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

Sarasota, Florida, is a spot that always 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 fashionable Florida cities. 

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

This information to one of the best Sarasota accommodations will enable you resolve the place to keep in town. From the reasonably priced accommodations close to the airport to resorts on the seashores at Siesta Key, right here’s the whole lot you want to find out about selecting one of the best accommodations in Sarasota! 

Why You Should Listen To Us

Take my recommendation as a result of I spend approach an excessive amount of time taking a look at resort opinions on-line. This signifies that I’ve executed 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 need to share the whole lot they’ve discovered. 

Where To Stay in Sarasota, Florida

The greatest space of Sarasota to base your self actually depends upon your purpose for visiting. If you’re happening a seaside trip, then one of the best place to keep will likely be one of many islands with many miles of sandy seaside. But if you happen to’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 prime accommodations. So, let’s get into all one of the best areas of town for a primary journey! 

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Where We Stayed

Dave and Deb stayed on the Art Ovation Autograph Collection resort 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 resort. The views from the pool are phenomenal, making it onerous to go away the resort and exit and discover. 

Downtown Sarasota: Our Recommendation 

Downtown Sarasota is a central metropolis neighborhood nice for first-time guests. It’s stuffed with touristy issues to do, together with museums, historic landmarks, and loads of outlets. Stay right here for simple strolling entry to a few of the greatest sights in central Sarasota and wonderful waterfront views. 

This neighborhood is residence to a few of Sarasota’s oldest buildings but additionally tall condominiums and luxurious accommodations. It’s a very good place to keep for vacationers who need to discover the basic Sarasota sights and don’t thoughts touring for some time to attain the seaside. 

Pros and Cons of Downtown Sarasota

Pros 

Walking distance to fashionable sights  Many outlets and eating places  Lots of high-end accommodations 

Cons

Few seashores  Busy space  Pricey accommodations

Highlights of Staying in Downtown Sarasota 

Downtown Sarasota is one of the best a part of town for landmarks and vacationer sights. Come right here if you need to see 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 attention-grabbing sculptures. Every season, the backyard has totally different decorations, and my favourite are those put in at Christmas time.  Go for a brief night stroll by way of 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 a good 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 children is offered on the park, in addition to a comfy bar and grill. Enjoy a scrumptious dinner whereas watching the sundown from among the finest 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 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 accommodations. It’s nice for vacationers who need to keep in upscale lodging and have simple strolling entry to fashionable vacationer sights. But if you happen to’re trying for reasonably priced accommodations, you would possibly want 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 resort in town heart. It options clear and roomy suites, which all have a bed room and separate dwelling quarters. Every room is provided with a TV, desk, and an ensuite lavatory, so you possibly can really feel at residence in the resort. 

Guests staying at this Hilton Hotel have entry to a health heart and a heated outside pool with spectacular views of the Sarasota skyline. Book a collection 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 resort in central Sarasota. It boasts spacious rooms with modern furnishings and fairly views of town from the personal balconies. I’ll say that the resort rooms are just a bit too beige for my liking, however hey – at the least it’s a lot more durable to cover stains when the whole lot is so gentle in coloration. 

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

The Westin Sarasota

The Westin Sarasota is a three-star resort 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 resort, with a spectacular rooftop pool that provides among the finest views in town. 

Next to the pool is a bar the place you possibly can take pleasure in night cocktails together with views of the Sarasota skyline. The rooms are spacious and clear, with fashionable furnishings. Guests may entry the health heart and spa and lease bicycles for free. An evening at this resort begins at $750. 

Siesta Key: Best Beaches In Sarasota 

Siesta Key is residence to a few of the greatest seashores in the United States, making it a prime 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 automotive, so that you gained’t be removed from 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 accommodations

Cons

Far from Downtown Sarasota  Few vacationer sights on the island 

Highlights of Staying in Siesta Key

Siesta Key isn’t residence to many vacationer sights, nevertheless it makes up for that with town’s greatest seaside. 

