Gulf Beach Motel Sarasota

Old Dec 1st, 2011, 01:03 PM
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Gulf Beach Motel Sarasota

I'm a 60 year old female, (relatively newly single). My former partner and I spent 2 weeks in Florida over Christmas and New Year for the past 6 or so years. I would like to make the trip on my own this time, and am looking at Gulf Beach Motel for a few reasons: it is reasonably close to the airport so I don't need to hire a car (Am I correct in this as is will I be able to get reasonably priced transport from the airport to my motel?). Also, it's on the beach which really appeals to me. It can be self-catering if I get a room with a kitchenette and from what I can gather, it's within easy walking distance to shopping, restaurants, bars etc. Any opinions/advice out there? (Particularly in view of the fact that as a 60 year old I will be there for two weeks - am I mad as in will I find it lonely, or if I'm outgoing enough, will I feel comfortable staying there and making my own way around the area?
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Old Dec 1st, 2011, 03:35 PM
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irish, I don't know but I read the reviews on TripAdvisor and their website says you can walk to St Armand's circle in 10 minutes. It sounds like you made a great choice. Hopefully a local will sign on soon to give you better input. Enjoy your holiday!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...a_Florida.html
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Old Dec 1st, 2011, 04:39 PM
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I live on Longboat Key and the motel you're looking at is on Lido Beach - just a block or so from St Armands Circle. St Armands is well known for shopping, restaurants, all sorts of shops, high end and average. The beach at Lido is beautiful and quite wide and you'll love it. Only thing that is probably missing is "I don't know where the closest grocery store is" - there is a Publix market on the south side of Longboat - closest to Lido but it's NOT within walking distance. Ask the Gulf Beach management for some suggestions on this.
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Old Dec 2nd, 2011, 04:47 AM
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I honestly can't imagine being "stuck" on the beach for two weeks without the ability to move around at will and explore a few of Sarasota's many sights, but to each her own.
Is renting a car out of the question? Weekly rentals are pretty cheap, parking is most likely free, and you could easily equal the total cost of a rental with taxis to and from and one or more a day just getting around -- yet still not being able to explore the area.
For example, a taxi to the Ringling Museum or house would probably be something like $50 each way including a tip (am I wrong, Sarasota people?). Round trip in one day and you've equalled the cost of about 4 or 5 days of car rental. Spend even $10 for a taxi each way to the grocery and again, you're pretty much matching the cost of a car rental without the convenience of the car rental.
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Old Dec 2nd, 2011, 06:08 AM
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I agree with NeoPatrick, especially when alone it is good to feel one can wander at will.

One way or another,do drive or take the trolley to Anna Maria, one of my favorite places in FL.
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Old Dec 2nd, 2011, 06:13 AM
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I think she may be concerned about driving "on the wrong side of the road".
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Old Dec 2nd, 2011, 07:20 AM
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Thank you Starrs; you are correct - "wrong" side of the road scares me just a little!
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Old Dec 2nd, 2011, 07:26 AM
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irish, I did it in Ireland. You can do it too
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Old Dec 2nd, 2011, 09:35 AM
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Well I do understand that. And living in Naples, Fla with lots of British travelers, I'm used to seeing drivers come around the corner and immediately go to the wrong side of the road. I understand there are huge numbers of accidents because of that.
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Old Dec 2nd, 2011, 09:37 AM
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I think you are definitely doing the right thing by going, who needs a guy anyway, we can carry our own luggage!
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Old Dec 2nd, 2011, 09:45 AM
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Lateagain, there's a possibility you made the wrong assumption.

irish, I'm proud of you for taking this trip on your own. A car would give you more flexibility, but it sounds like there's plenty in walking distance and a cab a couple of times while you are there may be all you need.

Enjoy the trip!
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Old Dec 2nd, 2011, 09:51 AM
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Take a look at these tours -
http://www.sarasotafl.org/play/cruises-and-tours/

And some local rental options -
http://www.sarasotafl.org/play/trans...travel-agency/
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Old Dec 2nd, 2011, 10:38 AM
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Ooops
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Old Dec 2nd, 2011, 11:16 AM
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Starrs, Neopatrick and Late Again - love your replies - am sitting at my kitchen table with my laptop and laughing out loud!!!!
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