There are lots of excellent reviews for this place, but I give it just average because it is what it is: a low-key beach cottage. Our cottage was right off the road, which was noisy even at night, and although it had everything we needed, it definitely wasn't luxury. The amenities were dated, the shower was cramped, the tile floor looked clean, but left our feet dirty after walking on it barefoot.
That being said, the private beach is great and the managers are laid back and friendly. There's a stockpile of leftovers from previous guests -- from books to disposable coolers to beach toys -- which is nice.

Cedar Cove was a real find. We had originally booked several nights there in October and extended a night as we liked it so much. I would totally recommend to anyone who is looking for a real beachside holiday to check in.

My best friend was over from Europe and I wanted to be sure to find a good place in the Sarasota area. Cedar Cove delivered. Jeff and Eric did a great job of making us feel really at home and Jeff took care of transferring our bags and helped us move when we stayed on. Both rooms were lovely, clean and comfortable and well equipped.

The grounds are well kept and very tropical.

We like to cook so we had a lot of fun staying in and enjoying our favorite goodies. It is stone crab season and Jeff recommended the Star Fishing Company at Cortez fishing village and the crab was the best I have ever had. Fresh as they have their own boats. Another huge hit! Go early they sell out fast.

One other complete surprise was the gorgeous beach. I used to frequent the Longboat Key beach a lot and the one at Siesta Key. But the stretch of Holmes Beach where they are located is fabulous. You get the sugar fine sand of Siesta Key with the depth of Longboat and the water was completely crystal clear aquamarine. And it is private so there was never a crowd!

Not only are you getting a great hotel but the beach is superlative. I wouldn't take a plane and go to anywhere after seeing the beaches in this stretch of Florida. And it is long so you can enjoy all the walks and sunsets you desire. There are even restaurants up the beach that you can walk to.

So we concluded that we found everything we were looking for great hotel, fabulous beach, and our favorite seafood.

We will definitely be back as soon as the calendar allows.

I am giving Cedar Cove the gold medal!

Stayed in the Sand Dollar suite over a long weekend. Jeff was super nice and helpful during check-in. Provided us beach towels and made sure everything was to our liking once we got to our room. And we loved having a reserved parking spot! The view was superb. We had some noisy upstairs "neighbors" who must have had insomnia because they stomped all through their suite all night, but that is certainly no fault of the managers or owners.The weather was perfect, which allowed us to open our bedroom window at night and listen to the crashing waves. What a treat! The live beach webcam also allowed our friends and family back home to see us say "hi."

Everything in the room was very clean and the furniture had been recently updated. We had a king sofa in the bedroom with memory foam mattress -- so comfortable, a pullout sofa sleeper in the living room, and a recliner in the living room also. The TVs in the living and bed rooms were dated and the remotes didn't work very well, but we didn't spend that much time watching TV anyway.

Resort is really close to the N and S trolley stops. This is another great way to get around the island and it's free.

If you are able to, definitely stay in one of the four gulf-view rooms.

Thanks Jeff & Eric for an awesome vacation!

The natural environment of Anna Maria Island is exceptional, and the Cedar Cove Resort is right in the middle of it. After staying at High Rise Hotels with crowded, sterile beaches, our stay at Cedar cove was an exceptional experience of seeing Dolphins, Sea Rays, Pelicans, Sand Dollars, and a wide variety of shore birds.
The resort sits in the midst of a natural setting of beach grass and unspoiled nature. The locals are more dedicated to the Sea Turtles that lay their eggs on the beach than building big hotels for tourists
Any thing you need is available from Eric and Jeff. Their goal was for us to have a perfect beach vacation.
They were never intrusive, yet, when we needed them they had all the answers and were very happy to give suggestions for the local area. All suggestions proved to be perfect. The paper book/magazine library, coolers, beach and water toys that are available help make for a relaxing day at the beach.
The suites are simple and casual, but, not lacking in cleanliness and refinement.
Falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the waves gently crashing on the beach was a wonderful experience.
We will return, but we are afraid Cedar Cove soon won't be a secret anymore and will be fully booked all the time.
Bob & Bonnie F.