Siesta Key Beach is the spotlight of most stays at Siesta Key. The white sandy seaside is likely one of the largest in Sarasota, and it’s open to everybody. It includes a seaside pavilion, a playground for children, and seaside volleyball courts. Some areas of the seaside are reserved for resort visitors, however most of it’s open to most of the 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 approach 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 resort 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 collection on the Tropical Beach Resorts if you happen to’re trying for finances lodging in Siesta Key. The three-star resort has a nightly fee of $350, which is an effective deal for this a part of Sarasota, particularly for a resort that’s simply 5 minutes from the seaside. 

The resort rooms are on the smaller aspect and have considerably outdated furnishings. But each room has a non-public lavatory, and the whole lot is pristinely clear, which is the essential factor. If I can save at the least $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 effective mid-range possibility in the northern a part of the island. It’s on Ocean Boulevard, so that you’re only a brief stroll from Siesta Key Village. If you stroll in the opposite route, it would take you simply a few minutes to get to the seaside. 

The resort has two stars, nevertheless it appears to be like and looks like a three-star resort. 

The rooms are small however outfitted with the whole lot you possibly 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 Beach is likely one of the greatest accommodations for households and teams. Each unit is a non-public condo that may accommodate up to eight folks. There’s a dishwasher, a full-sized kitchen, and a non-public lavatory in every of the suites. Most residences have two bedrooms and are appropriate for six visitors, however larger items are additionally obtainable. 

This is a Hyatt residence resort, so it’s received many extra facilities price mentioning. Guests can benefit from the outside pool, the health heart, the recent tubs, and outside lounge areas. An evening at this resort 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 contains miles of sandy seashores and plenty of wonderful resorts. Choose this a part of Sarasota if you happen to’re in city for simply a few days and need to spend most of your time lounging on the seaside. But choose for Whitfield if you happen to’re trying for reasonably priced accommodations and straightforward strolling entry to fashionable museums and sights. 

Pros and Cons of Staying at Whitfield & Sapphire Shores

Pros

Affordable accommodations Many vacationer sights  Easy seaside entry 

Cons

Far from the Keys and Downtown No luxurious accommodations

Highlights of Staying in Whitfield & Sapphire Shores

Whitfield & Sapphire Shores are residence to a few of Sarasota’s greatest museums. The Ringling complicated is likely 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 stunning landscaping with many tropical vegetation and flowers.  Established by the circus legend John Ringling, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is likely one of the hottest museums in Sarasota. It’s set in a pink Renaissance palace and options 31 galleries. The museum’s assortment contains work, sculptures, and different artwork mediums from historical artwork to modern occasions.  I’m a little bit of a automotive buff, so I at all times look for distinctive automotive museums in each metropolis I go to. Sarasota Classic Car Museum is precisely what I used to be trying for in Florida, and I beloved each second of it. Featuring basic automobiles, old-timers, and a few of the earliest automobiles ever manufactured, the museum is ideal for automotive lovers of all ages. 

Best Places To Stay In Whitfield & Sapphire Shores

Stay at Sapphire Shores or Whitfield for wonderful accommodations with decrease nightly charges. Most accommodations listed here are at the least half the worth of these in the downtown whereas providing simple 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 resort with an reasonably priced 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 extremely good possibility. 

The resort has an out of doors pool, free WiFi, and spacious household rooms. The nightly fee begins at round $300 for three visitors, which is a fairly whole lot for Sarasota. Also, this resort 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 reasonably priced two-star resort in Whitefield. Don’t confuse it with the Days Inn by Wyndham Sarasota Bay – that resort is in a special location, and it affords a considerably worse service than this one. 

The waterfront Sarasota resort options an out of doors pool that overlooks the marina. Near the resort is the Sara Bay Country Golf Club, making this an amazing possibility for any golfers in city. The resort rooms are clear and spacious, with a beginning nightly fee of round $240 for two vacationers. Breakfast is included in that value level. 

Hilton Garden Inn Sarasota-Bradenton Airport

The Hilton Garden Inn is a pleasant three-star resort 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 resort 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 if you need 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 outlets and eating places, in addition to huge public parks with mountain climbing trails. 

