The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

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.

This is the first time I have stayed at this hotel. The Ritz-Carlton has a name for providing the best service and they delivered on that in every way! I was able to check in 2 hours early and they automatically upgraded my room without me asking. The staff was so gracious and helpful. The resort itself had everything I needed. I could have literally never left the hotel and still had a great trip! This is my new go to hotel when I'm in Sarasota.

We are in room 718 , This “Ritz Carlton” in Sarasota does not even FEEL like a Ritz Carlton, it feels more like a holiday inn than anything, There’s no service, there’s only two restaurants but one of them open only at 4 pm which is Jack Dusty’s, The food is mediocre, and there’s just nothing really special about it. I was very underwhelmed when I got to my room, seeing that it was tiny, and the bathroom was dirty. There was a yellow border across the bathtub, and it was full of dark stains. But, if you want to go to the beach, you can take the shuttle that the resort offers to their beach club. But the earliest shuttle is at 9:00 AM, so I couldn’t go as early as I wanted. In addition to all of that, there’s also CONSTRUCTION that ruins your view from your balcony. You can’t even enjoy a nice coffee on the balcony without having to hear the loud and annoying construction. So, because I was left with no other choice and no other activities to enjoy, I went to the pool with my son and we couldn’t because the pool was very dirty and full of WORMS. Yes, WORMS!!! You would think that if you get in the pool you would get sick from something like that. I would have never expected something like this from a Ritz or any other Hotel because not cleaning the pool is a serious health safety issue. Even after I told the front desk about how dirty the pool was, they did nothing about it and no one was sent to go clean the pool. The only thing you’re paying for here is the brand name of the hotel. The club lounge is also VERY expensive and for no reason because it’s 350$ base price for 2 adults, only to be underwhelmed once again by bland sushi, old veggie spring rolls, ham and cheese sandwiches, and chips. The only “benefit” you really get are the unlimited drinks but still not worthy 350$. I am so disappointed in this hotel, I was expecting the best experience ever but instead I was SCAMMED and this is not worth your money at all. Stay away and be Healthy!