The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

So lucky to be able to spend a few days at this beautiful resort during this (September ) the "off season". Resort was extremely quiet and it felt as if we had the resort to ourselves . The staff is wonderful (less formal than Naples) and cheerfully provides beach towels umbrellas and towels "with pleasure" and a smile . Wasn't sure how I would feel about needing to take shuttle to beach club but it was easy breezy . An ice cream boat stopped by the beach one day to the surprise and delight of everyone at the beach . Opted to eat at the hotel and were not disappointed. We loved the sunset and tapas at Rafa. HEADS UP: There will be a new hotel being rebuilt next to the beach club . Not sure if the construction will effect the peace and quiet on the beach ? .

We had a short 2 night stay for a mini early anniversary getaway. I was skeptical because of the mixed reviews but, we had an exceptional stay. They upgraded our room and it was clean and comfortable. Valet always had our car ready with waters every time we had to leave the property. The front staff were incredibly nice and even sent up a bottle of bubbly for us which was such a nice gesture. Their beach club was beautiful! It was a short 10 minutes away but they valet your car so it wasn’t a big deal that it was not on property. They had beach chairs and umbrellas which we utilized and the beach is so beautiful! We spent half a day here and we had the best time. They also have nice bathrooms and showers inside the beach club for you to use. We had lunch at Ridley Porch and their mahi mahi sandwich was delicious. We can’t wait to come back!

We stayed here in 2016, and the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota was fantastic then. This time we stayed across the street, at the Westin, but decided to have lunch in the restaurant. I realized that it was slow season, but we encountered a dark reception area, with nobody at all manning the reception area. The waitress at the restaurant had to be reminded three times to bring me a box of matches. Then the kitchen workers came out with my wife's main course and, instead of asking if they could take the plate away and then putting down the food, they said, "Could you move your plate out of the way so I can put this down?" My wife was shocked, and you would think that in a place like this you would have one "point of contact", the way it always used to be. The food was also mediocre. Outside, the pool area was rather shabby and "sad-looking". There were no workers outside anywhere. The whole experience was unexpectedly bad, left a sour taste in our mouth. Compared to the fantastic service and wonderful atmosphere at the Westin across the street, this was extremely disappointing.

From the time we arrived at the Ritz Carlton Sarasota, we felt at ease. John the Valet was attentive and careful. Kavanaugh and Blair at the front desk went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and cared for, everyone really went the extra mile to accommodate us and make my husband feel special on his birthday. We had excellent drinks (“smoking jacket” recommended if you’re a bourbon lover) and the best tuna tartare we have ever had at Jack Dusty’s. We took the comfortable and convenient shuttle bus to the Lido Key Ritz Carlton beach club and were immediately placed in comfortable waterfront chairs with chilled bottled water and beach front food and drink service. The water was beautiful and clear and the pool was nice too. We stopped inside Ridley’s Porch to get out of the heat and have a drink and we were greeted by the very warm and welcoming bartender, Cyrene. We enjoyed the mahi sandwich and the donuts (fresh made and super delicious). We finished the day at the main hotel and saw a gorgeous sunset and had some amazing drinks with Jillian at Rufa. My husband loved the “golden eagle” served in a smoked glass case. Everyone was so professional and dedicated. Turndown service and room service breakfast all delivered with care. We can’t wait to go back. Naples Ritz Carlton and Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay have always been at the top of my Ritz favorites list, but I’m adding Ritz Carlton Sarasota. Highly recommend. Advice, make reservations for dining, golf, spa, cabanas, this is also a residence hotel with members. The staff is hardworking and dedicated, treat them well.

From the second you walk through the door you realize this is not a ritz Carlton at the top of their game. The wait time to check in was almost an hour. Staff was not the friendly knowledgeable people you are use to at other Ritz Carltons. The facilities were beautiful but you go to the Ritz for the service, and apparently this location doesn’t understand the meaning of the term.