josh_and_maura

We will be in Sarasota on business next month and we're looking for a fun place to stay. We prefer somewhere contemporary and trendy in Sarasota or on Siesta Key. Price is not really a concern. Thanks for any tips!

josh_and_maura

I should mention that we are twenty- somethings and will be staying for only a weekend. Thanks.

samschack

Sarasota is not what I would call a "trendy" place so I am not sure that there is a place that would exactly fit what you are looking for. However, the Longboat Key Club on the extreme south end of Longboat might fit the bill. It is a direct gulf front resort and has golf, tennis, a great beach and is very near St. Armands and also a short drive to downtown Sarasota.
If cost is not a concern you might get a beachfront unit and enjoy the view.

floridadventurist

Siesta Key most definitely should be your choice over Longboat. The age difference is quite shocking. If you're there for a month, try a home
or condo rental right on the beach.
What do you want to do while visiting?

Tandoori_Girl

The Turtle Beach Resort is on the back side of Siesta Key but it's highly praised and look like lots of fun to me.

http://www.turtlebeachresort.com/

Tandoori_Girl

Another thought: look into Lido Key which is within walking distance to St. Armand's Circle which has restaurants and shopping.

josh_and_maura

floridadventurist-

Thanks for the info. That's kind of what I'm hearing. I'd like to do some kayaking/canoeing. Basically adventure activities (parasailing or snorkeling maybe?). I'd also like to find a day spa for maura.

thanks,
josh

josh_and_maura

Tandoori Girl-
I've heard a lot about this Turtle Beach Resort. The website makes it look pretty cool. How far away is Turtle Beach from Siesta Beach? I'd like to stay near people our age.

thanks,
josh

Tandoori_Girl

This is a romantic spot. It is not a place where lots of people your age go to party down. If it is a bigger priority for you to be with a whole bunch of people in their twenties then I don't know if this is for you. There is more density at the Siesta Key "village" commercial area but I don't know any hotels there. Maybe someone else does. Or maybe you should stay at the Turtle Beach Resort and drive to the village to be sympatico with 20-somethings. Ditto for St. Armands Key which is a very lively little spot.

Turtle Beach Resort is on the bay side of Siesta Key. mapquest it and you will see that the Gulf is a walk away. I think they have bikes and kayaks there.

I hope this is somewhat helpful. I'm sure there are places in Sarasota for the younger crowd but I don't know the town too well (I live in Tampa).

josh_and_maura

thanks so much Tandoori Girl. Very helpful.

amwosu

Mote Marine Lab for an hour, Pelican Man's Bird Sanctuary for 1/2 hour or so then Old Salty Dog for beer and fried grouper. All are walking distance from one another on City Island. Not trendy but a good way to spend a morning in the Sarasota area.

mads312

I would recommend Tropical Breeze Resort on Siesta Key, it's very close (like a couple hundred yards) from the Village on Siesta. I am 21 and Siesta Key is definately a more fun, young place to stay. Also has some fun bars and restaurants; not to mention the nicest beaches in the area. This resort has all sorts of types of rooms...and they are all walking distance from the beach and the village. There are a lot of really nice Spas in Sarasota. The Met on St. Armands is probably the nicest, along with the one at the Ritz-Carlton. I usually go to Hollywood Spa on Stickney Point Rd. (very close to Siesta Key), it's very nice and not quite as expensive as the aforementioned ones. Hope you have a good trip! Sarasota can be a really fun town, just have to know where to go!

Tandoori_Girl

Good, a recommendation for the Village area. This will be your best bet.

floridadventurist

For kayaking, contact Economy Tackle in Sarasota
(941) 922-9671.
We bought our kayaks there...do both ocean and intracoastal. It's wonderful and Dick is a great guide. Teaches a good paddling class too.
They'll put you in at Turtle Beach on Siesta too.