5 Top Neighborhoods + Hotels
Ready to hit the beaches in the Sunshine State? Then hop on this guide on where to stay in Sarasota!
I’ve done all the research and found the 5 top neighborhoods in the city, plus some of the best hotels in each of those areas, which I listed from most to least expensive.
In short, Downtown is the best area to stay in Sarasota as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions and top hotels. But be sure to check the other options below, as you might find another neighborhood that you’ll love.
Book your Sarasota hotels in advance as this is a popular holiday spot and it’s better to be prepared and secure your spot early.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Want to book your holiday ASAP? Then check out this list with the best hotels in Sarasota:
budget hotel
Best affordable accommodation in the center
Check out this map with all the different areas and places to stay I will be talking about, so you can easily visualize their locations:
1. Downtown – where to stay in Sarasota, for the first time
Traveling for the first time to Sarasota? Then there’s no better place to set base than Downtown!
This is the heart of the city and the place where you’ll find everything from restaurants to shopping spots, theaters, historical attractions, and art galleries.
Downtown is a pedestrian-friendly area so you can easily walk from one attraction to the other one. So you won’t really need a car if you stay here, unless you want to explore other parts of the city. But you can also use buses for that, if you don’t have a car.
But before you venture off to see other parts of the city, make sure you check all the attractions in the area!
Downtown Sarasota has definitely enough to keep your days full! So make sure to check some of the attractions like Sarasota Art Museum and the Sarasota Opera House (maybe you can even catch a show there).
The area is also brimming with green spaces where you can have a relaxing stroll like the Selby Botanical Garden and the Payne Park (map).
If you want to mingle with the locals and get a taste of the authentic side of Sarasota, make sure you check out the Farmer’s Market (map) which takes place every Saturday from 7AM to 1PM.
And talking about food, Downtown is packed with fab restaurants where you can enjoy some yummy dinners after a day of walking, like Owen’s Fish Camp (map) and Brick’s Smoked Meats (map).
Luxury hotel
Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection
This is such a unique place as it hosts art exhibitions, performances, and special guest appearances. Here you can relax in the year-round outdoor swimming pool and eat yummy food at one of the on-site restaurants. And if you want to explore around, there is a free shuttle service bringing you straight to Lido Beach!
Other accommodation options in Downtown Sarasota
Mid-Range
This hotel offers spacious rooms with views of Sarasota Bay, 2 swimming pools and room service
Budget
Chill by the swimming pool of this hotel that comes with modern rooms, a bar and laundry facilities
Airbnb
A lovely house that is set near the attractions that which has a kitchen, a private patio and free parking
Things to do in Downtown Sarasota, FL
- Admire the art at the Sarasota Art Museum
- Grab a bite at Owen’s Fish Camp or at Marina Jack (map)
- Enjoy the views of the ocean at Bayfront Park
- Catch a show at the Sarasota Opera House
- Visit the Selby Botanical Garden (map)
- Go for a walk in Payne Park
- Attend the Farmer’s Market
2. Rosemary District – the coolest area in Sarasota
Located North of Downtown, Rosemary District is the coolest area to stay in Sarasota, offering the perfect mix between great food and art!
In this booming neighborhood, you’ll find countless cafes, bistros, restaurants with beautiful outdoor terraces, and bars with live music for a great night out!
Some really amazing places that you should check out here are the Art Center Sarasota and the Sarasota Garden Club (map) where you can escape the city heath and see some hummingbirds. I definitely recommend checking out all the art galleries like Creative Liberties at Gaze Gallery: Artists in Residence (map) and Divergent Image (map).
Foodies here won’t be let down: you can literally spend whole days trying different foods, from typical dishes to healthy options and international cuisines from all around the world. Some places that you can check out are Station 400 (map), an iconic American restaurant and Spice Station (map), a nice Thai restaurant.
And when you’re done eating, you can wander around its charming streets filled with colorful murals or browse the antique shops!
Luxury hotel
Feel at home in this amazing hotel that’s set in the heart of Rosemary District. The accommodation offers an outdoor swimming pool where you can relax and enjoy the sun, family rooms and a tapas and wine bar!
