Where to Stay in Sarasota, Florida in 2024: 5 Best Areas for First-Time Visitors

Sarasota, Florida, is a spot that always will get missed by vacationers in favor of Orlando and Miami. Town is about on the Gulf of Mexico, that includes sprawling white sand seashores and panoramic sea views. In the event you come right here, you’ll take pleasure in a wonderful seashore trip with out the crowds of extra fashionable Florida cities. 

Sarasota is an effective vacation spot for vacationers who wish to have interaction in adventures once they’re not on the seashore or simply spend their evenings {golfing}. With luxurious resorts, wonderful eating places, and loads of retailers all through the city, you’ll need for nothing in Sarasota.

This information to the most effective Sarasota accommodations will enable you resolve the place to remain within the metropolis. From the inexpensive accommodations close to the airport to resorts on the seashores at Siesta Key, right here’s the whole lot you have to learn about selecting the most effective accommodations in Sarasota! 

Why You Ought to Hear To Us

Take my recommendation as a result of I spend means an excessive amount of time taking a look at lodge critiques on-line. Which means I’ve performed 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 not too long ago and wish to share the whole lot they’ve realized. 

The place To Keep in Sarasota, Florida

The perfect space of Sarasota to base your self actually relies on your cause for visiting. In the event you’re occurring a seashore trip, then the most effective place to remain shall be one of many islands with many miles of sandy seashore. However in the event you’re going there for a metropolis break, you’ll wish to be extra centrally situated for simpler entry to vacationer sights. 

In any case, I’ve give you an in depth overview of Sarasota’s greatest neighborhoods and their prime accommodations. So, let’s get into all the most effective areas of the town for a primary journey! 

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The place We Stayed

Dave and Deb stayed on the Art Ovation Autograph Collection lodge in Downtown Sarasota. They favored the spacious and clear rooms, however the rooftop pool and bar have been probably the most spectacular options of this lodge. The views from the pool are phenomenal, making it arduous to go away the lodge and exit and discover. 

Downtown Sarasota: Our Advice 

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 retailers. Keep right here for straightforward strolling entry to among the greatest sights in central Sarasota and beautiful waterfront views. 

This neighborhood is dwelling to a few of Sarasota’s oldest buildings but additionally tall condominiums and luxurious accommodations. It’s a great place to remain for vacationers who wish to discover the basic Sarasota sights and don’t thoughts touring for some time to succeed in the seashore. 

Execs and Cons of Downtown Sarasota

Execs 

• Strolling distance to fashionable sights 
• Many retailers and eating places 
• A lot of high-end accommodations 

Cons

• Few seashores 
• Busy space 
• Dear accommodations

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 if you wish to see the town’s oldest buildings, tour its greatest museums, and uncover all probably the most well-known Sarasota sights. 

• Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is likely one of the metropolis’s greatest sights. The waterfront gardens function tropical vegetation, ponds, and fascinating sculptures. Each season, the backyard has totally 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 Home. The constructing dates from 1926 when it was a theater. An evening on the opera is an effective way to finish at some point 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 youths is offered on the park, in addition to a comfortable bar and grill. Get pleasure from a scrumptious dinner whereas watching the sundown from top-of-the-line scenic spots in Sarasota.  
• A strolling tour of the historic Downtown Sarasota is the highest pastime throughout holidays right here. That is the oldest a part of the town, with fairly buildings, scenic views, and beautiful public parks. Sign up for a guided tour to discover the streets by yourself, popping into the retailers and eating places that catch your eye. 

Greatest Locations to Keep in Downtown Sarasota

Downtown Sarasota gives principally high-end and luxurious accommodations. It’s nice for vacationers who wish to keep in upscale lodging and have straightforward strolling entry to fashionable vacationer sights. However in the event you’re in search of inexpensive accommodations, you may have to look elsewhere as a result of this central metropolis space shouldn’t be low cost. 

Embassy Suites By Hilton Sarasota

Embassy Suites By Hilton Sarasota is a four-star lodge within the metropolis heart. It options clear and roomy suites, which all have a bed room and separate residing quarters. Each room is provided with a TV, desk, and an ensuite lavatory, so you’ll be able to really feel at dwelling within the lodge. 

Company staying at this Hilton Lodge have entry to a health heart and a heated outside pool with spectacular views of the Sarasota skyline. Guide a collection with a view of the Sarasota Bay to take pleasure in ocean vistas from the consolation of your mattress. These rooms go for $600, whereas a normal room with out ocean views is priced at roughly $550. 

The Sarasota Modern

The Sarasota Fashionable 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 non-public balconies. I’ll say that the lodge rooms are just a bit too beige for my liking, however hey – not less than it’s a lot more durable to cover stains when the whole lot is so mild in coloration. 