Pros and Cons of Lido Key 

Pros

Good for condo stays Close to landmarks in Downtown Sarasota Great Beaches 

Cons

Not many vacationer sights on the island Few accommodations and resorts

Highlights of Staying in Lido Key

Lido Key is missing in touristy landmarks however affords fairly just a few pure sights. Plus, it’s tremendous shut to the Downtown. 

St. Armands Key is sort of completely encircled by Lido Key. It’s like town heart 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 one of the best factor about staying on Lido Key. The sandy seaside is actually 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 numerous pure habitat with loads of wildlife. 

Best Places to Stay 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 one of the best vacation spot for vacationers who need to be shut to the whole lot that issues in town. 

Lido Beach Resort

Lido Beach Resort is a three-star beachfront resort with two outside swimming pools. The resort has its personal personal seaside with a seaside 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. 

Also, Lido Key is the closest to town heart, so you possibly can nonetheless simply entry the favored vacationer sights in Downtown Sarasota for some enjoyable in the evenings. An evening at this resort begins at roughly $350 for two or three folks.  

Casa Limonada Boutique Motel

Casa Limonada Boutique Motel is a motel-style property. But as an alternative of tiny rooms, each unit is a small condo. This lodging is a good possibility for households preferring to keep in residences and have entry to a full kitchen. 

Despite being a two-star motel, this property may 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 residences can match up to 5 visitors. 

Holiday Inn Sarasota – Lido Beach

Holiday Inn Sarasota is a good possibility if you need to be tremendous shut to Lido Beach. Half of the resort rooms have views of the Gulf of Mexico, and it’s among the finest views you’ll expertise in Lido Key. 

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

Longboat Key: Best For Families

Longboat Key is the biggest island off the coast of Sarasota, identified 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 participating in enjoyable outside actions. 

Cycling, {golfing}, mountain climbing, kayaking, and swimming are a few of the prime issues to do at Longboat Key, however actually not the one ones. Stay in this a part of Sarasota if you need to have a chill trip and benefit from the solar and sea. 

Pros and Cons of Longboat Key

Pros

Many resort 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 likely 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 one of the best views, and check out not to 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 if you happen to’re fortunate sufficient, you would possibly get to see dolphins. Most locations that lease kayaks may even lease 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 residences, this is likely one of the greatest areas of Sarasota. Standard resort resorts are additionally obtainable, however they’re considerably dearer than the residences. 

Longboat Bay Club

Longboat Bay Club is likely one of the greatest choices for households on the island. The property options personal residences that may accommodate up to six visitors. It’s only a brief stroll from the seaside. All the residences function two bedrooms, full-sized kitchens, and personal bogs. 

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

Zota Beach Resort

Zota Beach Resort is a four-star resort resort in the northern a part of Longboat Key. It’s a contemporary resort with clear and modern rooms. Every resort room has a desk, ensuite lavatory, and a flat-screen TV. The resort options a big outside pool that every one visitors can use. 

There’s additionally a health heart, a enterprise heart, and even a non-public seaside. A restaurant is offered on the resort, however you must really feel inspired to go away 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 superb four-star resort resort for vacationers who like to be spoiled. Choose this resort if you happen to like massive rooms with snug beds, ensuite bogs, and a dishwasher in the room. With 5 on-site eating places, you gained’t even have to go away the resort space if you happen to don’t need to. 

An outside pool and a non-public 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 if you happen to’re primarily in seashores. Stay in central Sarasota if you happen to’re extra into vacationer sights and fashionable landmarks. 

Which Is The Best Place To Stay In Sarasota? 

Downtown Sarasota is one of the best place to keep in town of Sarasota. It’s the neighborhood with probably 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 special island (Key) in Sarasota, Florida. 

What Are The Best Luxury Hotels In Sarasota?

The greatest luxurious accommodations in Sarasota are the Ritz-Carlton, Art Ovation Hotel, and the Sarasota Modern. All are in town heart (Downtown Sarasota).