Other accommodation options in Rosemary District
Mid-Range
Admire the views from the large windows of your room at this hotel that has a pool and a bar
Budget
This hotel comes with a fitness center and a swimming pool and it’ set just 4 minute’s walk from the beach
Airbnb
A cute cottage that’s perfect for 2 guests and which has a kitchen, a backyard and a patio
Since the area is full of great hotels, I’m going to give you two more options, so you have more choices in case the above ones are sold out for your dates:
- The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota – this beach resort offers rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, access to a private beach, and a beach club.
- Westin Sarasota – a great hotel with an outdoor pool, spa center and a bar where you can enjoy a drink at the end of the day!
Things to do in Rosemary District
- Wonder around the charming streets and find the colorful murals
- Browse the antique shops of the area for some cool souvenirs
- Check out the Art Center Sarasota & the Marietta Museum of Art (map)
- Have a delicious lunch at Station 400
- Spend some time in nature at Sarasota Garden Club
- Catch a show at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (map)
- Head over to Mandeville Beer Garden (map) for some beer
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. Lido Key (Lido Beach) – the best beaches in Sarasota
Are you going to Sarasota for a relaxing vacation and looking forward to lying on the beach and soaking up under the sun? Then Lido Key, just West of Downtown (around a 10 min car drive away) is what you’re looking for!
You might need to rent a car if you stay here and want to visit the central part of Sarasota.
Offering soft white-sand beaches and exciting water sports like snorkeling and jet skiing, Lido Key has everything you need for a fab holiday where you do nothing but chill, eat and swim!
You’ll find countless seafood restaurants, beachfront bars where you can enjoy a cocktail with sunset views, and many dance clubs and live music venues for a great night out!
Lido Key Tiki Bar (map) and Lynches Pub & Grub (map) are some great places to start the night. And, if you want to grab a bite too (before you start drinking) head to Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store (map) or to Shore St. Armands (map).
Although everyone comes here for the beach there are some other attractions that you can check out like the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, which is a great place to go if you’re traveling with kids and the South Lido County Park (map) where you can try some water sports and see some cute birds.
Luxury hotel
Set right on the beach, this amazing hotel boasts amazing ocean views and a private beach area. Start your mornings with a cup of coffee on the balcony of your room while admiring the views then head to one of the 2 swimming pools and enjoy the sun. The accommodation has 2 restaurants and a bar as well.
Other accommodation options in Lido Key
Mid-Range
A cute hotel that offers studios and apartments with a flat-screen Tv and balconies with garden views
Airbnb
Feel at home in this spacious, sun-filled beach Villa, perfect for a stay with family or friends
Things to do in Lido Key
- Try some cool watersports like snorkeling or jet skiing at Lido Beach
- Play beach volleyball and have a picnic at South Lido County Park
- Get lost in the mangroves of Lido Beach with this Kayak Tour
- Refresh yourself with delicious ice cream at Kilwins
- Grab a drink with sunset views at the Lido Key Tiki Bar
- Catch a wave at Lido Beach, perfect for beginners!
- Shop all day at St. Armands Circle (map)
4. Longboat Key – the most exclusive area in Sarasota
Located on an island between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, Longboat Key is a unique spot just 30 minutes drive from Downtown Sarasota.
This is a very special and exclusive area, offering 12 miles (20 km) of white sand beaches, waterfront golf, fine dining restaurants, tennis facilities, luxury shopping, and some of the best resorts in Sarasota.
Start your days with some coffee at your resort and then head to play some golf at Links on Longboat (map) or at Harbourside Golf Course (map). Or go straight to one of the many beaches and enjoy the sandy shores and amazing weather! Little Beach (map) is a great one!
But the cool thing about Longboat Key is the contrast between its elegant and laid-back vibe and the many thrilling activities it has to offer: kayaking, parasailing, snorkeling and scuba diving!
This is definitely a great place for those seeking some fun adventures!if that’s possible)… the perfect place to just relax with the family or your couple!
Luxury hotel
Set right on the beach, this resort offers everything you need for a fabulous stay! That includes 5 fabulous on-site restaurants (that overlook the Gulf of Mexico), a spa center, and a bar. There’s also a children’s playground for those traveling with their kiddos.
