StayGainesville: Best Vacation Rentals for Shands Patients
When life brings you to Gainesville for medical care, comfort and stability become more than just luxuries — they’re necessities.

Best Vacation Rentals for Shands Patients: Why StayGainesville Is the Trusted Choice for 14+ Years
When life brings you to Gainesville for medical care, comfort and stability become more than just luxuries — they’re necessities. Whether you’re a patient seeking treatment at UF Health Shands Hospital or a loved one supporting someone through a health journey, where you stay can have a tremendous impact on your experience.
For over 14 years, StayGainesville has proudly served the needs of Shands patients, their families, and medical professionals by offering affordable, well-located, fully furnished vacation rentals that feel like a true home away from home.
We understand that navigating a hospital stay is stressful enough. That’s why our team is committed to providing safe, comfortable, and flexible housing options — backed by excellent customer service and local expertise — to help make your stay in Gainesville as smooth as possible.
Why StayGainesville Is the #1 Choice for Shands Patients and Families
Unlike a hotel or a generic Airbnb host, StayGainesville specializes in serving medical guests. Many of our homes have been carefully selected and designed with the unique needs of Shands visitors in mind. Here’s what sets us apart:
✅ 14+ Years of Experience Serving Medical Guests
We’ve worked with thousands of Shands patients over the years — from long-term cancer care and transplant patients to families of NICU babies and those undergoing specialized treatments. We know the ins and outs of hospital stays and medical travel, and we’re here to help every step of the way.
Our homes are not just vacation properties — they’re lifelines for families during difficult times. We take pride in offering a level of support, empathy, and flexibility that large hotel chains or national booking platforms simply can’t provide.
✅ Prime Locations Near UF Health Shands Hospital
Time matters when you’re receiving or supporting medical care. That’s why many of our rentals are just minutes from Shands, UF Health, and the VA hospital. Several are within walking distance, and nearly all are a quick drive or Uber ride away.
Some of our closest and most popular options for Shands guests include:
- 1–2 bedroom condos and apartments near Archer Road and SW 13th Street
- Quiet, ground-floor units near Depot Park and the Innovation District
- Larger 3–4 bedroom homes for extended families or support teams
- Historic homes in the Duckpond and Bed & Breakfast District for long-term guests
With properties throughout Gainesville’s most desirable areas, we’ll help you choose the best home based on your medical schedule, transportation needs, and preferences.
✅ Homes for Every Budget, Size, and Length of Stay
Medical trips don’t come in one-size-fits-all packages — and neither do our rentals. Whether you’re staying for a week of appointments or several months of treatment, we have a range of housing options to meet your needs and budget.
🏠 Our Options Include:
- Studios and 1-bedroom apartments – Ideal for solo patients or couples
- 2–3 bedroom homes – Perfect for families or caregivers accompanying patients
- 4+ bedroom homes – Great for extended family support or rotating guests
- Pet-friendly rentals – Because we know your furry companions are part of your healing journey, too
Our pricing is transparent and affordable, often more cost-effective than a long hotel stay, especially when you factor in access to a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and living space.
Plus, discounted monthly rates are available for extended medical stays — just contact our team directly to discuss options.
✅ Comforts of Home During a Time of Need
Every StayGainesville home is fully furnished and designed for comfort, privacy, and functionality. Whether you’re recovering from a procedure or caring for a loved one, you’ll have everything you need to rest and recharge:
- Fully equipped kitchens to cook healthy meals at home
- Washer/dryer in-unit (or in-building) for convenience during long stays
- Private entrances and quiet neighborhoods
- High-speed Wi-Fi and streaming-ready TVs
- Flexible check-in/check-out options
- Parking included
Need a single-level home for accessibility? Prefer a home with a porch for fresh air or outdoor space for your therapy dog? Just let us know — our reservation specialists are happy to help match you with the right space.
The StayGainesville Difference: Personalized Support & Local Expertise
Booking through a mega platform like Airbnb or VRBO can leave guests feeling like a number. With StayGainesville, you get real people who care — and who live right here in Gainesville.
Our reservations team, Steph and Cindy, work directly with Shands patients every week and understand the special circumstances that come with medical travel. We’re available by phone or email to answer questions, make personalized recommendations, and walk you through every step of the booking process.
We’re also flexible and compassionate when plans change — whether due to a surgery being rescheduled, unexpected early discharge, or extended treatment. We’re pros at working with insurance companies, case managers, and even FEMA and VA coordinators when needed.
Testimonials From Shands Guests
“We stayed in one of StayGainesville’s homes for 6 weeks while my husband received treatment at Shands. It made all the difference. We had a full kitchen to cook, a private space to rest, and it felt like we had control during a very uncertain time.” – Jennifer M., North Carolina
“Being able to stay close to the hospital without paying $150+/night for a hotel saved us so much. Cindy helped us find the perfect rental and even let us extend when our stay ran longer. Highly recommend for any Shands family.” – The Reyes Family, Tampa
Trusted by Medical Travelers, Loved by Locals
StayGainesville has long-standing relationships with:
- UF Health Shands social workers and case managers
- Out-of-town medical professionals on assignment
- Insurance companies and temporary relocation services
- Families undergoing long-term outpatient care
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We’re not just a short-term rental company — we’re a trusted local partner in the Gainesville medical community.
Book Your Stay with Confidence
If you or a loved one are headed to UF Health Shands Hospital for care, don’t let housing stress add to the burden. With StayGainesville, you can book with confidence knowing you’ll receive:
- A clean, comfortable, private home
- A location that makes travel to Shands easy
- Personalized assistance from experienced local professionals
- Flexible rates for longer-term medical stays
Visit www.StayGainesville.com to browse our medical guest-friendly listings or call us directly — we’ll walk you through your options and help you find the space that suits your needs best.
Let Us Help You Focus on What Matters Most
Your health — or the health of your loved one — deserves your full attention. Leave the lodging logistics to us.
StayGainesville is honored to support Shands patients and families during life’s most important moments — and we’ll be here when you need us most.
Call us today at 352-519-3994 or e-mail us at info@staygainesville.com
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