Sarasota, Florida, is a spot that usually will get ignored by vacationers in favor of Orlando and Miami. The metropolis is ready on the Gulf of Mexico, that includes sprawling white sand seashores and panoramic sea views. If you come right here, you’ll take pleasure in a superb seaside trip with out the crowds of extra widespread Florida cities.
Sarasota is an efficient vacation spot for vacationers who need to have interaction in adventures once they’re not on the seaside or simply spend their evenings {golfing}. With luxurious resorts, glorious eating places, and loads of outlets all through the city, you’ll need for nothing in Sarasota.
This information to the most effective Sarasota resorts will provide help to determine the place to keep in the town. From the inexpensive resorts close to the airport to resorts on the seashores at Siesta Key, right here’s all the pieces you want to find out about selecting the most effective resorts in Sarasota!
Why You Should Listen To Us
Take my recommendation as a result of I spend manner an excessive amount of time taking a look at lodge opinions on-line. This signifies that I’ve carried out the tedious job of researching each single lodging talked about right here and ensuring that it meets my very excessive requirements. Dave and Deb stayed in Sarasota lately and wish to share all the pieces they’ve discovered.
Where To Stay in Sarasota, Florida
The greatest space of Sarasota to base your self actually will depend on your cause for visiting. If you’re occurring a seaside trip, then the most effective place to keep can be one of many islands with many miles of sandy seaside. But in case you’re going there for a metropolis break, you’ll need to be extra centrally positioned for simpler entry to vacationer sights.
In any case, I’ve provide you with an in depth overview of Sarasota’s greatest neighborhoods and their high resorts. So, let’s get into all the most effective areas of the town for a primary journey!
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Where We Stayed
Dave and Deb stayed on the Art Ovation Autograph Collection lodge in Downtown Sarasota. They preferred the spacious and clear rooms, however the rooftop pool and bar had been essentially the most spectacular options of this lodge. The views from the pool are phenomenal, making it exhausting to depart the lodge and exit and discover.
Downtown Sarasota: Our Recommendation
Downtown Sarasota is a central metropolis neighborhood nice for first-time guests. It’s filled with touristy issues to do, together with museums, historic landmarks, and loads of outlets. Stay right here for straightforward strolling entry to a few of the greatest sights in central Sarasota and wonderful waterfront views.
This neighborhood is dwelling to a few of Sarasota’s oldest buildings but additionally tall condominiums and luxurious resorts. It’s a great place to keep for vacationers who need to discover the traditional Sarasota sights and don’t thoughts touring for some time to attain the seaside.
Pros and Cons of Downtown Sarasota
Pros
Walking distance to widespread sights Many outlets and eating places Lots of high-end resorts
Cons
Few seashores Busy space Pricey resorts
Highlights of Staying in Downtown Sarasota
Downtown Sarasota is the most effective a part of the town for landmarks and vacationer sights. Come right here in order for you to see the town’s oldest buildings, tour its greatest museums, and uncover all essentially the most well-known Sarasota sights.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is without doubt one of the metropolis’s greatest sights. The waterfront gardens function tropical crops, ponds, and attention-grabbing sculptures. Every season, the backyard has completely different decorations, and my favourite are those put in at Christmas time. Go for a brief night stroll by Downtown Sarasota, and also you’ll discover the Sarasota Opera House. The constructing dates from 1926 when it was a theater. An evening on the opera is an effective way to finish in the future of your trip, however even simply strolling previous the constructing is sufficient to admire its magnificence. Head to Bayfront Park to take pleasure in panoramic views, bizarre statues, fountains, and informal strolling trails. A playground for youngsters is obtainable on the park, in addition to a comfy bar and grill. Enjoy a scrumptious dinner whereas watching the sundown from probably the greatest scenic spots in Sarasota. A strolling tour of the historic Downtown Sarasota is the highest pastime throughout holidays right here. This is the oldest a part of the town, with fairly buildings, scenic views, and wonderful public parks. Sign up for a guided tour to discover the streets by yourself, popping into the outlets and eating places that catch your eye.
Best Places to Stay in Downtown Sarasota
Downtown Sarasota affords largely high-end and luxurious resorts. It’s nice for vacationers who need to keep in upscale lodging and have straightforward strolling entry to widespread vacationer sights. But in case you’re trying for inexpensive resorts, you may want to look elsewhere as a result of this central metropolis space will not be low-cost.
