Manasota Key Resort

The location is great, the views are fantastic, and there’s a nice pool plus bikes, ping pong, pickleball, corn hole, and a putting green. It’s one of the best places to stay in the area, and we’d come back, but I’d want to make sure the room was clean first. When we checked in late, the floors were dirty, the baseboards and vents were covered in dust, and fruit flies were in the bedrooms, bathroom, and kitchen. There was mold on the soap dish and in the sink drains. Housekeeping came the next morning, and the housekeeper agreed it wasn’t acceptable. The room smelled clean when we returned and the vents had been cleaned, but the floors were still dirty and the moldy soap dish was still there. It would also help to have ice trays or an ice machine, especially for beach days and drinks in the room.

There’s plenty to do here, from kayaking and pickleball to ping pong and biking, or you can just relax in a hammock by the Gulf. Beach gear is available, and the rooms are clean and spacious. The staff are very friendly, and the hospitality and amenities make it clear the ownership is top notch. You can fish from the dock on the intercoastal or walk the beautiful beach to look for shells and prehistoric shark teeth. Local restaurants have good food and live entertainment most nights. It works well for families or couples.

At prices around $600 a night, I expected more. The views were spectacular, but the suite had no decor at all, and with three of us staying two nights, I had to call to get soap. There were only three sugar packets for morning coffee. We ate at the newly opened restaurant and the food was excellent, but it was closed the following night. I won’t be back.

Even with the resort full, it was peaceful. The beach is on one side, and the intercoastal waterway is just a two-minute walk from the other side. We especially liked having kayaks, pickleball, bikes, and beach chairs, and the laundry facility was really convenient. We’d love to return with our teenage grandchildren. Thanks, Shelley, for all your help.