Hotel Help In Sarasota (University, Holiday: extended stay, hotels, house)

[mikeandaija2009]

Hi:

My wife has to travel to Sarasota for 3 days next week. She is going on an interview at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Wish I could get out of this cold in Connecticut for a few days, but I'm stuck here for now. We are looking for hotels in the area for her to stay at. Web sites list Southwest Sarasota area - Downtown area (airport) - East Sarasota. We are on a bit of a budget, but not rock bottom. Which area is better? Are there areas she should avoid since she is traveling alone? Or is any area fine? Neither one of us has ever been in Sarasota except driving past it on I-75. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You! Mike

[LookinForMayberry]

Originally Posted by mikeandaija2009

Hi:

My wife has to travel to Sarasota for 3 days next week. She is going on an interview at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Wish I could get out of this cold in Connecticut for a few days, but I'm stuck here for now. We are looking for hotels in the area for her to stay at. Web sites list Southwest Sarasota area - Downtown area (airport) - East Sarasota. We are on a bit of a budget, but not rock bottom. Which area is better? Are there areas she should avoid since she is traveling alone? Or is any area fine? Neither one of us has ever been in Sarasota except driving past it on I-75. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You! Mike

First of all, best wishes on the interview. I loved Sarasota when we were visiting that area, and were it not for our sun sensitivities, I would want to live there myself.

We stayed at a vacation park in Fruitville in our RV, so I cannot help you with the hotel recommendation, but I can tell you that I didn't see any area that I would not be comfortable in traveling by myself, and I am a very cautious woman.

This was a short pictorial recap of our experience in Sarasota:
RAWH Feb 2010

[leetchy2]

The Days Inn and Comfort Inn at the intersection of I-75 (exit 207) and Bee Ridge Road are good budget options. The two are right next to each other. I've stayed in each one on my visits to Sarasota while house hunting. The area is safe and the condition of the rooms is good for the price.

[Randy Forbes]

Both of the Holiday Inn Express hotels are nice. The one across from the airport seems to be in a more industrial setting, but recently renovated rooms are very nice. Our usual place is their Lakewood Ranch location, off University & I-75.

[Picshooter]

No easy answer to such a simple question.There are so many choices and opinions.Does she want to do anything else while she is here? I would stay away from the airport unless the convenience is the utmost, like an early flight out. Even then, I would only spend the last night there.
There is a Best Western almost across the street from Memorial Hospital.
The suggestion of the Bee Ridge exit hotels is a good one too.
The area to avoid would be Newtown. Google map it.
If you research and ask about a certain hotel you will get more specific answers.
BTW, good luck to your wife. (our daughter in law is a nurse)

[saralvr]

We often stay at the Marriott across from the airport. Great location for everything. Moderately priced and she'll feel safe there.

Best of luck on the interview!

[mikeandaija2009]

Thank you all for your responses. They are greatly appreciated. I know I stated we were a little budget minded, but the most important thing is that my wife is safe. She's not looking for to much to do after her interview because if everything goes well she'll be having an orientation right after. Hopefully someone can recommend a place that is clean, SAFE, and close to a few restaurants to grab a bite to eat. Again thank you all for your time. Mike

[Picshooter]

I suggest the Best Western Midtown. She can walk to SMH. Plenty of restaurants nearby.SMH has a nice cafeteria.
Square 1 Burger, Panera bread, Starbucks and fast food are real close. Many others are just a few miles away. 41, the road SMH is on is the main drag through town.

Originally Posted by mikeandaija2009

Thank you all for your responses. They are greatly appreciated. I know I stated we were a little budget minded, but the most important thing is that my wife is safe. She's not looking for to much to do after her interview because if everything goes well she'll be having an orientation right after. Hopefully someone can recommend a place that is clean, SAFE, and close to a few restaurants to grab a bite to eat. Again thank you all for your time. Mike

[blueherons]

We really enjoyed the location of the hotels right across University from the airport. There is a Hyatt Place, Hampton Inn, Courtyard Marriott, Residence Inn Marriott, and Extended Stay. Close to downtown and the beaches and you can also shoot out University and find a lot of dining.