Embassy Suites By Hilton Sarasota
Embassy Suites By Hilton Sarasota is a four-star lodge in the town middle. It options clear and roomy suites, which all have a bed room and separate residing quarters. Every room is supplied with a TV, desk, and an ensuite toilet, so you’ll be able to really feel at dwelling in the lodge.
Guests staying at this Hilton Hotel have entry to a health middle and a heated outside pool with spectacular views of the Sarasota skyline. Book a set with a view of the Sarasota Bay to take pleasure in ocean vistas from the consolation of your mattress. Those rooms go for $600, whereas an ordinary room with out ocean views is priced at roughly $550.
The Sarasota Modern
The Sarasota Modern is a pleasant mid-range lodge in central Sarasota. It boasts spacious rooms with up to date furnishings and fairly views of the town from the personal balconies. I’ll say that the lodge rooms are just a bit too beige for my liking, however hey – a minimum of it’s a lot more durable to cover stains when all the pieces is so gentle in shade.
Every room has a espresso maker, an ensuite toilet, and a flat-screen TV. Guests all have entry to free WiFi and may make use of the outside pool with loungers, cabanas, and a bar. With a nightly fee of roughly $620 (with breakfast), this is without doubt one of the greatest four-star resorts in this neighborhood.
The Westin Sarasota
The Westin Sarasota is a three-star lodge in the historic metropolis district. But simply because it has three stars doesn’t imply it’s low-cost and even mid-range. This is sort of a luxurious lodge, with a spectacular rooftop pool that gives probably the greatest views in the town.
Next to the pool is a bar the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in night cocktails together with views of the Sarasota skyline. The rooms are spacious and clear, with fashionable furnishings. Guests may also entry the health middle and spa and hire bicycles for free. An evening at this lodge begins at $750.
Siesta Key: Best Beaches In Sarasota
Siesta Key is dwelling to a few of the greatest seashores in the United States, making it a high vacation spot for individuals who need to take pleasure in a seaside trip particularly since many resorts are proper there on the seaside with personal entry for visitors.
In addition to the huge stretches of white sand, this beautiful island additionally boasts a buzzing central district with outlets, cafes, and eating places. Downtown Sarasota is simply quarter-hour away by automobile, so that you gained’t be removed from the town’s sights.
Pros and Cons of Siesta Key Beach
Pros
One of Florida’s greatest seashores Lots of outlets and eating places Good resort resorts
Cons
Far from Downtown Sarasota Few vacationer sights on the island
Highlights of Staying in Siesta Key
Siesta Key isn’t dwelling to many vacationer sights, but it surely makes up for that with the town’s greatest seaside.
Siesta Key Beach is the spotlight of most stays at Siesta Key. The white sandy seaside is without doubt one of the largest in Sarasota, and it’s open to everybody. It contains a seaside pavilion, a playground for youngsters, and seaside volleyball courts. Some areas of the seaside are reserved for lodge visitors, however most of it’s open to most people. Head to Siesta Key Village for espresso in the morning or ice cream in the night. This bustling district is the island’s hotspot for outlets, eating places, and cafes. The tree-lined Ocean Boulevard is ideal for informal night strolls. Attend the Siesta Key Drum Circle. Every Sunday night time, musicians and dancers go to Siesta Beach to play music and dance. The occasion brings collectively each vacationers and locals, and it’s a really enjoyable manner of ending a day in Sarasota, not to point out it takes place on one of many metropolis’s greatest seashores.
Best Hotels in Siesta Key
Siesta Key has a ton of rental complexes and lodge resorts on the seaside. If you need to be simply steps away from the water, you’ll love staying on this island.
Tropical Beach Resorts
Book a set on the Tropical Beach Resorts in case you’re trying for finances lodging in Siesta Key. The three-star lodge has a nightly fee of $350, which is an efficient deal for this a part of Sarasota, particularly for a lodge that’s simply 5 minutes from the seaside.
The lodge rooms are on the smaller facet and have considerably outdated furnishings. But each room has a personal toilet, and all the pieces is pristinely clear, which is the necessary factor. If I can save a minimum of $200 per night time simply because the kitchen cupboards want updating, I’m closing one eye and taking that deal.
