Hollywood by the Sea is now "Ataraxia" after Dean bought the property back (he sold in 2007 and bought it back in March 2009). We stayed at Ataraxia in November, 2010 and loved it. Dean and Lori made us feel at home. The room (Everglades Suite) was eclectic, roomy, and comfortable. Dean's casual poolside breakfasts were just right - eggs (however you want), bacon, fruit, pancakes, juice, coffee. What impressed us the most was Dean's hospitality; he made us feel at home; he went out of his way to go get my wife a bike helmet (to ride his personal bikes); he went out in the pouring rain on our departure day get us a cab after the cab we had called failed to show, making sure we got out on time. The hotel is perfectly located steps from the broadwalk; the pool is a heavenly oasis; we are booking a second stay and will stay with Dean and Lori whenever we are in the area.

I had to find a place in a hurry to stay a few nights before we could get a plane home. There was a Mardi Gras celebration on the beach, and what better place to be if we're stuck in FL than on the beach right? I didn't expect to find any open rooms at a decent rate, and called around without much luck. I spotted this B&B on my list but kept calling other places. Well, my girlfriend likes B&Bs so why not? Mike answered, room is available, right price, just steps to the beach, come on down. "You don't need a credit card to hold the room? No, just come on in."

We dropped off our bags and went for a walk down the beach broadwalk to find some dinner at a place Mike suggested. We stayed out longer than expected, but had no problem arriving “home” late. Breakfast the next morning was delicious; much better than I make at home and worth the stay on its own. Ours was a cozy room on the corner of the house so we opened the windows to let the breeze off the beach and the sound of the waves wash through.

The place was quiet during the day and evening even with a lot of other people staying there. We had good conversation over breakfast and Mimosas the next morning as we met some of the folks that were staying there. Mike and Diane must attract good people.

How’s the service? As soon as we got through security at the airport I realized I’d left something kind of large and awkward on the bed. No problem, Mike graciously figured out how to box it up and get it to me.

It’s a beautiful place with beautiful people, good food, great location, and I look forward to staying more than a couple of days next time.

We had a wedding to attend in Hollywood and chose to stay at a B&B to experience beach life in Hollywood during our off time. We arrived so late (probably 11pm by the time we picked up our rental car) but Mike and Diane greated us warmly and showed us around (stayed in the Marguerite room.). Everything was decorated for the holidays - ornaments on the palm trees, santa in shorts and flip flops, etc - which was so funny coming from chilly NY. Our room was comfortable and private. Mike and Diane made us feel so welcome and it was so nice to chat with them and other guests over the most delicious breakfasts. The B&B was right next to the beach and boardwalk, but set back just enough so that we weren't disturbed by noise. There were lots of comfy chairs and tables in the patio/pool area to read and relax in the morning before heading out. Our hosts had good recommendations for restaurants and also for things to do like some local kayaking. The wedding we attended was held at the nearby Westin and we were so glad to be able to come back to a much more personal, authentic place each night rather than staying on site. The scene was friendly and social; we tend to go to sleep on the early side and our hosts and other guests were respectful of quieting down at night at a decent hour. Very relaxing and homey, we had a great time.

We had a wonderful experience this weekend. tremendous
breakfasts by Mike, an incredible feeling of being welcome.
We look forward to returning soon.