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2014 Vacation Guide: Accomodations

Your guide to Sarasota hotels and resorts.

By Sarasota Magazine December 30, 2014 Published in the December 2014 issue of Sarasota Magazine

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Visitors to the Sarasota area report they especially love how the lively atmosphere of a larger metropolitan area integrates with the homey sensation of small-town life. Likewise, the region’s top lodgings combine luxury and sophistication with the comforts of home. No matter what the purpose of your visit is, Sarasota has a hotel for you: proximity to the beaches, extensive business amenities and 24-hour conveniences are just some of what hotels are happy to provide. Hotel staff members are trained to make each and every guest feel like a VIP, and wherever you stay, there are sure to be award-winning restaurants, museums and other local attractions nearby.

 

DOWNTOWN SARASOTA

Best Western Midtown, 1425 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. (941) 955-9841. Located near area attractions and minutes from Gulf beaches, Best Western Midtown features a sunbathing deck and heated pool, as well as complimentary high-speed Internet access in every room, cable satellite television and a complimentary continental breakfast. Completely non-smoking, and complimentary bus parking available. bwmidtown.com

 

Hotel Indigo Sarasota, 1223 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota. (941) 487-3800 or (877) 846-3446. Hotel Indigo offers invigorating hot and cold wading pools and free high-speed Internet. Located in downtown’s Sarasota Rosemary District, Hotel Indigo is within walking distance to downtown’s restaurants and attractions. The on-site H2O Bistro and Lounge provides atmosphere for drinks and socializing, in addition to “H20 to Go,” which supplies a selection of quickly delivered items. Also offers a complimentary fitness studio. srqhotel.com

 

Hyatt Regency Sarasota, 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota. (941) 953-1234. The exquisite waterfront setting features room views of Sarasota Bay and the private marina; the hotel features a 24-hour fitness center, which offers a fitness concierge. Hyatt Regency Sarasota offers hypoallergenic rooms with a state-of-the-art air purification system, cable/satellite TV and high-speed Internet access. In addition to downtown Sarasota attractions less than a mile away, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to Lido Public Beach, which is adjacent to the shopping and dining haven of St. Armands Circle. sarasota.hyatt.com

 

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota. (941) 309-2000. Located in the heart of downtown Sarasota, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota offers city, bay or marina views from rooms featuring private balconies and plush featherbeds with Egyptian cotton linens. The numerous on-site luxuries include a spa and salon, chic boutique and coastal dining at the on-site restaurant, Jack Dusty. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota also includes exclusive use of The Beach Club on Lido Key, as well as the award-winning Ritz-Carlton Golf Club on 315 tropical acres. ritzcarlton.com/sarasota

 

LIDO KEY

Sandcastle Resort, 1540 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota. (941) 388-2181 or (800) 225-2181. The Sandcastle’s private beach with cabana, umbrella and bicycle rentals is complemented by its heated pool and charming pool bar. On-site dining options range from breakfast and lunch items at the Sandcastle Coffee Shop to dinner at the Candlelight Restaurant and Lounge. Room service is also available. Guest rooms include complimentary wireless high-speed Internet, coffeemaker and daily newspaper. sandcastlelidobeach.com

 

Lido Beach Holiday Inn, 233 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota. (941) 388-5555. Just a one-block walk to first-class dining and shopping on St. Armands Circle. The pool is steps from the beach. Each guest room offers a water view, either of Sarasota Bay or the Gulf of Mexico, from private balconies. On-site amenities include fitness center, same-day laundry services and free Wi-Fi, and more than 1,250 square feet of meeting space. The Sand Dollar Dining Room offers delicious cuisine with a panoramic view from the top floor. lidobeachholidayinn.com

 

Lido Beach Resort, 700 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota. (941) 388-2161 or (800) 441-2113. Featuring 222 spacious suites and deluxe kitchenette rooms to accommodate families, business travelers and couples. Including two outdoor heated pools, three poolside Jacuzzis and a brand-new Tiki bar and garden center (with waterfalls). For on-site dining, the Lido Beach Grille offers dinner, wine and one of the best Gulf views in town. The resort is pet-friendly as well.  lidobeachresort.com

 

LONGBOAT KEY

Longboat Key Club, 220 Sands Point Road, Longboat Key. (941) 383-8821. Located on its own exclusive stretch of white sand beach and island golf course, Longboat Key Club is just a minute’s drive from shopping and dining on lively St. Armands Circle. The sprawling resort also features the award-winning Tennis Gardens and a 219-slip deep-water marina. Each of its 218 guest rooms features its own balcony. Six convenient on-site restaurants and a 9,000-square-foot spa each offer a broad menu of luxuries, and you will also find that the resort offers plenty of family-friendly activities. longboatkeyclub.com

 

