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| Mr Five Star and World Travel and Dinning Reviews & Resources |
| Ritz Carlton |
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March 17, 2006 Mr. Five Star paid a visit to the new Sarasota, Ritz Carlton. This was a return visit after a somewhat miserable first visit soon after the opening. What a difference a change in managers can make for a hotel. This time the experience was as one would expect from the Ritz. Everything worked well with the exception of the delay in getting the luggage to our suite on the concierge floor. However the delay was smoothed over by the friendly manner of the luggage person and a call from one of the managers apologizing for the problem. They also sent a little basket of goodies to our suite as a further consolation.
The property is well done in typical Ritz Carlton style. The main hotel location is excellent as it is close to the marina and the central part of Sarasota. There is also a beach club associated with the hotel located across the bridge on the Gulf of Mexico. Both locations have excellent pools and pool side food and beverage service, but the beach club of course has the Gulf to romp in as well. There is a tropical restaurant also located at the beach club. There are several well appointed shuttle buses that run between the main hotel and the beach club frequently. In addition to the fine inside dining, both locations offer wonderful veranda dining during the day and under the stars. The main dining room has risen to the occasion with the addition of a terrific new chef that makes this dining experience a memorable event.
The Grand Loby Beach Club
 
The main dining room also serves breakfast, and lunch. I have had several breakfast meeting here when I was not a guest at the hotel. The service is superb and as always at the Ritz Carlton, your wish is their command, even down to assisting us with some faxing. This was somewhat above the call of duty for a non guest.
The fitness center is well equipped as well as the fabulous Spa facilities. The lounge is typical Ritz Carlton style with the exquisite wood walls and fine dark granite bar. You feel like you are in an exclusive Gentlemen’s club in London. Friday night there was a wonderful band playing music that was lively but not heavy rock. The band even had some instruments, like trombones, trumpets and a base violin in addition to the guitars.
Suite
The room was packed and the dance floor was very active.
The Ritz Carlton, Sarasota is the only place to stay north of Naples on Florida’s west coast if you are looking for the FIVE STAR experience. They have it all, great food, wonderful accommodations, excellent service, plenty of activities for adults as well as children. You won’t be disappointed with your stay here. Here is the web link to the Sarasota, Ritz Carlton, www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/sarasota/
SUGGESTED TRANSPORTATION
If you require assistance with transportation or if you have any other requests, please contact the Concierge Desk at (941) 309-2160. |  | PARKING
Valet Parking only. A $18 fee per car per night applies. | | FROM SARASOTA/BRADENTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SRQ)
- Depart Sarasota Airport by turning right onto University Parkway.
- Immediately get into the left hand lane.
- Turn left at the first light, US 41 (Tamiami Trail).
- Continue on US 41 (Tamiami Trail) for approximately four miles.
- The entrance to The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota will be on your right hand side, just after the intersection of Fruitville Road and US 41 (Tamiami Trail).
FROM TAMPA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (TPA): -
Depart Tampa Airport, follow signs to I-275 South (St. Petersburg) -
Continue over the Howard Frankland Bridge, through St. Petersburg to the Skyway Bridge ($1 toll) - Continue over the Skyway Bridge and I-275 will merge with I-75.
- Take I-75 South towards Naples.
- From I-75, take Exit 210, Fruitville Road West (right turn onto Fruitville).
- Follow Fruitville Road approximately eight miles to US 41 (Tamiami Trail).
- Turn left on US 41 (Tamiami Trail) and immediately get into the right hand lane.
- After 500 feet, turn right into the paved brick entrance of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
Depart Tampa Airport, follow signs to I-275 South (St. Petersburg) Continue over the Howard Frankland Bridge, through St. Petersburg to the Skyway Bridge ($1 toll) Continue over the Skyway Bridge and I-275 will merge with I-75. Take I-75 South towards Naples. From I-75, take Exit 210, Fruitville Road West (right turn onto Fruitville). Follow Fruitville Road approximately eight miles to US 41 (Tamiami Trail). Turn left on US 41 (Tamiami Trail) and immediately get into the right hand lane. After 500 feet, turn right into the paved brick entrance of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. | | | From Points North: - From I-75, take Exit 210, Fruitville Road West (right turn onto Fruitville).
- Follow Fruitville Road approximately eight miles to US 41 (Tamiami Trail).
- Turn left on US 41 (Tamiami Trail) and immediately get into the right hand lane.
- After 500 feet, turn right into the paved brick entrance of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
From Points South: - From I-75, take Exit 210, Fruitville Road West (left turn onto Fruitville).
- Follow Fruitville Road approximately eight miles to US 41 (Tamiami Trail).
- Turn left on US 41 (Tamiami Trail) and immediately get into the right hand lane.
- After 500 feet, turn right into the paved brick entrance of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
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