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PrideGay Hotels
Casa Chocolata
Casa Chocolata
Michael
Response rate: 90% • Response time: < 12h

Casa Chocolata

St. Petersburg, FL, United States•Map
Exceptional4.9(34)Booked 50 times
Private room
4 guests
1 Bedroom
1 Bathroom
2 beds
Clothing optional acceptedWi-FiBreakfast includedPoolHot tubParkingPets allowed

The Reveal

Casa Chocolata Some houses are carefully planned. Others reveal themselves slowly, piece by piece, to someone willing to listen. For pastry chef Michael Baugh, this 1922 Craftsman bungalow spoke loudly enough to stop a demolition. When Michael purchased the home from the City of St. Petersburg in 2002 for $15,000, it was scheduled to be torn down the following week. What stood before him was less a house than a challenge. The roof was gone. There were trees growing through the interior. Windows were missing, the front door had vanished, and the walls bore bullet holes from less glamorous days. Most buyers might have walked away. Michael saw potential. "'d come home from work and ask myself, What does this house need?'" he recalls. Without formal training as a carpenter and with no architectural plans, he began rebuilding Casa Chocolata almost entirely by hand. Over the course of nine months, the structure slowly transformed. Aluminum siding was removed to reveal the original wooden clapboard beneath, restoring the home's distinctive Craftsman character with its double-gabled roofline and stepped rafters. Inside, Michael stripped the house down to the studs, removing lath and plaster and rebuilding each room with patience, creativity, and a keen eye for detail. The result is a home filled with handcrafted artistry. Look down and you'll notice intricate floor inlays,

including a compass rose and nautical star designs made from bloodwood, oak, and maple. In the den, a striking double herringbone pattern anchors the space, a reminder that craftsmanship often lies underfoot. One of the home's most charming moments occurs at the top of the circular staircase, where architectural details evoke the feeling of standing on the deck of a ship. Throughout the house, Michael's love of repurposed and "found" objects becomes clear. Unexpected materials and whimsical touches appear everywhere, from salvaged trim to a copper cappuccino maker reimagined as a light fixture. HAPPINESS Outside, the backyard has been transformed into a lush tropical retreat. Where once there was little more than bare ground, Michael created a garden oasis complete with a swimming pool, jacuzzi, raised patio, and arbor. The extensive paver courtyard tells its own story. After receiving a $26,000 installation quote, Michael decided to do the work himself. What began as five pallets of pavers ultimately became nineteen, all carefully placed by his own hands. More recently, the home has taken on yet another life. When the pandemic forced the closure of Michael's beloved Tampa bakery, Let Them Eat Cake, he converted the former carport into a working bakery studio. Today, the space allows him to continue baking award-winning cakes and pastries while mentoring aspiring chefs and supporting charitable efforts including Make-A-Wish. Casa Chocolata is more than a restored bungalow. It is a testament to vision, perseverance, and the belief that a house, much like a recipe, becomes something extraordinary when crafted with care. As Michael likes to say, every screw and every nail in this home was placed with love.

How the beds work

Bedroom1 Queen Bed, 1 Sofa Bed

Little Luxuries

Clothing optional accepted
Wi-Fi
Breakfast included
Pool
Hot tub
Parking
Pets allowed
Air conditioning
Kitchen
The Classics
Wi-Fi
Kitchen
Pool
Breakfast included
Air conditioning
TV
Terrace
Garden
Washer
Essentials
Hair dryer
Dishwasher
Dryer
Iron
Heating
Hot tub
Outdoor dining area
Parking
Netflix
LGBTQ+ Favorites
Adult Only
I offer massage
Welcome
Smoking allowed
Pets allowed
Pet owner
Clothing optional accepted
My location
Near beach
City center
Near cultural venues
Fire protection
Fire extinguisher
LGBTQ+ Kinky Amenities

Meet Your Proud Host

Michael
4.9(104 reviews)Fabul'Host
Phone verified
Member sinceMay 2017
Response rate90%
Response time< 12h
Hi my name is chef Michael , I make nice things for nice people! I enjoy meeting new people, learning about all types of culture If you wish to check me out ******** Let's break bread and have drinks😎
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5 interests: LGBTQ+ History & Activism / Queer Art & Fashion / Queer Movies & Series / Astrology / Exhibitions & Museums

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October 2026
SMTWTFS
November 2026
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Where It's All Happening

St. Petersburg, FL, United StatesExact location disclosed after booking only.
LGBTQ+ Safety Score: St. Petersburg
4.91out of 5Very safeRated by 34 local misterb&b members

Your Queer Map: Nearby Gay Hotspots

Full gay city guide for St. Petersburg »
Gay Bars & ClubsEnigma St. Pete1110 Central Ave
1.0 km21-minute walk

Nearby Attractions

Tropicana Field, Dali museum, Saint Pt. Pier, Downtown Shopping District,

House Rules & Conditions

Check-infrom 2pm to 9pm
Checkoutto 11am
Host recommendations

Noise levels after 11pm must be low out of respect for our neighbors and city ordinance. Smoking outside only. Call ahead for pet policy.

