What do you think of the Ritz Carlton in Sarasota? My sisters and I are thinking about doing a girls' weekend there-- is it nice?

It is very nice, but I think both Ritz properties in Naples (the Beach Resort and the Golf Resort) are superior. The spa at the Naples beach property is excellent.

Plus, Naples has much better dining, shopping, and nightlife options than Sarasota.

thanks for your response! any other thoughts? the naples' hotels are very expensive as there isn;'t much availability-- the sarasota ritz is about 1/2 the price. just wondering if it was 1/2 as nice?

The RC in Sarasota is not on the beach. You must take a shuttle to get to the beach, and depending on the time of year that you go, it can be a 15 minute ride to get there.

The hotel itself is fine (although I think it is a little "tired" compared to other RCs). There is a nice pool located at the hotel property. And another one located at the beach club (again you must take the shuttle to get there).

I don't think that Sarasota Ritz is half as nice, although it isn't as nice as the ones in Naples.

As Seetheworld mentioned, you have to take a shuttle to the beach. There is a beach club at the beach.

How much of a price differential are we talking?

Why don't you tell us the dates you're interested in, and your budget, and then we can give some feedback.

we are looking to go in february. the price difference is $300 per night which is pretty significant! we are going to go for 3 nights so we would save around $1000 when you include taxes by going to rc sarasota over rc naples...

we are open to other places but definitely want to stay somewhere nice that will cater to us.

Will you have a car? If you do not have a package (we did when we stayed there), you will have to pay to valet park - just thought I would mention that.

It's been a while since I have been to Naples, but I do remember very nice shops. St. Armands Circle, just a short trip from the RC in Sarasota, is also very nice. Lots of shops and dining in the area.

If the difference is $1000 then go with the one in sarasota. take a look at tripadvisor for some recent bad reviews. they all agree about the tiredness of the areas.

the hyatt regency coconut point in bonita springs, fl is very nice and has a good spa. perhaps look at that instead.

Why don't you try the Regatta resort opposite the RC in Naples. We have just returned & the condos there are gorgeous. there are quite a few on www.vrbo.com We loved naples & now prefer it to Sarasota where we had visited a few times

Hi jeanned

The Sarasota RC shouldn't be tired as its fairly new and most likely much newer than its Naples counterparts. The area that the hotel is in is NOT on the beach.

If you would like a nice beachfront with all the amenities then perhaps you should look into "The Colony" out on Longboat Key. That is directly on the beach and has most everything you'd like.

St Armands Circle is also just a short drive away and has most of the trendiest shops in the country as well as restaurants.

I know I'm prejudiced to Longboat Key as I've been living there for the past ten years but once you've seen it you'll get hooked too!!

Also Sarasota is a great town!! Loads of good restaurants and bars and plenty to do.