I just came back from 2 weeks at Little Gull. The first time Istayed here was 17 years ago! 11 years ago we became owners and now have 3 weeks! It becomes more difficult to leave each time because after all these years it truly seems like a second home!! They have made wonderful upgrades to the kitchens and the bathrooms in recent years. Each unit is always immaculate and inviting upon entry. The staff is always friendly and helpful quick to respond to problems if they arise, but otherwise they leave you alone to enjoy what we all refer to as Paradise!! Longboat key is a quiet out of the way barier island to Sarasota. this time of year there are hardly any tourist or residents around so the beach becomes your own private hide-a-way!
Although we basicallt stayed around the resort and enjoyed the beach and the wildlife that abounds around the resort, we took a kayak guided tour in a nearby nature preserve. It was a unique experience for a 62 year old!! We also went into Sarasota and took in a movie at the arts theatre on the one day in two weeks that was gray and raining. St. Armond's Circle is a must and never disappoints!!
I really don't understand the one negative review that was posted recently....they must not have been staying at the same resort. We have three cottages on the gulf side. We usually stay for two weeks and trade the other, although my daughter and her husband used the third week afor their honeymoon last year....we all love Little Gull.....and actually they presented us with a Little Gull grandchild!! Another reason to love it!!

My partner and I found Little Gull Cottages online and took a chance, booking a week's stay in early September. The rate was unexpectedly inexpensive, so we were not expecting too much (other than a vacation close to the Gulf.) However, from the moment we drove on to the property we were AMAZED at the lovely setting of Little Gull. Pictures (and the video tour on their website) simply do not do justice to this resort. It is very small - only 16 units - and staffed by only a few people. There is not a restaurant onsite, but there were three within walking distance! There are no activities per se, but we found plenty to do on our own. There is a small get-together the resort holds on Monday morning with refreshments where management gives a talk about local atractions and activities.

What we found suprising was the friendliness and warmth of the staff and guests. We talked to several other guests at the pool and beach and many have been returning to the resort for 30 years! We had a couple of minor maintenance issues and they were given attention as soon as we reported them. The front desk clerk was extremely helpful and spent a good deal of time printing directions to various places for us (we forgot our GPS!) and made us feel taken care of.

We cannot say enough about the GORGEOUSNESS of the private beach here. It truly looks and feels like something from a movie (and I say this as a girl who grew up in Florida!) I felt like I was on holiday in the Caribbean. The pool was small but clean and had many chairs, loungers and tables set up.

My only (minor) drawbacks would be that our unit (Bay side) did not have a washer/dryer, but there is a free laundry provided for guests. I was taken aback at first by the furnishings of our cottage, which seemed more appropriate for a cottage on the Atlantic in Maine! By the end of the week, though, it had grown on me. Had it been a bit more chilly at night, we would have made use of the fireplace!

I would not hesitate to suggest staying here to anyone, and my partner and I plan to come back next year, if not sooner. We would prefer to stay on the Gulf side next time, but we had a very short walk to the beach and it wasn't too much of an inconvenience. Great value for your travel dollar, as well as being quite romantic.

If you arrive on Saturday after 5, there will be no bikes & no information as the office is close. When they open the office, bikes are only available from 10- 5, the hottest part of the day. For 5 days we had one towel to use until the once a week towel exchange, and the towels are flimsy & of a poor quality. Limited baking supplies in the 2 bedroom unit makes it difficult to cook. They didn't even supply shampoo or a hair dryer. There were beach chairs and a clean pool and a short walk to the beach. That was the best part

I have been coming here for 15 years and for the last 5 now an owner. My daughter has grown up with theses memories and we have made wonderful friends that we now call family. Your stay here is speechless. You have access right to the Gulf and bay with only steps away. Beautiful palm trees, private beach, great pool, washer, dryer (free of charge), and the staff is fabulous. The cottages are updated with everything you need. Shops and restaurants steps or a drive away. Come stay here, you won't regret it and you'll come back for more.