Hotels in Sarasota

Sarasota: Where Sun-Kissed Shores Meet Artistic Souls

Sarasota, Florida, is a captivating blend of sun-kissed beaches, lush gardens, and vibrant culture. Renowned for its stunning coastline, including Lido Key and Siesta Key, visitors can enjoy pristine sands and turquoise waters. The city’s downtown boasts a thriving arts scene, highlighted by the Ringling Museum and the historic Asolo Theater. Nature enthusiasts will delight in the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, while the picturesque waterfront parks invite relaxation and exploration. With its charming shops, gourmet eateries, and breathtaking sunsets, Sarasota offers a perfect getaway for beach lovers and culture seekers alike. For the best hotel rates in Sarasota, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Sarasota

Some of the best places to stay in Sarasota are Downtown St. Petersburg, Siesta Key Village and Pass-a-Grille. Sarasota offers vibrant destinations for travelers. Downtown St. Petersburg is known for its arts scene and waterfront parks, making it ideal for first-time visitors. Siesta Key Village boasts beautiful beaches and a lively atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and dining. Pass-a-Grille offers a charming, laid-back vibe with stunning sunsets. Accommodations range from cozy inns to upscale resorts, with numerous options in each area to suit all budgets and preferences, ensuring a memorable stay in the Sunshine State. Here are some of our travelers' favorite hotels in Sarasota:

1. Downtown St. PetersburgOpens in a new window: Downtown St. Petersburg is a vibrant area perfect for travelers seeking a mix of culture, sports, and family-friendly activities. It's home to attractions like Tropicana Field, Vinoy Park, and the Salvador Dali Museum. The area features hotels such as JW Marriott Tampa Water StreetOpens in a new window, a 4.5-star hotel that caters to adventure and business travelers with onsite recreational activities and comprehensive business amenities. The Tampa EDITIONOpens in a new window, a luxurious 5.0-star hotel, is ideal for families and offers essential services for children. Another option is ROOST TampaOpens in a new window, a 4.5-star hotel located in the city center, perfect for those looking for adventure and business facilities.
2. Siesta Key VillageOpens in a new window: Siesta Key Village is a charming beach destination renowned for its stunning beaches, including the famous Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach. With a laid-back atmosphere, it's great for beach lovers and families. Notable hotels include Tropical Breeze ResortOpens in a new window, a 3.0-star hotel that welcomes pets and offers direct beach access. Sandcastle Resort at Lido BeachOpens in a new window, also a 3.0-star hotel, caters to families and business travelers with children’s amenities and business facilities. Lido Beach ResortOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star resort, combines pet-friendly policies with business amenities in a beachfront setting.
3. Pass-a-GrilleOpens in a new window: Pass-a-Grille is a picturesque beach community known for its relaxed vibe and stunning coastline. Attractions like John's Pass Village & Boardwalk and Fort De Soto Park enhance its family-friendly appeal. Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Anna Maria SoundOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star hotel, offers adventure-themed amenities and pet-friendly policies, making it suitable for active travelers. Take Me HomeOpens in a new window, a 3.5-star guesthouse, provides entertainment options for guests. For a resort experience, Bali Hai Beachfront Resort and SpaOpens in a new window, a 3.5-star hotel, features direct beach access and various adventure sports activities, making it perfect for beach enthusiasts.

Things to do in Sarasota for first time

A visit to Sarasota offers a perfect three-day getaway to enjoy stunning beaches, lush gardens, and vibrant wildlife. Travelers can indulge in activities like boating, birdwatching, and hiking, all while soaking in breathtaking sunsets and exploring the area's rich artistic culture. It's a nature lover's paradise worth experiencing. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Sarasota:

• Day 1: Start your Sarasota adventure at the stunning Siesta Key Beach, renowned for its powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing. After soaking up the sun, head over to Siesta Key Marina to explore local boat rentals or take a scenic boat tour of the surrounding waters. As the day winds down, visit the serene St. Boniface Episcopal Church Labyrinth, where you can take a peaceful walk and reflect on your day amid beautiful surroundings.
• Day 2: Begin at Turtle Beach, a quieter spot ideal for shelling and enjoying a more laid-back beach atmosphere. Afterward, let the kids play at the Siesta Key Beach Playground, where they can enjoy the sun and sand while you relax nearby. Conclude the day with a visit to Point of Rocks, a unique beach area known for its stunning rock formations and great snorkeling opportunities, offering a chance to see colorful marine life up close.
• Day 3: Kick off your day at Crescent Beach, known for its calm waters and picturesque scenery, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Next, venture to Longboat Key Beaches, where you can enjoy more secluded spots and perhaps indulge in a beachside picnic. Wrap up your trip with a visit to Shell Beach, famous for its abundance of beautiful seashells. Take some time to collect shells as souvenirs and enjoy the beautiful sunset views to end your Sarasota experience.

5 tips to find a great Sarasota hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most budget-friendly time to visit Sarasota is between September and November, when hotel prices drop significantly. If you're traveling internationally, aim to book your flight at least two months in advance to secure more affordable rates. Ideally, plan to stay for at least 2-3 days to fully enjoy the area's great value attractions, which include stunning beaches and beautiful gardens.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're searching for last-minute deals to Sarasota, Hotels.com offers a great way to snag discounted hotel rates. To explore these offers, head to the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section on the site, where you could find attractive prices as your travel date approaches. To stay in the loop about any flash sales or special promotions, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com, so you’re more likely to catch the best deals available.
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate depending on factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year. So, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Sarasota.
4. Consider your location: Staying near the city center and local attractions in Sarasota is usually more expensive. However, if you opt for accommodations farther from the city center, you can utilize transportation options like a car, public transit, or a bicycle to explore the area while potentially saving on costs.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Book your hotel in Sarasota and join Hotels.com's free One Key rewards program, enabling members to earn and enjoy reward points for hotel reservations. Progress through Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers and access perks such as room upgrades when available, exclusive discounts, and unique member offers. Join today.

What to eat in Sarasota

Here are a few popular dishes in Sarasota, Florida, United States of America:

• Stone Crab: A local delicacy, stone crab claws are known for their sweet, succulent meat and are typically served chilled with a side of tangy mustard sauce. These claws are harvested sustainably, making them a favorite among eco-conscious diners. Enjoying stone crab is often a communal experience, perfect for sharing with friends over waterfront views.
• Grouper: This versatile fish is a staple in Sarasota’s culinary scene, often prepared grilled, blackened, or fried. Grouper sandwiches are particularly popular, featuring fresh, flaky fish served on a toasted bun with a zesty remoulade. Local restaurants often showcase grouper in daily specials, highlighting the freshness of the catch and the region's fishing heritage.

Best time to go to Sarasota

Sarasota experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 62.6°F (17.0°C), while August is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 83.5°F (28.6°C). August is usually the wettest month. March, April, and July are the peak travel months in Sarasota, attracting a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny, with light to moderate rainfall. On the other hand, September to November tend to be quieter times to visit, marked by light to moderate rainfall and mostly sunny conditions.