The location is excellent, but unfortunately, the property itself is outdated, poorly maintained, and in significant need of repairs and management attention. Upon arrival, we immediately noticed maintenance issues. The blinds in our unit were broken and lying on the floor, setting the tone for what became a disappointing stay. Throughout the week, there was no housekeeping service of any kind--no bed making, no fresh linens, no replacement of kitchen towels, and no general upkeep. We were expected to keep and reuse the same towels, including damp and increasingly unpleasant kitchen towels, for the duration of our stay. The towel process itself was one of the most frustrating aspects of the experience. Guests are required to turn in towels and then be issued replacements for any trip to the pool or beach. The process felt unnecessarily restrictive and, at times, demeaning. We were repeatedly instructed where to take towels, where to pick them up, and what we could and could not touch. On one occasion, when we brought towels to housekeeping during the designated day and time window, each towel was individually inspected. We were lectured about makeup stains, informed about their laundering procedures, and warned that we could be charged for anything they could not remove. This level of scrutiny felt excessive and inappropriate. In all my years of staying at hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals, I have never been threatened with replacement charges for normal wear on old, frayed towels. Another major issue was the insect problem. Staff themselves joked that there was an unusually high concentration of bugs this season. Unfortunately, the situation was far from humorous for guests. Bugs were constantly entering through poorly sealed windows and doors, crawling across the room, getting into beds, and covering personal belongings. When we asked whether the property sprayed for pests or offered any assistance, we were told they do not spray and provide no solutions. No guest should have to spend nights dealing with insects crawling on them while they sleep. Customer service was also disappointing. Several interactions with front desk staff left us feeling as though we were being scolded rather than assisted. As first-time guests, we naturally had questions about procedures and amenities, but the responses often felt condescending. Rather than helping guests navigate the property's unusual policies, staff frequently spoke to us as though we should already know the rules. The shared amenities were equally problematic. When we attempted to use the BBQ area, we discovered there were no utensils available because another unit had taken them upstairs and kept them. Despite cleaning up after ourselves, we were later told that the grill needed cleaning the following day, apparently due to another guest's use. There seemed to be little oversight or accountability regarding shared resources. Noise and safety issues further diminished the experience. One night, an apparently intoxicated underage resident caused a major disturbance on our floor from approximately 2:00 a.m. until 4:00 a.m., eventually requiring police intervention. Surprisingly, the individual returned a few days later and was openly drinking again. Despite the significant disruption to guests, no compensation or accommodation was offered for the sleepless night. The family in the neighboring unit was also extremely noisy throughout our stay. Children repeatedly bounced a hard ball against the shared wall for hours at a time, day after day, with no intervention from management. Likewise, the pool and hot tub were frequently overcrowded with unsupervised children, making it difficult for other guests to enjoy the facilities. There appeared to be little enforcement of rules or consideration for guests seeking a quieter environment. Perhaps the most unusual part of the stay was that we were given materials encouraging us to become "owners" despite the property's obvious maintenance, service, and management shortcomings. Overall, while the location is undoubtedly attractive, the combination of poor maintenance, lack of housekeeping, pest issues, inconsistent customer service, noise disturbances, and inadequate management oversight made this a disappointing experience. This property may appeal to families with young children or groups looking for a more party-oriented atmosphere, but it was not the relaxing vacation experience we expected. Unfortunately, I would not choose to stay here again. read more

Been coming here 35 years or more. Not a fancy high end resort, but it is a comfortable, well-maintained place to stay with friendly staff and multiple generations of my family have enjoyed staying here over the years. read more

Nice if you have never been to a beach/have low expectations Pros- -it is quiet -Nice that they have beach chairs and umbrellas -The pool is heated and very comfortable -Kitchen was equipped, and enjoyed having grills (and tools) on site Cons (resort) - towel exchange is only once a week from 9-12. Impractical for a family of 4 staying there. -Turn down service is only once a week (on Fri). And if you aren't staying a full week past Fri they don't even do turn down service- was never informed of this, nor does it state that in the welcome binder. -pool area closes at sunset. Who wants to use a hot tub only during the day when it is 80°? Cons (area) -Red tide. Coughing constantly- this was enough to make me not want to return. -Traffic is terrible- every day. With the exception of a few restaurants down the road you have to drive to Sarasota for everything, which is at least an hour. -the water at the beach was freezing. If you enjoy swimming in the ocean this is not the place (at least in Feb) -Got bit/tore up by sand fleas- have never had this happen at a beach in my life. For the price in maintenance fees it's not worth it to stay here. read more

