11 Top-Rated Resorts in Sarasota, FL

Home to an attractive downtown and waterfront that have benefited from a great deal of revitalization over the past decade, Sarasota, Florida has become a popular vacation and weekend getaway for sun seekers.

Accommodation options range from luxurious urban establishments, such as The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, to sprawling beachfront properties like The Resort at Longboat Key Club, a romantic location that is as popular with couples and wedding parties as it is with families.

Although increasingly ritzy, and catching up to alternatives like Naples to the south and Miami to the east in the luxury resort market, Sarasota does offer many affordable accommodation options. This is especially true if you’re prepared to travel a little farther up the coast.

Some of the best places to stay include smaller resorts, like Turtle Beach Resort & Inn on Siesta Key and Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages on Holmes Beach.

To help you find the best places to visit and spend your precious vacation time, we’ve put together the following list of the best resorts in Sarasota, Florida.

1. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Located just steps away from historic downtown Sarasota, one of the best places to visit on Florida’s Gulf coast for shopping, dining, and entertainment, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota offers guests a superb 5-star resort experience.

Boasting great water views over Sarasota Bay, accommodations consist of 266 well-appointed and elegantly furnished king or double queen suites with spacious marble bathrooms and comfy bathrobes, balconies, and HD TVs. Also available, if your budget will stretch that far, is a luxurious penthouse suite with a separate dining area and twin balconies.

There’s also much for guests to do on this attractive 11-acre waterfront property. Features of note include The Ritz-Carlton Spa, a hair salon, a fitness center, along with concierge services. The resort also offers a variety of dining experiences, including private and in-room dining options, as well as alfresco dining at the fine dining restaurant.

Guests also have use of the beach and other facilities at The Beach Club on Lido Key, as well as an 18-hole golf course and tennis facilities.

Address: 1111 Ritz Carlton Drive, Sarasota, Florida

2. The Resort at Longboat Key Club

Accommodation: The Resort at Longboat Key Club

Located just a short distance from Sarasota’s bustling St. Armands Circle, with its many fine boutique shops and great restaurants, the recently renovated Resort at Longboat Key Club sits at the southern end of a magnificent beach that stretches some 13 miles north toward Bradenton — a beach so long, in fact, that it takes around four hours to walk its length, so you might want to take the bus back.

Undoubtedly the most luxurious 4-star resort in the area, the Longboat Key Club covers some 410 acres overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Consisting of a mix of 223 rooms and suites, this sprawling resort boasts eight on-site restaurants and lounges, plenty of great golf (45 holes all told), tennis courts, a fitness center, and a full-service spa.

There are also plenty of things to do on the water. Popular water-based activities include kayaking and boating, with rentals of boats and Jet Skis available from the resort’s marina. Alternatively, bring your own boat — and the bigger the better, as the marina is capable of docking yachts of up to 150-feet in length. Swimming and sunbathing are other popular activities, and those wanting to make a day of it should consider renting one of the resort’s cabanas.

Come bedtime, guests can lay their heads in their choice of guest rooms. All standard rooms come with private balconies, large screen TVs, and spectacular sea views. Nice touches like bathrobes and pillow-top bedding are included. Larger units, like the resort’s popular one- and two-bedroom suites, also come with separate living and dining rooms, plus full kitchens.

Address: 220 Sands Point Road, Longboat Key, Florida

3. The Westin Sarasota

Accommodation: The Westin Sarasota

Another great 4-star spot from which to explore Sarasota’s many attractions, The Westin Sarasota is one of the area’s newest hotels. It’s also one of the best situated, and looks out over Sarasota Bay just steps away from the popular arts district.

This luxury hotel’s accommodations are modern and bright, an effect that is accentuated by the floor-to-ceiling windows and décor. A variety of room options are available, including classy executive suites, which come with a good-sized private balcony, spacious bathrooms with slippers and plush bathrobes, a separate lounge area, and handy fridge.

A slightly smaller deluxe suite can also be booked, as well as a huge Presidential Suite offering a high degree of luxury. Some pet-friendly units are also available.

On-site amenities include access to a rooftop swimming pool with amazing views over the city and bay area, a gym offering an equipment loan system, plus a full-service spa. Dining includes an alfresco rooftop option, along with a fine-dining restaurant called Evoq; their in-room dining experiences are also fun.

