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Hidden Gem of Crystal River

Photo gallery for Hidden Gem of Crystal River

A view through a window with a mesh screen, displaying a park with benches, trees, and a picnic table. - Hidden Gem of Crystal River (Crystal River)
A bedroom with a large mirror, a bed, a plant, and a small wire basket on a white shelf. - Hidden Gem of Crystal River (Crystal River)
Interior - Hidden Gem of Crystal River (Crystal River)
A covered outdoor area with a potted plant, a door with a decorative metal figure, and a view of a lake and buildings in the background. - Hidden Gem of Crystal River (Crystal River)
A wooden bed with a white pillow and a wooden spoon hanging on the wall. - Hidden Gem of Crystal River (Crystal River)
Nestled among oak and cedar trees in a quiet neighborhood, Crystal River Cottage offers a serene retreat. Enjoy morning coffee on the large dock with your feet in the spring water, and experience Florida's wildlife firsthand - spot manatees, dolphins, and numerous bird species. With opportunities to swim, kayak or simply relax.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 698 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Add dates for prices

About this property

Hidden Gem of Crystal River

  • Hidden Gem in Crystal River. Boat Dock INCLUDED for 1 boat 25 feet and under! This Fully Furnished 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 2 Living room Cottage is clean and decorated with Crystal River Theme in mind. Enjoy your Morning coffee on the large dock with your feet in the spring water! The cottage sits nestled by oak and cedar trees down a dead end street. And sits directly on the Beautiful Fresh Spring Waters of Crystal River! Very quiet neighborhood. Experience Florida's wildlife without having to leave this property. Opportunities to see many Manatees, Dolphins, Blue Crab, many freshwater and saltwater fish, as well as numerous species of birds. Don't forget your camera! Open view to Fresh water and watch hidden Springs rolling up right off of dock. Swim! Kayak! Relax! Enjoy Florida Living!
    Fully Furnished. (Monthly Renters: Landlord pays trash, sewer, water, electric and internet with cap on each. Any cost over cap amount will be renters responsibility. Pest control and lawn maintenance will be Landlords responsibility as well.)

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina
  • Next to a golf course
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,050 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
1) Place any used towels in washer/dryer combo and push Start 2) Wash all used dishes and put away 3) Set ALL temp A/c units to 76 degrees before departing and second bedroom AC to cool low
4) Please take all trash to garbage cans by the street at the end of our shell driveway 5) If any indoor or outdoor items were used and moved ;Please replace them to their original area
6) Please Lock the back door deadbolt from the inside and then front door upon departure
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

-Max. 3 Vehicles -Max. 1 Boat Trailer -Must ask for boat slip reservation prior to booking

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Note from host: Make Beautiful Memories w/Friends&Family

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
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
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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

About the area

Located in Crystal River, this cottage is next to a golf course and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Three Sisters Springs and Fort Island Gulf Beach. With kayaking, scuba diving and power boating nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water. Visit our Crystal River travel guide
View more Cottages in Crystal River
Map
Crystal River, FL

What's nearby

  • A close-up of a manatee's head underwater.
    Crystal River Preserve State Park
    5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • A manatee swimming underwater.
    Three Sisters Springs
    2 min drive - 1.7 km
  • Clear water with submerged rocks and aquatic plants.
    Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
    2 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Plantation Inn and Golf Resort
    8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • A Crystal River Kayak Company
    1 min drive - 1.4 km

Getting around

  • Gainesville, FL (GNV-Gainesville Regional)
    90 min drive

Restaurants

  • Cody's Original Roadhouse
    3 min drive
  • RaceTrac
    3 min drive
  • Cajun Jimmy's Seafood Seller & Cafe
    4 min drive
  • Burger King
    4 min drive
  • Norton's Riverside Sports Bar & Grill
    5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Hidden Gem of Crystal River pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Hidden Gem of Crystal River?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Hidden Gem of Crystal River?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Hidden Gem of Crystal River?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Hidden Gem of Crystal River located?

Situated in Crystal River, this golf cottage is within a 10-minute walk of Plantation Inn and Golf Resort and Crystal River Preserve State Park. A Crystal River Kayak Company and Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge are also within 2 miles (3 km).

