Riverbend Retreat Fla.

10200 Elbow Bend Rd, Riverview, FL 33578, Riverview, United States

4-star hotel

Guest rating: 4.8 / 5

Overview

Riverbend Retreat Fla. is a 4-star bed and breakfast set on the banks of the Alafia River in Riverview, Florida, roughly a mile from I-75. This refined property blends a homestay atmosphere with individually furnished rooms, making it feel more like a private riverside estate than a conventional hotel.

Rooms & Accommodations

Rooms are individually furnished and warm in style, with a choice of shared, private, or en suite bathrooms, and some rooms feature whirlpool tubs or sitting areas. Guests also have access to a shared kitchen and lounge. For larger groups, a separate 2-bedroom house is available with its own kitchen, fireplace, and dining area, and note that minimum-stay rules apply.

Dining

A full sit-down breakfast is served each morning, with reviewers highlighting homemade muffins, orange juice, yogurt parfait, boiled eggs, and fresh fruit; some groups have enjoyed a chef preparing custom breakfasts to individual requests, though a few guests found the fruit and egg offerings less impressive on other occasions.

Amenities & Recreation

The retreat centers on outdoor river life, with an outdoor pool, a deck with seating, BBQ facilities, lawn games, and kayak and paddleboard rentals for exploring the Alafia River directly from the property. The Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve trailhead is just a 6-minute walk away, and dolphin and wildlife sightings on the water have been noted by guests.

Location & Surroundings

Set about 9 miles from the Manatee Viewing Center and roughly 11-16 km from a cluster of Tampa attractions including The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Museum of Art, Glazer Children's Museum, Ybor City Museum State Park, and Sparkman Wharf, the retreat serves as a quiet riverside base with easy highway access into Tampa's museum and entertainment district.

Best for

This retreat suits nature-loving travelers, multigenerational family groups, and couples seeking a quiet riverside escape, thanks to its pool, kayak/paddleboard rentals, and adjacent nature preserve trailhead. The 2-bedroom house with kitchen, fireplace, and dining area also makes it well suited to larger groups or extended-family reunions wanting to share a single retreat.

Travel tips

Having a car is recommended, since the retreat sits about a mile from I-75 and most Tampa attractions -- like The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Theatre, and Armature Works -- are a 13-16 km drive away. Plan ahead for the property's minimum-stay requirements, and bring water shoes or gear if you intend to use the kayak or paddleboard rentals on the Alafia River. The nearby Alafia Scrub Nature Preserve trailhead, just a 6-minute walk from the property, is worth an early-morning visit before the Florida heat sets in.

What guests say

Guests consistently praise the friendly, attentive staff and the sense of being warmly taken care of, with some describing the service as exceptional for group stays. The homemade breakfast spread -- muffins, orange juice, yogurt parfait, and fruit -- is frequently highlighted as a highlight, and larger groups have praised a chef who tailored breakfasts to individual preferences. The riverside setting, pool, and wildlife sightings such as dolphins also draw repeated praise. A minority of reviewers found the breakfast quality inconsistent, specifically citing lower-quality fruit and pre-packaged hard-boiled eggs on some visits.

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