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2 Homes, 1 Private Pool Near IMG & AMI

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A covered outdoor dining area with a pool in the background.
Property video
A modern kitchen with a central island, bar stools, and a tiled backsplash.
Dining
A spacious outdoor area with a dining table, chairs, and a blue door leading to a pool area.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Outdoor pool
    The outdoor pool is a refreshing retreat under the open sky - a rare gem in this area.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Private pool
  • Kitchenette
  • Dog-friendly
  • Toys
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Bradenton, FL
  • Place, Bowlero Bradenton
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, IMG Academy
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch
    ‪30 min drive‬
  • Airport, Sarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.)
    ‪23 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Double Bunk Beds

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 2

1 Single Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Separate dining area
Number of living rooms
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

2 Homes, 1 Private Pool Near IMG & AMI

TWO HOMES. ONE INCREDIBLE BACKYARD.

Grinning Gecko is designed for families and groups who want to vacation together — without having to live on top of each other.

You'll have a spacious 3-bedroom main house PLUS a separate private pool house with its own queen bedroom, ensuite bathroom and workspace.

That means grandparents can have their own space. Another family can have privacy. Parents can put the kids to bed and still enjoy the evening. Everyone can be together when they want to be — and spread out when they don't.

Then there's the backyard: a heated saltwater pool, oversized lanai, outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, putting green, bocce court, arcade and fire pit.

It's less like renting a house and more like having your own private family resort.

2.5 miles to IMG Academy
6 miles to Anna Maria Island
Walking Distance to G.T. Bray Park
Dog friendly with fenced yard
Heated saltwater pool

WHY FAMILIES LOVE GRINNING GECKO

TWO HOMES IN ONE BOOKING
Stay together while giving grandparents, another family or adults their own private space.

THE POOL IS THE CENTER OF THE VACATION
Enjoy a heated saltwater pool, pool toys, plenty of loungers and a huge outdoor living area.

MAKE DINNER PART OF THE FUN
Cook together in the fully equipped kitchen or take the party outside to the outdoor kitchen and pizza oven.

KIDS HAVE PLENTY TO DO
Arcade games, foosball, skee-ball, darts, putting green, bocce, cornhole, life-size Jenga and more.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FROM THE START
Pack 'n Play, bassinet, changing table, high chair, stroller, children's dishes, pool safety gate and beach gear are all provided.

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY
Dogs are welcome, and the fenced yard gives them room to enjoy the vacation too.

BEACH DAY OR POOL DAY?
Anna Maria Island beaches are approximately 6 miles away, and we provide beach chairs, umbrella, cooler, wagon and beach toys.

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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
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 4194735vb
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
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Bradenton

Located in Bradenton, this holiday home is near a water park and near the beach. St. Armands Circle and Mall at University Town Center are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Tampa Bay and Bradenton Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, or check out an event or a game at LECOM Park. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and mountain biking.
View more Holiday homes in BradentonOpens in a new window
Map
Bradenton, FL

What's nearby

  • Bowlero Bradenton - 4 min drive - 2.5 km
  • IMG Academy - 7 min drive - 4.6 km
  • LECOM Park - 8 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Riverwalk - 10 min drive - 5.7 km
  • Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch - 30 min drive - 31.0 km

Getting around

  • Sarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Beef 'O' Brady's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Golden Corral - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does 2 Homes, 1 Private Pool Near IMG & AMI have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

How much does it cost to stay at 2 Homes, 1 Private Pool Near IMG & AMI?

As of 25 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at 2 Homes, 1 Private Pool Near IMG & AMI on 2 Oct 2026 start from AU$1,266, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is 2 Homes, 1 Private Pool Near IMG & AMI pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at 2 Homes, 1 Private Pool Near IMG & AMI?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at 2 Homes, 1 Private Pool Near IMG & AMI?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 2 Homes, 1 Private Pool Near IMG & AMI?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is 2 Homes, 1 Private Pool Near IMG & AMI located?