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Hidden Gem of Crystal River Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 58 out of 64 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 64 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 64 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 64 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 64 reviews

9.8

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

6.0

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kaylee F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyed mine and my family’s stay here. We were able to check in early which we greatly appreciated. House was very clean and had everything we needed! Having a dock right out back was a plus! We will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kathryn l.

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

Busy weekend!

We enjoyed the location and dock of this little house the most. It was cozy, perfect for 4 people. Would stay again in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stacey L.

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

Perfect getaway

It was the perfect; we saw manatees and dolphins right from our dock. It was peacefully tucked away with kayaks, outdoor propane fireplace and grill.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Lori P

Liked: Cleanliness
I loved the location right on Crystal River. It was easy to enter the water with a nice deck. We saw so much wildlife from our rental and from the water. It was nice to have a washer and dryer was nice to have. There was only enough hot water to fill the tub a third of the way. The middle laundry room had water on the floor a couple of times??? The house smelt funny like a old persons house. All of our things smelt like the house and I had to rewash when I got home. I think the price was high for what you got.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colleen J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very cozy waterfront cottage. Great communication with the owner. Loved watching the manatees from the dock!
Manatees in the spring visible from the property
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marilynn L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ee had a wonderful time? Everyone lkved the cottage! We wanr to nook it again!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Davis L.

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

Amazing property

Can't rave enough about how much fun we had. Can't wait to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lauren L.

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

Great location, easy communication

We stayed while visiting family nearby. The location was great. Property was as described. Very easy to get answers and communicate with owners.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

m f.

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

Awesome!!

If you want an awesome time to relax and view the water and manatee with your morning coffee, this is the place to go! In the evening you may catch a wedding by the gazebo across the water at Plantation resort. The owners are great people and made the experience extremely pleasant.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gail T.

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

Great location

Nature lovers delight… The selling point is the location: Peaceful area, lovely scenery, manatees swimming by the dock, and kayaks were a real plus. All the basics are provided, good communication w host, nice restaurant recommends (Cedar River Seafood was our favorite). Not a place for divas. A nice place for mom & dad and up to 3 kids, or 2 couples.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pam D.

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

Manatees, birds and more!

This place was super clean and host thought of everything you might want for your stay. The bed was comfortable. Host was super responsive for any questions we had. Now the best part… location! Your own Crystal River adventure! Right on the river with lots of birds (even a bald eagle) and manatees, manatees and more manatees. You don’t have to go anywhere during your stay to have an amazing time and make wonderful memories! Will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colleen J.

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

Holy Sea Cow! What a great location!

I rented this property solely based in the pictures of manatees from the dock and the reviews of seeing manatees. Yup, manatee lady right here! Our first 5 minutes after pulling up to the property were spent on the dock and we were welcomed by a mama and baby manatee! We saw manatees every day from the dock as well...even getting in the water to swim with one! We also saw a group of about 7 dolphins chasing fish, lots of osprey, pelicans, and heron. The dock was its own aquarium, housing a variety of fish and little sting rays (skates?). What a magical place to get away from it all. The cottage was adorable and cozy!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike G.

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

Family vacationers

Gorgeous spot. Very close to best springs for manatee viewing. Just a quick kayak trip away each morning.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marsha P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

For Manatees - this is the Location, Location, Location

Our Manatee experience was amazing - and right from the dock! We saw every behavior except birth. The location of the house is AMAZING as off the path of the boats and the Manatees know it and love it here! We saw mom with 1 year baby and older sibling too. I am hoping the owner will add the photo I texted her of the three of them. Lost track of how many we saw and with incredible views! Also the owner had 5 kayaks and was SO helpful and responsive! The small house was older but very clean, beautifully decorated, and with everything you need. Having 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a washer and dryer and 2 living rooms each with a smart TV was just perfect. We were here over Christmas and it was the best present for my family as the experience was unforgettable! It was our best manatee viewing during 3 days at Crystal River - right in the back yard!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jody T.

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

Great Place to Stay!

If you at all considering staying in Crystal River and visiting the surrounding waterways and springs, this is the place to stay. Right on the water (Kings Bay), perfect if you bring your own boat, or not. The little River Cottage was clean and dressed up perfectly. Thanks for all the dining suggests and the goodies provided!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea R.

