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Changing Tides Cottages: Traveler Reviews

225 Boca Ciega Drive, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
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Changing Tides Cottages
Ranked #2 of 13 hotels in Madeira Beach
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62 reviews from our community

    Trip type
Traveler rating
    43
    13
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Toronto, Canada
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Changing Tides is great for dogs, Madeira Beach sadly isn't.”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 9, 2013

This was a very charming place with a very charming hostess. It was great to be able to open the door to our cottage and not to have to worry about the dog ending up in the street (the whole compound is fenced), and, although our place wasn't on the water we were allocated a couple of chairs and an umbrella to sit out and enjoy the channel and dolphins. Sadly, after driving 3 days to get here we found out that the only off leash areas were about half an hour drive away. I can't fathom such a densely populated community without an off leash area within walking distance of everyone so this was very dissappointing and will keep us from returning as the point of driving was to get some heat over the holidays without boarding our dog.

It could use some updating without a doubt, our little cottage was a bit too stuffed with furniture, the kitchen and bathroom cabinets mostly didn't close, the stove seemed to only function of one heat level regardless of the cook's intentions, and the bbqs were too old and rusted out to use. As well, if you are intending to cook either bring your own supplies or ask Kathy if she squirrels away some good stuff. I brought some pots and pans and utensils but we bought a strainer (donated at end of the week) as well as a cutting board. I forgot a good knife and didn't expect to find one so I bought a new cheap one. Knife and cutting board went home with us - sorry. But, we accidently left the towels we had brought so we've added to the community there. Towels were provided but I wanted to bring old since we had the dog.

But, very charming. I'd recommend absolutely if you are travelling with a dog. Everyone will be comfortable.

Room Tip: Book early and get a view of the channel.
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  • Stayed December 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Ask smh2013 about Changing Tides Cottages
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kiteflier, Owner at Changing Tides Cottages, responded to this review
January 17, 2013
Since Madeira Beach and the South Central Gulf Beaches are so pet friendly, we are going to assume that we as Hosts did not do well informing our Guest as to the dog amenities of the area.

In Madeira Beach alone, we have one dog beach, several restaurants, and an entire boardwalk that opens their decks and water bowls to our four-legged friends. Madeira Beach’s main recreational center also permits on-leash walking and running; this walk is about a mile and half long with a major part of it along the edge of the inter-coastal waterway. Nice. We also have blocks and blocks of friendly neighborhoods for dog walking.

Outside of immediate Madeira Beach, 25-30 minutes away, we have Fort Desoto State Park Beach. This was rated the Number One beach in the US within the last few years and includes a mile of dog-friendly, off-leash beach fun. We think 25-30 minutes is hardly long for such a lovely day to enjoy with your pups on the Gulf of Mexico.

In addition, we have several large, beautiful treed parks, both county and state, within a 5-15 minute drive that allow dogs to run and play off leash.

So one can see why we feel we were not informative enough for our Guest.
This area definitely has a lot to offer for folks traveling with pets!

Our Jungle Room is one of our most popular cottages. Upon reading the review, we did go in and find a few squeaky doors and our knives were in disarray. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.

We are in the process of bringing in new BBQ’s; they usually get a good workout in the lovely days of summer and fall.

We thank our Guest for taking the time to write the review and for thinking of us. We hope at some future date that they will come again and enjoy the area.

Kathy, Owner / Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“No better value”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 3, 2012

Stayed 2 nights in fishing cottage. Cathy is an outstanding hostess, personable and friendly. Cottage was clean and view was outstanding. So much better than a hotel room.
You can walk to most everything or very short drive. 2 blocks from Johns Pass. Your in the center of everything without all the noise that goes along with it. Changing Tides is pet friendly.

  • Stayed December 2012
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Jej55 about Changing Tides Cottages
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Summerland Key, Florida
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Felt like visiting old friends!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed October 8, 2012

We live in the lower Florida Keys and were going to St Pete to look at a boat. Good friends had recently stayed at the Changing Tides with their two dogs and loved it. We were traveling with our Shih Tzu and as dog owners know a lot of hotels will take dogs now, but they are just that, hotel rooms & usually not as "friendly" as you would hope.