This family-friendly Bradenton holiday home is located by the sea, within 3 mi (5 km) of Blake Medical Center and IMG Academy. LECOM Park and Palma Sola Bay are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 44 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 44 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 44 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great stay here! Really enjoyed the house and pool. Would definitely love to stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Aug 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re so happy to hear that you had a great stay and enjoyed both the house and the pool. We truly appreciate you choosing Grinning Gecko and would absolutely love to welcome you back for another stay! We look forward to hosting you again! 🦎☀️🏝️
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House was awesome! Great communication, a few tiny hiccups. We would highly recommend!Thank you for sharing your house, we thoroughly enjoyed, pool was the best!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesome
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Extremely clean, all of the amenities you could need, pet friendly and very responsive when needed! Will look to book again with a larger group as this was the perfect staycation.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay and found the home clean, well-equipped, and comfortable for both your family and your pet. Creating a space where guests can relax and feel at home is our goal, so it's especially rewarding to hear that you appreciated the amenities and our responsive communication. We know those details can make all the difference in creating a stress-free getaway. We're thrilled that the property was the perfect setting for your staycation, and we'd love the opportunity to host you again. The home is especially well-suited for larger groups and family gatherings, so we hope you'll return and experience even more of what the property has to offer. Thank you again for choosing our home. We look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable stay!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property was perfect for a families needs with activities for younger children and close proximity to the IMG Academy and shopping. Would consider this property again for next year’s visit to Bradenton.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that the property was a great fit for your family's needs and that the activities and amenities for younger children helped make your stay enjoyable. We're also pleased that you found the location convenient for your time at IMG Academy, as well as for shopping and exploring the Bradenton area. We know how important it is for families to have both comfort and convenience during their stay. Thank you for being such great guests. We truly appreciate your kind words and would be honored to host your family again during next year's visit. We look forward to welcoming you back!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host was great, the house was great. We enjoyed it very much and would stay here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re thrilled to hear that both the home and your experience with us met your expectations. It’s great to know you enjoyed your stay, and we truly appreciate your feedback. Providing a comfortable home and a smooth, welcoming experience for our guests is always our goal. We’d be happy to host you again anytime you’re back in the area. Thanks again for staying with us!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wow! We loved the place! We will stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you loved the place. Short and sweet feedback like this truly means a lot to us, and we’re especially glad it was such a great experience that you’re planning to stay again. We’d be delighted to host you in the future and look forward to welcoming you back!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was the perfect rental for our family get-together. The property was clean & had all we needed, even beach items. It is a great rental for adults & especially children. The bedrooms accommodated children so that noises wouldn’t disturb them, especially the pool house bedroom. We’ve rented many properties thru VRBO in Bradenton (mostly condos). This owner was the best at responding to my emails. We would definitely rent again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 June 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that the Grinning Gecko was the perfect setting for your family get-together. It’s especially rewarding to know that the home worked well for guests of all ages and that the layout provided comfortable spaces for both adults and children. We designed the property with families in mind, so we're thrilled that features like the separate pool house and family-friendly accommodations helped make your stay more enjoyable. We're also glad you found everything you needed, including the beach equipment. We love providing those extras so guests can spend less time planning and more time making memories. Your compliment about our communication truly means a lot, especially coming from someone who has stayed at many VRBO properties in the Bradenton area. We always strive to be responsive and helpful, and we're grateful that it made a positive difference in your experience. Thank you again for choosing the Grinning Gecko. We would be honored to host your family again and look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable stay!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our entire family enjoyed the 3 night stay in the Grinning Gecko. The host's efforts to accommodate us were the best! We would love to stay again sometime.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re thrilled to hear that your family enjoyed your 3-night stay at the Grinning Gecko. It means a lot to know our efforts to accommodate you helped make your visit a positive experience. We always aim to make our guests feel comfortable, supported, and at home, so your feedback is truly appreciated. We’d love to welcome you back anytime you’re in the area. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we look forward to your next stay!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The best family rental we've ever had! The pool, the beach supplies, the space, everything was fantastic! My son is already begging to go back.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you for such an amazing review! Being called the best family rental you've ever had is truly one of the highest compliments we could receive. We're thrilled that you enjoyed the pool, the beach supplies, and the space itself. We work hard to provide the little extras that help families relax, make memories, and spend more time enjoying their vacation together. The best part of your review might be hearing that your son is already asking to come back! That's exactly the kind of vacation experience we hope to create for our guests. Thank you for choosing our home for your family getaway. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we would be delighted to welcome you back whenever you're ready for your next visit!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Comfortable house with a great outdoor area for cooking and hanging out. Hosts were excellent communicators.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re glad to hear you found the home comfortable and enjoyed the outdoor space for cooking and relaxing—that’s one of our favorite areas of the property as well. We also really appreciate your note about our communication. We always aim to be responsive and make sure our guests feel supported throughout their stay, so it’s great to hear that came through. Thank you again for staying with us. We’d love the opportunity to host you again in the future!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the whole vibe and atmosphere of this place. Fantastic location. Great host and very responsive. 