Last Updated on September 15, 2025 by Katrina
With its white-powder beaches and no-high-rise ambience, Anna Maria Island is a sleepy Old Florida experience. The barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast is hidden in plain sight, too. It’s easily accessed by way of a bridge west of Bradenton. While Anna Maria doesn’t have a wide range of hotels, there are excellent options in Holmes Beach. And there are more choices a short drive into Bradenton, or on Longboat Key to the south. Here are five great hotels on or near Anna Maria Island:
Waterline Villas & Marina, Autograph Collection (5325 Marina Dr.; 844-863-9443) Holmes Beach
Part of the Marriott’s Autograph Collection, this condo-style resort balances small-hotel charm with amenities such as a pool and bike rentals. Travel+ Leisure calls it “sophisticated”—the two-bedroom condos “each come with a balcony and dock in one of its 50 slips. At the on-site Chateau Anna Maria restaurant, French-inspired dishes from Food Network alums Buddy and Jennifer Foy are served in a nautical dining room.” A Tripadvisor user calls it a “wonderful place. Very clean with full kitchen, washer and dryer. Pool is a bit small but wasn’t busy at all when we were there. There is also ping pong which we enjoyed.” >> Book this hotel for less
Bali Hai Beach Resort (6900 Gulf Dr; 941- 254-6609) Holmes Beach
You’ll enjoy both a kitchen and easy beach access at this laidback, 42-room hotel on Holmes Beach, two miles from the Passage Key National Wildlife Refuge. One Tripadvisor user writes that it is “not really an upscale resort … if you are looking for an all-inclusive trip with a party vibe, with staff waiting on you non-stop, this is not the place for you! This is a quiet place great for couples, families, and those wanting to relax and simply enjoy.” A Google reviewer writes that “It was dreamy being able to hear the waves crash on the beach. In the courtyard they have a heated pool and even a turf area with bocce ball and giant Jenga. The free trolley stopped right in front of the hotel and will take you around the whole island. Restaurants are walking distance too.” >> Book this hotel for less
Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages (2710 Gulf Dr.; 800-206-6293) Holmes Beach
“Ever have one of those best kept secret places that you just love but selfishly want to keep it to yourself?” asks a Google reviewer of this small resort on Holmes Beach. “You’re right on the beach! The accommodations were well maintained.” Amenities include complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, floats and towels. One Tripadvisor reviewer who has been coming back for years writes, “Can’t recommend this place enough. It is beautiful.” >> Book this hotel for less
Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound by Margaritaville (12324 Manatee Ave W; 941-741-9700) Bradenton
The 123-room resort, part of the Margaritaville brand, sits right along the marina and is a five-minute drive to the beaches of Anna Maria Island. “It is in a very quiet area, next to the bridge which goes across to Anna Maria Island,” writes a Tripadvisor user. “The view from our balcony was lovely. Breakfast was part of our package, and everything we had was great, with plenty of choices.” A Google reviewer calls it a “very welcoming atmosphere. Great happy hour. It’s perfect for nature lovers, beach grazers, birdwatchers, stargazers. Manatees and dolphins were in the marina this last trip.” >> Book this hotel for less
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort (1601 Gulf of Mexico Dr.; 941-231-1000) Longboat Key
For a luxury stay near Anna Maria, check in at this St. Regis with a private beach, two pools, kids club, and a spa. “The 168-key resort boasts 18 acres of prime beachfront and a long list of top-notch amenities,” writes Travel +Leisure. “The guest rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies … and every resort guest is welcomed by their dedicated butler, assisting them with requests throughout their stay.” One Google reviewer writes that “have many excellent restaurants, superior friendly service, and the grounds are amazing, including a giant ray pond.” >> Book this hotel for less
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