Traveling through Florida, we arranged our trip so we could spend time at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota – and we’re so glad we did. This hotel has undergone some wonderful changes. On the main floor, it feels light, airy… and coastal. The decor fits the Gulf Coast lifestyle and cosmopolitan feel of downtown Sarasota. The hotel is not far from – perhaps five minutes walking – the city’s fine dining, historical and shopping area.
Upon arrival at The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, I was met by the Director of Sales, Ms. Wendy Garrard. Wendy took me on an extensive tour of the hotel…and there was much to see. When you enter the broad vestibule area, you’re impressed by the clean look and feel of the hotel… which is carried throughout the property.
Our room was quite comfortable. All the rooms have balconies and I was fortunate to visit a few of the different room styles with Wendy. The rooms include Sarasota View Guestroom, Waterview Guestroom, Club Guestroom, Club Suite, Executive City Suite, Bay View Suite, The Sarasota Suite, and the Ritz-Carlton Suite. I especially liked the Executive City Suites and the Bay View Suites.
Regardless of which room you choose, I’d suggest the Club Level experience. I’ve been fortunate to stay in a few Club Level Ritz-Carlton rooms and the Club amenities are consistent and impressive. You get personalized service and the attention to detail you’d expect in a relaxed, almost secluded environment. The The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota Club® Level was no different – A dedicated concierge assists you; there are continuous culinary offerings throughout the day (five different options like breakfast, light snacks, hors d’ oeuvres, beverages and sweets). And The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota Club® Level had wonderful views of the Sarasota Bay.
Our room was large – the entry level rooms at The The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota start at 425 sq. feet. Our room was decorated with feather duvets and goose down pillows (I’d asked for extras… and they were there!). There was Gourmet coffee and tea in the room. After a workout in the fully equipped gym, we soaked in the large tub and relaxed in the Plush terry bathrobes and slippers… until it was time for dinner!
As our stay was brief, and the weather was NOT cooperating, we were unable to take advantage of the world-class golf course. But Wendy primed my interest when she talked about the exclusivity of the course and their hosting of the 2013 US Open Sectional Qualifier.
We also did not get to go to The Beach Club on Lido Key… we had the only days of rain on our Florida trip here in Sarasota. Registered resort guests do have the use of this exclusive Beach Club. It is located only three miles from the hotel on the Lido Key. The Beach club offers guests a private Gulf of Mexico beach, Gulf-front heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi, Ritz Kids® recreational programs with zero entry family pool, a full array of distinctive Sarasota beach activities and elegant ladies’ and gentlemen’s changing facilities. There is a regularly scheduled shuttle service to St. Armands Circle, the Beach Club on Lido Key and also the Golf Club.
Through our affiliation with Brownell Travel, a Ritz-Carlton STARS agency, Ron Phillips Travel has a special relationship with Ritz-Carlton that can often make the difference in your stay.
We had a wonderful stay. Thank you Wendy for providing a in-depth tour of the property. The staff was – as you would expect at a Ritz-Carlton – very professional and courteous. The amenities were top-notch. What we took away was a feeling of total relaxation. And I think you can truly feel this as you walk through the entry doors of the hotel – A very welcoming, open, Gulf-Coast feel. We enjoyed The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota and you will too!
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