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

Exceptional!

We had a wonderful experience! The first evening we got to see a manatee right off the dock. We also seen a baby alligator the same day. We paddled to three sisters and the surrounding bay. It was beautiful! The house was super clean and convenient to everything. Also there was a gift basket full of goodies waiting for us when we arrived! Would definitely recommend!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Layne L.

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

Wonderful Stay!

We had a wonderful stay in Crystal River. Every detail was thought of, from welcome signs to snacks! The house was well stocked and in a great location. We look forward to renting again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Greg L.

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

Amazing Stay!

Perfect location on the bay. Really cute cottage, very clean and inviting. Carley made us feel so welcome down to the last detail. If you need to relax this is the place! We saw manatees every day and sometimes a dolphin or two. The kayaks are a huge bonus. It was so great to be out on the water and see all the wildlife. Great food experiences nearby. We plan on coming back again ;-)
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lillly C.

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

Perfect Weekend get-a-way!

My boyfriend and I really enjoyed exploring the area and taking in nature at its best! Gators, manatees and dolphin! The cottage is quaint and quiet. The owner was easy to get a hold of and the amenities were good. We hope to return!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer G.

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

Crystal River

We had an amazing time! Location is perfect and amenities were plentiful. Thank you for a wonderful vacation!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie M.

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

So much fun!

We had the best trip!! We only spent 3 nights and will be going back. We saw multiple manatees off the dock every day! The house is small and older but it was so perfect. Literal steps to the dock and water. The house was SPOTLESS! Beds are so comfortable; neighbors were super nice and friendly. Carley was so helpful and available with suggestions about the area and kayaking, etc. Also some of the best seafood we’ve had. Be sure to check out Charlie’s & Seafood Seller!!! We absolutely loved every minute of it.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy V.

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

Manatee glory

We very much enjoyed our stay at this property. It was very clean, location was wonderful directly on the river with a dock, an outdoor area for grilling and eating with a view, and plenty of manatees daily to enjoy! We were hoping to use the kayaks to explore the area but the wind got too strong...next time! We did get to scuba dive in some of the springs, which are close! This property sleeps six with the use of 2 cots, which worked for our family of 4 but just so others booking know that. Thank you for a peaceful place for our family to get away and enjoy! :)
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristen W.

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

A trip to remember!

This was our first time visiting Crystal River and this location did not disappoint! The house is cute and the perfect location, we really loved that we had a small yard and dock to hang out at. There are lots of fun water toys and our kids really enjoyed the water pad. We had three kayaks to use but one did not have back support so we could really only go far on two of them. (No paddleboard at the time of our visit) Beds were very comfortable and it was nice to have two living room areas so the adults could have one and the kids could have the other. The house really has everything you need! A few questions I was hoping to have answered prior to arrival... Kayaking to three sisters spring from this location is about 30 minutes or so, it’s fairly easy and there are laminated maps in the house that help you navigate to it. After speaking to a local, swimming at the house is safe. We had concerns about alligators but she said that if there is one spotted you would know about it from the neighborhood. They report it to wildlife officials and they are removed. We assumed it was still a risk but it helped to ease our minds. There are fishing poles left by previous renters to use but bring some tackle with you. We stayed in early April and were still able to see the manatees. There were lots that would swim by the back dock and of course you can find them by kayaking to their sanctuary areas (which is on the laminated maps). At the time of our visit there were not many at three sisters spring but we came across 4 of them. We knew it was nearing the end of the season for them as the ocean is warming and they are heading out. My last bit of advice is, if you are planning to go out to dinner, make reservations. It was nearly impossible for us to find a place to eat at dinner time. Hope this helps! We loved our stay here. Being able to walk right out to the dock with a morning coffee was heavenly. I would absolutely stay here again and again.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

gwenn p.

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

Riverside gem

Cozy cottage on the water with kayaks, dock, fire pit and two separate living rooms for parents and kids! A short kayak to 3 sisters springs. Very clean.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

JORGE R.

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

Excellent, cozy and relax

Host is great! A cozy house on the river, we enjoy the outside, very relax and quiet area. We Watched manatees from dock. Wonderful area for kayaking and boating. To launch the boat we used the plantation hotel and it was great and very closed. We really enjoyed our stay!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021