Last Updated on April 11, 2024 by Marybeth
When traveling to a beach town how much of your time is spent in your hotel room? You arrive, unpack and arrange that light summer wardrobe (swimsuits, flip flops, t-shirts, sundresses) in the drawers and closet, maybe bounce on the bed to test the mattress, peer into the mini bar (that you may break down and partake of later, price be damned) and then head out the door into the sunshine, right?
You’ve come to explore, have adventures, try the local cuisine, take in the culture and the sights or maybe just plunk yourself down in a beach chair for the duration. Hence the need for a place that makes you exclaim “This is all we need.” Something about travel compels us to pare down, exist on a smaller footprint, need less. Which drives our continuous quest, here at Beaches, Bars and Bungalows, to find unique, compact, cottage-style hotel stays for us all.
Recently I spent half a day glued to my computer reading travel statistics for Florida. I learned a lot! And came away feeling like my brain was fogged up not unlike when I stealthily turn the A/C so low at night we can’t see out the windows in the morning. There is so much info out there. Wow. And yay for all those institutions of higher learning and big giant scientific conglomerations who fund, compile, gather, and study these findings!
I want to share with you a few gems:
The most popular destination in the United States is – yes of course – Florida!
And not only for the obvious theme park reasons, but because of the 1,350 miles of coastline and all the welcoming towns facing the ocean.
77% of families look for “best value/pricing” when planning a trip.
All the more reason for us to help you find the best affordable, not-cookie-cutter place to stay – which here in Florida is often “your own” four walls.
Starting up north on the Gulf coast, in what we call the Big Bend area –
CEDAR KEY
Firefly Resort Cottages started life as something much different from what they are today. I can’t even begin to do real justice to their story, so click their link to read the epic tale. I’ll just say here that some of the cottages floated around after big rains, walls were collapsing, floors were rotten, the “gardens” had taken over. The lowest lying cottage – once home to a secret men’s-only gambling club – has been inundated with water multiple times and is currently undergoing its makeover and will be ready later this Fall.The new owners saw beyond all the degradation and after much faith, vision, and tireless hands-on reconstruction have completely restored the property making it live up to the “resort” part of its name. Not only is this a peaceful paradise, each cottage has its own charm, decor, creative touches and all guests are pampered with purified water (an 11- stage filter process); made in the USA pollutant-free bath products; Florida-made Sweetwater Organic Coffee; complimentary airport pickup and drop off for guests staying two or more nights (only $10 if staying one night) and more. Some cottages have water views.
Just up the street from Firefly (rent out both properties for your next family reunion!) Pirate’s Cove is another cute cluster of cottages, each painted a different cheerful color. One cottage accommodates up to 5 people, the other six cottages sleep from 2-4 people. The new owners have added their touches and though the exteriors retain their old-Florida charm, the interiors are fresh and contemporary.
Most cottages have full kitchens while others have a kitchenette; click their name to visit the site and choose the cottage that best suits you. Some cottages have water views. A canoe is available for guests’ use, or bring your own kayak to launch from one of their two docks. Fish cleaning stations enable you to prepare your own catch!
SIESTA KEY
With 14 tiny houses to choose from – including 2 that are modeled after the Siesta Key lifeguard stands – you will be in Tiny House Heaven. If a tiny home seems too small for you they also offer a newly renovated park model home with a full kitchen, living room and full bath, sleeping 6 with a queen bedroom and 2 sofa sleepers.
Your options for a tiny home are 1/1, 2/1 and 3/1. Some tiny homes are senior friendly (isn’t that so sweet?); either a bedroom downstairs, or a futon, or steps to the loft with railings instead of a ladder. All include A/C, heat, microwave, kitchen utensils, coffee maker, grill, private parking, and more. Scroll through the gallery on their site to choose your tiny home. You’ll be delighted with the creative interiors!
MATLACHA
Matlacha is one of the most colorful towns in Florida; a haven for art galleries, waterfront restaurants and eclectic places to stay. With the arrival of Matlacha Tiny Village this town has ramped up the color index for sure! And of course we all want to experience staying in a tiny house. Here is your chance before you actually sell off all your stuff and become a minimalist.
All units include a full kitchenette with microwave, fridge, induction cooktop and coffee maker. A BBQ grill, dock, deck and kayak launch are on this waterfront property. Great job with the interiors / colors / art / creative touches!
SANIBEL/CAPTIVA ISLAND
Sanibel and Captiva Islands are Florida’s Cottage-Style Motel Capital! Sadly many of the properties were damaged by Hurricane Ian. We have updated our list as accurately as possible for those properties that are still open or opened once again.
And here are a sampling of those charming vacation cottages:
I’ve left Anchor Inn & Cottages on our list, as the property was reported not too long ago as on the market, and it looks like the listing is still active. We will continue to keep an eye on this lovely, old-Florida property with hopes that someone will take over ownership and give it new life.
From our article before Hurricane Ian:
“Anchor Inn offers standard hotel rooms as well as the historic cottage A-frames. Choose from a studio, deluxe studio, efficiency or one of the three cottages which offer a queen bed in the loft, a queen bed in the downstairs bedroom, a sleeper sofa, 1 bathroom, living room, full kitchen, dining area and 2 private decks.
Included with your stay is a seasonally heated pool with a large sundeck, picnic and BBQ areas, yard games such as cornhole and shuffleboard. Use of beach chairs, umbrellas and beach towels are also complimentary.”