Additional perks include a complimentary shuttle bus service to local attractions, theaters, and the beach, as well as free newspapers and bottled water. Parking is available, but only through valet services.

Address: 1175 N Gulfstream Ave, Sarasota, Florida

4. Hyatt Regency Sarasota

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Sarasota

The Hyatt Regency Sarasota offers guests a comfortable vacation overlooking beautiful Sarasota Bay and close to the city’s world-class art district.

On-the-water fun at this high-end 4-star resort includes use of a variety of people-powered watercraft, including paddleboards, paddleboats, and kayaks. The hotel’s marina can be used to dock your own motorboat, or a rental.

The resort can also arrange for fishing charters on the Gulf, just a short sail away, as well as scuba diving trips.

Other guest amenities include on-site dining in the popular waterfront restaurant (in-room dining is also available), meeting spaces, a beach shuttle bus, swimming pool, and fitness facility. Valet parking is available.

Each of the hotel’s pleasantly decorated rooms and suites come with great balcony views of either Sarasota Bay or the city. Other features include a choice of king or double queen beds, seating areas with large screen TVs, and spacious tiled bathrooms.

Those who enjoy the Hyatt brand may also want to consider the Hyatt Residence Club . Located in Siesta Key, a few minutes south of Sarasota, this 4-star resort offers direct access to the beach and spacious accommodations.

Address: 1000 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, Florida

5. Zota Beach Resort

Accommodation: Zota Beach Resort

One of the newest resorts to open on the island of Longboat Key, the high-end 4-star Zota Beach Resort is owned and operated by the same hotel group behind the nearby Longboat Key Club.

Accommodations consist of 187 bright, contemporary-styled guest rooms and suites. Guests not only have easy access to nearby St. Armands Circle, with all its shopping and dining options, but also to a beautiful 13-mile stretch of beach just begging to be enjoyed.

The freshly decorated and well-appointed rooms include a fridge and coffee maker, and some have pullout couches. Both king and double-queen bed options are available. A number of easy-access suites for those with mobility issues are also available and come with roll-in showers, grab bars, and lower counters.

On-site amenities include a fitness center and a large swimming pool with an expansive terrace overlooking the Gulf. For a little added indulgence, book one of the aptly named “Zen lounges.” These lovely, private, poolside cabana-style seating and relaxation areas come with comfortable seating, HDTVs, safes, and fridges.

The resort’s Viento Kitchen and Bar restaurant is a popular choice for dining, not just for guests but also locals, and is worth a reservation. Valet parking is included with your resort fees.

Address: 4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Florida

6. Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection

Accommodation: Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection

Since it opened in 2019, Art Ovation Hotel has offered guests a trendy boutique-style resort option in the heart of Sarasota. A short stroll from the Sarasota Opera House and the revitalized historic downtown core, this artsy hotel is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and so offers a high degree of luxury.

Bright, modern rooms and suites offer standard features such as desks, Wi-Fi, and HD TVs, as well as comfortable beds and bedding. Upgrade to one of the larger suites and you’ll also enjoy separate living rooms. A fun touch is the inclusion of musical instruments.

On-site amenities include a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the city, a fitness center, and a restaurant. Loaner bikes are available for those wanting to peddle to places like Armand Circle for some shopping, or even the beach.

Address: 1255 N Palm Ave., Sarasota, Florida

7. Lido Beach Resort

Accommodation: Lido Beach Resort

Boasting some of the best views in Sarasota, the 3-star Lido Beach Resort offers everything needed for a memorable Florida vacation: access to beautiful beaches, tons of great on-site activities, superb amenities, and proximity to great shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Situated just steps from Lido Beach and only a few minutes’ stroll away from St. Armands Circle, the resort offers a great mix of rooms and suites, many of them recently renovated. A good option are the beach-view suites. These bright units come with king beds and pullout couches, and comfortably sleep up to four guests. Other notable features include full kitchens, dining areas, spacious walk-in showers, and balconies.

On-site amenities include indoor and outdoor meeting and function spaces, as well as large terraces and ballrooms well suited to weddings. There are also two large swimming pools, including one for adults only. Both pools overlook the resort’s 300 feet of private beach, along with three hot tubs, a large fitness center, and sun umbrellas and private cabanas.

