The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota

Sarasota/Bradenton, Sarasota

Virgin rating

The hotel

The VIP vibe at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota comes from indulgences like its bay-side location, its palm-dappled pool, and its celeb-worthy dining venues. Overlooking Sarasota Bay, you can watch the water as you laze by the chic outdoor pool and whirlpool, and as you tuck into coastal cuisine, cocktails, and craft beers at Jack Dusty. Venture across the John Ringling Causeway to Lido Key, where you'll find the hotels beach club, in the form of a tiki bar, alongside seaside-styled Ridley’s Porch restaurant, right on the soft sands (you may even get to enjoy it from your private balcony, as some have marina views). The luminary luxuries continue back at the hotel with opulent spa treatments and access to the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Golf Club.

Amenities

  • Bicycle Rental
  • Golf
  • Kayaking
  • Tennis
  • Bar
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Internet Access
  • Laundry Service
  • Restaurant
  • Room Service
  • Safety Deposit Box

Where is it

Downtown Sarasota, on Florida's Gulf Coast, with sugar-sand beaches and Spanish architecture.

Hotel information

267 rooms and suites. All with private balcony, air conditioning, WiFi access, mini bar*, flat-screen TV, coffee/tea making facilities, hair dryer, Asprey bathroom amenities, bathrobes, safe, and iron and ironing board.

Deluxe rooms offer views of the resort or downtown, with 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 people.

Marina View Rooms with either 1 king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds, sleeping maximum 4 people.

One Bedroom Suites feature a separate living room with sofa bed, and bedroom with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 4 people.

Bay View Suites feature a separate living room with sofa bed, and bedroom with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 4 people.

Club Level Rooms and Suites include access to the Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge which offers continous culinary and beverage offerings throughout the day including complimentary breakfast, snacks, cocktail hours, and evening hors d'oeuvres and desserts. There is also a dedicated Club Level concierge team, and guests receive access to exclusive activities and entertainment. 

The Ritz-Carlton Suite offers views of the marina, with a spacious living room, dining area, walk-in closet, and bedroom with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 3 people. The Ritz-Carlton Suite also includes club level benefits.

Valet parking $45, plus tax per night (payable locally, subject to change).

Jack Dusty (seafood and local dishes, craft microbrews and cocktails, open for all day dining). Ridley's Porch (located at The Beach Club on Lido Key; locally inspired dishes). The Lido Key Tiki Bar (open-air beach bar). The Gulf Club Grille (located at Riz-Carlton Golf Club, offering seasonal menu and full bar with golf course views). Coffee Corner (serving hot and cold drinks and light bites to go). Kemp's Market (located at The Beach Club on Lido Key, offering grab-and-go options).

Outdoor heated pool and whirlpool. Ritz-Carlton Beach Club on Lido Key with zero-entry pool, as well as beach activities including kayaking* and paddle boarding*. Poolside cabanas*. 18-hole championship golf course (16 miles away). 24-hour fitness centre. Spa* (temporarily closed). Tennis courts. 

WiFi included in the resort fee. 24-hour room service*. Gift shop/Convenience store. Laundry service*. 

Resort fee: $55 per room, per night, plus tax (payable locally, subject to change).

Resort fee includes: - WiFi and enhanced Internet speed at the hotel, The Beach Club and The Golf Club - One fitness class daily - Two-hour bicycle rental at the hotel - Umbrellas and chairs at The Beach Club - Use of masks, fins, and body boards at The Beach Club - Access to driving range and golf practice area - Use of kayaks, paddleboards and life vests at the hotel - Use of fishing poles at the hotel. Resort fee, tax and inclusions are subject to change - please see hotel check-in for current inclusions available to you upon arrival.

*Denotes local charge.

Please note: all guests must be 21 or older to book a room.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1959)
  • Very good (512)
  • Average (254)
  • Poor (123)
  • Terrible (101)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Not great

Nov 28, 2023 rickloum Hartford, Connecticut

Wasn’t very happy with the hotel at all service was terrible. Food wasn’t that great very inconvenient no bar at the pool at the hotel. You have to take a shuttle or drive. 15 20 minutes away to the beach. The beach bar closes at 5:15 a their services . Made reservations for dinner in the hotel then they find out that after they tell you a time… Read more
Wasn’t very happy with the hotel at all service was terrible. Food wasn’t that great very inconvenient no bar at the pool at the hotel. You have to take a shuttle or drive. 15 20 minutes away to the beach. The beach bar closes at 5:15 a their services . Made reservations for dinner in the hotel then they find out that after they tell you a time they didn’t have it. If anything could’ve went wrong it did I would not recommend this place at all. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Tired + Not Keeping with the Times...

