Anna Maria Island offers a glimpse of Florida quite different from the experiences offered in the state's large touristy cities, Orlando and Miami. This quaint, small island town has no fast food, no high-rise resorts and no traffic lights. But there is still plenty to do: the island offers beaches, snorkeling, biking, boating, dining and shopping. For a quick dose of city life, Tampa is about 1.5 hours north.
The Anna Maria Motel and Resort Apartments is located at the northwest tip of Anna Maria Island. Accommodations include studios, one-bedroom apartments and one- to two-bedroom cottages. Some rooms offer pool access and the beach is just across the street. All the rooms and apartments at Anna Maria Motel have full kitchens. Pets under 35 lbs. are allowed for an additional fee. The property has only nine units, so reserve in advance.
The Sea Isle Motel offers six apartment-style accommodations at reasonable prices. The motel has a screened, heated pool and wireless Internet access. All the rooms come equipped with full kitchens with microwaves and refrigerators. The beach is a few blocks away, and a park with a playground and picnic area is nearby. The Sea Isle Motel does not accept pets.
The Rod and Reel Resort is an ideal getaway for fishermen and beach lovers. Two of the resort's 12 rooms are on the waterfront, and the hotel is located just feet away from the Rod and Reel Pier and Rod and Reel Restaurant. All the rooms have kitchenettes with stove-top, microwave and refrigerators. The resort also offers a one-bedroom suite, and free wireless Internet throughout the facility. Enjoy a beach-side cocktail at the resort's Tikki Hut.
Siam Garden Resort is on the south side of Anna Maria Island, less than one block from the City Pier. The resort offers 16 rooms and is decorated with an exotic South Pacific feel. All rooms are one-bedroom suites, with the exception of one room with two bedrooms. Pets are not allowed. All rooms have private balconies with beach or pool views, wireless internet service and full kitchens. The Waterfront Restaurant is just a short walk from the resort.
