The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

1111 Ritz Carlton Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236

"During our recent stay at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, we found the overall experience to be average. The room we were assigned appeared dated and did not meet our expectations for a luxury accommodation. However, the service provided by the front desk staff was commendable, as they were attentive and accommodating to our needs. Unfortunately, our dining experience at the hotel's restaurant was less than satisfactory. The restaurant staff seemed slow and inattentive, requiring us to request service on multiple occasions. While the quality of the food may have been satisfactory, the service aspect detracted from our overall enjoyment of the meal. In summary, while the front desk service at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota was exemplary, the dated room and lackluster restaurant service left us with an overall impression of mediocrity. We had hoped for a more exceptional experience given the reputation of the Ritz-Carlton brand."

"Lifetime elite member who spends 100+ nights a year as a business and leisure traveler. The property and staff were all absolutely top notch. 5/5 recommend. The staff, location and property itself really makes this an exceptional place to stay! I want to mention and thank a couple staff members by name. Bayan Sabermanesh EAM, Director of Operations deftly resolved an issue for us. Also I cannot forget to thank the staff at the pool and beach club (Brooke) We visited in late January. The staff happily brought us more toiletries, extra towels, etc. Clean, spacious bay front suite. The bathroom was exceptional. Oversized soaking tub and nice separate shower. The food was superb. We had room service, food poolside and over at the Beach Club at Lido Key. Everything was perfect, although the tiki bar was swamped so you needed to be patient. Here’s a little info for first time visitors: the shuttle to beach club (a bus seating maybe 25-30) runs every ever hour beginning at 9 am. You get wristbands for the Beach Ritz. It sits out front from about 15 minute before the hour and leaves promptly on the hour. It leaves the beach club on :30. It also stops in St Armand Circle. On Saturday when it was busy they had a 2nd bus. Well done. As of early February the beach club hot tub is closed for renovation. Just an FYI. The beach infinity pool is great, but there are kids, if that is or isn’t your thing. The pool at the main property is very warm and there is a hot tub by the marina. We loved them both. The beach, the water, the lounging chairs, the sand, the service at the beach. All are perfect. Just the little things like the beach chair covers. Or a picky drink order - wanted a goose cocktail with soda water and splash of lemonade and fruit. It came out 100% correct every time. Thank your wonderful staff and we are very grateful. Kudos to the management for running this resort so well!!! We will see you again!"

"The Ritz and the Ritz-Carlton had a name of recognition for high standards. Through the successions of takeovers and economic changes, now a part of Marriott, the Ritz is really only like so many things just a name; and the Sarasota one is less than that. The first room, on the 2 floor, had such a smell of mold and smoke we could stay in it; the second room also on the second floor has a mild smell only barely tolerable for short periods and really only with the sliding door open. Now I have lived and spent time in Florida so I understand mold is almost a way of life there, but this is not that."

"We recently stayed at the hotel for two nights. The staff was exceptional beginning with Brandon W. at the front desk greeting us and immediately making us feel special and at home. The valets were all courteous, quick, and helpful when we asked about local restaurants. Our room was very comfortable and we highly enjoyed our stay. There is a shuttle that takes you to the beach club over on the beach. We chose to drive our car and there was a valet (Daniel) over at the beach club who was very courteous and informative providing us with a detail of all the amenities available and their location at the beach club. The outstanding staff members really make this hotel a wonderful place to visit!"

"We stayed in room 701, ocean front suite w/Balcony - it was excellent. Bathrooms great, room clean & well kept nothing old, dated or in need of upkeep. Service in all areas restaurant, front desk, housekeeping, & beach shuttle were 10/10. Food was great too, not a huge selection, but anything we did order was tasty. The beach shuttle ran every hour & was a quick 10 minute ride. Beach service was good & beach food was great. We opted to get folding chairs brought down to the waters edge (vs the lounge chairs) & it was fantastic. We would absolutely visit again."