Location: Diplomat, Longboat Key, Florida South West, Florida, USA (Disney Epcot Universal Sea World just two hours away) View Map
Accommodations: Condominium, Studio + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 2-4)
Our home away from home is a quaint first floor studio unit, just steps from the beach. From the moment you first open the door, you'll see right thru the back picture window to the sand and turquoise waters. Step a few feet out the back door and step under the palm frond lanai. Take a seat and watch the dolphins swim by while you drink your morning coffee. Spend all day enjoying the beach, the sun or a quick shopping trip to Saint Armand’s Circle. Watch the sun set while sitting on the beach then have a relaxing dinner.
This unit is fully updated including a full sized kitchen, above counter microwave, walk in shower and a fresh clean Florida decor. The walk in shower and first floor location make this a handicap friendly unit.
Please note we have exchanged the single king sized bed for two queen beds and the loveseat exchanged for a sofa that converts to a single sleeper. Unit photographs will be updated as soon as possible.
The sunset pictures were taken by me personally and are the real deal. This is the perfect place for two or a couple with a young child.
If your budget is tight, we're the most affordable beachfront property on Longboat Key. If you find a comparable beachfront property on Longboat Key for less, I want to know about it.
If you’re planning a trip to any of the Central Florida Theme Parks including Disney, Universal and Sea World, they're just two hours away, door to door. Bush Gardens in Tampa is just one hour away.
Traveling with a group or need dates my unit isn't available?
Several friends also own units available for rental.
Can you travel at the last minute?
Take advantage of summer specials, last minute internet deals and special rates not otherwise published! Why not spend the weekend at the beach. Please remember weekends are not available for advance bookings.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Washer: Laundry facility on site
- Dryer
- Linens Provided: except beach towels which can be rented in from on site office.
- Off Street Parking: Unit rental includes use of one parking spaces for non commercial vehicles. Two vehicles only upon prior approval from onsite management.
- Beds
- Queen Bed (2)
- Convertible Bed: A convertable couch converts into a single bed by simply pulling the back of the couch forward. It's a very simple process.
- Crib: Request in advance
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- VCR
- Video Library: Available but limited selections
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Shared Pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- View/Location
- Beachfront: Walk into the room, get a cold drink and be back on the beach in 60 seconds
- Communications
- Telephone: Free local calls
- WiFi (Wireless Internet): Free W-Fi Service. See office for password upon arrival.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations): Property has a walk in shower with grip bars and is a first floor unit. The front and rear door has an approximately 3 inch step up. The unit's bathroom is not wheel chair accessible.
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Sailing
- Boating
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Shelling
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Fishing
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Public Recreation area apx 1 mile away and includes tennis, basketball, table tennis and shuffle board.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Nov 16-Jan 31, 2010 .. $110/night .. $ 749/week excl holiday weeks
Feb 01-Apr 20, 2010 .. $180/night .. $1160/week excl holiday weeks
Apr 21-Jul 31, 2009 .. $135/night .. $ 849/week excl holiday weeks
Aug 01-Sep 30, 2009 .. $115/night .. $ 699/week excl holiday weeks
Oct 01-Nov 15, 2009 .. $99/ night .. $ 649/week excl holiday weeks
7 Night Minimum unless filling a small gap in rentals.
Rates are for double occupancy. *Add $15 per additional guest
* Up to 2 children, 10 and under, at no additional charge
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Map & Owner's Profile
1st Floor Unit Steps from the Beach. No Need to Climb Stairs
Year Purchased: 2004
Why the Owner Chose Diplomat
If you’re looking for a place to rediscover “island time” the place to do it is Longboat Key. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico are beautiful, the sunsets are incredible and most of all, no crowds. The City of Longboat Key is a small community of just over 7,100 located on a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, Florida. We can leave our home in Orlando and be in the condo in just over two hours. If you fly into Tampa, you’ll be there in about an hour and fifteen minutes. In just a few hours, you can be relaxing in a beach chair listening to the surf and sea gulls.
The Unique Benefits at this Condominium
Imagine vacationing in a small island beach town listed as one of the safest cities in America, being just steps from the beach, warm gulf waters and gentle breezes. Imagine enjoying endless beach walks and gathering shells as the day awakes and finishing the day watching the sun set over the ocean. Imagine drifting off to sleep to the sound of the ocean and awaking to the sound of sea gulls welcoming the sun. Welcome to Longboat Key. Kick your shoes off, you won't need them.
Public Tennis Courts Public Basketball Courts Childrens Play Ground (sun shade) This is a nice family type place.
This landmark restaurant has been a longtime favorite of residents for decades. This old style seafood restaurant hasn't changed in decades. Nothing fancy, just good seafood.
This is a great place to put your boat in for the day and leave your vehicle. No overnight parking though.
This is where we generally have breakfast. It's bright, clean, friendly and affordable. If you ask, they'll make Micky Mouse Pancakes for the kids.
