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Media Contact: Gentry Baumline
Hayworth Creative Public Relations
386-677-7000
gentry@hayworthcreative.com
Year 2008
Island Accommodations: An Unexpected Pleasure
Like it or not, at some point visitors must pull themselves from the warm and scenic beauty of Florida’s Gulf Islands and retreat for a good night’s sleep. Fortunately, the area’s collection of family-owned boutique hotels and splendid resort properties have soaked up the islands’ warm atmosphere and shower guests in friendly, personalized attention. Pampering guests in ways that the average hotel could never dream of, many of these properties effortlessly blend gracious hospitality with the sleepy island atmosphere. Visitors will be pleasantly surprised at all the extras that seem to come as a standard fare at various inns and beach cottages, especially on Anna Maria Island. Time and again, the comfy amenities turn even the most on-the-go visitor into a content homebody. Snuggled in a plush bed with the latest novel, some guests may find it hard to pry themselves away. Some rooms at inns and cottages are just a few flip-flops away from the beach, while others are close enough to let the lapping surf lull visitors into a sweet slumber.
Your New Island Home
The sensation of feeling right at home is what makes the Florida’s Gulf Islands such an unusually comforting experience. On Anna Maria Island, you’ll happen upon an eclectic mélange of cozy beachside cottages and inns that spoil guests with amenities such as pillow top mattresses, breezy duvets, and extra large towels in the bathrooms. It’s a refreshing surprise to discover private patios, laundry facilities with free supplies, bicycles, and gas barbecue grills for cooking your catch-of-the-day. And each charming property has its own unique flavor and personality. Most inns are family-owned, so good service is far more than corporate policy – it’s a matter of family pride. Kitchen facilities to some degree or another are commonplace at just about every property, making it ultra convenient for those who never want to stray too far from the powder soft sandy beaches. Also, many accommodations offer suites, which are ideal for families and friends traveling together. It’s this wonderful mix of quaint inns and dreamy beachside cottages that make visitors feel like they’re vacationing at their very own summer home. Devoid of fast food restaurants, high-rises, and tacky billboards that have plagued so many other beach destinations, Anna Maria Island is an unspoiled, simple Florida delight.
Resort to Other Measures
For vacationers who can’t live without the convenience of a resort, with restaurants, bars, and poolside lounges, Longboat Key is the place to go. This secluded barrier island is the perfect locale for a range of excellent resort accommodations. In addition to being a vacation playground, many beachfront hotels have facilities that offer intimate settings for special events, weddings, and corporate meetings. And several larger properties provide shuttle service to St. Armand’s Circle in Sarasota, where beachgoers can shop and eat at topnotch restaurants and stylish shops. The perks of having so many amenities combined with award-winning restaurants make Longboat Key a smart choice. Here, posh hotels rub elbows with family-style inns and condos.
Someplace Familiar
Guests in search of the familiar flagship properties will find plenty of options on the mainland communities of Ellenton, Lakewood Ranch, Palmetto and Bradenton. Accommodations here may offer amenities such as continental breakfast, suites and poolside and riverfront views. While not Gulf front, these sites are convenient to shopping along the Mainstreet at Lakewood Ranch, restaurants and the downtown riverwalk area.
A wide selection of accommodation options makes it easy for any vacationer to plan a great beach getaway. Ask around and you’ll find that almost everyone has their personal favorite where their families have returned year after year. Exceptional amenities, genteel old Florida hospitality, and some of the most picturesque Florida beaches turn first-time visitors into full-time fans of Florida’s Gulf Islands.
For travel information, visitors can call toll free (800) 462-6283, direct at (941) 729-9177 or visit www.floridasgulfislands.com. An information kiosk is located in the Manatee Courtyard of the Prime Outlet Mall in Ellenton (one quarter mile east of exit 224 on I-75). The kiosk is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
-Florida’s Gulf Islands-
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