Frequently Asked Questions

Staying in one of our luxury vacation rentals offers distinct advantages over traditional hotels along Florida’s Gulf Coast. You get to live like a local with the space and privacy your family deserves. Enjoy private heated pools, fully equipped chef’s kitchens, private parking, and beautifully furnished living spaces without the crowded lobbies or resort fees. Plus, our dedicated property management team is always on call to ensure a 5-star experience.

We proudly offer luxury rentals across five premier Gulf Coast destinations, each with its own unique flavor:

• Siesta Key: World-famous for its 99% quartz sand and vibrant Siesta Key Village. Perfect for beach lovers and families looking for walkable dining and nightlife.
• Anna Maria Island (AMI): A quiet, residential island with a nostalgic “Old Florida” feel. Best for relaxing, quiet luxury, and stunning sunsets.
• Bradenton Beach: Located at the southern end of AMI, this area is lively, energetic, and highly walkable with great access to the historic Bridge Street.
• Lido Key: An upscale, sophisticated island located just steps from the world-class shopping and dining of St. Armands Circle.
• Sarasota (Mainland): Perfect for travelers looking to be close to the arts, culture, and downtown culinary scene, while still being just a short drive over the bridge to the beaches.

Yes! The Cottages on the Key specializes in accommodating large groups, corporate retreats, and family reunions. We offer several large, multi-story beach homes with 5 to 7+ bedrooms. Additionally, we manage several side-by-side properties and duplexes that can be rented together to accommodate massive groups while still allowing for private spaces.

• Sarasota-Bradenton International (SRQ): The closest and most convenient option, approximately 30 minutes away.
• Punta Gorda Airport (PGD): A convenient regional option, approximately 1 hour away.
• Tampa International (TPA): A major hub with numerous direct flights, approximately 1 hour away.
• St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE): A great budget-friendly option, approximately 1 hour away.
• Orlando International Airport (MCO): A major international hub, approximately 2 ½ hours away.

We understand that plans change. Our standard cancellation policy is as follows:

• 90 Days or More: Cancellations made 90 days or more prior to check-in receive a full refund, less an administrative fee. Any remaining credits can also be applied to a future reservation.
• 60 to 89 Days: Cancellations made between 60 and 89 days prior to check-in will be subject to a cancellation fee equal to 25% of the total reservation cost. If the property is successfully rebooked for your original dates, this fee will be reimbursed to you, less an administrative fee.
• Less than 60 Days: While payments are typically non-refundable for short-notice cancellations, we will make every effort to rebook the home. If successful, we will gladly reimburse you for the value of the new reservation, minus any administrative costs.

(We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance to protect your vacation investment.)

The primary renter must be at least 26 years of age. This individual must verify their identity, be present at check-in, and stay at the property for the entire duration of the rental period.

Yes! We love hosting four-legged guests at our designated pet-friendly properties. Our standard policy allows for 1 or 2 dogs under 25 lbs.

• Exceptions: We can often make exceptions for larger dogs, provided they are not a heavy-shedding breed. Please contact us directly to discuss your specific pet.
• Pet Fee: A non-refundable pet fee of $250 applies to all pet stays.
• Note: Pets must be disclosed and approved at the time of booking. Please check individual property listings, as some homes and condos do not permit pets due to HOA or owner restrictions.

• Check-In: 4:00 PM (EST)
• Check-Out: 10:00 AM (EST)

Strict Policy: Because our rigorous cleaning standards require ample time, no early check-ins and no late check-outs are permitted without our approval. Any attempt to check in prior to 4:00 PM or check out after 10:00 AM without prior authorization will result in the guest being billed for a full day’s rate.

Detailed arrival instructions and property access information will be provided to you securely prior to your stay. You do not need to visit an office to check in, allowing for a seamless and private arrival once your 4:00 PM check-in time begins.

While having a car is convenient for exploring the greater Sarasota and Manatee County areas, it is not strictly necessary depending on where you stay:

• Siesta Key & AMI: Both islands offer free trolley services that run daily. You can also rent bicycles, golf carts, or utilize local ride-sharing options.
• Lido Key: Many of our Lido Key homes are within a 5-to-10-minute walk or bike ride to St. Armands Circle, making dining and shopping incredibly easy.

Your health, comfort, and first impression are our top priorities. Every home undergoes our signature CottageClean process between guests. This involves a comprehensive 6-hour deep clean followed by a rigorous 33-point (or 35-point) inspection by our property management team.

Our team goes the extra mile so you don’t have to: We ensure dead pests are removed, A/C units are serviced, propane tanks are full and ready for grilling, TVs are turned on for welcoming ambiance, blinds are opened to showcase the view, and all recreational gear (kayaks, bikes, beach caddies) is inspected for immediate use.

Yes! For homes equipped with private pools and spas, pool heating is included from November 15th through April 15th. We aim to keep the water at a comfortable temperature, though please note that during extreme cold snaps, electric heat pumps may temporarily struggle to combat freezing overnight air temperatures.

To ensure you can kick back and relax the moment you arrive, we provide a premium starter pack of essentials for your first couple of nights. This includes:

• Toiletry Essentials: Shampoo, conditioner, hand/face soap, body lotion, and makeup wipes.
• Home Essentials: Dish soap, a dish sponge, dishwasher tablets, laundry tablets/pods, and cleaning wipes.

These starter packs are provided to make your first couple of nights seamless.

We want you to enjoy the Gulf waters without the hassle of overpacking! Our homes provide plenty of beach towels, beach chairs, a cooler, and a beach caddy/wagon for easy transport to the sand. Additionally, many of our homes come equipped with complimentary bikes and kayaks—all inspected and ready for you to use!

Tropical weather and marine conditions are a natural part of Florida life. We partner with Red Sky Travel Insurance (Sun Trip Preserver) and strongly encourage all guests to protect their trip.

Please note that we do not offer refunds or cancellations for natural acts or conditions outside of our control, including but not limited to:

• Flooding, wind damage, or lightning strikes
• Red tide or harmful algal blooms
• Wildfires
• Power outages
• Pandemics or regional health events

In the event that local or state authorities issue a Mandatory Evacuation Order for your specific rental location, guests will be required to vacate, and standard insurance or internal policies will dictate the next steps. Protect your investment by opting into travel insurance during checkout!