Unfriendly, unwelcoming town

Question

We visited Vero Beach for a week in May. We are older, Midwest natives who have lived in Florida for over 10 years. Many of the restaurants and hotels were downright hostile to us. We are quiet, well-dressed and not demanding. We felt extremely unwelcome nearly everywhere we went. Did anyone else experience this?

Answer

Vero Beach is a small coastal town in Florida that has a mix of residents and seasonal visitors, and experiences like yours are unfortunately not unheard of, though they are not universal. Some visitors feel that certain local establishments can come across as unwelcoming, particularly if they cater primarily to regulars or seasonal snowbirds. It may reflect the staff’s personal attitude rather than the town as a whole.

From discussions among travelers, a few patterns have emerged regarding Vero Beach hospitality:

Some restaurants and hotels are very locally oriented and may inadvertently appear aloof or dismissive toward newcomers or tourists.
Smaller or family-owned businesses sometimes have minimal staff, which can come across as brusque if they are busy or understaffed.
Peak tourist seasons or slower periods can influence service; sometimes off-season visitors notice more indifference or lack of engagement.

Other travelers report very positive experiences, highlighting friendly locals, attentive servers, and welcoming hotel staff, particularly in more tourist-focused areas like the beachside resorts and downtown Vero Beach. Some have suggested targeting establishments that are known for accommodating visitors, such as:

Beachside cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating.
National hotel chains that have standard hospitality training.
Places recommended in recent visitor reviews or through travel forums, as these tend to maintain service standards for tourists.

In summary, while your experience was negative, it may not be representative of the entire town. Selecting establishments that explicitly cater to tourists and reading current reviews can help avoid unfriendly encounters. Additionally, engaging with staff in a friendly, patient manner often encourages a better experience, as some local businesses are more reserved by nature.

Unfriendly, unwelcoming town

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