1. Hampton Inn & Suites Bradenton Downtown Historic District

Located in the heart of charming downtown Bradenton is the towering Hampton Inn & Suites. The hotel has been reconfigured to suit modern needs, but it painstakingly worked to keep its vintage charm alive. Step into the lobby and you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back to the roaring 20s when it was once called the Manatee River Hotel, and Bradenton was a happening Florida destination for the ultra-wealthy.

“Rendered in Italian Renaissance style, it will be one of the most imposing structures in the entire state of Florida,” read a July 9, 1925, article in the Manatee River Journal-Herald announcing the hotel’s plans. Construction began on the Mediterranean revival hotel in August 1925 and was completed in 1926. Local lore says that the Manatee River Hotel hosted the likes of Herbert Hoover, Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Babe Ruth, and even Al Capone! While things have changed since the heyday of the Manatee River Hotel, the charm and history still thrive at the Hampton Inn. Plus, its fantastic location makes it an ideal place for anyone wanting to spend time in downtown Bradenton, with it being walking distance from shopping, dining, the Bradenton Riverwalk, museums, and more.

2. Bungalow Beach Resort

With an unbeatable location right on the sugary white shores of Anna Maria Island, Bungalow Beach Resort is a beloved retreat for many visitors. But did you know that the resort’s buildings are rumored to be former army barracks? Whether true or not, stepping into the rooms reveals a restoration to their historical origins. With solid wood floors and cozy accommodations, the resort captures the spirit of the island’s earliest visitors. The charming cedar bungalows have been transformed into a romantic getaway, preserving the 1930s clapboard construction and authentic Florida island charm. Many bungalows even retain original architectural designs like hardwood floors, bead-board walls, and wood-beamed cathedral ceilings.

3. The Palmetto Riverside B&B

On the shimmering shores of the Manatee River sits the Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast, a stunning Colonial Revival listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1913 by Julius Lamb, son of Palmetto’s founder Samuel Sparks Lamb, this home was purchased as a mail-order kit from Sears, Roebuck and Company and arrived by barge to its current location. Restored to its original grandeur, this two-story guesthouse boasts exquisite wood details and heart pine flooring. Managed by Wim and Mieke Lippens, a Belgian couple, the B&B welcomes visitors to experience its historic charm and hosts various events like weddings and parties. Indulge in their pre-fixe menu dining, offering a culinary journey with a European flair, and don’t miss their private label champagne!