Hi,
We'll be in the Sarasota/Englewood area for a few days over Memorial Day weekend. We have two kids (12 & 14). I'd appreciate any recommendations of where to stay near Englewood/Sarasota for at least 2 days. (I don't mind driving 30-40 minutes to stay at a fairly decent place.) Also, what else is there to do with the kids for a few extra days.... favorite beaches, Orlando, Tampa, Ft. Myers???? Thanks.

Could you be a bit more specific as to where you are going to be? Sarasota (as in city of) is well north of Englewood which is in the extreme south end of Sarasota county.

As for a fabulous beach, I'd suggest Siesta Key. Definitely a beautiful place.

Will be visiting family in Englewood for the weekend. I've heard that there are very many decent places to stay in that area, however. That's why I was interested in Sarasota, Venice or some other close-by area. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Correction! That there are not very many decent places to stay.

I also highly recommend Siesta Key Beach.

Myaaka River State Park is also nice.

You have your choice of a number of great beaches - Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key, Casey Key. They are all wonderful with white, talcum powder sand. Since you'll be staying near Englewood the Casey Key beach might be the best for you.

For the kids, maybe rent a boat - take them out to see the manatees or do some fishing. Perhaps they'd like some parasailing or the really great Myakka State Park air boat ride where they WILL see lots of alligators.

Tampa has a great Busch Gardens and Orlando has Disney World and Sea World - so you can't go toooo wrong with them.

Now as to places to stay - you can probably find a lot online - or your relatives might help naming some places there but I live on Longboat and I really wouldn't know any hotel/motels around Englewood.

Have a wonderful time!!

I think you might want to search for places in the So. Sarasota or perhaps Siesta Key area. Siesta might be an hour + drive but at least you'll have the beach. If you are spending all of your time with family in Englewood and just looking for a hotel for sleeping you might search the Venice area. There are a few national chain hotels in Venice that would all be suitable for decent and clean accomodations.

Ordinarily I would recommend the Manasota Beach Club but with the two kids that might be a little too quiet.

Thanks for everyone's great recommendations.

Boca Grande island is a nice place to spend the day