Siesta Key Beach Resort and Suites
Siesta Key Beach Resort and Suites is an efficient mid-range possibility in the northern a part of the island. It’s on Ocean Boulevard, so that you’re only a quick stroll from Siesta Key Village. If you stroll in the opposite course, it is going to take you simply a few minutes to get to the seaside.
The lodge has two stars, but it surely appears to be like and appears like a three-star lodge.
The rooms are small however outfitted with all the pieces you could possibly want, together with a kitchenette and a personal toilet. There’s additionally an outside pool with loungers, which you entry the second you step outdoors the room.
The Residences on Siesta Key Beach
The Residences on Siesta Key Beach is without doubt one of the greatest resorts for households and teams. Each unit is a personal condominium that may accommodate up to eight folks. There’s a dishwasher, a full-sized kitchen, and a personal toilet in every of the suites. Most flats have two bedrooms and are appropriate for six visitors, however larger models are additionally accessible.
This is a Hyatt residence lodge, so it’s received many extra facilities price mentioning. Guests can benefit from the outside pool, the health middle, the new tubs, and outside lounge areas. An evening at this lodge begins at roughly $965, which is greater than cheap for six adults.
Whitfield & Sapphire Shores: Best For Cheap Hotels
Whitfield and Sapphire Shores are two neighborhoods close to the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. If you’re in city solely for a short while, keep right here for handy entry to the airport and the seashores.
Sapphire Shores consists of miles of sandy seashores and plenty of glorious resorts. Choose this a part of Sarasota in case you’re in city for simply a few days and wish to spend most of your time lounging on the seaside. But choose for Whitfield in case you’re trying for inexpensive resorts and straightforward strolling entry to widespread museums and sights.
Pros and Cons of Staying at Whitfield & Sapphire Shores
Pros
Affordable resorts Many vacationer sights Easy seaside entry
Cons
Far from the Keys and Downtown No luxurious resorts
Highlights of Staying in Whitfield & Sapphire Shores
Whitfield & Sapphire Shores are dwelling to a few of Sarasota’s greatest museums. The Ringling advanced is without doubt one of the hottest sights in city, that includes a museum, gardens, and the house of the previous circus icon.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens is an animal park with sprawling gardens in Sarasota Bay. Flamingos and different wildlife native to the area roam the grounds freely. The park options lovely landscaping with many tropical crops and flowers. Established by the circus legend John Ringling, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is without doubt one of the hottest museums in Sarasota. It’s set in a pink Renaissance palace and options 31 galleries. The museum’s assortment consists of work, sculptures, and different artwork mediums from historic artwork to up to date occasions. I’m a little bit of a automobile buff, so I at all times look for distinctive automobile museums in each metropolis I go to. Sarasota Classic Car Museum is strictly what I used to be trying for in Florida, and I beloved each second of it. Featuring traditional vehicles, old-timers, and a few of the earliest vehicles ever manufactured, the museum is ideal for automobile lovers of all ages.
Best Places To Stay In Whitfield & Sapphire Shores
Stay at Sapphire Shores or Whitfield for glorious resorts with decrease nightly charges. Most resorts listed here are a minimum of half the value of these in the downtown whereas providing straightforward seaside entry and loads of issues to do in your spare time.
Courtyard by Marriott Sarasota Bradenton Airport
Courtyard by Marriott Sarasota Bradenton Airport is a pleasant three-star lodge with an inexpensive nightly fee. If you’re in Sarasota for a short while and also you need to keep shut to the airport, the Mariott is a very good possibility.
The lodge has an outside pool, free WiFi, and spacious household rooms. The nightly fee begins at round $300 for three visitors, which is a reasonably whole lot for Sarasota. Also, this lodge is only a five-minute stroll from the Classic Car Museum and one other ten minutes from the Ringling Art Museum.
Ramada by Wyndham Sarasota Waterfront
Ramada by Wyndham Sarasota Waterfront is an inexpensive two-star lodge in Whitefield. Don’t confuse it with the Days Inn by Wyndham Sarasota Bay – that lodge is in a unique location, and it affords a considerably worse service than this one.
