SARASOTA
Search for availability in this area
Sarasota exudes an air of relaxed sophistication. Long considered the cultural capital of Florida, the Ringlings and other
wealthy families made Sarasota their winter playground, imparting the legacy of the arts early on. This fair city soon became
a haven for artists, thespians and musicians. The powder white sands of the keys attracted more visitors and they soon developed
into rustic, laid-back beach communities. With a cultural calendar that rivals that of any metropolis, Sarasota boasts several
world-class museums and arts venues. A beautiful Italian Renaissance villa-turned-art-museum, the John and Mable Ringling
Museum of Art houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Baroque paintings, plus exquisite 17th-century tapestries.
Next door, the Ringling residence, Ca'd'Zan (House of John), a 30-room mansion nestled on picturesque Sarasota Bay,
is modeled after a Venetian palace. The Circus Museum on the grounds contains memorabilia from the Big Top, including parade
wagons, photographs and costumes. The Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts (formerly the Asolo Center)
is an outstanding regional theater, as well as a teaching conservatory. Honored by the state of Florida for its high quality
of artistic production and performance, the Sarasota Opera Association presents four operas in February and March. A celebrated
orchestra, the Florida West Coast Symphony, presents a stunning season with several internationally renowned guests. The Van
Wezel Performing Arts Hall, a purple, shell-shaped landmark, is known for its distinctive architecture and excellent acoustics.
Sarasota is also rich in lush natural beauty. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, set on Sarasota's sparkling bay, is an
orchid research center with beautiful and bountiful grounds that showcase these and other exotic blooms. Displays at the Mote
Marine Aquarium are a means to explain the work of Mote scientists to visitors and to encourage an understanding and appreciation
of the aquatic environment. The lab is world renowned for its scientific research, particularly research on sharks and the
assessment of environmental pollutants. The Gulf Coast Heritage Trail, the state's first ecotourism trail, winds through
Sarasota County. Siesta Key is renowned for its ribbon of sugary beaches, some of the widest and most popular in the country.
Since the 1987 "Great International White Sand Challenge," the sugar fine sand here has been officially top rated
every year. Independent judges selected Siesta Key's sand over 29 other entries, including the Bahamas and Grand Cayman,
as the whitest and most powdery sand in the world. Siesta Village is a vibrant area filled with boutiques and eateries. Bright
umbrellas dot the casual outdoor cafés and in-line skaters and bicyclists share the sidewalks with those strolling through
this lackadaisical community. Board one of the colorful Siesta Key trolleys for an overview of this beautiful barrier island.
Besides sparkling beaches, Lido Key also boasts St. Armands Circle, a European-flavored outdoor shopping area. Here more than
145 exclusive shops and boutiques carry quality merchandise from Mondi, Tiffany & Co. and Tommy Bahama. Several fine restaurants
and ice cream parlors also line the circle. A horse-drawn carriage ride around the circle is the perfect evening treat. For
the more active visitor, Sarasota offers watersports, fishing and tennis galore, along with many excellent golf courses. A
municipal baseball stadium is used for spring training by the Cincinnati Reds. Nearby Myakka River State Park, Florida's
largest, offers sun-dappled rivers and cypress-studded paths for hikers and bicyclists. So just kick back, relax and let your
cares dissolve in Florida's premier west coast paradise.
2009 Autumn Falls Special: Get 6th night free on all bookings of six nights or more! Valid for all new bookings for travel dates between Sept 1, 2009 & Sept 30, 2009.
Located in South Sarasota, this hotel is conveniently located near the world famous Siesta Key Beach finest whitest sands in the world. Fine dining and shopping are within walking distance of the hotel. Just minutes to Sarasota's local attractions such as St. Armand's Circle, Ringling Museum of Art, Mote's Marine Aquarium, and Several Pro Level Golf Courses.
Hotel features include free local phone calls and a complimentary Express Start continental breakfast. Enjoy a unique breakfast experience at our new Express Start Breakfast Bar served every morning featuring a selection of fruits, juices, cereals, breads/pastries, and even hardboiled eggs. We have also created the world's best tasting cinnamon roll.
Visit Sarasota and stay smart at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel.
Our hotel staff speaks:English , Spanish .
Added Value: Children 19 and under stay for free when sharing existing bedding in room with parents.
Children 12 and under eat for free when parents purchase an entree.
Special Offer: This hotel features a 7th night FREE Special from 1 MAY 08 - 23 DEC 08.
