Where To Stay In The Bradenton Area

Please note: this article is sponsored by our partners at the Bradenton Area.

With laidback city vibes in Downtown Bradenton, boutique shopping in quaint coastal towns, and white-sand beaches in Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key, Florida’s Bradenton Area is the definition of a dream destination.

You absolutely will not need to change out of shorts and flip-flops on a holiday to Bradenton. This slice of paradise on Florida’s Gulf Coast is all about taking it easy and letting your hair down.

It’s a mantra that also extends to Bradenton’s hotels and villas, which have every ingredient for a stress-free stay, whether that’s a luxury resort overlooking the pristine beach or a self-catering villa with plenty of room for all the family (and pets!).

Here, we round up the best places to stay in Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, and Longboat Key for families, friends, couples and solo visitors alike.

Bradenton

If you want the best of both worlds – beach access plus city buzz – downtown Bradenton is the place to be. You’ll be near top attractions like the scenic Riverwalk, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature or the eclectic Village of the Arts, all while staying within easy reach of its award-winning beaches.

Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa

One of Bradenton’s newest hotels, this plush retreat with panoramic views of the Manatee River and Palmetto Estuary Nature Preserve is all about celebrating its coastal surrounds. The Oyster River Rooftop shows off the best of it – all with a side of some of Florida’s tastiest and freshest seafood. Palmetto Marriott Resort and Spa also boasts two stylish pools, a full-service spa and a private beach club. It’s a dream check-in for families and couples seeking a social stay.

SpringHill Suites Bradenton

It’s all about location at the three-star SpringHill Suites, a downtown hotel that sits along the riverfront with stunning water views that meet a city skyline. Expect plenty of space (every room is a suite), good Wi-Fi, a rooftop pool, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. You’re also within walking distance of all the most popular restaurants, as well as shops, bars and attractions.

IMG Legacy Hotel

Whether you're visiting IMG Academy or just want a stylish stay with top-notch amenities, IMG Legacy Hotel ticks both boxes. This modern boutique hotel is designed with comfort in mind – think sleek and spacious rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and an outdoor pool perfect for unwinding after a long day. With an on-site restaurant serving tasty bites and its proximity to the Academy’s elite training facilities, it’s a go-to for athletes and families alike.

Shorewalk Vacation Villas

You’ll enjoy the perfect mix of relaxation and recreation Shorewalk Vacation Villas. In the heart of Bradenton, these two-bedroom, self-catering condos offer a peaceful escape for families and extended stay as each has a fully equipped kitchen, private patio and spacious living area. Beyond your villa, you’ll find two outdoor pools, hot tubs, tennis courts and a clubhouse, making it easy to unwind and stay active.

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Anna Maria Island

Anna Maria Island is the jewel in the crown of the Bradenton Area. With sugar-white sand and warm turquoise waters, this idyllic spot is just 11.2km (7 miles) long and 1.6km (1 mile) wide so exploring is easy and the vibe is laid-back and friendly. Treat yourself to a stay here and you’ll understand why the area has a 94% visitor return rate. As they say, once you know, you know!

Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound

This sunny four-star stay sits at the gateway to the island, beside the marina and overlooking the wildlife-rich Neal Preserve. All 123 rooms at the Compass Hotel are dipped in sunshine, with breezy balconies and ocean art, and they’re well soundproofed for a quality night’s sleep. Its two on-site restaurants are loved by locals and visitors alike, including Floridays Woodfire Grill & Bar, which always has the freshest catch for its hungry diners and serves the best margaritas for miles around.

Waterline Villas & Marina

There’s plenty to do at Waterline, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel that offers villa-style condos in prime position in Holmes Beach. It's like your own home, except with resort-style perks like bicycle rental, room service and watersports fun at the marina. The fully equipped kitchen means you can whip up your own delights or for some truly exceptional dining, why not let the all-day restaurant take care of dinner for you?

Mello on the Beach

Travelling with the whole clan? Let Mello on the Beach be your abode. Choose one, two or three-bedroom rentals that are spot on for amenities. They come with spacious and stocked kitchens, private patios, fire pits and BBQ grills, and washers/dryers so the kids can get as messy as they like. Pets are allowed too. And since Mello is on Holmes Beach, parents needn’t spend the whole time cooking as the island’s tastiest restaurants and bars are just minutes away.

Silver Surf

Silver Surf’s modern 2023 renovation makes this hotel feel like so much more than its two-star rating. Rooms are self-catering but the hotel’s complimentary ‘Grab & Go’ continental breakfast also means you’ll start every day with ease. The free Anna Maria Island Trolley stops right outside the property, so you can explore without a car. But with private beach access, free sun-loungers on those ever-so-soft sands and paddleboard and jetski rentals, you may be equally as happy staying put.

Anna Maria Island villa rentals

Anna Maria Island’s holiday villas are a fantastic option for a truly personalised stay. There’s something for every budget and group size – choose a cosy bungalow for a romantic retreat, or book a spacious home with a gourmet kitchen, outdoor lounge and direct beach access for a family gathering. Many rentals come with bikes, kayaks and golf carts, making island exploring a breeze. Whether you're after a luxury waterfront escape or a budget-friendly beach house, it’s easy to find your perfect home-away-from-home here.

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Longboat Key

Longboat Key, just south of Anna Maria Island, is a 17.7km (11 miles) barrier island that’s almost all powder-soft beaches and fine-dining restaurants, making it an ideal destination for travellers with upmarket nights on their minds.

Zota Beach Resort

Zota Beach Resort may be a four-star hotel, but it’s pure luxe from the get-go. First, it’s on the beachfront, overlooking the mesmerising Gulf of Mexico, with a sparkling pool and exclusive private beach for guest use. And second, the rooms are oh-so chic with floor-to-ceiling windows framing breathtaking oceanfront views. Whether you’re after a cosy studio or a spacious suite, this is beachfront elegance at its best.