The waterfront Sarasota lodge options an outside pool that overlooks the marina. Near the lodge is the Sara Bay Country Golf Club, making this an ideal possibility for any golfers in city. The lodge rooms are clear and spacious, with a beginning nightly fee of round $240 for two vacationers. Breakfast is included in that worth level.
Hilton Garden Inn Sarasota-Bradenton Airport
The Hilton Garden Inn is a pleasant three-star lodge close to the airport. It’s received an outside pool, spacious rooms, and a health middle. The rooms all function an ensuite toilet, in addition to a TV and a desk space.
A wonderful thing about this lodge is that it affords a free shuttle to the airport. In reality, the shuttle service will take you wherever in the 8-kilometer radius for free, permitting you to discover the neighborhood simply.
Lido Key: Best For a Mix of Beaches and Tourist Attractions
Lido Key is the smallest of the keys off the shore of mainland Sarasota. It’s related to Downtown Sarasota with a bridge, so that you’re tremendous shut to all of the vacationer sights. But you’re additionally simply a few minutes away from a white sandy seaside.
Choose Lido Key in order for you to expertise a little bit of all the pieces in Sarasota. It’s received the seashores, the buzzing central space of St. Armands Circle with outlets and eating places, in addition to huge public parks with mountain climbing trails.
Pros and Cons of Lido Key
Pros
Good for condominium stays Close to landmarks in Downtown Sarasota Great Beaches
Cons
Not many vacationer sights on the island Few resorts and resorts
Highlights of Staying in Lido Key
Lido Key is missing in touristy landmarks however affords fairly a number of pure sights. Plus, it’s tremendous shut to the Downtown.
St. Armands Key is sort of completely encircled by Lido Key. It’s like the town middle of this tiny island, related with roads to each Lido Key and mainland Sarasota. At the middle is the St. Armands Circle shopping center, which is surrounded by eating places and different outlets. Lido Beach is the most effective factor about staying on Lido Key. The sandy seaside is really a small slice of paradise, excellent for relaxed holidays. Come right here to swim, chill out in the sand, and observe birds in the wild. South Lido County Park is ready on the southern a part of this tiny island. It affords mountain climbing trails, kayaking, and bird-watching in the Hamsen Bayou. Beaches cowl a smaller part of the park, however the remainder is a extra various pure habitat with loads of wildlife.
Best Places to Stay in Lido Key
Lido Key is without doubt one of the smaller islands off the coast of mainland Sarasota. It’s related to Downtown Sarasota with a bridge, so it’s the most effective vacation spot for vacationers who need to be shut to all the pieces that issues in the town.
Lido Beach Resort
Lido Beach Resort is a three-star beachfront resort with two outside swimming pools. The lodge has its personal personal seaside with a seaside bar, a health middle, and three scorching tubs. For an easy-going trip that consists of swimming and sunbathing, this is without doubt one of the greatest resorts in Sarasota.
Also, Lido Key is the closest to the town middle, so you’ll be able to nonetheless simply entry the favored vacationer sights in Downtown Sarasota for some enjoyable in the evenings. An evening at this lodge begins at roughly $350 for two or three folks.
Casa Limonada Boutique Motel
Casa Limonada Boutique Motel is a motel-style property. But as a substitute of tiny rooms, each unit is a small condominium. This lodging is a superb possibility for households preferring to keep in flats and have entry to a full kitchen.
Despite being a two-star motel, this property could be very extremely rated by the visitors. The rooms are all clear and fashionable, with snug and spacious beds. The nightly fee is roughly $300 for two adults, and the flats can match up to 5 visitors.
Holiday Inn Sarasota – Lido Beach
Holiday Inn Sarasota is a superb possibility in order for you to be tremendous shut to Lido Beach. Half of the lodge rooms have views of the Gulf of Mexico, and it’s probably the greatest views you’ll expertise in Lido Key.
One factor to be aware is that this lodge is at the moment present process some much-needed renovations. It’s received a superb location, and the facilities included in the keep had been at all times good, however the rooms had been critically outdated, and the loos had been worn out. That shouldn’t be the case once they reopen for enterprise!
Longboat Key: Best For Families
Longboat Key is the biggest island off the coast of Sarasota, recognized for expansive sandy seashores, high-end resorts, and golf golf equipment. While there aren’t too many sights in this a part of Sarasota, vacationers can keep busy by partaking in enjoyable outside actions.