Each room has a espresso maker, an ensuite lavatory, and a flat-screen TV. Company all have entry to free WiFi and may make use of the outside pool with loungers, cabanas, and a bar. With a nightly price of roughly $620 (with breakfast), this is likely one of the greatest four-star accommodations on this neighborhood. 

The Westin Sarasota

The Westin Sarasota is a three-star lodge within the historic metropolis district. However simply because it has three stars doesn’t imply it’s low cost and even mid-range. That is virtually a luxurious lodge, with a spectacular rooftop pool that provides top-of-the-line views within the metropolis. 

Subsequent 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 trendy furnishings. Company may entry the health heart and spa and hire bicycles without cost. An evening at this lodge begins at $750. 

Siesta Key: Greatest Seashores In Sarasota 

Siesta Key’s dwelling to among the best beaches in the United States, making it a prime vacation spot for individuals who wish to take pleasure in a seashore trip particularly since many resorts are proper there on the seashore with non-public entry for visitors. 

Along with the huge stretches of white sand, this pretty island additionally boasts a buzzing central district with retailers, 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. 

Execs and Cons of Siesta Key Seaside

Execs

• One in every of Florida’s greatest seashores
• A lot of retailers and eating places 
• Good resort accommodations

Cons

• Removed 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 seashore. 

• Siesta Key Seaside is the spotlight of most stays at Siesta Key. The white sandy seashore is likely one of the largest in Sarasota, and it’s open to everybody. It includes a seashore pavilion, a playground for youths, and seashore volleyball courts. Some areas of the seashore are reserved for lodge visitors, however most of it’s open to most people. 
• Head to Siesta Key Village for espresso within the morning or ice cream within the night. This bustling district is the island’s hotspot for retailers, eating places, and cafes. The tree-lined Ocean Boulevard is ideal for informal night strolls. 
• Attend the Siesta Key Drum Circle. Each Sunday night time, musicians and dancers go to Siesta Seaside to play music and dance. The occasion brings collectively each vacationers and locals, and it’s a really enjoyable means of ending a day in Sarasota, to not point out it takes place on one of many metropolis’s greatest seashores.  

Greatest Lodges in Siesta Key

Siesta Key has a ton of condominium complexes and lodge resorts on the seashore. If you wish to be simply steps away from the water, you’ll love staying on this island. 

Tropical Beach Resorts

Guide a collection on the Tropical Seaside Resorts in the event you’re in search of price range lodging in Siesta Key. The three-star lodge has a nightly price of $350, which is an effective deal for this a part of Sarasota, particularly for a lodge that’s simply 5 minutes from the seashore. 

The lodge rooms are on the smaller aspect and have considerably outdated furnishings. However each room has a non-public lavatory, and the whole lot is pristinely clear, which is the necessary factor. If I can save not less than $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 Seaside Resort and Suites is an effective mid-range choice within the northern a part of the island. It’s on Ocean Boulevard, so that you’re only a quick stroll from Siesta Key Village. In the event you stroll within the different path, it’s going to take you simply a few minutes to get to the seashore. 

The lodge has two stars, but it surely seems to be and seems like a three-star lodge. 

The rooms are small however geared up with the whole lot you can want, together with a kitchenette and a non-public lavatory. There’s additionally an out of doors pool with loungers, which you entry the second you step exterior the room. 

The Residences on Siesta Key Beach

The Residences on Siesta Key Seaside is likely one of the greatest accommodations for households and teams. Every unit is a non-public condominium that may accommodate as much as eight folks. There’s a dishwasher, a full-sized kitchen, and a non-public lavatory in every of the suites. Most flats have two bedrooms and are appropriate for six visitors, however greater models are additionally obtainable. 

It is a Hyatt residence lodge, so it’s received many extra facilities value mentioning. Company can benefit from the outside pool, the health heart, 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: Greatest For Low cost Lodges

Whitfield and Sapphire Shores are two neighborhoods close to the Sarasota Bradenton Worldwide Airport. In the event you’re on the town just 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 wonderful resorts. Select this a part of Sarasota in the event you’re on the town for simply a few days and wish to spend most of your time lounging on the seashore. However go for Whitfield in the event you’re in search of inexpensive accommodations and simple strolling entry to fashionable museums and sights. 

Execs and Cons of Staying at Whitfield & Sapphire Shores

Execs

• Reasonably priced accommodations
• Many vacationer sights 
• Simple seashore entry 

Cons

• Removed from the Keys and Downtown
• No luxurious accommodations

Highlights of Staying in Whitfield & Sapphire Shores

Whitfield & Sapphire Shores are dwelling to a few of Sarasota’s greatest museums. The Ringling complicated is likely one of the hottest sights on the town, 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 stunning landscaping with many tropical vegetation and flowers. 
• Established by the circus legend John Ringling, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Artwork is likely one of the most popular 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 historical artwork to up to date instances. 
• I’m a little bit of a automobile buff, so I at all times search for distinctive automobile museums in each metropolis I go to. Sarasota Traditional Automobile Museum is strictly what I used to be in search of in Florida, and I liked each second of it. That includes basic automobiles, old-timers, and among the earliest automobiles ever manufactured, the museum is ideal for automobile lovers of all ages. 

