Anna Maria Island or Siesta Key?

[jsantini]

We are planning a quiet week at the beach for a week in early May after 4 nights at Disney. We have a toddler with us, and we are just wanting to rest and relax (you know, the toddler version of that, anyway).

Our priorities include peace and quiet, a condo or house with a full kitchen on or close to the beach, and soft, comfy sand with calm water. I'm hoping to stay around $1,000 for the week before fees/taxes or even a bit less--I don't know if one place has more affordable options than the other.

Any recommendations are appreciated. I know we are getting started with our planning rather late.

 

[DevilsDandruff]

Midnite Cove on siesta key beach is our favorite. it will be very calm in May and you will have a marvelous time on the quiet end of the beach.

 

[kymom99]

Siesta key has my vote. We stay at Crescent Towers, but I doubt you would find availability this close to your travel date. It's worth a try though.

 

[jkelly86]

I vote for AMI, but I'm not sure if your budget is doable for a gulf-front condo. Check out LaCosta:

http://www.camelliaproperties.com/lacosta.php

 

[katallo]

Siesta Key is amazing!

 

[bankr63]

Siesta Key. We have multiple family members stay at Island House Beach Resort, and all have loved it and return year after year (we drive down from Orlando to visit). Looking at the rates online, they run about 30% higher than you are looking for in May, but it is a nice, clean, quiet development.

 

[jsantini]

Yep, it looks like we are going to have to increase our budget for either place or stay back a bit from the Gulf--apparently walking a block or two to the beach can save a lot of money. I wish we had been able to plan farther ahead--things are pretty booked up at this point.

 

[jkelly86]

These units will meet your budget if you don't mind a studio (without an oven) and if they have availability:
http://mybeachfrontrentals.com
We stayed in one unit (with these owners) and were very happy.

 

[jsantini]

These units will meet your budget if you don't mind a studio (without an oven) and if they have availability:
http://mybeachfrontrentals.com
We stayed in one unit (with these owners) and were very happy.

Those are perfect for what we need! Unfortunately, they are not available for our dates. I did bookmark this for future travel, though. We got a late start planning, and it's so frustrating.

 

[jkelly86]

You will find other units (with different owners) here:
http://www.clubbamboosouth.com
Maybe there will be some availability. Good luck!

 

[jsantini]

Thanks!

 

[mickeysimba]

They are both great, you can't really go wrong with either one. Enjoy!!

 

[mlenmoore]

stayed both places. Try the Marriott Residence Inn on Amelia Island - it's a block in from the beach (5min walk) and do have 1 / 2 bedroom units with kitchenettes. Siesta Key beach preferred by my family as is a gulf beach / clear blue / icing sugar white sand. Amelia Island - Fernandina Beach - ocean side with rougher waters and coarser sand. If you go Amelia....make the hour drive south and check out St. Augustine - if you are into Spanish colonial era buildings and architecture (St. George Street). World Golf Hall of Fame there as well

 

[mlenmoore]

sorry....ignore previous post. Just put my glasses on .....misread Anna Marie for Amelia

 

[jsantini]

Thanks for all the feedback! We found a rental on AMI for 7 nights in our budget. We are going to make a day trip to Siesta Key as well so that we can compare for future trips. I'd also like to visit St Augustine sometime. We have two nights to play around with on this trip, but since it's in the opposite direction of where we are going, I think we will save it for another time. Car travel with a toddler take some fun out of extra road trips!