Highlights: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

•The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is set on 11 acres in the heart of Sarasota, only a short walk from art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques

•Each room comes with a balcony and panoramic views of Sarasota Bay, the marina, or city skyline

•Immaculately landscaped grounds and upscale interior décor

•24-hour access to the business center

•Mobil Four-Star Ritz-Carlton Members Spa Club

•Kids’ program, full service beach club, large pool, and close proximity to some of the finest white sand beaches in the world

Amenities: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

• 266 rooms, 9 story. Pets accepted, some restrictions; fee. Check-in 4 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access. Four restaurants, two bars. Children's activity center. Fitness room, fitness classes available, spa. Beach. Outdoor pool, whirlpool. Golf, 18 holes. Tennis. Airport transportation available. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Located near the City Center of Sarasota, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is an excellent choice for business travelers seeking luxury accommodations and amenities, and families looking for an upscale destination that caters to kids and adults. The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is only four miles from this resort and nearby attractions include beautiful Lido Key, The Marie Selby Botanical Garden, Mote Aquarium, shopping at St. Armand’s Circle, and the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Members Beach Club on the Gulf of Mexico.

Families can reign supreme at this hotel with three lighted tennis courts, an 18-hole championship golf course, the Ritz Kids recreation program, a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and free transportation to the Beach Club.

The hotel is also accommodating to business travelers. This city hotel with a resort feel offers more than 18,000 square feet of space for meetings, conferences, or retreats that are overseen by a dedicated conference concierge. Guests can use their room key to gain 24-hour access to the business center and its reliable staff. I found the staff amiably handles special requests such as overnight shipping.

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is located near many tourist attractions and shops, making this resort appealing for leisure travelers or anyone wanting to get away for the weekend. Its beautifully landscaped grounds also makes it look like paradise, which is ideal for couples celebrating a special event or spending a relaxing weekend together. Rose pedal turndowns, a suite with a water view, and a personal concierge can help make your visit special.

The resort offers 266 guest rooms, including suites, all with a private balcony and views of the marina, cityscape, or bay. The designers spared no expense incorporating a generous amount of marble and wrought iron, as well as crystal chandeliers, in the décor. The guest rooms are elegantly designed with dark woods and natural, soothing colors. Just as much care has been taken outside with a large fountain near the entrance, manicured green lawns, and lush, tropical flowers gracing the grounds.

(+) Excellent location, beautiful décor, and many amenities for family, business, romantic, and getaway travelers

Guest Services: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

The Ritz-Carlton properties are known for their excellent service and attention to details. I looked forward to my visit because the polite reservation agent described the hotel well, including my guest room choice and what to expect. But unlike previous visits, I was slightly disappointed because I wasn’t greeted as though they anticipated my arrival. That didn’t last long. Staff service became more personable as I ventured beyond check in. For example, when I visited the hotel’s Boutique Chocolate for an afternoon snack and coffee, I asked how to get to the pool to enjoy my treat and the attendant took me through the hotel out to the pool deck to ensure that I found it. This is the sort of service that exemplifies Ritz-Carlton properties.

Some staff members also went above and beyond anticipating my needs for dinner reservations, offering options and a Town Car. Overall, the concierge was friendly, courteous, and professional, and guests should make their preferences known to guarantee their specific needs are met.

(+) Well-trained staff members provide excellent service
(-) Arrival service was less polished than expected of a Four-Star hotel

Guest Rooms: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota has 266 guest rooms, including 31 suites, with private balconies and delightful views of the marina, cityscape, or bay. My room had an Asian ambiance and was tastefully decorated in shades of salmon, yellow and green, and dark wooden furniture. Although the beds did not look plush, the Egyptian linens and goose-down pillows were comfortable and conducive to getting a good night’s sleep.

Guest rooms come with a choice of one king or two double beds and a view of the city or water. Suites range in square footage from 625 to 2,450 square feet and amenities offered include a whirlpool bath, a separate marble shower and a hand-painted, four poster king-size bed.

The Club Level, only accessible by a special key, offers its guests spacious, luxurious rooms, snacks throughout the day in an exclusive lounge, and a full-service concierge to address their requests.

My marble bathroom was well lit and came with luxurious bath amenities such as Trevie shampoo, conditioner, body lotions, and soaps.

Guests can expect twice daily housekeeping, but you should remind staff at check-in that you like turndown service because this wasn’t consistent throughout my stay. Despite this slight oversight, the housekeeping staff was very polite and friendly, and my individual requests were handled promptly and courteously.

(+) Elegantly decorated guestrooms with excellent housekeeping services
(-) Turndown services is sometimes inconsistent

Facilities & Activities: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Whether your stay is for business or pleasure, you will find contentment and relaxation at the Mobil Four-Star Ritz-Carlton Members Spa Club that includes a state-of-the-art fitness center. You can soothe away your troubles, aches, and pains with wellness treatments and amenities such as massages, facials, saunas, whirlpools, and a special spa cuisine that can be enjoyed on their outdoor terrace.

The staff seemed genuinely interested in my comfort, replacing my water bottle while I was working out and providing a mini-tour of the facilities. The equipment was new and although the room was crowded, the attendants made sure that they circulated among the guests. I found that the therapists were friendly, made eye contact, and started their treatments on time.

Another appealing aspect of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is its central location. Upscale St. Armand’s Circle located nearby is a popular spot for shopping, browsing galleries, and dining. The Ringling Brothers Museum is also nearby and includes a fascinating replica of a big top circus in the Tibbals Learning Center. There are also fabulous white sand beaches, golf, fishing, and boating, all located just a short distance from the property.

(+) First-rate spa facilities with friendly and efficient staff

Dining & Lounge: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota offers an extensive selection of dining options. The Verona Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as a sumptuous Sunday brunch with entrees such as pumpkin ravioli with black trumpet mushrooms and coffee-rubbed slow-roasted pork loin with rum.

The Bay View Bar and Grill offers casual dining and cocktails with gentle ocean breezes next to the marina. You can relax at the Cà d'Zan bar with a cool martini, elegant dining, and evening entertainment, including dancing. If you’re looking for more privacy in a cozy setting, the Lobby Lounge provides genteel surroundings, soft music, and Wedgwood from which to enjoy afternoon tea, a Ritz-Carlton tradition. And, a light menu is available from the Spa Café and the Beach Club Grill prepares casual cuisine in a relaxing atmosphere on the Gulf of Mexico.

I had a lovely breakfast in the Verona Restaurant that is decorated like a garden room in an Italian villa with murals in hues of yellow and rose and arched windows. Although the food was good, dishes were not cleared as quickly as they should have been. Guests also can take advantage of 24-hour room service. I found the room service to be quick, arriving ten minutes early by a friendly and amiable attendant. Even though the food was wonderful, the presentation lacked some attention to detail. Guests may wish to consider dining at one of the restaurants for the best service.

(+) Variety of dining options, with sumptuous décor
(-) Room service’s food presentation not as polished as the food quality

Business Services: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Business travelers staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, will find it easy to do paperwork and other projects, if they must. Guests can use their room key for 24-hour access to the business center, which is well equipped to handle any needs. The staff was well trained, polite, and professional. They anticipated my needs on one occasion when I merely inquired about a Fed-Ex package. The attendant gave me the appropriate slips and informed me what time I would need to return the item if I wished to send it out the same day. Working in my room also was effortless with a large-style desk and complimentary wireless Internet service.

The hotel offers spacious rooms that are ideal for corporate conferences, meetings, or retreats. If you need help planning your corporate outing, a concierge can be assigned to help.

(+) Friendly, service oriented staff in the business