Greatest Locations To Keep In Whitfield & Sapphire Shores

Keep at Sapphire Shores or Whitfield for wonderful accommodations with decrease nightly charges. Most accommodations listed here are not less than half the value of these within the downtown whereas providing straightforward seashore 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 price. In the event you’re in Sarasota for a short while and also you wish to keep near the airport, the Mariott is a extremely good choice. 

The lodge has an out of doors pool, free WiFi, and spacious household rooms. The nightly price begins at round $300 for 3 visitors, which is a fairly whole lot for Sarasota. Additionally, this lodge is only a five-minute stroll from the Traditional Automobile Museum and one other ten minutes from the Ringling Artwork 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 distinct location, and it gives a considerably worse service than this one. 

The waterfront Sarasota lodge options an out of doors pool that overlooks the marina. Close to the lodge is the Sara Bay Nation Golf Membership, making this an ideal choice for any golfers on the town. The lodge rooms are clear and spacious, with a beginning nightly price of round $240 for 2 vacationers. Breakfast is included in that value level. 

Hilton Garden Inn Sarasota-Bradenton Airport

The Hilton Backyard Inn is a pleasant three-star lodge close to the airport. It’s received an out of doors pool, spacious rooms, and a health heart. The rooms all function an ensuite lavatory, in addition to a TV and a desk space. 

A beauty of this lodge is that it gives a free shuttle to the airport. In truth, the shuttle service will take you anyplace within the 8-kilometer radius without cost, permitting you to discover the neighborhood simply. 

Lido Key: Greatest For a Mixture of Seashores and Vacationer Sights

Lido Key’s 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 near all of the vacationer sights. However you’re additionally simply a few minutes away from a white sandy seashore. 

Select Lido Key if you wish to expertise a little bit of the whole lot in Sarasota. It’s received the seashores, the buzzing central space of St. Armands Circle with retailers and eating places, in addition to huge public parks with climbing trails. 

Execs and Cons of Lido Key 

Execs

• Good for condominium stays
• Near landmarks in Downtown Sarasota
• Nice Seashores 

Cons

• Not many vacationer sights on the island
• Few accommodations and resorts

Highlights of Staying in Lido Key

Lido Key’s missing in touristy landmarks however gives fairly a couple of pure sights. Plus, it’s tremendous near the Downtown. 

• St. Armands Key is sort of totally encircled by Lido Key. It’s like the town heart of this tiny island, related with roads to each Lido Key and mainland Sarasota. On the heart is the St. Armands Circle shopping center, which is surrounded by eating places and different retailers. 
• Lido Seaside is the most effective factor about staying on Lido Key. The sandy seashore is actually a small slice of paradise, good for relaxed holidays. Come right here to swim, chill out within the sand, and observe birds within the wild. 
• South Lido County Park is about on the southern a part of this tiny island. It gives climbing trails, kayaking, and bird-watching within the Hamsen Bayou. Seashores cowl a smaller part of the park, however the remaining is a extra numerous pure habitat with loads of wildlife. 

Greatest Locations to Keep in Lido Key

Lido Key is likely 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 wish to be near the whole lot that issues within the metropolis. 

Lido Beach Resort

Lido Seaside Resort is a three-star beachfront resort with two outside swimming pools. The lodge has its personal non-public seashore with a seashore bar, a health heart, and three sizzling tubs. For an easy-going trip that consists of swimming and sunbathing, this is likely one of the greatest accommodations in Sarasota. 

Additionally, Lido Key’s the closest to the town heart, so you’ll be able to nonetheless simply entry the favored vacationer sights in Downtown Sarasota for some enjoyable within the evenings. An evening at this lodge begins at roughly $350 for 2 or three folks.  

Casa Limonada Boutique Motel

Casa Limonada Boutique Motel is a motel-style property. However as a substitute of tiny rooms, each unit is a small condominium. This lodging is a superb choice for households preferring to remain in flats and have entry to a full kitchen. 

Regardless of being a two-star motel, this property could be very extremely rated by the visitors. The rooms are all clear and trendy, with snug and spacious beds. The nightly price is roughly $300 for 2 adults, and the flats can match as much as 5 visitors. 

Holiday Inn Sarasota – Lido Beach

Vacation Inn Sarasota is a superb choice if you wish to be tremendous near Lido Seaside. Half of the lodge rooms have views of the Gulf of Mexico, and it’s top-of-the-line views you’ll expertise in Lido Key. 

