Englewood is one of Southwest Florida's best-kept secrets. Tucked between Sarasota and Punta Gorda along the Gulf Coast, this laid-back beach town offers uncrowded shorelines, world-class shelling at Stump Pass Beach State Park, and a charming downtown strip along Dearborn Street. Unlike the busier resort towns to the north and south, Englewood has held onto its Old Florida character, making it a favorite for travelers who want a genuine coastal escape without the tourist crowds.
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Whether you are planning a romantic getaway on Manasota Key, a family beach vacation, or a budget-friendly trip close to the Gulf, this guide covers the best hotels and accommodations in Englewood for every style and budget.
Quick Answer: Best Englewood Hotel by Trip Style
- Beachfront escape: Manasota Key Resort or Pearl Beach Inn
- Value + amenities: Sun Coast Inn
- Quiet budget base: Grove City Motel
- Long stay with kitchen: Manasota Key rentals
Helpful planning links:
- Things to Do in Englewood
- Best Restaurants in Englewood
- Retiring to Englewood
- Best Beaches in Southwest Florida
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Best Beachfront Hotels in Englewood
The real draw in Englewood is its barrier island access on Manasota Key, where the Gulf beaches are pristine and rarely crowded. These beachfront properties put you steps from the sand.
Manasota Key Resort
Formerly known as the Wanna B Inn, Manasota Key Resort is the standout accommodation on the island. With a guest rating of 9.8 out of 10, this resort sits just 0.11 miles from Stump Pass Beach State Park and offers direct access to a private Gulf beach. The property features two-bedroom units with full kitchenettes, balconies with Gulf views, and an outdoor pool. Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are available right on site, and the staff is consistently praised for going above and beyond. This is the closest thing Englewood has to a boutique beach resort, and it books up fast during peak season from January through April.
Pearl Beach Inn
Pearl Beach Inn is the kind of place that reminds visitors of what Florida used to be before high-rise condos took over the coastline. This charming 2.5-star inn on Manasota Key Road puts you within a short drive of Manasota Beach and Blind Pass Beach. The property includes a private beach area, a garden, a BBQ and picnic area, and free parking. Rooms come with fridges and coffee makers, and the inn welcomes pets under 30 pounds for a daily fee. With a 9.4 guest rating from over 240 reviews, Pearl Beach Inn delivers an authentic Old Florida experience that larger hotels simply cannot match.
Best Mid-Range Hotels in Englewood
These properties strike a balance between comfort and value, putting you close to the beaches and Dearborn Street without breaking the bank.
Sun Life Beach Hotel
Sun Life Beach Hotel is a small, owner-operated property with just eight rooms, and it has earned a 9.6 guest rating on Hotels.com. Located about 1.2 miles from Englewood Beach, the hotel offers an outdoor pool that is heated during winter months, free WiFi, free parking, and rooms with refrigerators and microwaves. The owners are known for their personal attention, and guests frequently mention how clean and well-maintained the property is despite being a smaller establishment. Its location puts you close to both the beach and the shops and restaurants along Dearborn Street.
Sun Coast Inn
Sun Coast Inn is a 2.5-star motel in Englewood South that punches well above its weight class. Rated 10 out of 10 on Hotels.com, this property features an outdoor pool, two beach bars, free kayaks, paddleboards, and bicycles for guests, plus a pickleball court. It sits just five minutes from the sand and is located next door to the popular Mama's Italian restaurant. Free WiFi and parking are included. For travelers who want beach access with a social, resort-like atmosphere at motel prices, Sun Coast Inn is hard to beat.
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Best Budget Hotels in Englewood
Englewood is one of the more affordable beach destinations in SWFL, and these budget-friendly options let you enjoy the Gulf without overspending.
