Sarasota area beach lodging?

[momtotwinglesx4]

We've decided to start our trip to WDW a couple of days early and go to a gulf coast beach for a day or two. I was thinking about the Clearwater/St. Pete area, but I've seen some bad reviews of this area (overcrowded, dirty beaches, seedy motels, etc) and heard good things about the sarasota beaches. I got a ressie at the Coquina on the Beach Resort on Lido Beach. Anyone know anything about this resort? Or have any alternate recommendations for us? