing facilities, a separate sitting area, hairdryer, work desk, microwave, and mini-refrigerator. Adjoining rooms are also available for families who need extra space.
If you would prefer a roadside hotel close to the action, book a room at American Inn Punta Gorda. Located just minutes from downtown and Charlotte County Airport off I-75, this property provides easy access to popular attractions and restaurants. Take advantage of the 24-hour front desk, vending machines, free morning coffee, free local calls, handicap accessibility, and fax and copy services. High-speed internet is free throughout the non-smoking property, and guest rooms feature hairdryers, ironing facilities, sitting areas, microwaves, refrigerators, and modern decor.