SIESTA KEY

Gulf & Bay Club, 5730 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota. (941) 349-3000. A Gulf-front gated community sitting on two beaches and two freshwater lakes, Gulf & Bay Club offers organized sports and social events as well as family activities. Amenities include three heated pools (including a lap pool), seven tennis courts, six dry saunas, fitness center with spa, two clubhouses with library and computer room, racquetball and basketball courts and barbecue areas with picnic tables. Two- and three-bedroom units available for rent with a one-month minimum. gulfandbayclub.com

 

Hyatt Siesta Key Beach, 915 Seaside Drive, Sarasota. (941) 346-5900. Luxury residences and deluxe beachfront condo rentals provide for a comfortable stay, whether for seasonal visits or year-round living. Amenities include a beachfront pool, private cabanas, steam room and spa and fitness center. The relaxed and luxurious Siesta Key resort is just minutes from Sarasota’s arts and cultural attractions. Hyatt Siesta Key Beach is a Hyatt Residence Club. siestakeybeach.hyatt.com

 

Midnight Cove, 6302 Midnight Cove Road, Sarasota. (941) 349-3004. Nestled upon 11 acres of idyllic tropical setting, Midnight Cove’s condos and townhouses are barely a mile from Siesta Key Village. Guests are invited to enjoy on-site tennis courts, picnic areas and two pools. All rooms are pet-free and non-smoking and all feature either an open balcony or a screened lanai. midnightcove.com

 

The Palm Bay Club, 5960 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota. (941) 349-1911 or (800) 725-6229. The Palm Bay Club’s seven buildings of one-, two- and three-bedroom fully furnished suites sit on nine acres that stretch from the No. 1 beach in the United States to the bayside fishing pier. Guests can enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, barbecue grills, two heated swimming pools, outside Jacuzzi and lighted tennis courts, while remaining conveniently located near area attractions. palmbayclub.com

 

Sarasota Surf and Racquet Club, 5900 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota. (941) 349-2200 or (800) 237-5671. Newly renovated one- and two-bedroom condominiums include fully equipped kitchens, cable TV and screened-in lanais. Resort-like amenities include two heated pools, four tennis courts and a fitness center, as well as a beach pavilion for picnics and barbecues. sarasotasurf.com

 

NORTH COUNTY/AIRPORT-ADJACENT

Days Inn, 5000 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. (941) 351-7734. Less than a mile from the Ringling Museum and FSU/Asolo Center for the Performing Arts, the Days Inn offers business-friendly amenities such as free coffee in the morning, a business center with fax and copy services, free wireless high-speed Internet access, and free cable with premium movies. Each room includes a terrace, refrigerators and microwaves. Small pets welcome for a minimal fee. daysinn.com

 

Courtyard by Marriott Sarasota University Park, 8305 Tourist Center Drive, University Park. (941) 360-2626. Every room includes a microwave, wet bar, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The on-site restaurant The Bistro serves up breakfast and dinner, while other local restaurants are nearby. Outdoor amenities center on a heated pool and cozy fire pit. Also available for use is the on-site fitness center. courtyard-sarasota.com

 

Courtyard by Marriott Sarasota Airport, 850 University Parkway, Sarasota. (941) 355-3337 or (800) 228-9290. Located near the airport entrance and featuring a free airport shuttle, the 81-room hotel features an on-site fitness center, a whirlpool and heated swimming pool, and free Wi-Fi. The lobby features a 24-hour business center with a computer and printer. Enjoy Starbucks coffee and breakfast from The Bistro and dinner with beer, wine and cocktails at the Bistro Bar. courtyardsarasota.com

 

Golden Host Resort, 4675 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. (941) 355-5141 or (800) 722-4895. On-site activity options include a 50-foot pool, a library, shuffleboard courts, and the famous Bahi Hut Cocktail Lounge, a popular spot for more than 50 years. Complimentary high-speed Internet and continental breakfast, and children 12 and under stay free. goldenhostresort.com

 

Hilton Garden Inn, 8270 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. (941) 552-1100. Comfortable and business-traveler friendly, the Hilton Garden Inn features a complimentary 24/7 business center, Wi-Fi, on-site catering and spacious meeting rooms. For dining, visit the on-site restaurant or utilize the evening room service and enjoy drinks and cocktails at the Pavilion Lounge. Also featured are the indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center and whirlpool.  hiltongardensarasota.com

 

Holiday Inn Sarasota Bradenton Airport, 8009 15th St. E., Sarasota. (941) 355-9000. The new Holiday Inn Sarasota Bradenton Airport features a beautiful six-story atrium, glass elevators and the on-site restaurant, the Sporting News Grill, which serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner and boasts a full-service bar. Recreational options include an indoor pool, steam room and sauna and offered spa services. Also featured: state-of-the-art fitness center, cabana areas and proximity to local area attractions. hisrq.com

 

Ramada Waterfront, 7150 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. (941) 358-1000. Located on a scenic marina along beautiful Sarasota Bay just one mile from the Sarasota Bradenton Airport, the Ramada Waterfront includes a number of amenities such as an outdoor pool and adjacent tiki bar and restaurant, along with spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi and free parking, including large vehicle spaces, to round out your stay. ramada.com

