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Tommy's Tropical Zen Garden & Cottage Oasis

Waterfront cottage in Pensacola with a hot tub

Photo gallery for Tommy's Tropical Zen Garden & Cottage Oasis

Exterior detail
great place for morning coffee
outside cooking deck and dining space
outdoor gas cooktop and airfryer oven
dining space

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 432.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Hot tub

Explore the area

View map
Pensacola, FL
  • Place, Pensacola Bay Center
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Historic Pensacola Village
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Saenger Theatre
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Pensacola, FL (PNS-Pensacola Intl.)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Loft area

1 Double Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Primary bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Tommy's Tropical Zen Garden & Cottage Oasis

Step through the garden gate and feel the world fall away. A winding path through tropical palms, butterflies between blooming vines, nature's sounds replacing city noise. Guests say "the photos don't do it justice"—they arrive stressed and leave restored. One wrote poetry about it. Another returns every year (X6!). The garden steals hearts, but it's the complete experience that makes people say "this is what Airbnb should be." The outdoor shower under jasmine. The century-old clawfoot tub. Waking in the treehouse loft. This isn't just accommodation; it's transformation.

Your handcrafted native cypress cottage offers a cozy loft with full bed (guests love the treehouse feeling) and queen fold-out below. The legendary 100-year-old clawfoot tub is perfect for evening soaks. The outdoor shower? Rated #1 in hundreds of reviews—"life-changing," "therapeutic," "better than home." Hot water, great pressure, surrounded by nature. Your covered deck features gas cooktop, grills, air fryer, three ice machines. Hot tub under stars. Hammock for reading. Tankless water heater means endless hot showers. Fully fenced paradise for pets. AC, WiFi, thoughtful touches everywhere.

In historic East Hill's tree-lined streets, you're perfectly positioned: walk to coffee shops and restaurants, 10 minutes to downtown Pensacola, 15 to white-sand beaches. But guests discover the best part is coming "home"—grilling on your deck, reading in the hammock, showering outdoors, soaking in the hot tub. Eight years and 450+ five-star reviews tell the story: people return annually, bring friends, say it felt like a retreat not a rental. Managed by trusted Superhost Cathy. Your zen sanctuary awaits. Come for the beach, leave restored.

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Amenities

Hot tub
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
You are welcome to bring your well behaved childre
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Events

No events allowed
Events are strictly prohibited per our policies.
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Pets

Pets allowed
Small well trained dog only please. NO cats or oth
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Absolutely no smoking or vaping of any kind inside
Must sign rental agreement upon booking
A $500 security hold will be placed 2 days prior to arrival and released 7 days after departure
Must follow all house rules including but not limited no pets, no children, no smoking of any kind, and no parties

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
Note from host: Events are strictly prohibited per our policies.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Pensacola

Located on the waterfront, this cottage is in Southeast Pensacola, a neighbourhood in Pensacola. Palafox Shopping Center and Ensley Shopping Center are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Pensacola Beach Beaches and Naval Live Oaks Reservation. Pensacola Children's Museum and Fast Eddies Fun Center are also worth visiting.
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Map
Pensacola, FL

What's nearby

  • Pensacola Bay Center - 3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Historic Pensacola Village - 4 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Saenger Theatre - 4 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Blue Wahoos Stadium - 5 min drive - 3.6 km
  • Cordova Mall - 9 min drive - 7.5 km

Getting around

  • Pensacola Station - 9 min drive
  • Pensacola, FL (PNS-Pensacola Intl.) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Jitterbug Beverage Co. - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪The Roundup - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Bagelheads - ‬17 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Tommy's Tropical Zen Garden & Cottage Oasis pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

What time is check-in at Tommy's Tropical Zen Garden & Cottage Oasis?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Tommy's Tropical Zen Garden & Cottage Oasis?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Tommy's Tropical Zen Garden & Cottage Oasis located?

Located in Southeast Pensacola, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Lions Park, Bayview Dog Beach Park and Bayview Park Dog Park. Miraflores Park and Pensacola Visitor Information Center are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 53 out of 56 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 56 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 56 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 56 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 56 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

ashton m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Great Getaway!

We had such a sweet time here on our spring break. Very cute and clean, close to the beach, and conveniently located. Tommy was awesome and was very welcoming! We felt super safe while we were here (important for two girls) and we had such a great stay! Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessica L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful garden!

