Arrival/Check-In: After several days exploring South Florida—visiting Ritz-Carlton properties in Miami Beach and Naples—we arrived in Sarasota. The hotel sits on the water and provides an ideal base for visiting Siesta Key or sampling the area’s lively restaurant scene. We valet-parked and completed a quick check-in at the lobby. Since we arrived a bit early and were hungry, we had a light lunch at Jack Dusty in the lobby area.
Guest Quarters: Our suite delivered everything we needed. While it did not offer a dramatic waterfront view, the space was generous and comfortable—especially appreciated while spending the final three nights of our trip there.
Just inside the suite, a short hallway led to a compact powder room on the right, convenient for two people getting ready. The hallway opened into a large living area with a sofa, coffee table and an elegant glass-topped table that doubled as a dining and work space. That table became my temporary office. A big-screen TV provided entertainment, and two large sliding doors revealed a long, narrow patio with seating. A Nespresso machine stood ready and made for easy morning coffee.
The bedroom was bright, featuring light fabrics and upholstery. The king-sized bed was flanked by two beach-inspired nightstands, and a vanity on the right provided a useful getting-ready area. Opposite the bed, a dresser supported a large flat-screen TV. The bathroom, finished in white marble, included a roomy soaking tub and a separate shower with strong water pressure. The bathroom amenities were excellent—Asprey shampoo, conditioner and lotions—along with thoughtful extras such as nail files, cotton swabs and cotton balls.
Services/Amenities: The Ritz-Carlton’s Club Floor remains exceptional. Each evening we relaxed in the Club during cocktail hour and enjoyed friendly, attentive service. The Club was helpful in securing restaurant reservations and also offered breakfast. The staff went out of their way to assist with business needs—sending faxes, scanning documents and even arranging for a notary through the general manager’s assistant, an especially valuable service for travelers who need legal documents handled without disrupting their schedule.
One thoughtful in-room amenity tied to the area’s beach and golf culture: an artistic assortment of chocolates (milk, dark and white) presented in the room. It was a pleasant and memorable touch.
Top Takeaways:
◆ Savor the sushi at Jack Dusty.
◆ The modern art sculptures incorporated into the room décor add a stylish, contemporary feel.
◆ The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota Club Floor ranks among the best hotel club experiences I’ve encountered.
The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota
1111 Ritz Carlton Drive
Sarasota, FL 34236
tel 941 309 2000
ritzcarlton.com