Bottom Line: I'll never trade or sell my timeshare week here!! We have been coming here for years and hope to be coming for the rest of our lives! Located on one of the wealthiest beaches - this place is older and affordable. The amenities are few, and a lot of the decor is outdated and cheap chain hotelesque, such as ugly fake floral arrangements and tacky placemats. The kitchens have been updated in the last few years (2013 and ongoing). Granite kitchen counters and new dishwashers. The kitchen is fully equipped with fridge, stove, dishwasher, plates, bowls, cups and such. The basics, perfect for a week or so. There is a super upscale Publix directly across the street. Even though the place is older - it is always clean. It's quiet and it's on a beautiful stretch of beach. You can go from your room to being in the gulf in 100 steps. What more can you ask for? They have shuffle board, basketball hoop/tennis court combo, beach volley ball, ping pong table, pool table and bikes. There are also board games for check out at the front desk. There are plenty of chaises by the pool and on the beach. It is a timeshare so there are always owners who never want to trade because they love the place. There are also plenty of people who traded to be there and first time renters. One of our favorite places to be! read more

Four Winds Beach Resort - Hotels Near Me - Longboat Key, Florida

Meh... kind of shocking to be paying that much to not have room service more than once a week. Beautiful location, but traffic is just awful there! read more

This place has been my home way from home for years! Always a very relaxing and peaceful. read more

Four Winds Beach Resort - Hotels Near Me - Longboat Key, Florida

Some stuff you're gonna wanna bring: - plastic wrap - aluminum foil - suntan lotion - cards and games - paper plates - coffee and creamer - boogie board - note pad or scrap paper They've got: - beach towels - bikes, helmets and locks - linens - wifi - paperbacks, puzzles and a few games The supply room has: - Windex - countertop cleaner - dish soap - trash bags - paper towels They don't have: - HDTV - cel reception read more

This is a hidden gem! Units are super clean. You could not ask for a better maintained property. Free laundry! The pool is absolutely sparkling clean. Then to top it off the units are right on the beach. There are plenty of lawn chairs and umbrellas for guests. We will be back. read more

Love it here but some ppl really need to realize this place is for kids not just the seniors read more

Four Winds Beach Resort - Love my summers with my amazing friends and family here!! - Hotels Near Me - Longboat Key, Florida

Great location. Right on the beach. Close to Publix with a great restaurant in house. Very friendly staff. Cameron with Longboat Key taxi and Conscious Cab. read more

Nice and cozy, laid back resort. Feet from the beach which is spectacular. Very family friendly and would come back again... Hopefully soon.... read more

We love staying at 4WLBK. We are owners on week 25 and our whole family owns as well. Great atmosphere and right on the beach!

We are one of the Owners @FW, and own 11 Units ( 6 different wks.) and we started out as renters, loved and enjoyed it so much that we have become owners... Over Labor Day Week, we host our children, grandchildren and friends, and everyone trully enjoys the time at FW. BVJ- Orlando, Fl read more

I owned 217 (week 6) for years. I loved owning at Four Winds. I sold it this year (2012) because we now live in Seattle and it is too difficult to commit to yearly visits now that I live this far away. I fought back tears when I signed the sales closing papers. I'll miss this place forever. My husband and I actually got married there in 2004, in the courtyard, with a reception in the hospitality room. It was the best wedding decision two 54-year olds could have made. We had a cake made by Publix Grocery/bakery across the street, bought our flowers from Publix, and arranged for a caterer. It was a wonderful wedding, with about 24 guests (in addition to my neighbors at Four Winds watching from their balconies!). Avenue of Flowers plaza shopping directly across the street. That Publix Grocery across the street ROCKS! I have lifetime friends from Four Winds, and will always carry wonderful memories of great times together. The staff is personable and helpful. The pool is delightful, and the social gatherings are fun, but not overdone. We'll continue to go back as renters occasionally, and I'll cherish the years of owning 217 for week 6. I didn't have any trouble selling my week once the decision to sell was made. That is saying a lot about Four Winds. Timeshares can sometimes be difficult to sell, but ours sold in less than 3 weeks to another owner, facillitated by the full-time Real Estate staff on site. Four Winds is not a shiny, glitzy place. It is a comfortable, well-maintained beach getaway. It is casual, it is right on the beach and it is Perfect for Us! We'll be back, as renters. read more

Awesome resort. The staff and front desk are very friendly and helpful. Right on the beach. Laid back and relaxing. Very clean. Publix within walking distance. Will definitely be back. Soon! read more

Our 2nd visit staying at Four Winds, the place is nice, clean and has alot of provided extras, like bikes, books, games, gas grills, pool floats and noodles. The beach chairs and umbrellas are free also if you can get down there early enough to get one. Some families go down very early and reserve and hold them for people who don't show up for hours, which is typical for most beach resorts I have been to. Four Winds could use a little updating in the furniture department, the twin beds in 2nd bedrooms are the most uncomfortable I have ever slept in. The other guests were all very nice, except for a few BEACH &POOL POLICERS who need to mind their own business. I enjoyed meeting the Club 24 owners and had a great time at the activities they put together during the week. Our timeshare, a few buildings south only has the owners breakfast on Monday mornings and it would be nice to have other functions throughout the week. Overall its a great place to stay, renting or owning, good location and we will return sometime in the future. read more