We had a wonderful experience staying at this home. Check-in was easy with excellent communication. The home itself was very clean, pleasant, and well-equipped with everything you need to cook (we made most of our meals at home) plus a beach wagon, chairs, sand toys, balls, pool toys, etc. The beds were so comfortable! Our kids loved the bunk room and spent many hours in the pool; one even learned to swim on this trip. The hosts were very responsive and helpful the one time we had an issue. The advance email letting us know exactly what’s stocked in the house with quantities was very helpful!
The house is on a quiet street but walking distance to the grocery store/pharmacy, restaurants, and beach.
The only con that didn’t affect us but might affect non-family groups is the bathroom layout. Both bathrooms are on the top floor off of bedrooms. One is accessed by the Master Bedroom and one is accessed via the bunk room. Anyone sleeping in the main floor bedroom has to access the bathroom by going through someone else’s bedroom.
Some of our favorite trip activities included swimming at the beach (we walked a couple blocks south of Manatee beach to avoid the crowds), spending a morning at Bean Point, grabbing ice cream and walking by the Anna Maria City Pier, swimming in the pool, hiking at a nature reserve, walks, meals on the back porch, bike rides (bikes are not included with the house but you can rent them elsewhere), visiting the Ringling Museum and gardens, seeing the Mote Aquarium, and, a highlight for everyone, going on a private boat ride with Anna Maria Dolphin Tours to see dolphins and all sorts of other sea creatures.
We had a perfect stay at this house and all agreed it was our best family vacation ever. Highly recommended.
