Harrington House Beachfront Bed & Breakfast

Located right on beautiful Holmes Beach and surrounded by lush tropical grounds, Harrington House has a laid-back, friendly vibe. Its 26 units are spread out in several buildings, including the Main House -- where the lobby, the pool and the breakfast room are -- and the bungalows complex, which features an additional pool and is located a block from the rest of the buildings. The original structure was built in 1925 as a private beach house, and it wasn’t until 1989 that it opened as a bed-and-breakfast. Throughout the years, the property has added several other buildings, including the Carriage House, dating back to the 1940s, and Dodt House, built in the 1930s. 

Interiors have lots of old Florida charm throughout, seen in details such as tropical flower prints, window shutters, and wicker accents. A small door in the three-story Main House opens onto a cozy living room that doubles as the lobby. With a wall piano, comfy couches, a large fireplace, and shelves with loaner books and DVDs, the space feels homey and welcoming. Off the lobby is the breakfast room, decorated with old family photos, heavy wooden furniture, and delicate flowery tea pots. Right outside, the small pool has serene Gulf views. Stone paths wind through charming tropical gardens full of colorful flowers, palm trees, and bushes, and a sand path leads directly to lovely Holmes Beach.

The Harrington House is located right on Holmes Beach, a powdery stretch of sand running the length of Anna Maria Island. The property is off the main road, and noise is minimal here, but its central location allows for easy walking and driving access to dozens of restaurants and bars for all budgets. Those looking to leave the car parked at the property can explore the area by trolley, which stops a couple of blocks away. Shopping and nightlife can be found around Holmes Boulevard, located a five-minute walk away, or near Bridge Street Pier, a10-minute drive from the hotel. Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is a 35-minute drive away, and Tampa International Airport can be reached in about an hour. 

The hotel has 17 rooms, six bungalows, and three multi-room apartments, all featuring king-size or queen-size beds, and decorated in a charming island style. Pastel colors, flower prints in couches, wallpaper, and comforters, and wicker accents make rooms cozy and quaint, but some may find the dark carpets a little dated. All units have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and air-conditioning, and a few have jetted tubs, fireplaces, and wooden floors. Dodt House units are one- to three-bedroom apartments complete with living rooms and kitchens, while bungalows also have washer/dryers, patios, and a shared outdoor pool. Many rooms have balconies, and most of them offer panoramic Gulf views. Bathrooms are clean and nice, with shower/tub combos or walk-in showers, an array of toiletries, magnifying mirrors, and hairdryers. 

The heated pool is located at the Main House, and features a handful of loungers, shaded areas, and ocean views. Additionally, there is another small outdoor pool at the bungalow complex, located a block away and exclusively for guests staying in that building. Adjacent to the main pool is the breakfast room, where an excellent homemade breakfast is served daily at no extra charge. Aside from coffee, tea, cereal, breads, jams, and cheese, egg dishes are also available. There is a selection of DVDs, books and magazines in the living room that guests can borrow during their stay. The highlight, however, are the numerous freebies offered here, including Wi-Fi throughout, outdoor parking, loaner kayaks, bikes and beach towels, and tea and cookies daily. A small beachfront gazebo can be booked for intimate weddings.