The Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota Exudes Upscale Florida Charm

Located on beautiful Sarasota Bay near the bridge to Lido Key, the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota is a blend of traditional Florida architecture and contemporary amenities. One of the most luxurious hotels in the Sarasota area, the Ritz-Carlton is situated on 11 lush acres and is easily accessible to the center of town or to nearby Lido, Longboat, or Siesta Keys.

This hotel boasts 266 guest rooms with balconies, many with views of Sarasota Bay and the nearby Gulf of Mexico. The accommodations at this AAA five-diamond resort are spacious and include water and city view standard rooms, club rooms, and suites, which sit on higher floors for a quieter stay. Larger executive suites include up to 2,400 feet of living space and some include such amenities as marble bathrooms, hand-painted poster beds, and twice daily maid service.

Any registered resort guests can enjoy the Ritz-Carlton's Members Beach Club, an exclusive mini-resort located three miles from the hotel. Situated on Lido Key, the Beach Club includes a Gulf of Mexico beach, a Gulf-front pool and hot tub, and a kids' club for young visitors, which includes daily kid-oriented adventures at an extra cost. Day pavilions are available for guests' convenience and the Beach Club celebrates the sunset each Wednesday through Saturday with a fireside gathering. In addition, the Beachfront Grille offers indoor or outdoor dining or guests may take advantage of poolside service. There's also an onsite Tiki Bar, which serves beer, wine, and cocktails near the waters of the Gulf.

Additional dining opportunities are available at the hotel at Verona, an intimate restaurant reminiscent of a Mediterranean villa, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on locally-grown, organic cuisine. The Ca d'Zan Lounge menu offers everything from scamp to short ribs as well as a fairly extensive late night menu. The Bay View Bar and Grille boasts a menu of Caribbean and Latin favorites served in a casual atmosphere near the hotel's marina.

For some extra pampering, the Members Spa Club provides an elegant spa experience featuring a host of treatments and therapies, including relaxation and cleansing rituals, a variety of massages, facials, and specialized therapies for men and expectant mothers. The wellness center at the spa includes a room full of the latest cardiovascular equipment, and the hotel's fitness center, available to all guests, includes both cardio equipment and free weights.

The Members Golf Club at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota has been lauded as one of the top golf courses in the U.S. by several golf-related publications. New in 2007, it's located 13 miles from the hotel and is a Tom Fazio-designed par 72 course situated in a tropical setting with 12 lakes and gently rolling hills. Golf instruction is available and a clubhouse offers a grill and retail shop.