Nov 27, 2023 KTM365 Miami

We stayed here in a suite while on our way down in the state. The Ritz's reputation precedes it and it was a disappointment to see this property be so out of touch. The suite, while well appointed was clearly on the tired side with weathered carpet and a worn leather headboard. The suite lacked some things you'd expect a suite would, a kettle for… Read more
We stayed here in a suite while on our way down in the state. The Ritz's reputation precedes it and it was a disappointment to see this property be so out of touch. The suite, while well appointed was clearly on the tired side with weathered carpet and a worn leather headboard. The suite lacked some things you'd expect a suite would, a kettle for tea, stemware for wine, a small fridge... During our stay we inquired about refilling our water bottles and were it wasn't possible, not even in the gym, and that plastic water bottles were the only option. As a big brand that thrives on the natural beauty of our oceans, it's a shame to see the Ritz not considering the environment in their practices or being mindful of their environmentally-conscious patrons. This theme seemed to run through the stay, from A LOT of back and forth to accept a food delivery, to the $25 that they wanted to have a fridge or microwave in the suite (EACH), to the $65+ day resort fee and 40+ valet fee. If you don't like being nickel and dimed at every turn or using plastic at every turn, then avoid this property and deteriorating brand. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Needed a Renovation 5 Years Ago

Nov 9, 2023 thegov Orlando, Florida

This RC is very dated, and really needs a facilities overhaul - as the overall condition of the room and hallways is below Ritz Carlton standards. My room had a wired ethernet connection from the bygone era before Wifi was ubiquitous. The leather material on the headboard and around the bedskirt was broken and chipped off. And the overall room… Read more
This RC is very dated, and really needs a facilities overhaul - as the overall condition of the room and hallways is below Ritz Carlton standards. My room had a wired ethernet connection from the bygone era before Wifi was ubiquitous. The leather material on the headboard and around the bedskirt was broken and chipped off. And the overall room feels dated with old carpet, an old AC system, basic tub shower, and 20 year old phones in the bathroom and on the night stand. Out in the hallways, the carpets were stained, wallpaper was falling off the walls, the ceilings had water and other stains - and it felt dark and dirty. There's really no lobby seating, and/or a large area to sit and gather - and the pool area is just okay. I did not take advantage of their beach shuttle - so it felt like a crime to be charged a resort fee here. Really, Marriott should look at a complete overhaul of this property - or refurbish it, and brand it something other than a Ritz Carlton. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Bad business practices

Nov 8, 2023 lanebillin2 Cordova, Tennessee

I had booked this hotel for a business trip and had to cancel. A refund was suppose to be credited back to my credit card however it was never received. It took me several months to figure out the credit had not been issued and when I called to inquire they informed me it was past the time allowed to have this error corrected. Thx for nothing… Read more
I had booked this hotel for a business trip and had to cancel. A refund was suppose to be credited back to my credit card however it was never received. It took me several months to figure out the credit had not been issued and when I called to inquire they informed me it was past the time allowed to have this error corrected. Thx for nothing Ritz Carlton for taking my hard earned money!!! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Lovely mid-week mini-break

Nov 5, 2023 Fontaine New York City

Loved our mini-vacation. Room. Was upgraded to a suite, and really appreciated the extra half bath. Room was extremely quiet and never heard the dog or people next door. Room was clean and well-equipped, although I thought the bed linen was not the usual high RC quality. Shampoo, etc. are in pump bottles, which I don't care for, but have… Read more
Loved our mini-vacation. Room. Was upgraded to a suite, and really appreciated the extra half bath. Room was extremely quiet and never heard the dog or people next door. Room was clean and well-equipped, although I thought the bed linen was not the usual high RC quality. Shampoo, etc. are in pump bottles, which I don't care for, but have resigned myself to. Called for and received turn down service which I appreciate. Hotel. Everyone we dealt with were warm and accommodating. The lobby had a Halloween candy display which was attractive and thoughtful. We used the pool at the hotel for a few hours on two days, and it was clean, orderly and well-staffed. Unfortunately, the pool gets only the afternoon sun. The gift shop needs to increase their hours. Beach club. The club and the beach were both quiet and lovely mid-week, likely 'off season'. Saw several dolphins jumping fully out of the water. The beach set up was nice with buckets of bottled water and ice. Umbrellas were included in the resort fee, but the padded chairs were an extra cost. The beach service was very good. Shuttles were on time (shuttle drivers shouldn't be on their cell phones while driving, we narrowly avoided an accident) . Location. We were able to walk to several restaurants. Our Uber requests were filled very quickly. An easy 10/15 minute drive to Sarasota airport. Hotel food. Mixed results here. We had a credit for breakfast included in our rate. But $17 for cold cereal (no fruit) seemed too high. We were served gluten free pancakes by mistake. At the beach club, we waited over an hour for 2 hot dogs one day at their tiki hut. But all the servers were lovely and the breakfasts and lunches were generally good. The one meal I did not enjoy was dinner at the beach restaurant. The food was just not good (potatoes were not even warm) and the cost for 2 was $200 - one appetizer, 2 dinners, one side each, no drinks, no dessert. There were only 2 other parties having dinner that night. On the plus side: room was very attractive (but the lights were too bright for dinner- like a school cafeteria, why bother with candles?), the place settings were of high quality, the service was good, and the hot bread and butter with sea salt turtle was delicious. But we had a far better dinner in town for half the price with 2 drinks. Next time we will skip the over-priced mediocre dinner, but looking forward to our return. Read less