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Inn on the Beach

Inn on the Beach is one of Longboat Key's most distinctive ownership opportunities, combining private condominium residences with the services and amenities of a luxury beachfront resort. Located within the gates of the Longboat Key Club, the community consists of seven mid-rise buildings offering studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences ranging from approximately 626 to 1,750 square feet. Unlike traditional residential condominiums, Inn on the Beach was designed as a condominium-hotel, allowing owners to enjoy their residence as a private vacation home, seasonal retreat, or investment property while participating in a professionally managed resort rental program. Combined with direct Gulf frontage, immediate access to championship golf, award-winning tennis, a full-service marina, and the amenities of The Resort at Longboat Key Club, now part of the Opal Collection, Inn on the Beach offers a lifestyle unlike any other condominium community on the island.

Inn on the Beach


Longboat Key's Premier Resort Condominium Community

Most condominium communities are designed for residential living. Inn on the Beach was designed for resort living. Developed by Arvida as part of the original Longboat Key Club master plan, the community introduced a concept that was uncommon along Florida's Gulf Coast at the time: individually owned beachfront condominiums integrated with a full-service luxury resort.

Rather than separating private residences from hotel accommodations, owners could enjoy the privacy of condominium ownership while having the opportunity to participate in a professionally managed rental program and benefit from many of the conveniences associated with a world-class resort. The seven residential buildings are thoughtfully arranged between the Gulf of Mexico and the Islandside resort campus, creating an intimate beachfront community surrounded by tropical landscaping, walking paths, and open green space.



Perhaps what distinguishes Inn on the Beach most is its exceptional rental flexibility — accommodations for stays as short as a single night.

~75
Residences
7
Residential buildings
Early 1980s
Developed
626–1,750 SF
Living areas
1 Night
Minimum rental stay
Why Buyers Choose Inn on the Beach

Condominium ownership, resort flexibility.

Inn on the Beach appeals to buyers looking for something different from a traditional condominium community. Its location within the Longboat Key Club creates a lifestyle centered around recreation, hospitality, and the Gulf of Mexico. Residents are only steps from the beach while also enjoying immediate access to championship golf, award-winning tennis, fine dining, a full-service marina, spa services, and one of Florida's premier luxury resorts.

The residences themselves are intentionally designed for easy ownership. Efficient one-bedroom suites and spacious two-bedroom layouts provide comfortable accommodations without the maintenance associated with larger condominium homes, making them well suited for seasonal residents, second-home buyers, and those seeking a beachfront retreat.

For many owners, however, the greatest appeal is flexibility. Inn on the Beach remains one of the very few condominium communities on Longboat Key where owners may participate in a professionally managed hotel rental program, with guests able to reserve accommodations for stays as short as a single night — a level of rental flexibility that is exceptionally rare on the island.

The Story Behind Inn on the Beach

An innovative idea, four decades ago.

Inn on the Beach was developed as part of Arvida's vision for the Longboat Key Club, expanding the resort beyond golf and beachfront accommodations to include privately owned condominium residences that could function as both vacation homes and professionally managed resort accommodations.

Early 1980s

A Concept Ahead of Its Time

At the time, the concept was innovative. Owners could purchase an individual residence while retaining the opportunity to participate in a hotel-managed rental program, allowing the resort to handle reservations, guest services, housekeeping, and marketing on their behalf. This approach created a seamless experience for visitors while giving owners unusual flexibility in how they used their property.

Today

The Vision, Still Intact

More than four decades later, that original vision continues to define the community. While the resort has evolved and is now operated as The Resort at Longboat Key Club, part of the Opal Collection, Inn on the Beach remains one of the island's most recognizable condo-hotel communities, offering a combination of private ownership, beachfront living, luxury hospitality, and rental flexibility that few properties in Southwest Florida can match.

A residence that combines the comforts of home with the conveniences of a luxury resort.

Residences & Amenities

Designed for effortless resort ownership.

Living areas range from approximately 626 square feet for the most efficient one-bedroom suites to approximately 1,750 square feet for the largest two-bedroom residences. Original floor plans emphasize open living spaces, generous lanais, and low-maintenance ownership, with many residences capturing views of the Gulf of Mexico, tropical gardens, the resort grounds, or beautifully landscaped courtyards.

Floor Plan

Studio

Floor Plan

One-Bedroom

Floor Plan

Two-Bedroom

Community Amenities
Direct private access to the Gulf of Mexico
Beachfront heated swimming pool and spa
Beautifully landscaped tropical grounds
Secure building access
On-site management
Covered parking
Private walking paths
Resort-style courtyards
Adjacent Resort Amenities
Championship golf
Award-winning tennis facilities
Full-service marina
Multiple waterfront restaurants
Spa and wellness services
Fitness center
Resort accommodations
Meeting and event facilities
Lifestyle Policies

What to know before you buy.

Pets

Pets are prohibited within the community.