Extra per guest$35 per night after 2 guest(s)

$35 per night after 2 guest(s)

Minimum stay (nights)1 night

1 night

Cleaning fees$25 USD

$25 USD

Deposit$100 USD

$100 USD

Cancellation Policy

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Add dates to get the cancellation details

ReviewsExceptional4.91(34)

Reviews come from verified guests, are sorted chronologically and not subjected to prior monitoring.

Cleanliness4.8
Location4.9
Accurate description4.9
Check-in4.9
Value for money4.9

Our Community Has Spoken:

EliStayed in September 2026
Reviewed on Sept. 07, 2026

thank you so much Michael for the incredible stay at Casa Chocolata. thank you for sharing a safe and relaxing space for my birthday celebrations. and relaxing by the pool on Saturday was just what I needed while communing with the most impressive Staghorn I've encountered. also my birthday cake was *insane*! I cannot wait to come back for the Jazz Brunch soon and hope to stay at Casa Chocolata again.

TommyStayed in July 2026
Reviewed on July 06, 2026

A true hidden GEM in St Petersburg! Uniquely decorated home with beautiful grounds, pool, and jacuzzi. Host Chef Michael insured we were pampered during our stay and provided an awesome breakfast each morning of our stay. Highly recommend and truly 5 stars! Thank you Michael, we'll be back!

ConnorStayed in May 2026
Reviewed on May 28, 2026

This is a great find! Michael strives to provide a memorable experience. The house is very cozy and within a quick bike ride of downtown Saint Pete. I would highly recommend this to anyone considering!

WilliamStayed in February 2026
Reviewed on Feb. 23, 2026

Remarkable place with a remarkable host "creating memories!" Michael was extremely accommodating, adjusting for our schedule and providing a special meal for a birthday. He engaged us in fun discussion and activity and allowed us to enjoy his little corner of the world. Don't miss the outdoor shower!

JeffStayed in February 2026
Reviewed on Feb. 16, 2026

Our experience was similar to the many listings below about Chef Michael & casa Chocolata. He was welcoming, hospitable, kind, & generous to us. We were able to relax while staying there. We would stay there again when needed and if available.

VladimirStayed in December 2025
Reviewed on Jan. 03, 2026

Chef Michael is an amazing host with a lot of charm and special care for his guests. For example, we were served three different breakfasts, one for each day of our 3-day long stay because he wanted to act according to our wishes. The place is conveniently located within a walking distance (at least for us) from downtown St. Pete. It is extremely quiet and allows for and excellent sleep. The pool and the Jacuzzi provide wonderful opportunities as well. Thanks a million!

VargasStayed in April 2025
Reviewed on Apr. 17, 2025

Our stay at Chef Michael's place was absolutely fantastic and truly unforgettable! From the moment we met, we felt incredibly welcome and pampered. Chef Michael is not only a wonderful host but also a remarkably talented chef. Waking up to the delicious, freshly cooked breakfast each morning was a highlight of our trip – it was like having our own private gourmet experience! The added bonus of the generous use of E-bikes and the relaxed atmosphere regarding extra special treat made our stay even more enjoyable and comfortable. And to top it all off, Chef Michael went above and beyond by baking me a beautiful and delicious birthday cake. It was such a thoughtful and personal touch that made my birthday truly special. We highly recommend staying here for a unique and exceptional ******** experience.

ThomStayed in April 2025
Reviewed on Apr. 06, 2025

We cannot say enough about our host Michael and Casa Chocolata. The purpose for a trip was to take care of aging parents. We wanted an escape from that and capture some time for ourselves in the weekend. Casa Chocolata provided that escape with a beautiful home, beautiful land landscaping, and a fantastic host. The moment we entered the house, our energy changed and we were able to relax and had two wonderful nights of sleep. Michael's gift for hospitality made us feel comfortable and looked after without being pushy or hovering. If you are new to B&B's, and want a break from chain hotels, stay at Casa Chocolata.

JimmStayed in March 2024
Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2024

Michael's house is in a really cute historic neighborhood, great for a walk or ride. His home was very nicely appointed, and very welcoming, maintaining that historic charm with great eclectic and tasteful decoration. The backyard and porch were very comfortable and made for great relaxing. Very generous with the baked treats from his kitchen, they were delightful surprises. Along those lines the breakfast was thoughtful and provided with care; I especially appreciated the coffee. Lastly - a very comfortable bed!

CliftonStayed in January 2024
Reviewed on Jan. 30, 2024

An amazing place located in walking distance to the local gay bars, and Tropicana Field. Michael made sure to make us feel like royalty every morning with fresh coffee, and amazing food. I felt like I was at a resort with the pool, jacuzzi, and nude friendly atmosphere. Thank you for getting the almond milk when I told you I was lactose. You went above and beyond, and I will def be back.

Exceptional4.9(34)
Availability confirmed for the next 5 days