Why Lido Beach Resort Is Where I Send My Friends

When friends ask me where they should stay on Lido Key, I send them to Lido Beach Resort.

People love this place—and I mean love it. I understand why. It is beautiful and luxurious, but never stuffy. You can walk in from the beach wearing flip-flops and still feel as though you are somewhere special.

The staff has a lot to do with that. They smile. They ask how your day was. They make you feel as if they are genuinely happy you are there. Luxury hotels sometimes try so hard to impress you that they forget to make you comfortable. Lido Beach Resort does both.

The location is hard to beat. The resort sits directly on Lido Beach, close to St. Armands Circle and just a short drive from downtown Sarasota. But once you are there, it feels like a private retreat.

There are two heated Gulf-front pools—one for adults and one for families—and the beach is only steps away. You can go from the pool to the beach and back to the pool without turning it into an expedition. Settle into a beach chair, rent a cabana or order a drink and stay by the water all afternoon. This is vacation the way it should be: easy.

The resort grounds are beautiful, too. Tropical landscaping surrounds a courtyard with a wooden gazebo and water running through it. There are little places to sit and relax throughout the property. It feels secluded even though some of Sarasota’s best shopping, restaurants and attractions are nearby.

Come Hungry

When you are ready for a meal with a view, head to Drift Kitchen & Bar on the eighth floor. Its floor-to-ceiling windows look out over the Gulf, and the setting is beautiful. Go for dinner and take your time. The view alone is worth seeing.

For something more casual, make your way to the poolside Tiki Bar. It is one of my favorite parts of the resort. The food is great, including seriously good salads, and the cocktails are exactly what a vacation cocktail should be. You are sitting beside the pool, looking toward the Gulf with a colorful drink in your hand. What else do you need?

If you want something quick before heading out for the day, Beach Market Café is there with coffee, a smoothie, an açaí bowl or something to take with you. And when you want to leave the car behind, the resort offers registered guests a complimentary shuttle to nearby St. Armands Circle.

Get the Water View

The rooms have a modern, beachy look that feels fresh without trying too hard. Many also have private balconies. If a water-view room fits your plans, the views are gorgeous.

Lido Beach Resort also has dog-friendly rooms, with a pet fee. Just remember that dogs are not allowed on Lido Beach—or on Sarasota’s other public beaches. Brohard Paw Park in Venice is the area’s designated dog beach. For a walk near the water closer to Sarasota, try downtown or Bird Key Park with your dog on a leash.

Why I Keep Recommending It

Lido Beach Resort gets the big things right: a gorgeous beach, beautiful pools, comfortable rooms, great food and a fantastic location. But lots of hotels have impressive amenity lists.

What makes this one different is how you feel when you are there.

You feel welcome. You feel taken care of. You feel like a VIP, but you never feel as though you have to dress or act a certain way to belong there.

That is why, when my friends want to stay on Lido Key, this is where I send them.

Travel details, amenities and fees can change. Confirm current information directly with Lido Beach Resort before booking.