This inn offers quaint, comfortable, and reasonably-priced accommodations. The innkeepers, MaryLou and Richard, are very warm and friendly. We were pleasantly suprised to be greeted with their big smiles and handshakes - we felt personally welcomed, as if they were welcoming us into their home. (Even their sweet cat came to meet us at their door!) The spacious kitchenette was fully stocked with glasses, plates, silverware ... even a tea kettle! The apartment was bright and colorfully decorated; the bedroom displayed a lovely, comfortable bedspread and matching curtains. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with charming embellishments. There is easy access to the Gulf and several restaurants are literally across the street. (We highly recommend Ciao, an excellent Italian bistro that provides super-friendly service and delicious dishes.) The only possible draw-back is that there is no complimentary maid service, but you can request for at an additional cost. All-in-all, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and recommend this to other budget-minded travelers.

returned from Sandpiper Inn 3 weeks ago, this was our 3rd year staying at Sandpiper Inn and once again it was fabulous. Richard had put us a little welcoming notice out which was a lovely touch. Stayed in a 2 bed apartment this time which was much better as our son is now 16, he used wifi alot and we were so glad that it was provided. Rooms lovely and clean as always, used the trolley bus by myself to go shopping at the circle whilst husband and son fished, had another wonderful time and glad to see Richard and Mary Lou again. Thank you and see you next year- dreaming of Longboat now were back at work and the English weather !

Our trip started out to Florida for a friend's wedding, we knew that we did not want to stay with all the guests, so we looked on line and found the Sandpiper Inn on Longboat Key. What a find. We were greated by MaryLou and Richard with smiles and taken to our room. This is a very small resort with a beautiful atmosphere. Our room was large, the kitchen was complete, the resort had many amenities, a pool, grills and table to cook out, fountain, shuffleboard, and most importantly, the wonderful beach. The Sandpiper Inn was close to several wonderful restaurants, bike rentals, close proximatey to Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa and shopping. We would certainly recommend Sandpiper Inn, Longboat Key, Florida. Thanks for the great time.

We came down to vacation with family who were staying @ Arbors by the Sea (next door- great place to stay!), and chose Sandpiper Inn due its proximity to Arbors. The moment we arrived the innkeepers were very rude. When I shared that we were excited to be there with my wife and 2 girls ( 3 years & 9 months), I was abruptly told that I would be charged $180 extra for my children. When I told them their ages, they said it didn't matter, that a person was a person. I felt like that was pretty unfair, and then after paying the extra money, I was then told they run a strict operation, and that no one is allowed on-site or at the pool. They said they watch closely, and to make sure my family was aware of that. 2 of my cousins experienced it first hand, and were made to feel very uncomfortable by the innkeepers. Both occasions were visits to come and get us for meals, and the type of behavior that occurred is unacceptable. We felt like we were always be watched, which was kind of creepy.

The condition of the room was average, and the tile floors were dirty. I wore socks in the room the first night, and they were dark gray on the bottom after only wearing them briefly. With a 3 yr. old & 9 month old, we made sure they never got close to being on the floor to play. We had them play on the pull out couch and at the kitchen table. The room in itself needs to be updated, and showed sign of grime and mildew in the kitchen and bathroom. I by no means expected perfection, but found the over cleanliness below average.

With my family (20+ cousins) vacationing at Longboat Key annually (have been for over 30 years), we hoped we would of found a place that we would feel comfortable staying at annually as well. Unfortunately, Sandpiper Inn won't be that place.