 

Residence Inn by Marriott Sarasota Bradenton, 1040 University Parkway, Sarasota. (941) 358-1468. Across the street from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, rooms at the Residence Inn Sarasota are pet-friendly and include a fully equipped kitchen. There’s also a complimentary hot breakfast buffet, high-speed Internet access and the Evening Mix, where guests can mingle while enjoying complimentary food and beverages. residenceinnsarasota.com

 

Springhill Suites by Marriott, 1020 University Parkway, Sarasota. (941) 358-3385. Fresh, modern décor sets the tone in these suites, which feature a privacy wall between the living and sleeping areas, plus in-room pantry, mini-fridge and wet bar. The hotel includes a fitness center, outdoor pool and hot tub, as well as a complimentary hot breakfast buffet. For business travelers, welcome amenities include free Wi-Fi and a 24/7 market. marriott.com

 

BRADENTON BEACH

Runaway Bay, 1801 Gulf Drive N., Bradenton Beach, (941) 778-0000. Runaway Bay features 186 individually owned modern condos, each with a fully equipped kitchen, available for weekly, monthly or seasonal rental, all in the heart of charming, laid-back Anna Maria Island. The premises also include a fishing pier, tennis court and heated pool; located just across the street from the Gulf beaches. wagnerrealty.com 

 

EAST/INTERSTATE-ADJACENT

Comfort Suites, 5690 Honore Ave., Sarasota. (941) 554-4475. An interior-corridor hotel convenient to Baltimore Orioles spring training facilities and many other Sarasota attractions, the Comfort Suites offers a relaxing sundeck and outdoor heated pool, on-site laundry and fitness facilities, and rooms with refrigerator and microwave, plus valet cleaning service and hot breakfast. Pet-friendly. comfortsuites.com

 

Country Inn & Suites, 5610 Manor Hill Lane, Bradenton. (941) 363-4000. Every room comes with free high-speed Internet, spacious bathrooms and large desks with adjustable ergonomic chairs. Guests can also enjoy complimentary breakfast, fresh cookies and coffee, laundry facilities, a fitness center and a business center. Plenty of local restaurants are nearby. countryinns.com/bradentonfl

 

Hampton Inn and Suites, 8565 Cooper Creek Blvd., University Park. (941) 355-8619. This hotel has a great reputation as both kid-friendly and business-traveler friendly, providing cribs, high chairs and many business amenities. Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the premises and guests may use the fitness center at any time. Other hotel amenities include complimentary breakfast and an outdoor swimming pool. hamptoninnsarasota.com

 

Holiday Inn Lakewood Ranch, 6231 Lake Osprey Drive, Lakewood Ranch. (941) 782-4400. Here is a boutique hotel with resort-like amenities. Guests enjoy a stunning view of Lake Osprey while being just minutes away from local shopping and restaurants. The hotel provides many business amenities and use of the state-of-the-art fitness center. The on-site Alamo Steakhouse and Grille also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. hilr.com

 

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Lakewood Ranch, 5464 Lena Road, Lakewood Ranch. (941) 755-0055. All rooms here feature a deluxe shower, refrigerators, microwaves and coffeemakers. Plus on-site amenities include an outdoor heated pool, complimentary high-speed internet, Wi-Fi, business and fitness centers and hot breakfast buffet. hiexlakewoodranch.com

 

Sun-N-Fun RV Resort and Campground, 7125 Fruitville Road, Sarasota. (941) 371-2505 or (800) 843-2421. An award-winning resort experience offering Platinum, Gold and Silver vacation homes that can be rented as an alternative to a hotel stay. Also available are RV sites, which include a picnic table and full hookups for cable television, electrical services, water and sewer. There’s a range of on-site activities for children (like Camp Sun-n-Fun) during the summer, and adults (the Lifestyle Day Spa, with indoor pool and wellness center), not to mention an on-site restaurant and live entertainment. Sites are pet-friendly. sunnfunfl.com

 

SOUTH SARASOTA COUNTY

Bentley’s Boutique Hotel, 1660 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey. (941) 966-2121. Bentley’s has standard double rooms as well as executive suites, all with a modern Art-Deco style. The hotel offers various dining choices, as well as a complimentary beach shuttle. Guests can also take in the nightlife with the Underground Nightclub and Jaguar Lounge. bentleyssarasota.com

 

Best Western Plus Ambassador Suites, 400 Commercial Court, Venice. (941) 480-9898. Hotel amenities here include a sundeck, ballroom and laundry facility. All guest rooms feature a kitchenette, sitting area and individually controlled air-conditioning units. Plenty of local restaurants are located nearby, too. bestwestern.com/plusambassadorsuitesvenice

 

Hampton Inn and Suites Bayside, 881 Venetia Bay Blvd., Venice. (941) 488-5900. Conveniently located near Gulf beaches, award-winning golf courses and biking and hiking trails. The newly renovated hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi, full hot breakfast, free parking, business center, fitness center and on-site convenience shop. hamptoninnvenice.com

 

 

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