Explore Places to Stay in Sarasota
Sarasota County accommodation options span luxury resort properties on the barrier islands, boutique hotels in the downtown core, vacation rental condominiums, and campgrounds in the state park system.
Luxury Downtown
The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota
The flagship luxury hotel in downtown Sarasota with bayfront access, full resort services, and proximity to the cultural district and Main Street dining.
Island Resort
Resort at Longboat Key Club
One of the most scenically positioned resort footprints in the county. Gulf beach and bay access, golf, tennis, and full resort services on the most exclusive barrier island.
Beach Access
Lido Beach Resort
Direct Gulf beach access on Lido Key at a more accessible price point than the Longboat Key properties. Walking distance to St. Armands Circle.
Downtown Boutique
Hotel Indigo Sarasota
The most design-forward boutique hotel in downtown Sarasota. Local art integration, walkable to Main Street and the cultural district.
Vacation Rental
Siesta Key Vacation Rentals
The dominant accommodation format on Siesta Key. Short-term rental condominiums offer space, kitchen facilities, and often direct beach access at competitive nightly rates.
Camping
Myakka River State Park Campground
The most experiential accommodation in the county. Full-service campgrounds inside one of Florida's oldest state parks, with alligators, birds, and the Myakka River.
Luxury Resorts
The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota in the downtown core represents the flagship luxury option, with bayfront access and proximity to the cultural district. The Resort at Longboat Key Club on the southern end of Longboat Key occupies one of the most scenic resort positions in the county. The Lido Beach Resort on Lido Key offers a more modest luxury option with direct beach access at a lower price point than the Longboat Key resorts.
Boutique and Downtown Hotels
The Hotel Indigo in downtown Sarasota is the most recognized boutique option, with design that references the local art and architecture history. The Indigo puts guests within walking distance of Main Street restaurants and the cultural district. Several smaller boutique properties have opened in the downtown core over the past decade as the city center has developed.
Vacation Rentals
Vacation rental condominiums dominate the Siesta Key and Longboat Key accommodation market. Short-term rental inventory on platforms like VRBO and Airbnb is substantial across all Sarasota County barrier islands. The rental experience trades hotel services for space, kitchen facilities, and often direct beach access at competitive nightly rates.
Camping
Oscar Scherer State Park south of Osprey and Myakka River State Park east of Sarasota both operate full-service campgrounds with sites for tents and RV hookups. The Myakka camping experience is particularly distinctive, with alligator activity around the camp area and birding from the tent that is difficult to replicate anywhere closer to the beach.
Editor Picks
Editor's Pick
Shoulder Season Rates
September through November offers 30-50% lower accommodation rates at the same properties that charge peak prices in January and February. Beach conditions are still excellent. Crowds are minimal.
Best Value
Vacation Rental on Siesta Key
A three-bedroom vacation rental on Siesta Key during shoulder season offers more space, a kitchen, and often a private pool at rates competitive with a single hotel room during peak season.
Unique Experience
Oscar Scherer State Park Camping
Oscar Scherer State Park south of Osprey offers camping within 20 minutes of Nokomis Beach and Venice Beach. The Florida scrub ecosystem and the active osprey nesting make it unlike any hotel experience.