This is the local retail center complete with a well stocked grocery store, CVS Pharmacy, Video Rental, etc. Stock up here for everything you'll need and it's only a couple of minutes away.
This is a world class tennis resort but you can play, take lessons or make an appointment in the spa.
You don't have to go far for a great game of golf.
Throw on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and head over to one of our favorite places for a grouper sandwich, fries and a cold drink. Watch the boats cruise by while you unwind after a day in the sun.
This is another good place to put the boat in the water for the day. Still, no overnight parking.
This is where you can find great food and shopping. We recommend The Columbia House and Tommy Bahamas but almost everything is good. Resort Casual is appropriate for most places here.
This is where you can set up charter fishing or rent a boat for the day.
Check the price of airfair. This is definatly the closest place to fly into but most people find it more affordable to fly into Tampa and rent a car from there.
I recommend reaching Longboat Key via this route. Irrespective of what your navigation system may say, it's a much better ride.
Sarasota is an upscale community with everything from fine dining to antique shops. We particularly enjoy dining at Ceviche. Arrive early and have drinks at the rooftop bar. They have live ente
You can park on the street but on busy weekends it may be hard to find a space. Keep this place in mind as a back up.
Owner's Map of Diplomat
Hello! Thanks for taking a look at our vacation home. We're Rodney, Robin and Rachel Jolley and live in Windermere, Florida (near Orlando). We love the beach and in addition to Florida, we love St. Lucia, St. John, St. Martin, Jamaica and just about any other quiet place in the sun. We enjoy skiing in Colorado, most recently in Beaver Creek and an annual long weekend in New York City near Christmas. Most of all, we enjoy our quiet little place on the beach.
Property Photos
- You can't get any closer than this without getting wet! - Florida Beach Vacation Condo
- Rachel loves the sand and so will you! - Florida Beach Vacation Condo
- Take a seat right outside your door and enjoy this sunset. - Florida Beach Vacation Condo
- Step out the door and you're on the beach. No need to climb stairs.
- Perfect little kitchen so you can dine in or out. It's your choice.
- Relax and cool off after enjoying the sun.
- Nice updated bath with walk in shower.
- For those who have asked how close the pool is to the beach. :)
- If you don't like salt water but love the beach, get the best of both!
- The pool is so close to the beach we have to sweep the sand off the deck!
- The only thing missing is you
- No long walk to the beach here!
- Look at the beach.......no crowds.....enjoy Florida the way it should be!
- Our weekend retreat is a quiet family style resort.
- It's hard to find a nicer beach anywhere!
- Robin and I on the beach.
Guest Comments (8)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #160494
There have been 17463 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2007.
This listing was first published here in 2007.
Date last modified - November 08, 2009
Positive Rating
We had the perfect holiday/vacation and the apartment exceeded our expectations. The staff were extremely friendly & helpful & we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The only problem was having to leave & come home, I'm missing waking up in the morning to open the door & walk onto the beach! Thank you so much for a wonderful time. Kind regards, Caroline
Positive Rating
Just wanted to let you know that my husband and I had a GREAT time the week of May 2nd!!! We met a group of people who has been coming to the Diplomat for 20 years. We had a ball! Most likely will be back May 1, 2010!!!! Perfect accomodations!!! Exactly what we were looking for. Thank you for sharing with us!!!
Positive Rating
Rodney, Your place was better than expected. The pictures just don't do it justice! We arrived a day early and the office was able to schedule us in the room next door for one night. The view was amazing and it was so nice be able to walk right out of the room to the beach. We especially enjoyed the fact that this was not the typical "spring break" crowd. At times it seemed we were the only ones on the beach, which is exactly what we were looking for. We look forward to returning to your unit which was nicely updated and perfect for the two of us! Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to returning. Kellie & Steven
Positive Rating
I recently viewed available units at the Diplomat on Longboat Key. It had been a while since my last visit to the Diplomat. I was very impressed with how well the property has been maintained. The building has just been painted and looks very nice. I have got to say it is one of the more attractive vacation properties in the area. Great for anyone looking for an entry level condo on Longboat Key with beach views. The views are absolutely the best you will find for the money on Longboat. Perry J. Corneau, Lic Real Estate Broker, Sarasota
Positive Rating
Thanks! I’m glad your enjoyed your stay! Please keep me in mind for next time. From: Diane Butts Sent: Sunday, November 09, 2008 12:59 PM To: Jolley, Rodney Subject: Vacation Hi Rodney, Just a line to tell you how much Jack & I enjoyed our week at your beach place. It was even nicer than the pictures suggested. Had a nice chat with the owner of #216. He & his wife invited me in to see their place. Had 2 cloudy days, but there is always plenty to do down there. Take care, & hopefully we can rent your place in the future. Thanks, Diane
Positive Rating
Hi Rodney. Thank you again for having us this Fall. We had a great time and truly enjoyed your place!
Positive Rating
Stacy , Roanoke, IN
Positive Rating
Jennifer , Orlando Florida