2000 Gulf Dr N, Anna Maria, Florida, United States | (937) 315-4602
Guests have direct access to a private beach area
Large rooms, some of which can fit up to six guests
Kitchenettes in rooms are nice additions
Rooms include such niceties as baskets of embroidered towels, flowers, and candy
All rooms are non-smoking (a con for some)
Free parking for guests
Free high-speed Wi-Fi
No closets in the bungalows
Window air-conditioning
units can get noisy
No pets allowed (a pro for some)
No gym or spa
The 1930s Bungalow Beach Resort was once an Army barracks, but its hedged, gated, and elegantly manicured grounds filled with exotic foliage give little evidence of its earlier life. The clean, overpowering white decor, the swaying coconut palms, private beach area, and heated pools -- with a cabana area for private entertaining -- make this homey, family-run resort a good choice for a romantic getaway, family reunion, or wedding. High ceilings and slow-moving fans add to the island vibe, while free Wi-Fi keeps guests in touch with the rest of the world. Bungalows range from one-room Studios to those with three bedrooms. There is no fitness center or spa. The sights of Sarasota and Bradenton are within a 30-minute drive.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Upscale ambience with small-town charm
The Bungalow Beach Resort is set amid private gardens and towering palm trees, and a lot of history surrounds it. Carefully curated and colorful artwork accents the white lobby, which is filled with seashells and fresh flowers. Each of the cedar bungalows preserves its 1930s clapboard construction, evocative of Old Florida. High ceilings create the illusion of more space.
Plenty of guests can be found at the private white-sand beach -- on the lounge chairs and under the umbrellas the resort provides -- but the main heated pool, surrounded by cushioned lounge chairs and old-fashioned white tables, is equally inviting. Two grills in the courtyard provide an area for guests to cook steak and fish, and there's a cabana for private entertaining.
Location
Located on Amelia Island, about a 30-minute drive to Sarasota
The Bungalow Beach Resort is located in the historic scenic district of Bradenton Beach, one of the three cities on Anna Maria Island, with several shops and restaurants nearby. Sarasota and Bradenton are within a 30-minute drive, and hold such attractions as the Mote Marine Aquarium, Ringling Museum, and Selby Botanical Gardens, while Old Historic Bridge Street and St. Armands Circle offer plenty of shopping opportunities.
Rooms
Cedar bungalows offer one to three bedrooms, with lovely personal touches.
The Bungalow Beach Resort does rustic-chic well. Each of the 15 bungalows come with either a king or queen-size bed clad in Ralph Lauren linens; some have sleeper sofas. Drawing inspiration from the Caribbean and Old Florida, rooms feature white wicker furniture, bead-board walls, and wood-beamed cathedral ceilings with fans and skylights, and private porches. The original hardwood floors have been preserved. All rooms come with kitchenettes, which include microwaves, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, window air-conditioning units, and free Wi-Fi. White-tiled bathrooms are sparkling white, clean, and basic, with showers, hairdryers, and toiletries. The Island Pool Room comes with its own pool.
Features
Private beach and nice, personal touches
The family-run Bungalow Beach Resort is big on the small touches -- soft Ralph Lauren linens, embroidered towels, flowers, and candy to name a few. Both the main and private pool are heated, and surrounded by white picket fences and blue-and-white cushioned lounge chairs. There is no fitness center or spa. The beach can be reached directly from the bungalows. Tours and group excursions can be booked from the lobby. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