Cycling, {golfing}, mountain climbing, kayaking, and swimming are a few of the high issues to do at Longboat Key, however actually not the one ones. Stay in this a part of Sarasota in order for you to have a chill trip and benefit from the solar and sea.
Pros and Cons of Longboat Key
Pros
Many lodge resorts Multiple golf golf equipment Excellent public seashores
Cons
Far from Sarasota Downtown Few vacationer sights
Highlights of Staying in Longboat Key
Longboat Key is nice for outside adventures and sports activities for the reason that actions listed here are greatest for energetic vacationers.
Golfing is without doubt one of the greatest methods to keep busy at Longboat Key. With a number of programs all around the island, there’s completely no scarcity of alternatives for a day of golf. Choose the course with the most effective views, and check out not to be distracted by the scenic vista of the ocean. Kayak rental is obtainable at a number of locations on Longboat Key. Explore the mangrove islands subsequent to the Bayfront Park, and in case you’re fortunate sufficient, you may get to see dolphins. Most locations that hire kayaks may even hire paddleboards, canoes, and different tools. Visit the Joan M Durante Community Park for some household enjoyable in the afternoon. Walking trails, piers, and playgrounds await at this public park, which sits close to the middle of the Longboat Key island. Charter a yacht and discover the Gulf of Mexico whereas having fun with final privateness. Travel to different cities on the coast, or spend the day moored in the center of the ocean, swimming and having enjoyable.
Best Places to Stay in Longboat Key
Longboat Key affords loads of rental complexes for vacationers. If you favor staying in personal flats, this is without doubt one of the greatest areas of Sarasota. Standard lodge resorts are additionally accessible, however they’re considerably costlier than the flats.
Longboat Bay Club
Longboat Bay Club is without doubt one of the greatest choices for households on the island. The property options personal flats that may accommodate up to six visitors. It’s only a quick stroll from the seaside. All the flats function two bedrooms, full-sized kitchens, and personal loos.
A year-round outside pool is obtainable for all visitors to use. There’s additionally a playground for youngsters on the grounds of the Longboat Bay Club. The nightly fee for flats at this resort is round $500. When cut up amongst six adults, that comes down to roughly $60 per particular person, which is an absolute steal for Sarasota.
Zota Beach Resort
Zota Beach Resort is a four-star resort lodge in the northern a part of Longboat Key. It’s a contemporary resort with clear and up to date rooms. Every lodge room has a desk, ensuite toilet, and a flat-screen TV. The resort options a big outside pool that each one visitors can use.
There’s additionally a health middle, a enterprise middle, and even a personal seaside. A restaurant is obtainable on the resort, however you need to really feel inspired to depart the grounds and discover this beautiful city. An evening at this resort begins at $425 for two adults.
Resort at Longboat Key Club
The Resort at Longboat Key Club is a wonderful four-star lodge resort for vacationers who like to be spoiled. Choose this resort in case you like massive rooms with snug beds, ensuite loos, and a dishwasher in the room. With 5 on-site eating places, you gained’t even have to depart the resort space in case you don’t need to.
An outside pool and a personal space of Longboat Key Beach can be found for all visitors. The common nightly fee for this resort is $650; it’s costly, however you’ll hardly discover something cheaper with this excessive of a service degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Better To Stay On Siesta Key Or Sarasota?
Siesta Key is a part of Sarasota, and it’s the higher place to keep in case you’re primarily in seashores. Stay in central Sarasota in case you’re extra into vacationer sights and widespread landmarks.
Which Is The Best Place To Stay In Sarasota?
Downtown Sarasota is the most effective place to keep in the town of Sarasota. It’s the neighborhood with essentially the most vacationer sights and landmarks.
Which Are The Best Beach Resorts In Sarasota?
The greatest seaside resorts in Sarasota are Lido Beach Resort, The Residences on Siesta Key Beach, and the Resort at Longboat Key Club. Each resort is on a unique island (Key) in Sarasota, Florida.
What Are The Best Luxury Hotels In Sarasota?
The greatest luxurious resorts in Sarasota are the Ritz-Carlton, Art Ovation Hotel, and the Sarasota Modern. All are in the town middle (Downtown Sarasota).