10/10 recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you loved the vibe and atmosphere of the property. We've worked hard to create a space that feels both relaxing and memorable, so it's wonderful to know it resonated with you. We're also glad you enjoyed the location and found us responsive throughout your stay. Providing a great guest experience is always our top priority. Thank you for being such wonderful guests and for the 10/10 recommendation! We'd love to welcome you back anytime you're in the area and hope to host you again soon.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property was fantastic -- So well stocked with everything you need plus more. We especially loved hanging out in the pool area. Great communication with the hosts. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re thrilled to hear the property exceeded your expectations and that you found it so well stocked with everything you needed for your stay. It’s great to know you were able to relax and enjoy the pool area—that’s definitely one of our favorite spaces for guests to gather and unwind. We’re also glad our communication helped make your stay smooth and easy. Thank you again for staying with us and for the thoughtful feedback. We’d love to host you again anytime you’re back in the area!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Overall the stay was Great! The kids and my wife and I really enjoyed the pool and the outdoor setting. We were in there everyday. The location was perfect. Close to everything we wanted to do. Communication between the hosts and us were spot on. Anything we needed or had questions on they answered right away. Would definitely stay there again if coming back to the area. Thanks!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you and your family enjoyed your stay and were able to make the most of the pool and outdoor living space. It sounds like the pool was a hit with everyone, which is exactly what we love to hear! We're also glad the location worked well for your plans and that you found everything conveniently accessible. Providing responsive communication and making sure our guests have everything they need for a relaxing vacation are top priorities for us, so your kind comments mean a great deal. Thank you for being such great guests. It was a pleasure hosting your family, and we would be thrilled to welcome you back anytime you're visiting the area. We look forward to hosting you again for another memorable Florida getaway!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
They had everything you needed from Audrey baskets to extra beach towels. The pool was great. The only on complaint I have is, they must have sprayed for bugs while we were there cause the last two days of our trip we all saw quite a few bugs. I wouldn’t leave anything that’s not in a container in the kitchen.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you for your kind review! We're so glad you enjoyed the pool and appreciated the extra touches throughout the home, from the beach towels to the amenities we provide for our guests. We also appreciate you mentioning the bugs you noticed during your stay. As is common in Florida's tropical climate, occasional pest activity can occur despite regular preventative treatments. We had just spent two weeks at the property in May and did not observe anything out of the ordinary, and our regularly scheduled quarterly pest control service was completed while we were onsite. We take guest feedback seriously and want every stay to be a five-star experience. Had we been aware of the issue during your stay, we would have gladly arranged for our pest control team to respond immediately so that any concerns could be addressed right away. Following your stay, we scheduled an additional service visit out of an abundance of caution to ensure everything remained in excellent condition. Thank you again for staying with us and for taking the time to share your experience. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for another relaxing Florida vacation in the future.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Reasonably close to the beach; a lot of attention has been paid to the outside amenities at the place, as well
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you for your kind review! We’re glad you enjoyed your stay and found the location convenient for getting to the beach. We’re especially happy to hear you appreciated the outdoor amenities—we’ve put a lot of care into creating a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor space for our guests to relax and make the most of their time in Florida. Thank you again for staying with us. We’d love the opportunity to host you again in the future!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place was perfect for our stay. Plenty of space, the pool and outdoor area were wonderful and the private pool house gives you a second master room. Very clean and updated. Host is very responsive and the house was amazing!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that the property was a perfect fit for your stay and that you had plenty of space to relax and enjoy your time. It’s great to know you enjoyed the pool and outdoor area—that’s truly one of the highlights of the home—and that the pool house worked well as a private additional suite. We’re also glad you found everything clean, updated, and comfortable throughout your visit. We really appreciate your kind words about our communication as well. Being responsive and making sure our guests feel supported is always a top priority for us. Thank you again for staying with us. We’d love the opportunity to host you again in the future!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an excellent stay! The property was very clean and exactly as described in the listing.Everything matched the features and amenities perfectly. The host was extremely responsive and professional, even replying quickly to our questions late at night, which we really appreciated.We and the kids had a great time, especially enjoying the heated pool,it made the stay even more memorable. Overall, a fantastic experience, and we would definitely recommend this place to others!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that your stay was excellent and that the property met your expectations exactly as described. It’s especially great to know that the cleanliness, amenities, and overall setup worked well for your family. We’re also glad the heated pool was a highlight for both you and the kids—that’s always one of our favorite features for making stays extra memorable. We truly appreciate your kind words about our responsiveness as well. We always do our best to be available whenever our guests need us, no matter the time, so it’s rewarding to know that made a difference in your experience. Thank you again for staying with us and for the thoughtful recommendation. We’d love the opportunity to host you and your family again in the future!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a fantastic property! The place is amazing. Great for families and pets! Thank you for a clean and beautiful house!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the property and found it a great fit for both your family and your pets. It’s especially rewarding to hear that you appreciated the cleanliness and care that goes into maintaining the home—we truly want every guest to arrive to a space that feels welcoming and well cared for. Thank you again for staying with us and for your thoughtful feedback. We’d love to host you again anytime you’re back in the area!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host was very attentive and welcome, the house is spectacular and in excellent condition, I will definitely recommend to anyone, and the amenities were as described.Definitely a fantastic stay.Thanks
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic stay and that the home met your expectations. It’s especially great to know you found everything in excellent condition and that the amenities were exactly as described. We also truly appreciate your kind words about our attentiveness—it means a lot to us to know our communication helped make your stay even more enjoyable. Thank you again for recommending the property. We’d be delighted to host you anytime you’re back in the area!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Absolutely loved the property