Leasing

Owners may participate in the professionally managed resort rental program, which accommodates short-term guest stays, including overnight rentals. Private rentals are also permitted in accordance with the Association's governing documents.

Rental Program

Participation is optional. Owners who participate benefit from resort-managed reservations, marketing, housekeeping, guest services, and accounting through The Resort at Longboat Key Club.

Parking

Assigned owner parking with guest parking available in designated areas.

Architectural Changes

Exterior alterations and many visible modifications require prior Board approval.

Club Membership

Ownership does not automatically include membership to the Longboat Key Club. Membership opportunities may be available separately through the Club.

Association rules and resort policies may change over time. Buyers should verify current requirements during their due diligence period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything buyers ask us first.

How many buildings are at Inn on the Beach?

Inn on the Beach consists of seven residential buildings located within the gated Longboat Key Club on the Gulf of Mexico.

When was Inn on the Beach developed?

The community was developed during the early 1980s by Arvida as part of the Longboat Key Club master plan.

How large are the residences?

Residences range from approximately 626 square feet to approximately 1,750 square feet, with studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans.

What makes Inn on the Beach different from other condominium communities?

Inn on the Beach is one of the few true condo-hotel communities on Longboat Key. Owners may enjoy their residence privately or participate in a professionally managed resort rental program, while benefiting from the amenities and setting of The Resort at Longboat Key Club.

Can I participate in the resort rental program?

Yes. Owners may choose to participate in the professionally managed rental program operated through The Resort at Longboat Key Club. The program manages reservations, guest services, housekeeping, marketing, accounting, and day-to-day rental operations on behalf of participating owners. Participation is optional and subject to the Unit Rental Management Agreement.

How short can rentals be?

One of Inn on the Beach's defining characteristics is its rental flexibility. Participating residences may accommodate guests for stays as short as a single night, making it one of the few communities on Longboat Key that supports true resort-style vacation rentals.

Do I automatically become a member of the Longboat Key Club?

No. Ownership does not automatically include club membership. Membership opportunities may be available separately through the Longboat Key Club.

What amenities are available?

Residents enjoy direct Gulf beach access, a beachfront swimming pool and spa, beautifully landscaped grounds, and immediate proximity to the golf, tennis, marina, restaurants, spa, and resort amenities of The Resort at Longboat Key Club.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are prohibited under the Association's governing documents.

Does the community have an official website?

Yes. Association information, documents, and owner resources are available through the Inn on the Beach Association. Information about accommodations, golf, tennis, dining, marina services, and spa experiences is available through The Resort at Longboat Key Club (Opal Collection).

Buying at Inn on the Beach

Find your residence.

Few communities require the level of understanding that Inn on the Beach does. Beyond selecting the right residence, buyers should understand the differences between participating and non-participating ownership, the professionally managed rental program, club membership options, owner use periods, and the unique relationship between the condominium association and The Resort at Longboat Key Club. For more than four decades, Pettingell Professionals has represented buyers throughout Longboat Key's most desirable waterfront communities. We help our clients understand not only the residences themselves, but also the ownership structure, rental opportunities, and lifestyle that distinguish Inn on the Beach from every other condominium community on the island. Whether you're searching for a beachfront vacation home, a seasonal residence, or a property with exceptional rental flexibility, we'll help you determine whether Inn on the Beach is the right fit for your goals.

Selling at Inn on the Beach

Tell your residence's story.

Marketing a residence at Inn on the Beach requires a different approach than marketing a traditional condominium. Today's buyers aren't simply looking for Gulf-front views. They're searching for a property that combines private ownership with the flexibility of a professionally managed luxury resort. Rental potential, participation in the resort program, proximity to the beach, owner use, and access to Longboat Key Club amenities all become part of the purchasing decision. That's why we've created one of Sarasota's most comprehensive luxury condominium and residential community guides. Our goal is simple. When someone searches for Inn on the Beach Longboat Key, we want them to find the most accurate, informative, and complete resource available. More importantly, we want your residence to be part of that discovery. Combined with exceptional photography, cinematic video, strategic digital marketing, and more than four decades of experience representing Sarasota and Longboat Key's luxury real estate, we position your residence to reach buyers seeking one of the Gulf Coast's most distinctive resort ownership opportunities.

The Pettingell Community Guides

Exceptional real estate decisions begin with exceptional information.


The Pettingell Community Guides were created to provide buyers and sellers with accurate, objective, and thoughtfully researched information about Sarasota and Longboat Key's most exceptional condominium communities, residential neighborhoods, and waterfront enclaves. Every guide is independently researched, regularly updated, and written to help you understand not only the facts about a community, but also the history, lifestyle, architecture, and details that make it unique.

Rather than relying on marketing language or generic descriptions, our goal is to create the most complete and trustworthy resource available for each community we cover. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply exploring Sarasota's luxury real estate market, we hope these guides help you make more informed decisions and discover the communities that best fit your lifestyle.