Perfect location for toodling around/beach access. The garden is exceptionally beautiful and the deck/gazebo area is a perfect place to nap during a cloudy/windy/thundery kind of day 😊.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Winter Retreat

I had a great 2 month getaway in the cozy cottage. The hosts were very helpful and accommodating. The recommendations, company, music and cooking were wonderful, and the neighborhood has many places to go on foot if you like to walk. My dog had a good time, too.
Stayed 60 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Richard M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Richard and Brenda

Great
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Megan P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lush Garden Hideaway!!

We loved our extended visit at Tommy’s Zen Garden & Cottage! You would never imagine you were minutes/blocks away from great restaurants, beaches and attractions. Tommy and Jennifer are exceptional hosts, happy to guide you to the best of what Pensacola has to offer and to ensure you have all that you need for a perfect stay- Tommy’s Shrimp Ettouffe was a highlight of our visit! We were saddened to leave but look forward to returning!!
Stayed 13 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kim D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pensacola 2023

Stayed for two weeks! This property provides everything needed for a fun trip…even fur babies if you choose. the outdoor shower was great daily when we came back from beach, close to airport, beaches, and food! Tommy was quick to answer any questions. Great little place and affordable for a nice getaway!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nathaniel C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect garden oasis cottage

Excellent. The garden is magnificent and peaceful. A little oasis away from the noise of the world. Tom and his wife are superb hosts. The cottage is adorable. Can't wait to come back to Pensacola to stay again, hopefully longer this next time
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrea S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Slice of paradise

We loved our stay at Tommy’s zen garden! We were greeted upon arrival and introduced to the local wildlife (his pets lol) His place had everything we needed! Every morning we made coffee (everything was provided) and cooked breakfast outside in the outdoor kitchen. The house was clean and also had everything we needed. Outdoor showers are one of my fave things and this one didn’t disappoint! We would definitely recommend Tommy’s to friends and family and if ever in the area, we will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Monica Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very cozy. Abundant greenery.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Taegan F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I am usually the person to just get a hotel any place I travel, but me and my fiancé decided to give Tommy's Zen Garden cottage a shot. We thought the pictures online looked absolutely beautiful and so relaxing. Their backyard garden is absolutely beautiful and even better than what we saw in the pictures. We did not get to use much of the outdoor amenities because we were so go, go, go during our stay. The cottage inside was very clean and had everything we needed for our stay. Jen (Tommy's wife) made sure we had our dishes as soon as we checked in, and Tommy gave us amazing recommendations to do on our vacation and was very helpful through it all. 10/10 an absolute beautiful vacation spot.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristina N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beach trip

Very close to Pensacola beachCute garden oasisWe had a great time!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Erich L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Eine Oase in Pensacola

Tommy und Jennifer haben eine wundervolle Oase geschaffen, in der man ausgezeichnet relaxen kann. Wir haben die Zeit dort sehr genossen, um uns von unserer 4-wöchigen Südstaatenreise zu erholen. Der schöne Strand ist nur ca. 25 Minuten entfernt. Danke auch an Tommy für die guten Ausflugs- und Speisetipps! Gäste sollten gelenkig sein, um das Bett über die Leiter zu erklimmen ;-) Die Unterkunft ist sehr zu empfehlen.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great get away

This cottage is perfect for you and your spouse to have a get away. My fiance enjoyed the outdoor shower. We both enjoyed the hot tub. I also enjoyed the claw foot bath tub in the cottage. The host had bath bombs and bubble bath available. Also had incense cones to burn while I soaked. It was amazing. I didn’t bring my fur babies with me so having fur babies there to greet me was nice. The host are very nice and even though the cottage is in their back yard you still have plenty of privacy. It was my fiancés 40th b day and Tommy even got cake balloons to put in the cottage before we got there it was an amazing time and amazing vibe. Thanks again guys
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tanya L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful!

We had a great stay at Tommy's! Everything was as described and the pet friends were the perfect addition :)
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sherry N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Warm Hug

My sister and I plus our two dogs loved this short vacay. It's difficult to describe...uniquely relaxiing...wonderful conversations and music.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joseph T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend Wedding

Tommy’s place is almost magical. Cozy Florida vibes all day!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical

Loved the property. The backyard is beautiful. Pictures don’t do it justice. Tommy and Jennifer go above and beyond to make sure your stay is pleasant and enjoyable. Pets Chet, Bebe, Benny and Ray add to the charm. Magical and delightful!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Abbey A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stay

Tommy and Jennifer made us feel like instant friends! We enjoyed staying in the zen garden and meeting all their pets. One of a kind place and special people!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alicia M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Relaxing

Thank you to the hosts of.this property as they have an amazing space & personality! Just go & stay & you will see why this duo has the ratings they do. Can't wait to go back.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sheryl M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

COZY TINY HOUSE

We truly enjoyed our stay! The location is GREAT!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marcus C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A peaceful retreat indeed.