Vintage 1959 Periwinkle Cottages are located just across the street from the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on a shady street down which the beach is a 5 minute walk. One cottage sleeps 2, one cottage sleeps 6-8, and two sleep 4, with a separate bedroom and a sleeper sofa. Amenities include full kitchens, screened porches, A/C, high def TVs, beach chairs, beach cart & cooler, beach umbrella, Weber charcoal grill, high speed WiFi. Complimentary use, at your own risk, single-speed bicycles, tricycles and bike helmets. Periwinkle Cottages accommodate adults and children ages 13 and up.
‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort
Beginning as a group of fisherman’s cottages back in 1931, ‘Tween Waters has grown into a beautiful resort with winding pathways between all the different lodging options, restaurants, swimming pools, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, marina, water sports, a guests only fitness center, and more. A large resort with an intimate feel, at ‘Tween Waters you can stay in a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom suite, guest rooms, or seaside cottages; check their interactive map to help you choose your perfect stay. Located between the Gulf and Pine Island Sound ‘Tween Waters offers the best of both bodies of water!
SEBASTIAN
The small boating / fishing / strolling the waterfront town of Sebastian overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway on Florida’s East coast, 24 miles south of Melbourne Beach and 13 miles north of Vero Beach. The beach – Wabasso Beach – is about a 13 mile drive from Sebastian. Though not a beach town per se, Sebastian boasts at least 10 restaurants (or bars and breweries) along the waterfront or across the street from the water, which for this Triple B team makes it totally worth at least one overnight stay!
On our Must Visit SOON list, Island View Cottages have come onto the lodging scene just recently to much fanfare because of the outstanding job the owners did totally renovating the old Ferndale Lodge (a basic beige fisherman’s lodge) bringing us this amazing property like no other. Besides the peaceful grounds overlooking the Indian River (Intracoastal Waterway) and the outlying spoil islands dotting the river, each cottage has been completely re-imagined by a different local or international designer, making them all completely unique. As you scroll through each cottage tour (I’ve done that 29 times) you’ll be almost unable to choose which cottage you like best, believe me. Go there now and scroll through.
Amenities include fully equipped kitchens with two burner induction cook-tops, refrigerator, toaster, microwave, coffee, complimentary parking, boat slips, and WiFi.
JENSEN BEACH
Head down south about an hour and you’ll find Jensen Beach, another sublime slice of old-Florida town where most of the charming downtown shops and restaurants are in the area that overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway. The beach is just 2 miles over the causeway.
River Palm Cottages & Fish Camp
Far more than the name “fish camp” may imply, River Palm Cottages is one of those destinations that you can settle into and stay awhile. 23 Key West-style cottages are sprinkled about over the 7.2 acre property which is full of tropical vegetation, over 80 edible plants, fruits, and medicinal herbs. Complete with a swimming pool and a small beach on the Intracoastal, River Palms includes an authentic Chickee Hut that is the venue for parties, weddings, etc. accommodating up to 250 guests.
Choose from 1 bedroom efficiencies, 1/1, 2/1 and 2/2 bungalows, a two story 2/2.5, or the 4/2 River House. The efficiencies have a small refrigerator and microwave, the others have full kitchens. During your stay you can book a fishing trip with Captain Rufus Wakeman, a Native Florida Guide with 10 World Records for various species around the world on both fly and conventional tackle.
KEY LARGO
Seafarer Resort is a quiet tropical paradise shaded with palms and lush with tropical plants. At the end of a well manicured pathway you’ll find tiki huts, lounge and adirondack chairs, the small private beach and kayaks that are complimentary for guests. Choose from a petite queen with a garden view complete with a mini refrigerator, microwave, flat screen cable TV; a studio king or a studio with 2 queens, both with kitchens; an apartment that accommodates 6, full kitchen; a 1 bedroom villa with 2 doubles and a sleeper sofa; a 2 bedroom cottage, full kitchen; and more.
The best part – besides the beautiful grounds – is the complimentary breakfast. Most places that offer a “continental breakfast” serve packaged muffins and cereal type items, but at the Seafarer freshly baked muffins and homemade egg frittatas are served along with coffee, juice, fruit and yogurt. So delicious, one of us may have gone back for seconds….
I have to confess until recently I never imagined staying in an RV park. I thought RV parks were just for RVs! Silly me; there are SO MANY cool parks in Florida where guests can stay in a vacation cottage that looks just like a tiny home. I wrote about Riptide an earlier article and called their vacation cottages “tiny homes” and wondered why they didn’t call them that… again, sometimes I’m a bit clueless. Tiny homes have wheels, right? That’s what sets them apart….
So keep your eyes open for RV Resort stays! Riptide has its own beach, covered pavilion, clubhouse, picnic area, marina, kayaking, boat ramp, and fishing. One bedroom vacation cottages sleep up to 4 people. Also on site is an vintage old-Florida motel, with standard motel rooms or full efficiencies.
LAYTON
Have you ever heard of Layton, Florida? I hadn’t. And it sounds the opposite of “Florida Keys”; no offense, Layton. Layton is between Islamorada and Marathon, making it a great place to stay to explore both of those towns.
Another RV Resort? YES! Once I saw how cute these places are there was just no stopping me from finding more. Tiny home living without having to make a commitment to becoming a minimalist! Sidebar about tiny home living – I just saw this tip this morning – if you’re considering becoming a tiny home dweller: In your current abode, stick a post-it on the door to each room, and as you enter or leave, write down what you did in there and how much time you spent. You may be surprised that you have rooms you NEVER USE. Or rarely. (This happens at our house, I have to admit…)
Fiesta Key Resort & Marina has a swimming pool, boat docks, marina, boat ramp, tiki bar dining, horseshoes, dog run, recreation hall, basketball court, boat trailer parking, boat wash station, and more. The Elite Cottages – the ones pictured above that look so much like tiny homes – sleep from 4 to 6 people, have A/C and heat, fully equipped kitchens, and bed linens are furnished.