The moment we got there we were greeting by the owner, Kathy, who showed us around & immediately made us feel at home. She made us aware that our pet's comfort was as important as ours! The cottages are quaint & comfy and dog friendly. There are clean & neat covers on the couches that they can change out & wash after you leave if your dog is of the mind to make itself at home. The little resort is totally fenced in and she encourages you to have your dog off leash. Only friendly well balanced dogs may stay & my little 9 pound 11 year old was very relaxed as soon as he got there. It's as if they know it's a safe place to be! There is a nice grassy area (well lit) to the side of the cottages to "relieve" your dog, with a "poopbag" dispenser & trash can.

The area is lovely and Kathy was a wealth of information; were to go, eat, get groceries & bait. We were within 2 blocks of John's Pass & Boardwalk & across the street from the white sandy beach. Beautiful sunsets, fishing charters of every kind, dolphins in the water right off the docks!

We will definitely be back!! Oh, by the way, we bought the boat!

Room Tip: They are all nice separate cottages & each is unique. They have good explanations & picture...
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  • Stayed October 2012, traveled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 3
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Orlando, Florida
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
“Best Pet Friendly Family Vacation”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed August 27, 2012

We recently stayed for the weekend Friday thru Sunday. We had never taken our pets on vacation and always felt somehow they would feel left out if we did. Well not here - I couldn't tell you who had more fun my parents, wife and I or the two beagles. What an awesome experience - the cottages are well equipped with anything you should need - a nice kitchen - we had a two bedroom cottage with a great covered patio that faced the courtyard - we made fast friends with the other guests as did our dogs. Ace the resident pet is friendly and accomodating and Kathy was awesome checking to see if we enjoyed our stay and giving is great tips on what is nearby. The location is perfect John's Pass is less than a 5 minute walk the Ft Desoto Dog Beach is a 10 minute drive down the road - there was literally something for everybody. We plan on making this a family event for years to come. Thank you Kathy and Changing Tides for a wonderful weekend :)

  • Stayed August 2012, traveled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes 6
See 2 more reviews by beaglemom14 for Madeira Beach
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
1 review
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“The friendliest vacation stay we could hope for!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed August 11, 2012

We chose Changing Tides from a recommendation from my sister and nothing disappointed us.
When they say pet friendly, they mean it, it's just as much a vacation for your pet as it will be for you. Old Florida really describes it well-the cottages are comfy, cozy getaways, with their own porches, and a wonderful common area by the water. We were fortunate to see a Manatee ambling slowly through the water, slow enough two people jumped in Kayak's and could have touched it. Don't be surprised by the friendliness of the owner and the other guests-it's as if when you step through the gates, you enter into a "neighborhood" that welcomes you as if you've just come home from a vacation, instead of being on one. This is our new home away from home when visiting my sister, and now we have new "old" friends in Kathy and Renee.

Stayed July 2012, traveled with family
Was this review helpful? Yes 3
Ask Linda C about Changing Tides Cottages
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Additional Information about Changing Tides Cottages

Also Known As:
Changing Tides Cottages Hotel Madeira Beach
Changing Tides Cottages Hotel
Changing Tides Hotel
Changing Tides Resort
Changing Tides Cottages Madeira Beach, Florida
Address: 225 Boca Ciega Drive, Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Phone Number:
Region: United States > Florida > Madeira Beach
Amenities:
Free High-Speed Internet Free Parking Kitchenette Pets Allowed
Hotel Style:
#2 Romantic Hotels in Madeira Beach
Official Description (provided by the hotel):
Changing Tides Cottages of Tampa Bay's Madeira Beach, a family and pet friendly cottage resort, nestled on a small peninsula in Boca Ciega Harbor, beside the Gulf Beaches. The charming complex is comprised of one and two bedroom cottages, fully furnished, on one hundred and eighty feet of waterfront, with boatndocks and decks, two blocks from shopping, restaurants, and the Village of John's Pass. The location lends itself to strolling on the beach, and ending at John's Pass, where the dolphins frolic. ... more   less 

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