A good place to stay for a vacation on Longboat Key? (Sarasota: to rent, hotels)

[Snowblue]

We are planning a new trip to the Sarasota area, and consider staying at Longboat Key. Last time, we stayed at the Longboat Key Club & Resort. The beach was amazing, and we had an unbelievable view of the lagoon. But the swimming pool was bad, and since we are travelling with small children, that's quite a big deal. Do you know of any good places to stay at Longboat?

Also, if one of the other keys are better, we appreciate other recommendations as well. We took a trip to Siesta Key one day, and visited Turtle Beach. But that was not for us, we liked the beach at Longboat better.

So, does anyone have a good tip here?

[rusty78]

My wife and I stayed at the Hilton on Longboat Key...I thought it was a bit dated but my wife thought it was fine...it is right on the beach, the pool is large enough...and it is definately "kid friendly"...the hotel supplies a shuttle...but in my opinion...you definately want to rent a vehicle for your stay...parking is free...if you do pick the Hilton...look up Brett at the front desk...he can answer all your questions...

[Snowblue]

Thank you, rusty78.

We will rent a car, absolutely. But if you think Hilton was a bit outdated, then that didn't sound like the right place ... I like to spoil myself when I'm on vacation.

[SoFLGal]

Longboat Key in general isn't really geared toward kids. What about the Ritz in downtown Sarasota. That's probably one of the nicest places to stay in the area.

[Peter the Brit]

Small Children and LBK do not mix!
Go to Siesta sand is better, more kid friendly activities nearby

[Snowblue]

I thought LBK was great for my four year old. The only thing I didn't like was the pool, because it was a bit shabby.

SoFLGal: I will check out the Ritz. Thank you. How are the beaches in Sarasota compared to the keys in the area?

Peter the Brit: Siesta Sand, is that a resort?

[SoFLGal]

Originally Posted by Snowblue

I thought LBK was great for my four year old. The only thing I didn't like was the pool, because it was a bit shabby.

SoFLGal: I will check out the Ritz. Thank you. How are the beaches in Sarasota compared to the keys in the area?

Peter the Brit: Siesta Sand, is that a resort?

You would have to go to one of the keys for a beach. Probably Lido Key/Beach (right before LBK) would be the closest to The Ritz. It's not directly on the beach.

[rusty78]

Originally Posted by Snowblue

Thank you, rusty78.

We will rent a car, absolutely. But if you think Hilton was a bit outdated, then that didn't sound like the right place ... I like to spoil myself when I'm on vacation.

The Hilton will be fine for your family...there is no kiddie pool...but there were several children under 5 years of age in the pool...swimming with their water wings...the beach & sand are right there...next to the pool and you can spend your day at either or both...As far as being dated...usually about the only thing I do in a hotel room is sleep...shower...and change...other than that...the rest of the day is spend at the pool or watching my wife shop...and the hotel/resort is definately safe...

My room had a mini-fridge...so we picked up bottled water and a few other things to eat...about the only meals we had at the hotel was breakfast...but like all hotels...they were definately over-priced...several people had coolers at the pool and the hotel management did not care...but like I said...you will definately need a vehicle to travel around...have fun...

[redstephie]

We stayed at the Wicker Inn on Longboat Key many years ago. Don't know what it's like now, but we certainly enjoyed our stay there.

[redstephie]

Also meant to say that we took our children with us and they loved it! The office had a stock of videos (it was a while ago!) and games for wet weather days.
We love the beach on LBK. But then, we prefer to be in a quiet area without too many people nearby.