Siesta Key or ? (Sarasota, Bradenton, Holiday: where to stay, rentals, condos) - Sarasota - Bradenton - Venice area - Florida (FL) -Manatee and Sarasota Counties - City-Data Forum

nomosno · 05-08-2013, 01:15 AM

I will be in the Sarasota area for a week in July. I am not sure where to stay. Me and my SO would like beach access heard siesta key was beautiful. Looking at the map I see Lido, longbeach is there much of a difference in quality of the beaches? I would like to be able to walk to local shops. A pool would be nice as well. I spent a couple days in Venice years back and I liked that area as well sooo... Siesta Key or ? Not big into nightlife, more authentic cuisine and relaxation. Any input, reccomendations would be great! Beach -pool avail-walking out back door for Cuisine, shopping are my priorities right now.

blueherons · 05-08-2013, 07:44 AM

Absolutely Siesta Key. Stay in the Village at one of the local motels. Tons of shops and restaurants within walking distance.

Only the Holiday Inn on Lido would be walking distance to the shops on St. Armands.

Siesta Beach is one of the nicest beaches in the world. It would be hard to find a better one.

La-La land · 05-08-2013, 09:15 AM

Let me preface this by saying I've only stayed in Siesta key for one week, and I may have missed something, but I found the village of Siesta Key severely lacking. It's basically a small tourist trap with nothing to do but shop for cheap beach clothes and ice cream and listen to teenagers blasting hip hop from their jeeps. There is not a single retail store of interest there to an adult male over the age of 25. The beach is lovely, no doubt, but it's a long walk from the condo's and hotels to the beach. I would personally chose Lido, the beach is an 8 to Siesta's 10, but you can get to it in 1 minute, not 10, and St Armand's offers a ton of options, albeit expensive ones.

nomosno · 05-08-2013, 10:36 AM

Siesta Key in the village and Lido Key. I was looking at Lido with walking distance to St. Armand's but you are right the Holiday Inn seems to be the only option that would accommodate this. I would like to be able to walk out the door onto to the beach; any specific recommendations in regards to hotels/condos. I would prefer a private home but do not know where to start with this option and would like to keep it under $1500 for the week if possible. Staying on the beach in Venice is not comparable to Siesta or Lido it appears. A relative stayed on Boca Grande and she has raving reviews of this area. Boca Grande seems kind of a bit off the beaten path and I do not see very many restaurant or shopping options.

gypsychic · 05-08-2013, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomosno

Siesta Key in the village and Lido Key. I was looking at Lido with walking distance to St. Armand's but you are right the Holiday Inn seems to be the only option that would accommodate this. I would like to be able to walk out the door onto to the beach; any specific recommendations in regards to hotels/condos. I would prefer a private home but do not know where to start with this option and would like to keep it under $1500 for the week if possible. Staying on the beach in Venice is not comparable to Siesta or Lido it appears. A relative stayed on Boca Grande and she has raving reviews of this area. Boca Grande seems kind of a bit off the beaten path and I do not see very many restaurant or shopping options.

You will not be able to walk out the door to the beach on either Lido or Siesta, best you will get is across the street. Also, as La-la land mentioned, Siesta Village will have virtually nothing of interest for shopping, and it's a long walk from the beach. Honestly Lido is probably your best bet, you will be ALMOST right on the beach, and it's an easy walk to St. Armands which is beautiful and lively, with lots of shopping and dining options. Add to that it is just over the bridge to Sarasota's downtown for even more shopping/dining, and I believe there is a trolley that can take you back and forth.

The other alternative is Bradenton Beach on Anna Maria Island - more low key and "old Florida", but again you won't have much in the way of shopping other than the "kitschy" beach shops.

All of these beaches are beautiful, so that won't be a disappointment no matter which you choose. All in all I recommend Lido for what you are looking for. good luck and have fun!

nomosno · 05-08-2013, 02:37 PM

Thanks gypsychic for the insight. Lido looks like what we are looking for. Next step finding a place to stay!

Sue in Ohio · 05-08-2013, 05:52 PM

Lido Beach Resort is within walking distance (1/2 mile) of St Armands Circle but they also provide shuttle service all day. Have stayed there several times (before we moved down here); it is on the pricey side but worth it for a beautiful, beach-front resort with two pools and a tiki bar. Lido/St. Armands is my favorite spot in this area.

calico777 · 05-08-2013, 08:19 PM

Have you tried vrbo.com for private rentals? You can get a nice condo for a week.

nomosno · 05-08-2013, 08:55 PM

Thank you Calico, I will check out vrbo.com

NYFL · 05-08-2013, 09:04 PM

We've stayed at Helmsley Sandcastle on Lido Beach twice. It's a bit dated- but rooms are clean, large, have fridges, and best part- you literally are on the beach. There are also two pools. Sometimes you can find a good price on hotels.com or one of the other travel sites. Not quite walkable to the St Armands Circle, but really not too far.