This high-rise overlooks a private marina on Sarasota Bay, across the street from Gee Whiz, and three miles from Lido beach. Guestrooms offer work desks, phones with voice mail, premium cable TV with in-room movies, and wireless Internet access. Hotel features include a zero-entry outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor spa tubs, a fitness center, and a poolside bar and grill
The Lido Beach Resort faces its own private stretch of sugar-sand beach on Lido Key, a barrier island linked by causeway
to downtown Sarasota. Palm trees, lush gardens, waterfalls, footbridges, and a koi pond create a tranquil mood at this family-friendly
resort. This beachfront resort is a half-mile from St. Armands Circle shops, cafés, and galleries, and three miles from
downtown Sarasota, one of Florida’s most culturally vibrant cities. The Howard Bros. Circus is a star attraction of
the Circus Museum, located at the Ringling Museum of Art. The circus is a scale replica of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and
Bailey Circus c. 1925–1938, and has eight tents, 152 wagons, 1,300 circus performers and workers, 800 animals, and a 55-car
train. The museum is six miles from the resort.
Added Value: Complimentary shuttle service to
and from St. Armands Circle is provided on demand from 9 AM to 9 PM (hours subject to change).
Florida's only true out-island resort is accessible only by boat. No bridges or causeways link us to the mainland. A 12 minute car ferry service is available at the current round trip fee of $50.00 per car (to be paid by guest locally). Seasonal schedule applies. Cars are not allowed in the resort.White sand beaches and villas that reflect Old-Florida style elegance combine to create unforgettable memories for visitors at Palm Island Resort, a true island resort located on Florida's Southwest Gulf Coast. From the moment you board the car ferry and journey across the Intracoastal Waterway, the breathtaking views and serenity of the destination begin to generate lasting memories.Once on the island, you will be taken down crushed shell roads to where you will be staying in one of our Old-Florida style villas. These fully furnished one-, two- or three-bedroom accommodations overlook rolling sand dunes and the Gulf of Mexico, a true island experience!Palm Island Resort invites a slower pace, away from your typical hustle and bustle, yet you'll still find plenty of entertainment! Enjoy a swim in one of our five pools or spas, or participate in one of the many daily activities offered by our Recreation Department. Looking for something for the kids? They'll have a blast joining in the piratical experience of Red Beard's Legend.
Perfect for a romantic getaway, family holiday or corporate retreat, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota features award-winning dining, world-class spa and famous personalized service. A stylish and sophisticated blend of cosmopolitan hotel and beach resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is a luxury landmark on Florida's Gulf coast. Conveniently located near the city center.
Set on 11 manicured acres that border a marina, this downtown hotel catering to business travelers and vacationers is just blocks from art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Special Offer: 2008:
This hotel offers a 4th Night Free on Deluxe Rooms valid 01 JUL 08 - 25 OCT 08.
2009: This hotel offers a 4th Night Free on Deluxe Rooms valid 08 JUL 09 - 25 OCT 09.
Shorewalk Vacation Villas, situated on the beautiful central Gulf Coast of Florida, offers 250 spacious, air-conditioned vacation villas. There are many amenities to choose from.
A 2 night minimum is required for all bookings.
Cancellation
Policy:
Bookings must be cancelled 14 day's prior to arrival. Cancellation notification of less than
14 day's will result in a one night charge.
In everyone's life... There should be a place you can go to escape, a place where you can indulge in a myriad of pleasures and leave your cares behind. The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort is that place. A pampered, friendly and relaxed lifestyle has made The Colony famous and with miles of white sand beach, the warm tropical sun, the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and, so many complimentary features...
Added Value: The hotel offers Unlimited Tennis Court Time on 21 Courts (10 Clay Hydro); Use of Chaise Lounges and Towels on Private Beach; Tennis Matchmaking; Unlimited Use of Men's and Women's Spa; Unlimited Use of Fully Equipped Fitness Center; Free Parking; Daily Supervised "Kidding Around" Children's programs; Welcome Amenity ages 3 to 6 and 7 to 12.
Special Offer: The hotel offers a 7th night Free from 01 MAY 09 - 05 OCT 09 for all new bookings made before 15 MARCH 2009.* 7TH Night Free rate calculated at time of booking *
Unique Resort of 112 Vacation Rental Villas nestled in a lush-wooded, park-like setting in Sarasota. Tall pine trees, luscious foliage and lakes provide a quiet, serene place to relax and unwind. Enjoy the day in the heated pool, jacuzzi, or playing tennis. Ideally located next to Westfield ShoppingTown Sarasota. A short drive to famous Siesta Key Beach and near many golf courses, restaurants, YMCA fitness center and a variety of cultural attractions. Sarasota/Bradenton Airport is just 30 minutes from Timberwoods.
