The Cottages & Tiki Hut on Lake Manatee Outdoor Covered Venue 25916 Florida 64, Myakka City, FL 34251

"This place is amazing! I was impressed with how well the host made this home fit for every type of event / getaway whether it is a solo trip, a vacation with family and friends, if you have kids or dogs, need a venue for a wedding, yoga event, etc. She thought of everything someone may need during their stay to make them the most comfortable. Her thoughtfulness is evident in every detail of the cottage and around the property. The location is far enough to feel like you are on an island but only 10 mins from the city. The views from the property are gorgeous and comes with an enclosed yard for dogs and a playset for kids. This really is a perfect place to be!"

"My sister had her wedding at this venue and it was incredible! The venue is breathtaking. This really is the premier event space in FL! I wish I could give them more than 5 stars! The host was professional, resourceful, warm and polite. She gave my sister a detailed cost estimate before their appointment which made it easier for her to see which venues were best priced. What was really impressive was her ability to revise those estimates within hours to add in additional items and nights in the cottage that accommodated my sisters budget and schedule. We appreciate them making this day so special for my family and all of our friends and especially my sister!"

"This venue is set on a beautiful oasis! The home is so lovely and is the absolute perfect place to get away or to have a special event! It is even more beautiful in person! From the gorgeous grounds of luscious green grass, vibrant tropical flowers, shell walkways, heavenly trees framing the lake view perfectly, to the country cottage with its stunning views, a large pool with a deck to soothe the soul and relax, to inside the immaculate cozy cottage that is so inviting & tranquil. Not only is there so many places on the property to spend time in whichever capacity you would like (reading, relaxing, meditating, writing, etc) but I even had my own yard that my dogs absolutely loved and a playground for kids to play on! I also loved feeding snacks to Moose the horse and petting the lovable calf Precious. My words fall short on all of the great things to say about this incredible place. I am so blessed I found it and I loved it so much I even extended my stay for 3 months! I was taken aback by the negative reviews especially since I have been here for 3 months and no one else has stayed on the property yet there was a review that stated they stayed here 2 months ago... I travel often and have stayed in incredible places and this is one of the best places I have stayed. The host created an absolute dreamscape as well as being so gracious & amazing."

"When the bride first sent me the website showing pictures of this venue I was looking forward to seeing it in person. It turned out not to be what was seen in the pictures or what was promised on the website. If it were not for the bride and groom providing most the seating for the ceremony we would have all been standing. It was extremely concerning to see the owner of the property walking around the venue spraying chemicals around guests and tables where people would be eating. Not only spraying on the ground but also in the air. This should have been done prior to set up. The only positive of this venue was the view of the lake at sunset. Overall this was a disappointing experience for a wedding venue. I feel for the bride and groom who did not deserve to have their special day ruined by false and broken promises."

"We attended a wedding at The Cottage Tiki Hut on Lake Manatee and were amazed how bad the facilities were. We passed the entrance because there is no signage from the road, a little yard sign was put out to say there was a wedding but that was even hidden from the road. You drive up a dirt driveway, park in weeds, and the first thing you see walking to the venue is porta pottys. We were attending a wedding, not a concert. Everyone was dressed up and that was the only option for guests. The property has a nice view of the lake but not much else going for it and it wasn’t set up like the picture on the website. While we were waiting for the ceremony to begin, the property owner was walking around with a spray bottle, spray chemicals which she said was to keep away the mosquitos. I was not thrilled having chemicals sprayed around us while we were standing there and she also sprayed around the set tables and chairs in the tent that was where food was going to be served. There wasn't adequate seating for the ceremony, many of the guests had to stand in the back. There were wooden benches to sit on, not nice white folding chairs. The tiki hut, where the dance floor is located, was very small. The bridal party sat on the far side of the dance floor while the rest of us sat in a white tent on the other side of it with cheap, folding tables and chairs. The pictures on the website must have been taken at another property because none of that exists there. While we were eating, the property owner was walking around the tent taking pictures of guests which no one approved of. I was very uncomfortable about that since I don’t know where she would be posting them. I felt very sorry for the bride and groom because everyone wants to have a picture, perfect wedding and the only thing perfect about that picture was the 2 of them because they looked so happy together. Do your research before you plan an event there and know what you are going to get before it is too late."