Grove City Motel
Grove City Motel is a beloved Old Florida gem with a 10 out of 10 rating on Hotels.com. This 3.5-star motel features an outdoor pool, free WiFi, and free parking, and it puts you within walking distance of restaurants and bars on the south end of Englewood. Guests love the peaceful, laid-back atmosphere and helpful staff. It is pet-friendly and sits close to Lemon Bay, making it a solid base for kayaking, fishing, and beach days. If you prefer quiet evenings and uncrowded beaches over nightlife and shopping, this is your spot.
Englewood Bay Motel & Apartments
Englewood Bay Motel & Apartments is a straightforward, no-frills option close to Stump Pass Beach State Park. This property offers rooms with basic amenities including free WiFi and parking, and its proximity to the beach makes it a practical choice for travelers on a tighter budget. The motel-style apartments include kitchen facilities, which can save you money on dining out. It is a simple, clean option for visitors who plan to spend most of their time outdoors exploring the beaches and waterways.
Build Your Englewood Itinerary
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Plan Your Week in Englewood
Use these high-intent guides to plan where to stay, what to do, and what to book next.
Englewood Guide
Start with our full local guide to Englewood neighborhoods, dining, and attractions.
Open GuideEnglewood Events
Find festivals, markets, concerts, and local happenings for the week ahead.
Open GuideBest Things to Do in Englewood
High-intent itinerary ideas for visitors and locals.
Open GuideEnglewood Restaurant Guide
Find top-rated spots for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Open GuideEnglewood Retirement Guide
Review neighborhoods, lifestyle fit, and retirement costs.
Open GuideKeep Planning in Englewood
Vacation Rentals on Manasota Key
Englewood's accommodation landscape leans heavily toward vacation rentals, especially on Manasota Key. If you are staying for a week or longer, a rental home or condo on the key often delivers more space and better value than a traditional hotel.
Manasota Key vacation rentals typically include full kitchens, private patios or decks, washer and dryer units, and direct or short-walk beach access. Many properties sit on the Gulf side with sunset views, while others face Lemon Bay and offer kayak launches and calmer waters for paddleboarding.
Peak season rentals from January through April can range from $200 to $400 per night for a two-bedroom unit, while off-season rates from May through November drop to $120 to $250 per night. The best properties get reserved months in advance, so book early if you are visiting during snowbird season.
You can browse available vacation rentals alongside traditional hotels when searching for Englewood accommodations online. Properties range from cozy one-bedroom condos to spacious four-bedroom beach houses ideal for multi-family trips.
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Where to Stay in Englewood by Interest
Choosing the right area in Englewood depends on what you want from your trip. Here is a quick breakdown.
Best for Beach Lovers
Stay on Manasota Key at the Manasota Key Resort or Pearl Beach Inn. You will be steps from Stump Pass Beach State Park, Englewood Beach, and Blind Pass Beach. The key is a narrow barrier island with the Gulf on one side and Lemon Bay on the other, so water is never far away no matter where you are.
Best for Dining and Nightlife
Stay near Dearborn Street in downtown Englewood. This is the town's main commercial strip, lined with local restaurants, craft shops, and bars with live music. The Sun Life Beach Hotel is a short drive from Dearborn, and there are several vacation rental options within walking distance of the strip. Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Englewood for specific recommendations.
Best for Fishing and Kayaking
Properties near Lemon Bay or on the bayside of Manasota Key are ideal. Lemon Bay is an aquatic preserve with excellent kayaking, paddleboarding, and inshore fishing for snook, redfish, and trout. Grove City Motel and Sun Coast Inn both offer easy access to bay launches.
Best for Snowbirds and Extended Stays
If you are spending the winter in Englewood, a vacation rental with a full kitchen and laundry is the best value. Monthly rates on Manasota Key are significantly cheaper per night than weekly bookings. Many snowbirds return to the same rental year after year. For those considering a more permanent move, our guide to retiring in Englewood covers everything from cost of living to healthcare.
Best 2-Night and 5-Night Englewood Stay Strategies
2-Night Weekend
Stay on or near Manasota Key to reduce transfers:
- Day 1: Beach and sunset block
- Day 2: Dearborn Street + Stump Pass or Lemon Bay
This setup is ideal for short coastal resets.
