Staying at the Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast feels like a weirdly perfect glitch in the timeline. You’re in Florida, but you aren’t.
Not the Florida of neon signs and $18 margaritas. This is the 1913 version of the state, tucked away on the Manatee River, where the floorboards have something to say and the moss hangs just right. Most people driving through Palmetto are heading somewhere else—maybe Sarasota or the beaches of Anna Maria Island—and they completely miss this spot. Honestly? That’s probably why it’s still so good.
It's a restored residence listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
But don't let the "historic" tag scare you off into thinking it's a stuffy museum where you can't touch anything. Owners Wim and Mieke Ghyselinck, who moved from Belgium to take over this property years ago, have managed to blend European hospitality with Old Florida charm in a way that shouldn't work, but totally does. It’s a bit of an anomaly. You’ve got a 1913 Dutch Colonial Revival house, Belgian hosts, and a view of a Florida river.
The Reality of Staying on the Manatee River
When you pull up to the Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast, the first thing you notice is the wrap-around porch. It’s massive. In the early 20th century, these porches were basically the original air conditioning, designed to catch the breeze off the water. Today, they’re where you drink your coffee and realize you haven’t looked at your phone in three hours.
The house was originally built by Julius Lamb, and the restoration work is, frankly, insane. They kept the original wood floors. They kept the tin ceilings. They kept the vibe.
Staying here is different from a hotel because there are only six rooms. That’s it. You aren't a room number; you're just a person in a house. The rooms—like the Marquis de Lafayette or the Renoir—are decorated with a mix of antiques that actually feel like they belong there, rather than being staged by an interior designer trying too hard to look "vintage."
One thing people often get wrong about B&Bs is that they assume everything will be "shabby chic" and falling apart. Not here. The bathrooms are modernized. The beds are high-end. It’s luxury, but the kind of luxury that doesn't feel the need to shout at you.
What the Rooms Are Actually Like
Each room has its own personality, which sounds like a cliché, but it's true. If you stay in the Monet suite, you’re getting a lot of light and a view of the river that makes it hard to leave the room.
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The Hemingway room feels a bit more masculine, a bit more grounded. Most guests rave about the linens. It sounds like a small detail, but when you’re paying for a getaway, the quality of the sheets matters. These are high-thread-count, crisp, and clearly chosen by people who understand European hospitality standards.
The 1913 construction means the walls aren't paper-thin like a modern Marriott, but it's an old house. You might hear the occasional creak. If you want a soundproof bunker, go to a Hyatt. If you want a house with a soul, you stay here.
The Breakfast Factor (And Why It’s Better Than a Buffet)
Let’s talk about the second "B" in B&B.
Breakfast at the Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast is served in a formal dining room that looks like it belongs in a period drama. But it’s the food that actually sticks with you. Wim and Mieke bring their European background to the table, which means you aren't getting a soggy bagel and a lukewarm carton of yogurt.
Think fresh croissants. Think artisanal cheeses. Think Belgian waffles that are actually made correctly, not the dense blocks of sugar you find at most hotel breakfast stations.
They do a multi-course meal. You start with something light, maybe fruit or a yogurt parfait, and then move into a main dish that changes daily. One morning it might be a savory quiche; the next, it could be something sweet. They’re also surprisingly accommodating with dietary restrictions if you tell them in advance. It’s not a "menu" situation—you eat what’s being prepared—but that’s part of the charm. It’s like being a guest at a very wealthy friend’s house.
The Pier and the River
Directly across the street from the house is the property's private pier. This is where the Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast really separates itself from other historic inns in the area.
The pier stretches 200 feet into the Manatee River.
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In the evenings, guests usually gravitate toward the end of the pier with a glass of wine. The sunsets over the river are, without being dramatic, world-class. You can watch the boats go by or see the occasional dolphin or manatee if you’re lucky. It’s quiet. So quiet you can actually hear the water lapping against the pilings.
Why Location Matters More Than You Think
Palmetto is the "quieter" neighbor of Bradenton. For a long time, it was just the place you drove through to get to the Gulf beaches. But being in Palmetto gives you a strategic advantage.
- Proximity to Anna Maria Island: You’re about 15-20 minutes away from some of the best beaches in the world. You can spend the day in the chaos of the sand and tourists, then retreat back to the peace of the riverside.
- The Riverwalk: Just across the bridge in Bradenton is the Riverwalk, a great spot for a morning run or a stroll.
- Emerson Point Preserve: This is a local secret. It’s just a few miles away and offers incredible hiking trails and views of where the river meets the bay. It’s rugged, old Florida at its best.
Most people don't realize how much history is packed into this small stretch of land. The Palmetto Historical Park is right nearby, which is worth a quick walkthrough if you want to understand the agricultural roots of the area.
Addressing the "Stuffy B&B" Myth
There’s a common misconception that bed and breakfasts are for older couples who want to sit in silence and look at doilies.
That’s not the vibe here.
While it is certainly romantic and popular for anniversaries, the Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast attracts a fairly diverse crowd. You’ll see younger professionals looking for a digital detox, international travelers who recognize the quality of a European-run inn, and even solo travelers who want a safe, welcoming place to stay.
The hosts are present but not intrusive. They’re happy to give you a recommendation for dinner (usually pointing you toward spots like Pier 22 or Chateau 13 in Bradenton) or leave you entirely alone if you just want to read a book on the porch. That balance is hard to strike.
The Business of Preserving History
It’s important to acknowledge that keeping a house from 1913 in this condition is a Herculean task. The humidity in Florida is a constant enemy of historic structures. The Ghyselincks have invested significantly in the infrastructure to ensure it stays pristine.
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When you stay here, you’re essentially supporting the preservation of Palmetto’s history. If this house weren't a B&B, it might have been carved up into apartments or, worse, demolished for modern condos.
Things to Keep in Mind Before You Book
No place is perfect for everyone.
If you have mobility issues, you should talk to the owners before booking. It’s a historic house with stairs. While they’ve made efforts to be accessible, it’s not the same as a modern building designed with elevators at every turn.
Also, if you’re looking for a party atmosphere, this isn't it. People come here for the silence. They come here to hear the wind in the palms and the water on the shore. If you bring a loud group that wants to stay up until 3:00 AM blasting music, you’re going to be the "that person" of the weekend. Don't be that person.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip to the Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast, don't just wing it. This is a small property and it fills up fast, especially during "the season" (January through April).
- Book Directly: While you can find them on the big booking sites, calling or using their direct website is usually better. You get a better sense of which room fits your needs, and small business owners always prefer the direct connection.
- Plan Your Dinners: Palmetto is quiet at night. You’ll likely be crossing the bridge into Bradenton for dinner. Make reservations at Chateau 13 if you want something high-end, or head to the Village of the Arts for something a bit more eclectic.
- Bring Gear: If you’re a photographer or a birdwatcher, bring your equipment. The pier offers views that are hard to beat, especially during the golden hour.
- Check the Calendar: Palmetto and Bradenton host various festivals, like the Bradenton Blues Festival. Booking during these times requires more lead time.
The Palmetto Riverside Bed and Breakfast isn't just a place to sleep. It's a reminder that Florida still has layers. It’s a place where you can sit on a porch built over a century ago, look at a river that has seen the rise and fall of industries, and realize that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to stay in a place that has stood still.
Take the time to walk the grounds. Look at the details in the woodwork. Watch the tide come in from the pier. You’ll find that the "real" Florida is still there, tucked away on a quiet street in Palmetto, waiting for someone to notice.