In Florida, my husband and I have usually stayed in Destin, so we are unfamiliar with the Sarasota/St Pete/Clearwater, etc. area, but want to try that part of the Gulf this year for a 1 week vacation. My husband and I are 50, no kids, love to be on a beautiful beach all day, out to a great restuarant at night. We want a Gulf front room, prefer something upscale that is a little larger, but don't need anything more than a suite or 1 br. I am always concerned about older beach places as they tend to get run down quickly. I was looking at the Longboat Key Club or the Sheraton Sand Key. Any thoughts, given our info I've provided? Is there another option we've missed that would be better? Thanks for the advice.

U can't go wrong with Long Boat Key Club and I have no experience with Sheraton. Long Boat Key very upscale so wear and tear not an issue.
I love Siesta Key just south but there are no hotels on the water, just condos and houses. Sarasota and its' islands r very different from Destin.
Good luck and u'll just love that area!

Longboat Key Club...both the hotel and surrounding area are far more upscale than Sheraton Sand Key (essentially that's in Clearwater Beach...just over a bridge). Haven't stayed in either as we lived in the area, but am familiar with their reputations, as well as knowing the surrounding area and what is there for an adult couple.

a joke:
My neighbor had his parents visit, they have a home on Longboat Key. They told us that " yes, all the Old people live in Miami, but their parents live in Longboat Key LOL

The colony in longboat is really nice as well- as nice if not nicer thank longboat key club. There are plenty of great restaurants at St. Armands Circle near by. Id pick either on longboat over Sheraton Sand Key. I stayed there about 10 years ago butit was average- standard what you would expect but nothing too exciting or new. Longboat is much nicer than Clearwater.

Yes to the Longboat Key Club--and no it is not all old people. Actually the average age of owners and such on Longboat Key continues to go down each year.

You are directly on the beach, many wonderful restaurants on Longboat and St. Armands circle is just 5 minutes away.

Downtown Sarasota is like 15 minutes away again with many upscale restaurants

Longboat Key club is indiviually owned condos that the club rents out. About hmmm 3 years ago each owner was required to undergo a major renovation inside their units--new floors, kitchens, furniture and so on--they are truly wonderful.

If you want upscale it is Longboat Key, by the way I am 51 and love it here.