I enjoyed my stay here. Tommy and Jennifer were absolutely wonderful and accommodating. I spent every night in the hot tub and I took my dog to the dog park nearby. I was at peace here and am grateful for the time I had.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wes H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute backyard cottage, yet felt isolated in the woods!

Owner was very communicative. We enjoyed the cottage and it's location. It could probably sleep 4 with the pull out couch, but would be tight. We didn't utilize the cookware, but there was ample space to cook a meal and just "hang out" and enjoy the scenery. Although it was merely in the backyard, it felt like we were somewhat camping, and was great!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Weekend getaway

It was a quaint space. Hosts were friendly. Nice for a weekend getaway. Pensacola is a great town to see.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Olivia M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Everything and more!

My husband and I stayed at Tommy’s cottage for our 6th wedding anniversary. We were greeted by Tommy and his animals and it felt like we’d known him a lifetime. Such a personable guy and and an AMAZING chef. The cottage is beautiful and has everything you’d need. Pensacola Beach is a quick and easy drive and the cottage is in a beautiful and safe neighborhood. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Colleen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect getaway!

Everything about the cottage was perfect for us. Tommy was a pleasant and knowledgeable host. We’ll definitely return!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Tommy Bodkins

Host profile image
Tommy spent decades cultivating more than just a garden here—he created an experience.
A retired private chef with an encyclopedic knowledge of jazz and a genuine love for bringing people together, Tommy hand-built this native cypress cottage and transformed his East Hill backyard into the lush tropical sanctuary it is today.
With over eight years as a Superhost, he welcomed hundreds of guests, enjoyed memorable meals, shared his extensive vinyl collection by the fire pit, and became known for his warm hospitality and local recommendations that never missed.
His vision was simple: create a space where strangers could arrive stressed and leave restored; where a backyard could feel like Bali, and where every detail from the vintage clawfoot tub to the outdoor shower surrounded by jasmine told a story.
Now, as Tommy explores Europe with his wife Jennifer sharing his passions abroad, trusted Superhost Cathy carries forward his legacy of thoughtful hosting and genuine care, ensuring the zen garden continues to work its magic for every guest who walks through that garden gate, every single stay.

Why they chose this property

THE COTTAGE
Compact 350 sq ft perfect for couples or solo travel
Handcrafted native cypress construction floor to ceiling
Cozy loft bedroom with full size bed treehouse vibes
Fold out couch on main level
100 year old clawfoot tub with attached shower head guest favorite
Tankless water heater unlimited hot water
Mini fridge, microwave, toaster, coffee station
DirectTV and WiFi
Powerful dual AC units stays arctic cool
Bathrobes
All linens and towels included

PET FRIENDLY FEATURES
Fully fenced yard
Dog park blocks away
Safe neighborhood for walks

What makes this property unique

THE LEGENDARY OUTDOOR SHOWER
Private outdoor shower consistently rated number one amenity
Hot water with excellent pressure
Motion sensing lights for nighttime use
Surrounded by jasmine and tropical plants
Perfect post beach rinse or therapeutic evening ritual

THE TROPICAL ZEN GARDEN
Lush landscaping with palms flowering vines native plants
Hot tub under the stars with ambient lighting
Hammock for reading and afternoon naps
Fire pit area for cozy evenings
Multiple intimate seating areas throughout
String lights and solar pathway lighting
Winding mulch paths through the jungle
Abundant wildlife butterflies hummingbirds lizards songbirds
Fenced and secure pet paradise

OUTDOOR KITCHEN & ENTERTAINING
Spacious covered deck with ample seating
Gas cooktop for full meal preparation
Gas grill AND charcoal grill
Air fryer available
THREE ice machines never run out
Outdoor dining area under bistro lights
Dartboard for entertainment

SAFETY & CONVENIENCE
Whole house generator for hurricane season
Well lit pathways throughout property
Private entrance through side gate
Street parking available
Completely separate from main house
Responsive Superhost management by Cathy

WHAT MAKES THIS SPECIAL
8 years of hosting experience
450 + 5 star reviews
Guests return year after year
Better than the photos most common review phrase
Described as retreat oasis sanctuary magical

Languages:

English

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