Absolutely loved the property will definitely stay there again
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a wonderful time with my sister's and best friends. We enjoyed the pizza oven, the pool, the outside area as a whole, lots to do. The host was very quick to answer any questions that came up. The weather wasn't as cooperative but we played games and watched movies...I know my kids and grandkids would love the place....would stay here again
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful time with your sisters and friends. It’s great to know you enjoyed the pool, outdoor spaces, and especially the pizza oven—those shared moments outside are exactly what we hope guests can create here. We also appreciate your kind words about our responsiveness; we always aim to be available and helpful whenever needed. While we wish the weather had cooperated a bit more, we’re glad you were still able to make the most of your stay with games, movies, and quality time together. It sounds like a truly memorable getaway. We especially love hearing that you can already picture returning with your kids and grandkids—that means the world to us. We’d be honored to host you again anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was perfect. We've been going to Bradenton for the last eight years this home OVERALL has been the best,saying that my grade is Outstanding!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you so much for your incredible review! Coming from someone who has visited Bradenton for the past eight years, it truly means a lot to hear that our home stands out as your best overall experience. We’re absolutely thrilled that everything was perfect and that your stay earned an “Outstanding” in your book—that’s the highest compliment we could receive. Creating a comfortable, memorable, and well-cared-for space for our guests is always our goal, so your feedback is very rewarding for us. Thank you again for choosing our home. We would be honored to host you anytime you’re back in Bradenton!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Love the Grinning Gecko