One factor to notice is that this lodge is at the moment present process some much-needed renovations. It’s received a wonderful location, and the facilities included within the keep have been at all times good, however the rooms have been critically outdated, and the bogs have been worn out. That shouldn’t be the case once they reopen for enterprise! 

Longboat Key: Greatest For Households

Longboat Key’s the most important island off the coast of Sarasota, recognized for expansive sandy seashores, high-end resorts, and golf golf equipment. Whereas there aren’t too many sights on this a part of Sarasota, vacationers can keep busy by participating in enjoyable outside actions. 

Biking, {golfing}, climbing, kayaking, and swimming are among the prime issues to do at Longboat Key, however definitely not the one ones. Keep on this a part of Sarasota if you wish to have a chill trip and benefit from the solar and sea. 

Execs and Cons of Longboat Key

Execs

• Many lodge resorts
• A number of golf golf equipment 
• Glorious public seashores 

Cons

• Removed from Sarasota Downtown
• Few vacationer sights 

Highlights of Staying in Longboat Key

Longboat Key’s nice for outside adventures and sports activities for the reason that actions listed here are greatest for energetic vacationers. 

• {Golfing} is likely one of the greatest methods to remain 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. Select the course with the most effective views, and take a look at to not be distracted by the scenic vista of the ocean. 
• Kayak rental is offered at a number of locations on Longboat Key. Explore the mangrove islands subsequent to the Bayfront Park, and in the event you’re fortunate sufficient, you may get to see dolphins. Most locations that hire kayaks will even hire paddleboards, canoes, and different gear. 
• Go to the Joan M Durante Neighborhood Park for some household enjoyable within the afternoon. Strolling 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. Journey to different cities on the coast, or spend the day moored in the course of the ocean, swimming and having enjoyable.  

Greatest Locations to Keep in Longboat Key

Longboat Key gives loads of condominium complexes for vacationers. In the event you choose staying in non-public flats, this is likely one of the greatest areas of Sarasota. Commonplace lodge resorts are additionally obtainable, however they’re considerably costlier than the flats. 

Longboat Bay Club

Longboat Bay Membership is likely one of the greatest choices for households on the island. The property options non-public flats that may accommodate as much as six visitors. It’s only a quick stroll from the seashore. All of the flats function two bedrooms, full-sized kitchens, and personal bogs. 

A year-round outside pool is offered for all visitors to make use of. There’s additionally a playground for kids on the grounds of the Longboat Bay Membership. The nightly price for flats at this resort is round $500. When break up amongst six adults, that comes right down to roughly $60 per individual, which is an absolute steal for Sarasota. 

Zota Beach Resort

Zota Seaside Resort is a four-star resort lodge within the northern a part of Longboat Key. It’s a contemporary resort with clear and up to date rooms. Each lodge room has a desk, ensuite lavatory, and a flat-screen TV. The resort options a big outside pool that each one visitors can use. 

There’s additionally a health heart, a enterprise heart, and even a non-public seashore. A restaurant is offered on the resort, however it is best to really feel inspired to go away the grounds and discover this pretty city. An evening at this resort begins at $425 for 2 adults. 

Resort at Longboat Key Club

The Resort at Longboat Key Membership is a wonderful four-star lodge resort for vacationers who prefer to be spoiled. Select this resort in the event you like massive rooms with snug beds, ensuite bogs, and a dishwasher within the room. With 5 on-site eating places, you gained’t even have to go away the resort space in the event you don’t wish to. 

An out of doors pool and a non-public space of Longboat Key Seaside can be found for all visitors. The typical nightly price for this resort is $650; it’s costly, however you’ll hardly discover something cheaper with this excessive of a service stage. 

Steadily Requested Questions

Is It Higher To Keep On Siesta Key Or Sarasota? 

Siesta Key’s a part of Sarasota, and it’s the higher place to remain in the event you’re primarily eager about seashores. Keep in central Sarasota in the event you’re extra into vacationer sights and fashionable landmarks. 

Which Is The Greatest Place To Keep In Sarasota? 

Downtown Sarasota is the most effective place to remain within the metropolis of Sarasota. It’s the neighborhood with probably the most vacationer sights and landmarks. 

Which Are The Greatest Seaside Resorts In Sarasota? 

The perfect seashore resorts in Sarasota are Lido Seaside Resort, The Residences on Siesta Key Seaside, and the Resort at Longboat Key Membership. Every resort is on a distinct island (Key) in Sarasota, Florida. 

What Are The Greatest Luxurious Lodges In Sarasota?

The perfect luxurious accommodations in Sarasota are the Ritz-Carlton, Artwork Ovation Lodge, and the Sarasota Fashionable. All are within the metropolis heart (Downtown Sarasota).