My family and I (ages 8 and 12) are planning a trip in April to Sarasota. Can you tell me which hotels are recommended in the area and things to do. Is there a Ritz Carlton in Sarasota and is it on the beach? We would also like to see Busch Gardens and a Devil's Ray baseball game so we would like to stay in Tampa for a few days. How far from Sarasota is Tampa and which hotel would you recommend. Also, what is the Tampa area like. I've heard that it can be a bit seedy. Thanks for any information.

There is a Ritz Carlton in Sarasota on the bay, but not on the beach. I believe they have a shuttle to the beach. Sarasota itself really isn't on the beach and if you are looking for that there are a handful of smaller hotels on Lido Beach, also north on Longboat Key, or south on Siesta Key. There is also a Hyatt just opposite the Ritz on the same bay and small harbor.

Since you mention the Ritz, you must like nice hotels. I'd stay at the Hyatt Westshore in Tampa -- a really deluxe property with beautiful views out over the bay. It will also be pretty convenient to Busch Gardens and is close to the airport if that's where you going out.

Parts of Tampa are indeed "seedy" but many parts are really nice as well.

First, be forewarned. This area will be starting to wind down but it will still be congested in mid-April with spring-breakers and lingering snowbirds. Book reservations early.

There is a Ritz Carlton in Sarasota but it's in downtown and not on the beach. It owns a beach spot on Lido Key, the closest beach spot, that is "members only". I don't know how you get access to it, nor what a member is, but I don't think anyone but members are allowed to stay. It's about an hour fifteen btwn. Tampa/Sarasota. I stayed at the Radisson Resort on Lido Key that was a couple of hotels down the beach from the Ritz' spot. You might want to check it out, it was very nice.

In Tampa I'd recommend the Grand Hyatt or the Marriot Waterside. Neither of these are seedy. In fact, if they're a bit high for your budget then check back for more moderate recs.

You'll enjoy BG. As for the Devil Ray's, welllll...they have their fans. I don't know exactly when it starts but you could catch the Yankees spring training in Tampa at Legends Field (if you're a fan).

I live in Tampa so I can tell you first hand that it's not seedy at all. The seediest part of Tampa used to be its most culturally diverse, the heart of a thriving cigar industry. But today Ybor City is back-to-back bars and is rather seedy. If you go during the day, your boys (or are they girls?) would enjoy some of the Cuban lunch spots (Carmine's or Tropicana) and they'd like the Gameworks video game arcade. And a ride on the trolley. But keep them away from this bawdy spot in the evening where there's an 11P curfew for 18 and younger.

The Gulf beaches are in St. Pete across Tampa Bay. Lots of hotels there as well. Pick your poison 8-)

Tampa Bay Devil Rays play in St. Petersburg across the bay from Tampa.

If you have the choice, why not stay at the beaches, much more fun than being in downtown Tampa or in airport vicinity. Traffic, noise ... far more relaxing at the beach. IMHO.

When my kids were that age they loved staying at the Colony Beach and Tennis Club on Longboat Key. Still a great place!

I am new to the Tampa area but went to high school just north of Sarasota, in Bradenton.

Depending on what part of Sarasota you are in and what part of Tampa you are going to, it can take up to 2 hours. I live about 10 miles outside of Tampa city limits, and it takes me over an hour to get to my parents' house in Bradenton. But if you were just off the interstate in Tampa and heading to just off the interstate in Sarasota, you could certainly get there in good time.

Unfortunately I don't know where the field for the Devil Rays team is. I hate to disagree with TG but I do think some parts of Tampa are seedy (if you mean by seedy, run-down looking, full of adults lounging around in torn-up looking clothes during the work day, lots of trash everywhere). I am not criticizing Tampa for being like this - frankly, Tampa is a big city and we don't take care of our population well enough. However, I don't really think you are going to run into any seedy areas as a tourist, with the possible exception of outside of Busch Gardens. It's not the nicest area and I frankly would recommend that you stay closer to the beach and just drive over. I don't think this area is unsafe it's just not very welcoming.

The Devil Rays Field (aka Tropicana Field) is just off the Interstate 275 which runs through Tampa and St. Petersburg. You can see Tropicana Field from the interstate, it looks like a large white garbage can.

Now, that's seedy >

With kids it might be nice to stay on the beach and there's a really nice Colony beach Resport and Hilton hotel on Longboat Key or you might look for a great place to stay on the beach near Tampa. The Don Cesar has always had great ratings and would offer you the convenience of Tampa.

If you're planning on staying for a week - I'd also recommend a condo and you'd have more space to relax.

When I fly into Tampa I can get down to Longboat Key (if traffic is good) in about 75 minutes.