Hotel help

Question

Hi first time headed to Sarasota. Family with teens 16 and 13. Mid August. Want easy access to beach and near restaurants/activities. Will have rental car to get to activities. Looking at Lido, ritz and art ovation. Appreciate any thoughts or other ideas. Thx.

Answer

Visiting Sarasota for the first time with teens can be a lot of fun, especially in mid-August when you’ll have warm beach weather. Since you have a rental car, you have flexibility to explore both beaches and downtown attractions.

Regarding your hotel options:

Lido Beach Resort: Located directly on Lido Key, this hotel provides immediate beach access, which is perfect for a relaxed morning or afternoon on the sand. It’s casual and family-friendly, with easy parking. Restaurants nearby are limited, but you can drive into St. Armands Circle quickly for dining and shopping.
Ritz-Carlton Sarasota: Luxury option on the bay side, not directly on the Gulf, but offers upscale amenities, pools, and great service. Walking distance to downtown Sarasota for restaurants and shops. If your teens enjoy a more luxurious experience and you don’t mind a short drive to the beach, this is a solid choice.
Art Ovation Hotel: Located in downtown Sarasota, this hotel is great if you want immediate access to restaurants, cafes, and cultural attractions like the Ringling Museum or The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Beach access requires a 10–15 minute drive, but it’s ideal for exploring the city and dining.

Other hotel ideas worth considering:

Sandcastle Resort at Lido Beach: Direct beach access with family-friendly units and kitchenettes for convenience.
Hyatt Regency Sarasota: Downtown location with good access to restaurants, shopping, and easy drive to beaches. Modern and well-suited for teens.
Holiday Inn Lido Beach: Budget-friendly option on the beach with pool and easy access to St. Armands Circle for dining.

Overall tips:

If beach time is a priority, staying on Lido Key (Lido Beach Resort, Sandcastle Resort, Holiday Inn) is convenient.
If city dining, entertainment, and museums are your priority, Art Ovation or Hyatt Regency in downtown Sarasota are more convenient.
With a rental car, you can easily mix both experiences: choose a hotel near the beach for part of your trip, and plan a day to explore downtown Sarasota for dining and activities.

August can be hot and humid, so consider early morning or late afternoon for beach activities to avoid the strongest sun. Make sure your teens stay hydrated and have access to shade or indoor attractions during peak heat.

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