On Manasota Key in Southwest Florida, Starfish Stays is a charming renovated studio that's just a 5-minute walk to the beach. This beautifully designed space offers custom built outdoor showers, plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas for your use, plus access to nature trails at Blind Pass and Stump Pass.
Reviews
9.69.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire apartment
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 247 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air-conditioning
Add dates for prices
About this property
WALK TO GULF BEACH! DOG FRIENDLY PROPERTY!
Charming Key West-Inspired Studio | Steps to beach | Starfish Stays 2D
Welcome to Starfish Stays 2D, your cozy and stylish studio just a short stroll from the white sands of Manasota Key. Nestled in a fully renovated Key West-style property, this studio is one of eight thoughtfully updated vacation rentals designed for comfort, relaxation, and easy beachside living.
Location, Location, Location Short trip to the Gulf, where you can soak up the sun, hunt for shark teeth, swim in the gentle Gulf waters, or unwind under an umbrella with a great book. Complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels are included for your convenience. Rinse off in one of our two custom-built outdoor showers after a day by the sea.
About the Studio (2D) This bright and beachy second-floor studio was fully renovated in April 2020 and features:
A brand-new queen bed with plush linens
A fully stocked kitchen with stainless steel appliances and custom countertops
A full bathroom with fresh towels provided
Fast Wi-Fi, smart TV, and all the comforts of home
Explore the Area
Stump Pass State Park (3 miles south) offers fishing, kayaking, nature trails, and excellent shark tooth hunting – only $3/day for parking.
Blind Pass Beach Park (1 mile north) features picnic areas, a playground, free parking, nature trails, and kayak launches.
Local shops, seafood spots, and beach bars are just minutes away.
Property Highlights
Part of the charming Starfish Stays community with 8 total units
Ideal for solo travelers or couples (max 2 guests per studio)
Larger groups? Inquire about booking multiple units – options include studios, 1-bedrooms, and 2-bedroom apartments.
Why You’ll Love It Here Quiet, clean, beautifully updated, and just steps from the sand – this is the perfect beach escape without the crowds. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Starfish Stays 2D has it all.
Property amenities
Beach
Beach nearby
Beach loungers
Beach towels
Internet
Available in the apartment: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Hob
Ice maker
Kitchen island
Kitchenette
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Bathtub
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
Games
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
One pet total
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
No lift
Stair-free path to entrance
Tile flooring in public areas
Smoke-free property
Location highlights
Near the bay
Near the marina
Near the sea
Things to do
Water sports equipment
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
Upon check out, please wash your dishes and put your trash in the outside trash can.
Absolutely no parties or events
We strictly adhere to our cancelation policy. Changes to the policy will not be available. We do not have any weather or environmental guarantees.
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
1 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Well behaved dogs.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number L19000026222
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Located in Englewood, this apartment is near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Englewood Beach and Venice Beach. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at CoolToday Park or Charlotte Sports Park. Looking to get your feet wet? Kayaking and power boating adventures can be found near the property. Visit our Englewood travel guide
Is WALK TO GULF BEACH! DOG FRIENDLY PROPERTY! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 1 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at WALK TO GULF BEACH! DOG FRIENDLY PROPERTY!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at WALK TO GULF BEACH! DOG FRIENDLY PROPERTY!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at WALK TO GULF BEACH! DOG FRIENDLY PROPERTY!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is WALK TO GULF BEACH! DOG FRIENDLY PROPERTY! located?
Situated by the sea, this apartment building is within a 5-minute walk of Lemon Bay and Englewood Beach. Manasota Beach and Blind Pass Beach are also within 2 miles (3 km).
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WALK TO GULF BEACH! DOG FRIENDLY PROPERTY! Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Stellar. Perfect size for two, safe road, close to quiet secluded beach access. Great hosts. We hope to come back in the cooler weather to better enjoy the outdoor spaces (fire table, porch swing etc).
Eleanor P.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Michael
25 Nov 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great place to stay. Check-in process very easy and host was easy to communicate with. Beach was awesome… lots of shark teeth, husband caught fish, saw dolphins and manatees, even an Iguana. Will definitely be back.
