My friend and I, two 40-ish ladies who love a beautiful beach and shopping, are heading to Sarasota for 4 days in January. Our goal is to get away from the cold; to check out Sarasota/Siesta Key as a vacation spot for our families; and, of course, to shop, eat, and spend at least one day on the beach. Done a lot of research on this site and others--hours actually. Still can't figure out the best place to stay for 3 or 4 nights that is (a)reasonable cost, (b) well located (Sarasota in general and Siesta Key--we'll explore both), c) clean and safe, and (d) water views, preferably. I'm leaning towards Tropical Sun Resort on Siesta Key or Holiday Inn Express, in Sarasota...so far as price is concerned. Where would you stay if you were me? We're not interested in nightlife (except for walking around in night "atmosphere," or anything expensive or fancy ... we definitely want to check out Siesta Key Village and St. Armands ... Fun and/or funky shops and restaurants we can easily walk to from our hotel would be terrific. Hoping you Sarasota/Siesta Key experts can help us!!

First off - I'm not familiar with Tropical Sun Resort cause I'm on Longboat Key but if I were to choose between Siesta Key and a Holiday Inn Xpress in Sarasota - I'd pick the the Tropical Sun Resort - primarily because it is ON Siesta Key. There's a lot to do on Siesta Key and loads of restaurants, great beach walks and an all around good family island.

If you'd like to be closer to St Armands you might try Lido Key - there are some reasonably priced hotel/motels there also and it's very close to St Armands - you just can't come to Sarasota - Siesta Key - Longboat Key without going to St Armands (and please come without hubbies - much more fun on those trips) It has the most unique shops you'll see anywhere!!

Go luck - you've picked a beautiful area - our beaches are probably the finest on the Florida gulf side (IMHO) white talcum powder!!

Lido Key is my suggestion because then you can simply walk from your hotel to St. Armand's Circle. We always rent a house on Longboat Key so I don;t know much about the hotels, but the Radisson seems very nice.

I agree that you should stay on or near the beach. I actually worked in a shoe store right on St. Armands Circle for about 4 months about 12 years ago (has it been that long?!). During Feb - March, I made over $30/hr regularly, average (and that included stock time). It's a fantastic place.

I agree with the others - you've picked a fabulous place, with gorgeous beaches, wonderful shopping, great restaurants, and lots of interesting things to do (the whole ringling complex, Selby bontanical gardens, etc.).

Thanks! Can't wait. Anyone have recommendations for Tropical Breeze (Siesta Key), Radisson Lido Beach, or Sea Castle (Siesta Key)? The Holiday Inn is out now!

You'll have a great time. Try Priceline and limit it to Lido Key. I got the Holiday Inn Resort, not Express, for Feb. 2004 doing this and at the last minute. And it was a tremendous price. The place itself is right on the beach and you walk less than 3 short blocks to St. Armands.

Priceline is not scary if you bid for 3 or 4 star at the least and limit yourself to Lido Key area. 90% of the time you will get that full service Holiday Inn Resort and if you don't you will still be on Lido Key and at your star level for the stay. More to spend in the great shops!

Lido Key is beautiful and Siesta Key is also. I would, however, caution you about bidding for the Holiday inn lido Key because I don't believe that it is ON the beach. It appears to be across the street from the beach. If you two gals want to do some good beach walking and sunning then I think you'd be disappointed if your resort were not on the beach.

Of course this is strictly my humble opinion.

The Holiday Inn is, I think, across the "street" from the beach, but it's not like there's anything other than beach there (no other buildings, etc.) -- i.e., the view's still good. You just have to watch for traffic to and from St. Armand's -- not usually very heavy or fast.