We loved staying at the Grinning Gecko. The house was just as described. Great location, close to beaches and shopping. The house had everything we needed and then some! Would absolutely stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay. The owner was great with excellent communication throughout and the house was clean and well stocked. We appreciated the thoughtfulness of setting up the pool gate ahead of time as we had our 18 month grandson with us and blowing up all the pool rafts. The outdoor space is awesome and many entertainment amenities- games, tvs in the right spots, and great seating to enjoy the fire at night. The saltwater pool was a huge hit with everyone. Kitchen is well stocked and the beds were comfortable. All around we had a great stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 June 2026
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review! We’re delighted to hear that your family had such a great stay. It’s especially rewarding to know that the home worked well for your group and that the little touches—like setting up the pool gate and getting the floaties ready—helped make things easier with your 18-month-old grandson. We always try to anticipate those details so families can relax and enjoy their time together. We’re also so glad you enjoyed the outdoor space, fire area, entertainment setup, and saltwater pool. It sounds like you really made the most of everything the home has to offer, which is exactly what we hope for our guests. Thank you again for staying with us and for your kind words about the cleanliness, comfort, and communication. We would be absolutely thrilled to host you and your family again in the future!

About the host

Hosted by Bret and Kim Caywood

Host profile image
We love Florida, spending time with family and friends, and creating a vacation home where people can actually relax and enjoy being together.

We designed Grinning Gecko around the things we know families appreciate: comfortable spaces, a great pool, plenty for kids to do, a kitchen that actually works for groups, beach gear, family-friendly amenities and — most importantly — room for everyone to have their own space.

As hosts, we believe the little things matter. We want your arrival to be easy, your stay to be comfortable and your questions answered quickly.

We're always happy to help with recommendations or anything you need during your stay, while giving you the privacy to enjoy your vacation.

Our goal is simple:

Come as guests. Leave feeling like you've discovered your Florida home away from home.

We can't wait to host you!

— Bret & Kim

Why they chose this property

We loved this neighborhood due the central location to IMG, AMI, GT Bray Park and Bradenton, Sarasota and the smaller towns along the coast. A few miles in any direction takes you to an all new adventure.

YOUR OWN PRIVATE BACKYARD RESORT

You may come to Florida for the beaches — but don't be surprised if you end up spending most of your vacation at home.

The expansive fenced backyard includes:

Heated saltwater pool
Outdoor kitchen + pizza oven
BBQ grill
Fire pit
Turf putting green
Bocce court
Cornhole + outdoor games
Pool basketball
Arcade/game room
Oversized lanai with indoor/outdoor dining and lounging

There's room for the kids to play, adults to relax and everyone to gather together.

ROOM FOR EVERYONE — AND ROOM TO ESCAPE

Two indoor living spaces mean your group doesn't have to do everything together.

One group can watch a movie while another plays a game. Kids can hang out while adults relax. Someone can curl up with a book while everyone else enjoys the pool.

And when you need even more separation, the private pool house is just steps away.

Together when you want. Separate when you need.

What makes this property unique

WHAT OUR GUESTS LOVE

“Great for families and pets!”

“The host's efforts to accommodate us were the best!”

“The house had everything we needed and then some!”

“The pool area was our favorite place to hang out.”

“Everyone had the option of being together or doing their own thing.”

That's exactly what we designed Grinning Gecko to do.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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