laceelite

Has anyone stayed at this condo? Is it in a good location? Is it close to any nice resturants? It doesn't have to be fancy but I do need good food on a vacation I am thinking about going in August with my husband and toddler.
I have heard and read that the waves are very gentle..which is a must. I would appreciate any input.
I need a few activity ideas too.
thanks everyone!!

Ackislander

You don't give enough information to identify it.

Is it VRBO? Does it have a website to refresh memories?

laceelite

sorry ackislander,
it is on VRBO and it's #702. It would be great to hear from someone who stayin in this exact one but I also would be interested to hear from anyone who stayed at the Crystal sands or even just in the siesta key area.
thanks

laceelite

on vrbo
http://www.vrbo.com/125515...
and I was wrong the # is 504

bigal4

I can't speak for the Hotels as I live 2 minutes from the Siesta Bridge. You are correct it is good to hear from those who have stayed or if you can see online ratings because when we first moved down we stayed at a Hotel that was disgusting, paid for the first day and then went to another one that we checked out.
As far as the sand and Gulf go, the water is very gentle and very pretty. The sand is very fine, one of the best beaches in the US. The Key is not that large so there will be several restaurants nearby, none on the Gulf though. SKOB is an island favorite that stands for Siesta Key Oyster Bar and there are a few others that play island type of music during dinner and you can people watch, if not too muggy, which is very possible. The Mote Marine attraction is real neat for young kids and is located approx. 10 minutes away. If you find the right place it will be one of the most relaxing vacations you have experienced, especially if your room overlooks the Gulf and you can walk onto the beach. Siesta Key is high end as you will be able to tell when you look at the local Real Estate brochures.

southbeach

I just returned from Siesta Key. I did not stay at Crystal Sands but did stay at one of the only condo complexes with open air balconies. Most of the condos do not have balconies. Our complex was nice but our condo unit ended up being a blast from the 70s. I figured it had to be updated given it is on the market for $900,000. Boy was I wrong. Be very careful choosing your condo. Make sure you see pics of everything. The beach and water are beautiful and clean. I was a little disappointed in the town of Siesta Key - just a bunch of bars and tourist shops. We ate at what was supposed to be the best restaurant in town. It was quite expensive and not good. Our best dining experiences were a short drive off of Siesta Key. We also enjoyed St. Armands Circle for shopping. I've traveled a great deal and I don't consider Siesta Key high end. There are some lovely homes but the condo area is old and a bit run down. There is shopping galore right over the bridge. You will however need a car. We were not able to walk to any restaurants or shops from our condo. You will however love the beach and fantastic sunsets. Despite our condo experience, I did enjoy Siesta Beach very much. Have fun!

AAFrequentFlyer

Please disregard some of the info in the previous post.

You do not need a car to get around the main strip of Siesta Key and at the same time to get to Gulf Gate (south bridge) all the way to downtown Sarasota and any point between. I believe it costs $1.25 for a trip pp.
http://www.scgov.net/scat/RouteMaps/Route11.pdf

laceelite

thanks so much AAFrequentflyer! I will print that and take it with us. I wonder if there is a rule about car seats... I had head that golf carts will take you to some close by places... but I wonder if I still need to rent a car since we will have our 3 year old with us.

AAFrequentFlyer

try to find more info here, but I do believe children under 5 ride free

http://www.scgov.net/scat/default.asp

so I don't think you need a child seat

annesherrod

I stayed in this condo when I was 8th grade!! Many years ago - I wish I could provide updated info.30+ years ago.

Good luck and enjoy your vacation!!