Very enjoyable houseboat setting in quiet key. Evenings on rooftop patio are the best !

The property was in a great location, great views and environment. Some areas that could improve is the lack of bedding, towels, the current bedding doesn’t fit the beds. There are some small upgrades to maximize the space but overall it was a unique experience.

The Manatee was a nice size for a houseboat. We specifically wanted it because we felt it would accommodate our family of five (which includes three young adults). The rate is overpriced in my opinion. We stayed at two other places during our Key West/Palm Beach vacation, both comparably priced to this (one being a similar size to the Manatee) and the other two were much nicer. The houseboat definitely needs some TLC. Unfortunately, the a/c was out during our stay. Mike did offer to let us stay in another houseboat because of this. However, the alternative was very small, and I didn't want us climbing all over each other. So, we chose to stay in the Manatee with no a/c. It made for a very damp and sticky stay. Maybe because it is an older boat, there was a very strong "old house" musty smell. Overall, we will probably not return. Mike, though, was very nice to work with and did refund us a small amount due to the a/c not working.

The good: The houseboat could easily sleep 8; it feels quite spacious. The top deck was great as well. The beds and pillows were comfortable. There were also plenty of towels. It also seemed clean. Finally, there is also a new bar on site, for interested parties, but we never had noise pollution from it. The bad: The fridge can only be a fridge or freezer; you’ll want to plan accordingly. The hot water runs out very quickly (3 minutes?). Though they offer other showers onsite, most were not usable (e.g., one was locked, one had pee in it, the final one wouldn’t turn on). The ugly: When we checked in, the manager told us that the AC was broken on our boat. He said he couldn’t offer anything else that night, nor were we offered a hotel voucher or discount for the lack of AC, but he said we could look at another, smaller one the next night. They did leave 3 fans. He said he didn’t have our number, which is why there wasn’t forewarning. He was not apologetic, and instead, positioned it as our fault. Additionally, after checking in and being given the keys, we attempted to lock the boat, and realized the lock was broken. We brought it to the manager’s attention. Again, no apology, just sarcasm about how to lock a door. The manager did have a worker look at the lock the next day, and the result was the same: They said it can’t be fixed, so you’ll have to just deal with it. Finally, there was mold behind the kitchen trashcan on the wood framing. VERY dismissive manager.

On the water… doesn’t get any better!

I thought the accommodations were very nice. I was a little sad that there weren’t more pops, pans and cooking dishware. The two barbecue grills at the front of the marina were falling apart, and it made it very hard to cook in the evenings.

VRBO booked us with a place that was already booked and the property manager had to find us a place to stay which was too small but the only thing he had available. VRBO messed this one up according to the property manager. Will deal direct with this property in the future.

We had our 3 children with us and everyone enjoyed their stay! The views were amazing from dawn until dusk. The staff and hosts were extremely friendly and helpful. We will be back!!