How to Choose the Best Vacation Rental For You

Anna Maria Island rentals are numerous and situated all throughout the island. Each one has something unique about it, from the interior décor to the outside pool set-up. And, yes, most of the rentals on AMI have pools!

But which spot is right for you? How do you know which rental will best cater to your needs? Picking the perfect spot isn’t exactly easy when you are faced with so many wonderful choices. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping around for AMI vacation rentals.

View from balcony of beachfront condo in Anna Maria Island

Find the Right Number of Beds

Anna Maria Island has all different types of rentals. From beachfront condos to luxury homes, you get a lot of variety. Be sure to check every listing you see for the number of people they can sleep. There are 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom rentals that can sleep anywhere between two and ten people. Some of them come equipped with massive king-sized beds and pull-out sleeper sofas that can be great for kids.

You’ll also need to make sure that your rental has an adequate number of bathrooms for all guests and that there are enough seats around the kitchen table.

Get Close to the Attractions You Love

Think about what you want to be closest to in Anna Maria Island. Being close to the free trolley is a smart idea if you need a swift way to get around and do a lot of exploring.

When you have a lot of things to do on AMI, finding a rental near town might be ideal. This puts you much closer to all of the restaurants and shops you want to patron. Those looking to do a lot of swimming, fishing, or boating might enjoy staying at a beachfront rental.

If you are a nature lover, you might want to be close to the spots on the island that play host to trails or kayaking tours. Robinson Preserve, Neal Preserve, and Leffis Key are all just a short distance to the east of Anna Maria Island and provide you with peaceful immersion in nature.

Dog at the dog park in Anna Maria Island

Stay Somewhere with the Right Amenities

Which amenities are absolute necessities, and which can you stand to forego while on vacation in Anna Maria Island? This is something that demands a bit of contemplation. Do you want a private pool, or are you okay with sharing a community pool? How about having a private laundry facility versus a community one?

Make sure that you know exactly which amenities you will have in your vacation rental. When you are browsing through all of AMI’s wonderful rental properties, pay careful attention to which amenities are listed.

Also, if you plan on bringing your dog, check to be certain that the rental you book allows them to stay there with you. Sometimes, this means looking for a ‘pet-friendly’ label or simply a paw print on that particular rental’s display image.

Just bear in mind that the public beaches do not allow dogs. You will likely want to stay somewhere that is close to one of the island’s dogs parks. To the north, there is the Bayfront Park, which allows dogs and is a beautiful place to walk.

Price

This probably seems like a no-brainer, but you need to consider how much you and your guests are willing to spend on your lodgings. How many people will be going with you? How much can you afford to split? What do you need to leave room for in your travel budget?

If you need to keep it affordable, there are some 1- and 2-bedroom rentals that have very reasonable rates, especially if you split the cost with your travel companion(s). If you want to go all-out and can work out a good spending plan between yourself and your companions, check out some of the luxury rentals; they’re absolutely stunning and offer a ton of privacy and amenities.

Knowing what you are looking for before you start your search can help you find the best vacation rental for you on Anna Maria Island. However, no matter where you stay, you are bound to have a memorable and relaxing time.