A variety of fun activities can also be arranged by resort staff, including sunset sailing trips, fishing charters, and scuba diving adventures, all of them adding up to one of the best family vacation destinations in Florida.

Address: 700 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota, Florida

8. Holiday Inn Sarasota – Lido Beach – @The Beach

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Sarasota – Lido Beach – @The Beach

Located just steps away from the Gulf of Mexico and a short walk from St. Armands Circle, the Holiday Inn Sarasota-Lido Beach-@The Beach offers guests a great beach vacation experience.

Standard guest rooms come with good-sized balconies and HD TVs, while the larger two-room suites come with whirlpool tubs and separate walk-in showers, pullout couches, and floor-to-ceiling windows. These larger units also come with a separate living room and dining table, providing opportunities to save money by eating meals in the comfort of your own suite.

On-site amenities include a fitness center, meeting and conference rooms, and a good-sized, outdoor, heated swimming pool. Also of note are the restaurants and kids’ programs.

There’s also plenty of things to see and do nearby, too. Popular Sarasota attractions include the Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium as well as the Ringling Museum, which portrays the life and times of the famous Ringling Brothers Circus.

Address: 233 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota, Florida

9. Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages

Accommodation: Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages

Located a little farther north of Longboat Key on Anna Maria Island in Bradenton, the family-run Cedar Cove Resort & Cottages is a great option for those looking for an affordable Florida family beach vacation.

Highlights of this resort include direct access to the beach plus shady shelters, a lush garden, and a well-stocked library. Nearby fun includes boat and fishing charters, sea kayaking, Jet Ski rentals, and plenty of great golf courses.

Guests can choose from a beachfront suite or cottage, each with plenty of living space and full kitchens, as well as large patios with hammocks, seating, and great Gulf views.

Need something a little larger? Then check out one of the resort’s penthouse suites. Boasting sweeping Gulf views, these larger two-bedroom units come with two bathrooms, spacious private decks, and separate kitchens and dining areas.

Address: 2710 Gulf Drive N., Holmes Beach, Florida

10. Turtle Beach Resort & Inn

Accommodation: Turtle Beach Resort

Located to the south of Sarasota on Siesta Key, Turtle Beach Resort & Inn offers a number of affordable accommodation options for those seeking a Florida beach vacation.

Consisting of charming stand-alone cottages, some of them pet-friendly, the resort is popular with families due to its spacious accommodations.

A popular choice is the resort’s two-bedroom Victorian cottage, complete with separate living and dining rooms, a master bedroom, full-kitchen, and private patio with hot tub and views of the bay.

A number of one-bedroom units are also available at the Turtle Beach Inn, an adults-only building that’s part of the same resort. Each comes with its own gazebo, hammock, and hot tub.

Included in your stay is access to an array of fun things to do, including bikes and kayaks, hammocks, and a heated outdoor pool. Less fun but no less important are the laundry facilities. Guests can also make use of the resort’s fishing gear, as well as beach umbrellas and chairs. A sandy beach is located just a few minute’s walk away.

Address: 9049 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key, Florida

11. Sarasota Surf and Racquet Club

Accommodation: Sarasota Surf and Racquet Club

Those preferring a condo-style vacation destination won’t go wrong when booking a stay at Sarasota Surf and Racquet Club. Located a short drive south of Sarasota on Siesta Key and overlooking what is one of the prettiest stretches of beach in the area, the resort recently underwent major renovations and upgrades and offers clean, modern accommodations.

The grounds are substantial and cover an area of 12 acres, so there’s plenty of room to spread out and relax. In addition to its great location near area shopping and dining experiences, the resort boasts two great outdoor swimming pools and other fun things to do.

As well as its easy access to the beach and its private pavilion, just steps away, you can also make use of the resort’s beach cabana and chair rental program. Guests can enjoy tennis, pickleball, a fitness center, communal barbecues, and a kitchen/recreation room for entertaining larger groups.

The resort’s condo units are spacious and bright, and come in a mix of one- and two-bedroom configurations. Whatever size you opt for, standard features include fully equipped kitchens and roomy, furnished patios or balconies.

Address: 5900 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota, Florida

Map of Resorts in Sarasota, FL

Sarasota, FL – Climate Chart