Other accommodation options in Longboat Key
Mid-Range
This place offers a fitness center, a swimming pool, and rooms with a sea, pool, or resort view
Budget
Boasting a private beach area this place comes with an outdoor pool, family rooms and free parking
Airbnb
Lovely fully equipped studio with an oceanfront view, located only a few steps from the beach
Things to do in Longboat Key
- Enjoy some fresh seafood at the Dry Dock Waterfront Grill (map)
- Play some golf at Links on Longboat or at Harbourside Golf Course
- Grab a romantic dinner at Euphemia Haye (map)
- Try kayaking, snorkeling, or scuba diving
- Shop until you drop at Centre Shops of Longboat Key (map)
5. Siesta Key – where to stay in Sarasota for families
Located only a 15 minutes drive Southwest of Downtown Sarasota, Siesta Key, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its beautiful beaches, Italian-inspired architecture and shallow waters!
This is a great place to stay in Sarasota for those traveling with their families as there are lots of fun activities and amazing beaches with spas right on the shores where you can enjoy some pampering time while the kids are playing.
You can explore the tidal pools and coral reefs of Crescent Beach (map) and play with the little ones on Sarasota Beach (map) or Turtle Beach (map).
Siesta Key is actually one of the most popular places for water sports in Florida, so definitely make sure you try some of them. There are lots of snorkeling tours in this area and we actually have a post with some of the top ones, so make sure to check them out!
You’ll find plenty of accommodation options that I’ll talk about in a few minutes and also lots of restaurants where you can indulge in some yummy food after a full day at the beach. Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar (map) is a great one for seafood lovers, as is Daiquiri Deck South Siesta Key (map).
Luxury hotel
This luxurious hotel, set on a private beach, just a short walk from Turtle Beach is perfect for your stay as it offers spacious family views with Gulf views, a game area with a shuffleboard and ping pong and 2 restaurants.
Other accommodation options in Siesta Key
Mid-Range
One of the best Siesta Key hotels that offers different studios with family rooms, free parking and 2 swimming pools
Budget
Check out this affordable beach resort that has a heated outdoor pool and private beach area
Airbnb
Cute little condo located in the heart of Siesta Key Village, close to all the shops and restaurants
Turtle Beach Resort – here another great resort that offers little cottages with a hot tub, a hammock, and views of Little Sarasota Bay! The beach resort also offers free fishing equipment, bicycles, and canoes to explore the area.
Things to do in Siesta Key
- Buy some souvenirs at Siesta Key Village’s shops
- Explore the tidal pools and coral reefs of Crescent Beach
- Have a picnic at the beautiful Turtle Beach
- Catch a sunset on Sarasota Beach
FAQs about where to stay in Sarasota
📍Which is the best place to stay in Sarasota?
Downtown is one of the best places to stay in Sarasota as that’s where you’ll find tons of attractions, restaurants and amazing hotels.
💰 Which are the best luxury hotels in Sarasota?
🏖️Which are the best beach resorts in Sarasota?
🏨 Which hotels in Sarasota, Florida allow pets?
📅 How many days do you need in Sarasota?
I’d recommend spending between 3 to 5 days, that way you can see a bit of the city and also relax on the beach.
☀️ What is the best month to visit Sarasota, Florida?
The best times to visit Sarasota are from March to May and between September and October when the weather is at its best and the town isn’t super crowded.
🚘 Do you need a car to get around Sarasota?
If you want to venture outside of Downtown and Rosemary District and hit the beach then yes, you’ll need a car or you can use the bus to get around.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Sarasota
Prepare your beach bag and get ready to have some fun!
I’m sure that after reading this guide on where to stay in Sarasota you feel more than ready to hit the road!
Just remember that it’s important to book your hotels in advance here, as this is a major tourist destination.
If you’re still not sure which hotel to pick, here are my favorite top-rated hotels both located in Downtown:
Have fun exploring the art galleries and chilling on the beach and as always, if you have any questions on Sarasota just drop them in the comment section below and I’ll make sure to answer them as soon as I can.
Have a dreamy holiday!
Elena
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