Linda R.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Jill G.
31 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, location
Disliked: Check-in
Good location
Good location and private beach was nice once we found it. Be sure to get pictures or you’ll never find it! Bed was not very comfortable but unit was very clean and they provided nice beach supplies.
We loved how close we were to the beach. It was beautiful, so nice. We loved that we weren't near the major public beaches and were more secluded. We slept great and had everything we needed in the kitchen when cooking. The owners were amazing communicating and we would love to book another trip back with our kids or pets next time!
We loved the unit, the overall property. And the location.
We were happy with everything provided inside the unit. Happy to see a full size refrigerator and a spacious bathroom. The outside area was a nice place to hang out. We were happy about the washer and dryer too! The best thing was the proximity to the beach!
Starfish Stays was amazing! We were booked with another VRBO that had to cancel due to an emergency. Found this gem and was glad! Has everything you need! Especially for a long stay. Will definitely be back. Loved that you use your cell phone tolock and unlock
My wife and I had a great stay. The room was very clean. The tv was very easy to use and had great choices. Very close to the beach with everything you need. When we got to the place the lock was easy to open they had extra ice in the freezer, sunscreen in the restroom and everything you need for the beach. We had one question about a light switch and was called in minutes to make sure everything was great. Thank you for everything. We will be back. 5 stars.
Apartment 2D was clean and had plenty of room for the two of us. It was only 1.5 miles from the nearest restaurants and 2 miles from the southern access bridge to Manasota Key. The kitchen was nicely equipped and had a full size fridge. It was roughly a couple-hundred-yard walk to both the gulf and bay, but access to both felt somewhat intrusive as we had to navigate property easements to get there. The outdoor shower just outside the apartment door was great! A bathroom exhaust fan would be a nice addition, and we notified the owner that the television appeared was kaput. All things considered, we would stay here again.
Cute cozy studio. Only big enough for two. This unit is on the first floor so you can hear the footsteps of the renters above you.
Also, finding the beach access is a bit difficult.
You have to cross the street and walk along a busted up wood fence, careful with the broken down pieces on the ground, some have screws/nails sticking up. Just beyond the fence you cut over to your right and onto another rental property. Continue walking along the fence line until you get to the beach. It is a beautiful, quiet , private beach. We found several sharks teeth.
All and all we had a wonderful stay.
Also pet friendly!
They communicated from the start and that's always a plus right away. All questions were answered quickly and Accurately**** big plus on that one. Can't wait to go back again.
The property was clean and just as described we have stayed here before and again it was every thing we wanted and was a great weekend. We will be back again!
This was my second time staying at the property and loved it just as much as the first time. It's a great location, has great wifi (for remote work), is super clean, and has very convenient access to the beach. Highly recommend.
The Room was pleasant to stay in, just needed a better shower curtain that would stay in place. Otherwise it was Great!
Dawn P.
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Christina
15 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Property was beautiful and extremely clean. Had everything you could possibly need. Hosts were very communicative beforehand to set you up for success and quickly replied during the visit. Can’t wait to stay here again!!
Very nice well appointed studio room. Clean and equipped with all necessities and more. Gated beach access right across the street. Stayed 10 days in Unit 2D. Would return.
We enjoyed our 3 day stay at Starfish Stays- clean, well-appointed, quiet. Stephanie was very friendly and extremely helpful with the locking mechanism.
We had great difficulty with the August Home password and locking mechanism. It wasn't until the next day did it all get sorted out. Not a good way to start our vacation. The key pad system is so much easier.
A great place and location on Manasota Key.
Laureen O.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified
4/10 Poor
Tammy G.
21 Jul 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Location
Not Dog Friendly
There was no grassy areas to walk my dogs. There was nothing to do with my dogs.
The only concern I had was the use of app for door locking, especially on the inside of door. I worry this could be an issue in case of emergency, especially if phone charge is low and during night, as it may be hard to find phone. It would be easier if the inside just had a turn lock. Thank you for being so prompt to answer all my questions!