Island View Cottages — Hotel in Sebastian

Well, cabin fever has set in and my wife and I needed to GET OUT!!! Only problem, was this whole COVID 19 thing.  So what to do? Last May, there was an article in the Herald talking about IVC in Sebastian FL, right on the Indian River.  It sounded too good to be true and when I looked closer online, there were nothing but 5 star reviews!  This immediately set off alarms like buying on Amazon and you look at the reviews, all 5 stars, yet all on the same date and within the same hour! Hmmm, but when checking out IVC, these appeared legit!  So I got on the phone and spoke with Beth.  She was very cordial and explained how careful they all were and each Cottage (while sharing neighboring walls), had their own A/C unit and separate entrance.  There were sanitized with Ozone/UV light and sealed with no entry for days before your arrival.  Each cottage is different (there are 12), but for us the 7 units that are pet friendly was one of best conveniences.  As a dog owner, one knows that a pet can and will have an odor (no matter how hard one tries).  But with the Ozone/UV cleaning, the smells are eliminated as well as COVID free, talk about win-win! The cottages vary from single rooms with kitchenette, to multi-rooms with sun porches.  They all have either a full or mini fridge and microwave. Best part, you can park right outside your unit and unload, no steps or elevators to deal with!  We made reservations and prayed that no Tropical Storm would ruin our Labor Day Weekend at IVC.  I can't describe them all, but do check out their website, it is a perfect overview. Please keep in mind that these are rustic cottages, not the Hilton, okay!

Upon arrival we were met by Tim and Beth, our hosts (from PA), why do I say that? Well there is just something about folks from PA, they just good people (of course I'm one too, so maybe I just recognized a good background when I see it). Tim and Beth both remained at a respectable 10 feet away (yes, it was hard not to shake hands, but sadly our new normal).  They gave us the "lay of the land" and informed us that the cancelled July 4th Fireworks were rescheduled to ‪this evening‬ and we had prime seating on the dock!  NICE!  The restaurants, while practicing safety with masks and distancing, don't do much in takeout and delivery. But the food was good and the staff was so nice and friendly and helpful. Can't wait to go back and enjoy eating in just for the atmosphere.

After diner it was Fireworks time and the show didn't disappoint!  Tim and Beth were there too and offered a free beverage to enjoy the show. It did rain at the end, but it was a quick retreat back to our cottage.

Next day I got up early, they had local ground coffee in our unit and a pot was brewed.  Time for a walk to the dock with coffee and the pup.  Ended up sitting there for two hours, just enjoying the river and birds.  Dolphins even came by to say hello.  A trip to the nearby Inlet (which also had limited entrance due to COVID) was a great way to spend the day.  Could have also stayed and borrow a canoe or kayak and paddle out to the barrier island (no charge), but maybe next time.

Next day was a nice walk to the local Riverview Park (just up the road). Folks were friendly and respectful of distance.  What a wonderful walk with the dog and such a beautiful setting. We had to leave the next day, but not before thanking our hosts Tim and Beth. They were so warm and friendly, it made the trip feel more like visiting family, thanks so much.  WE...

Magnificent stay! A shot of my old South Florida home-state nostalgia of the 50s and 60s with some modern updates, comforts and conveniences. This exquisitely refurbished property, along with its manicured landscape, draped in Palm Trees and local well maintained natural flora, and its tranquility well keeps the aura, prestige and Art Deco-ish persona and spirit of the era and the location. The cottage was fabulous. The accommodations are superbly comfortable (the bed was super comfortable) and pleasant with full kitchen – and tools of a full kitchen trade (i.e., coffee maker, silverware, plates – and they offer creamer, coffee, sweetener, and then some… who does that?), a full bath (albeit small by today’s standards – not a complaint mind you – leaving more room for comfort and convenience), clean, colorful and beautifully appointed throughout, nice and quiet, and the living area with plenty of room to lounge out and relax after a long day of leisure! The folks here have done a brilliant and thoughtful job of renovation and accommodation! You get your own little patio table and chairs, a small cascading water feature… and a Grill if wish the hassle – not me! Also the property offers its own sandy beach rendezvous area, a nice long dock to stroll, fish in and/or for docking your boat, the place also offers grills, and canoes and kayaks too. They state in their intro “enjoy the old Florida lifestyle” and they’re absolutely right and on target. This fabulous hideaway on the Indian River (the intracoastal to the Atlantic) is a marvelous retreat locale for anyone, especially if you’re a beach bum or lounger. Peaceful, tranquil and relaxing. Luckily, my daughter lives nearby, so from now on when we visit the family, we have a new place to stay. We fully recommend anyone to stay at the relaxing, leisurely and fabulous Island View Cottages in the exquisitely beautiful Florida Town of Sebastian!...

We said good bye to our sweet Luke on Tuesday. He has gone to a peaceful, beautiful place. He spent his last days basking in the sun, staring contentedly at a full moon shining over the river. Luke, who hates water and would go out of his way to avoid a puddle after a rain, toddled down to the river, waded out and plopped down in the cool wet sand letting the gentle waves wash against his tired, sore body. He attempted to lift his leg on bushes Mugzy had already sprinkled and he watched the pelicans and the gechos. Then, on Tuesday, he stopped eating, didn't want to get up to go outside and I had to syringe water into his mouth to get him to drink. He let us know, it was time. My heart is broken but it is also full. The people here at Island View Cottages walked every step of this journey with us. Mugzy happily became the mascot of the property, making friends of every guest and winning the hearts of the innkeepers to the extent that they insisted on keeping him with them while we took care of Luke and then cried our hearts out while walking on the beach. We came here with two dogs. One was tired and old, the other full of life and ready for adventure. We are leaving Florida tomorrow with one spoiled, rotten happy dog and with peace in our hearts that we gave Luke some really good last days where he was loved, encouraged and doted on by people he never knew. I am humbled to have been so blessed. Thank you from the depths of our hearts Tim and Beth, Christy and Neil, and...