5-Night Flexible Stay
- Two beach-first mornings
- One kayaking or fishing day
- One neighboring day trip (Venice or Port Charlotte)
- One low-key downtown evening
Use things to do in Venice and things to do in Port Charlotte for day-trip add-ons.
Snowbird Scouting Format
If your trip is relocation-oriented, choose lodging near your target neighborhood rather than only near the beach. Pair this with retiring to Englewood, retiring to Venice, and retiring to Port Charlotte for side-by-side decision context.
Tips for Booking Hotels in Englewood
Englewood is a seasonal destination, and timing your visit can make a significant difference in both availability and price.
Peak season runs from January through April, when snowbirds and spring breakers fill up the best properties. Book at least two to three months in advance for beachfront stays during this window. Expect nightly rates to be 40 to 60 percent higher than off-season.
Shoulder season in November, December, and May offers pleasant weather with lower rates and fewer crowds. This is often the best time to visit for value-conscious travelers who still want warm temperatures and sunshine.
Off-season from June through October brings the lowest prices, but also higher humidity, afternoon thunderstorms, and hurricane season. The beaches are at their emptiest, which some travelers consider a plus.
Parking matters. Most Englewood hotels and motels include free parking, but if you are staying on Manasota Key, the public beach parking lots at Englewood Beach and Stump Pass fill up early during peak season. Staying at a beachfront property with its own parking eliminates this headache.
Bring groceries. Many Englewood accommodations include kitchenettes or full kitchens. The nearest major grocery stores are on South McCall Road, about a 10-minute drive from the beaches. Stocking up on arrival saves you from making repeated trips off the key.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard. Several local outfitters rent equipment by the day or week, and some hotels like Sun Coast Inn include free use of kayaks and bikes. Exploring Lemon Bay by paddle is one of the best experiences in Englewood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Englewood, Florida?
Manasota Key is the top choice for beachgoers, offering direct Gulf access at properties like the Manasota Key Resort and Pearl Beach Inn. For dining and shopping, staying near Dearborn Street in downtown Englewood puts you within walking distance of restaurants and local boutiques. Properties near Lemon Bay are ideal for kayaking and fishing enthusiasts.
Are there beachfront hotels in Englewood?
Yes, though Englewood has fewer large beachfront hotels compared to destinations like Sarasota or Fort Myers Beach. The Manasota Key Resort and Pearl Beach Inn both offer beach access on the Gulf side of Manasota Key. Many travelers opt for beachfront vacation rentals, which are widely available on the key and often provide more space and privacy than traditional hotels.
What is the best time to visit Englewood, Florida?
The most popular time to visit is January through April, when temperatures are warm and humidity is low. However, the best value is during the shoulder months of November, May, and early December, when you get comfortable weather at significantly lower rates. Off-season from June through October offers the lowest prices but comes with higher heat and afternoon storms.
How far is Englewood Beach from downtown Englewood?
Englewood Beach on Manasota Key is approximately 3 to 4 miles from historic Dearborn Street in downtown Englewood. The drive takes about 10 minutes across the bridge to the barrier island. Most hotels and motels in the Englewood area are within a 5 to 15 minute drive of the beach.
Is Englewood, Florida good for families?
Absolutely. Englewood's calm, uncrowded beaches are ideal for families with young children. Stump Pass Beach State Park offers nature trails, excellent shelling, and shallow wading areas. The town itself is safe and walkable, and there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants along Dearborn Street. Several hotels like Grove City Motel and Pearl Beach Inn are pet-friendly, which is a bonus for families traveling with dogs.
Is it better to stay on Manasota Key or near Dearborn Street?
Stay on Manasota Key if beach access and sunsets are your top priority. Stay near Dearborn Street if you want easier dining, errands, and central access to both bay and beach activities.
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