The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Service Quality: Guests frequently commend the staff for being helpful, friendly, and attentive. They are noted for going the extra mile to accommodate requests and celebrate special occasions, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.

I recently stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota with my wife and 18-month-old, my parents, and some friends while attending a wedding. Beyond just convenience for the wedding, we really enjoyed our stay. We ultimately liked being in Downtown Sarasota on the bay, but also having a nice beach option at the hotel’s separate beach club. Choosing to upgrade to the Club Level also made our stay particularly positive. On the slightly less positive side, the hotel feels a bit dated. It is well-maintained and comfortable, but it’s clear it hasn’t been renovated recently. We were also surprised by poor service from some members of hotel management regarding a guest room issue. Still, our overall impression was favorable, and we would return to this hotel. Pre-Arrival Experience: We were staying for two nights, with the first night booked through a wedding room block, and the second night as a separate normal reservation. Because we also booked a second room for my parents, we had a bit of coordination with the hotel beforehand to make sure things were all set. During the booking process, I connected with Josh, the Group Reservations Coordinator, who was excellent. He took care of linking the reservations and a request for our two rooms to be near each other. His email responses were prompt, professional, and clear, so we knew everything was set before we arrived. I also used online check-in through the Marriott app the day before arrival, which is helpful to receive a notification when your room is ready. Since we had a 5:00 pm wedding to attend, and hoped for early check-in, it was a relief to receive a notification around 11:00 am that both rooms were ready before we even arrived at the property. Arrival Experience: We arrived around 1:30 pm on a Saturday, and the valet and door staff immediately greeted us and handled our luggage. They remained consistently friendly throughout our stay, and the valet service was excellent. Our car was always brought up quickly, and a QR code system to request your car from your phone made it effortless. Every time we requested our car right before leaving our room, it was ready and waiting by the time we were downstairs. Inside, the hotel had what I’d refer to as the classic “Ritz-Carlton” aesthetic: grand, with over-the-top finishes that aren’t the most modern. The lobby features lots of marble, ornate chandeliers, and a showy style of luxury. We generally prefer a more modern or understated look, but this was also exactly what we expected at a Ritz, so we weren’t bothered by it. The lobby was busy, but I was able to check in without a wait. While doing so, the little Ritz Kids coloring area near the desk gave our daughter something to do, which was helpful. At check-in, the front desk agent was friendly, offering a clear overview of the hotel’s services, including the hourly shuttle to St. Armands Circle and the hotel’s beach club. The welcome beverage (a choice of sparkling wine, a mimosa, or water) was a

Stunning! I happened to spend a night at the property as my first stop on a roadtrip to nowhere — I was upgraded from a club room to a Bay View Suite. The view from the suite couldn't be beat. And the Beach Club is paradise. Right from my booking, to the champagne on check-in, to the lounge, I was cared for, looked after, and pampered right through my stay. Front desk manager Micah deserves a special shout out for sending a lovely welcome gift to the suite, and for giving me an impromptu tour of the property when I went down to thank him. Even as a long time Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite member, service can sometimes be variable, the crew at the Ritz Sarasota definitely brought their A game. I will be back. :)