The Best Hotels to Book in Bradenton, Florida

You get direct access to a pristine stretch of beach when staying at Anna Maria Island Inn
You get direct access to a pristine stretch of beach when staying at Anna Maria Island Inn | © Anna Maria Island Inn / Expedia
Sara Darling

Visitors flock to Bradenton and neighboring Anna Maria Island for their white sands and warm ocean breezes. The city stretches from the south bank of the Manatee River to the Gulf of Mexico, offering the perfect blend of culture and beach life. Explore the Village of the Arts, an eclectic community of brightly painted cottages containing studios, galleries and shops. If you visit in December, don’t miss the Bradenton Blues Festival, one of the best in the country. To help you plan your stay, we’ve hand-picked the best hotels in Bradenton, Florida – all bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound, for marina views

Hotel

Room at Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound
© Compass Hotel Anna Maria Sound / Expedia

The exclusive Compass Hotel is situated at the gateway to Anna Maria Island. Its 123 rooms with nature preserve or marina views include 10 suites and a communal lounge with games and books for the family. Overlooking the new marina, the outdoor infinity pool is the ideal place to take some Instagram shots and soak up the sunshine. The waterfront views continue at Floridays Woodfire Grill and Bar, which serves Florida seafood and nightly happy-hour tipples.

2. Bridgewalk Resort, for easy beach access

Resort, Hotel

Terrace at Bridgewalk Resort
© Bridgewalk Resort / Expedia

Over on Anna Maria Island, this hotel in Bradenton Beach sits on historic Bridge Street, just steps from the ocean. Offering a range of studios and townhomes with whirlpool tubs and verandas, the resort features an on-site restaurant and bar, as well as a spa. When you’re not lounging by the outdoor pool, take advantage of the complimentary beach towels, chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a day by the sea.

3. SpringHill Suites Bradenton Downtown / Riverfront, for a rooftop pool

Hotel

Terrace at SpringHill Suites Bradenton Downtown / Riverfront at sunset
© SpringHill Suites Bradenton Downtown / Riverfront / Expedia

The stunning riverfront location makes SpringHill Suites one of the best hotels in Bradenton. Check out the beautiful nature walk just outside the property, or chill on a lounge chair by the rooftop pool. Boasting uninterrupted views of the marina, the rooftop transforms into a buzzy bar and restaurant after dark. With breakfast included and Italian fare available at the on-site Oak & Stone pizza restaurant, you’ll never go hungry.

5. Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy, for an active stay

Hotel

Room at Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy
© Legacy Hotel at IMG Academy / Expedia

Favored by athletes due to its location next to IMG Academy sports school, this contemporary boutique hotel promotes an active lifestyle. Do laps in the heated, resort-style outdoor pool or get your heart rate up at the modern fitness center. You don’t have to work out to enjoy your stay here, though: the Wellness Spa offers a range of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments, from reflexology massage to salt water therapy pedicures.

6. Hampton Inn and Suites Bradenton Downtown Historic District, for 1920s elegance

Hotel

Room at Hampton Inn and Suites Bradenton Downtown Historic District
© Hampton Inn and Suites Bradenton Downtown Historic District / Expedia

In tune with its surroundings, this charming hotel in the Downtown Historic District dates back to 1926. Hilton has restored it with elegant 1920s-style decor and original flooring. In contrast, the facilities are decidedly modern and include a fitness center and an inviting outdoor pool. Upgrade to a corner room for beautiful views of the Manatee River from your work desk.

7. Anna Maria Island Inn, for the beach on your doorstep

Hotel

Terrace and beach at Anna Maria Island Inn
© Anna Maria Island Inn / Expedia

This hotel in Bradenton is an ideal choice for independent travelers seeking privacy and direct access to a pristine beach. You couldn’t get closer – just open your sliding doors and step off your deck and you’ll be on the sand. The prime location also gives you an uninterrupted view of the stunning Gulf sunsets. If you’re able to drag yourself away, it’s just a 20-minute walk to the restaurants and nightlife of Bridge Street.

8. Holiday Inn Express and Suites Bradenton West, to be close to the airport

Hotel, Suite Hotel

Exterior and pool at Holiday Inn Express and Suites Bradenton West at dusk
© Holiday Inn Express and Suites Bradenton West / Expedia

Less than 20 minutes’ drive from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and 15 minutes from sugar-white Florida Coquina Beach and the pretty Riverwalk, this hotel is a great base for exploring. The airy rooms all come with a mini fridge, microwave and coffee machine, plus blackout curtains to help you get a good night’s sleep. If you want to catch some more Zs, enjoy an afternoon doze by the beautifully landscaped pool and hot tub.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article