Lido Beach Resort
 

Hello all,
We will be staying at this resort the week of May 13th. Just wondering what your opinion is and what are the best things to do in the area..restaurants, excursions..etc. Also, would we need to rent a car or could we just take a taxi from SRQ. Thanks

Sorry to bump, but i'm noob at this and really need some help. Thanks

TTT

Not sure where to start--are you talking about renting a car just to get from the airport to Lido Beach? If you choose to do a number of excursions it may be cheaper to rent a car rather than taking taxi's all over the place. Also, Sarasota isn't large enough where you can stand outside the hotel and hail a cab.
As to restaurants, St. Amrands Circle is just down the street and there are dozens of dining options. I happen to like Tommy Bahama Cafe but there are also many others such as: Columbia Restaurant (Spanish), Crab & Fin (Seafood), Cafe L'Europe (Continental) and many others. Just over the bridge from Lido to Longboat is a Chart House.
As far as things to do you are very close to Mote Marine at the northern tip of Lido. Of course, by mid-May the beach weather should be good and that can take up a good bit of your time if you are so inclined. Hope this helps.

Thanks for your response...Yes, I was wondering if I could get away with taking a taxi from SRQ airport to Lido Beach Resort and not renting a car for the week. From your reply, it looks like there is plenty to do within walking distance plus the beach. Thanks! I'm hoping for some great weather.

St. Armand's Circle has many, many great shopping & dining options. Google it. Depending on your location on Lido, you might be able to walk to St. Armand's.

I looked up St. Armand's Circle and it looks like a nice spot. I think between being on the beach and being able to walk or take a shuttle to this spot, I'll be fine with taking a cab from the airport. Any idea what cab fare should be from SRQ airport to Lido Beach Resort?

The airport is served by Diplomat Taxi and they typically will have cars waiting for passengers who are leaving. You might call them at 941-355-5155 and they might be able to give you an idea of cost and you also could have a taxi waiting for you after you get your baggage. My guess is that you'll be looking at $20-$25 though.

Thanks samschack! You've been very helpful.

Honestly, I would definitely want a car. I'd want to go to the Ringling Estate ( http://www.ringling.org/ ), to Mote Marine, to run around. I know that may be your preference but car rentals are typically very inexpensive in Florida. Just a thought.

Well, we are looking for a very relaxing vacation. So, if I can avoid driving, I will. I think being within walking distance of St Armands and being right on the beach we will be more than occupied. Maybe a car for next time! Thanks

You could, theoretically, walk from your hotel to Mote Marine. It is about a mile and a half---just depends on how much exercise you want. St. Armands is along the way so you could also stop there for a short break coming and going if you need or choose to.

MY husband & I stayed at Lido beach for a couple of days in March. We had a car as we were driving around the area and staying at different places. We did not try to walk to St. Armand's from the hotel as it was not that close. The hotel does have a shuttle (at least in season), call and ask about it, I belive it is free. We did not eat at the hotel restaurant, but did enjoy two glorious sunsets in the bar in the new tower. All of the mentioned restaurants were very crowded in March. Wish I could remember exactly where we ate, but we moved around so much over 10 days that I don't, sorry.