Virgin Holidays View
The sand is beautifully bright and sugary soft on this 600ft stretch of private beach and you can hire watercraft to drift along on the waves. Recognised by the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association in 2009 as one of America's best beaches, this really is a must-see paradise, and right on the doorstep it only makes this pleasant and inviting hotel even more appealing. There are lots of dry land activities too, including bicycle hire. Alongside the attractive pool area is the pool bar where it is customary to gather at sunset for complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Later you can enjoy a meal in the Candlelight restaurant or perhaps stroll over to St Armand's Circle and sample one of the bistros there. The hotel puts on live entertainment (Wed-Sat) all year round and the staff are friendly and helpful. The rooms have recently been revamped and brightened bringing a little of that famous Gulf Coast sunshine in!
Where is it?
On Lido Beach in the charming resort community of Sarasota, which offers a wealth of cultural activities and attractions.
Getting around
Free parking. 3-min drive or 20-min walk to St Armand's Circle.
Eats and drinks
Candlelight dining room and lounge. Pizza delivery service. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres every day (4.00pm-6.00pm), lounge bar with live entertainment and dancing (Wed-Sat).
Fun and games
2 heated swimming pools, shuffleboard, sailboats, kayaks and water cycles, table tennis, volleyball and bicycle hire, 600ft private beach, golf and tennis nearby (local charge).
Handy stuff
Room service. Coin laundry. Gift shop. Complimentary daily newspaper. Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel. Complimentary use of beach chairs.
Mobility
Good general access around the property.
Wheelchair access
Wheelchair accessible rooms with roll-in shower.
Room info
179 rooms on up to 4 floors in 7 buildings with 2 lifts. All with air-conditioning, TV, complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel, coffee maker, fridge, safe, iron and board, and hairdryer. Rooms with 2 double beds, sleeping max 4 persons.
Room Upgrade
Gulf front rooms sleeping max 4 persons available at a supplement.