Even though money is tight, we all need some R&R once in a while. As a devoted inn-goer, I recommend splurging for a night or two at one of Florida's bed-and-breakfasts.

Innkeepers are a pampering lot, after all, and we love pampering -- from welcoming mimosas or just-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies to bubble baths in oversize tubs.

When we stay in a big resort we have to pay extra for the extras, like using bicycles or beach chairs. At B&Bs, these amenities are complimentary, as is breakfast, which in most cases is so good and filling we can easily skip lunch.

Here are 10 of my favorite B&Bs:

ELIZABETH POINTE LODGE

Fernandina Beach

You can roll out of bed and onto the beach at the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, but that's only part of this inn's charm. Built in 1991, the lodge looks like an 1890s Nantucket shingle style cottage. It comes with all the modern conveniences, including an elevator, roomy Jacuzzis, complimentary Wi Fi service, newspapers delivered to guest rooms and 24-hour room service.

There's always something to do, whether it's building sandcastles, collecting shells, riding horses, swimming, playing board games or stargazing through a telescope. When it's cool, innkeepers provide blankets and hot chocolate so you can keep toasty in a rocking chair on the deck.

Breakfast: Complimentary hot and cold buffet in oceanfront sunroom. Snacks and light fare available for purchase throughout the day. Free drinks and hors d'oeuvres at 6 p.m.

Rooms: 25 rooms; rates $205-$475.

Be sure to: Explore Fernandina's historic district, including Centre Street shops and the Seaport district downtown. 800-226- 3542; www.ameliaisland.com.

Details: 98 South Fletcher Ave., Amelia Island; 800- 772-3359 or 800-500-9620; www.elizabethpointelodge.com.

INN ON CHARLOTTE

St. Augustine

There's such a warm, welcoming feel to this place it's hard to resist. Besides, the gourmet breakfasts are superb! Built in 1918 and carefully restored in 2003, the inn is a showcase for antiques and reproductions. Guest rooms have queen or king beds and most have whirlpool tubs. The B&B is within steps of the historic fort Castillo de San Marco, the Bridge of Lions, and the shops on St. George Street. Horse-drawn carriage tours, ghost tours and historic trolley tours are popular.

Breakfast: Three-course breakfast -- the Eggs Benedict are the best we've tasted anywhere -- with complimentary mimosas.

Rooms: Eight rooms; rates $139-$289.

Be sure to: Board the Old Town Trolley and take a 7-mile tour; you can get off and on as often as you like. Take in the Fountain of Youth, the lighthouse, the Lightner Museum and San Sebastian Winery. www.staugustineattractions.net

Details: 52 Charlotte St., St. Augustine; 800-355-5508 or 904-829-3819; www.innoncharlotte.com.

SABAL PALM HOUSE

Lake Worth

If you like Ritz-Carlton-style pampering but are reluctant to cough up the big bucks, book a room at the Sabal Palm House Bed and Breakfast. You'll get turndown service, plump down pillows, triple-sheeted beds with fine linens, terry robes, slippers and fresh flowers in your room. Rooms are named after and decorated in the style of famous artists such as Renoir and Michelangelo. All have private baths and balconies.

It's not often that a B&B wins a four diamond rating from AAA, but Sabal Palm House has done just that for nine consecutive years. The 1936 two-story luxury B&B has views of the Lake Worth Municipal Golf Course and the IntracoastalWaterway. It's a half-mile from the ocean and within walking distance of Lake Worth shops and restaurants.

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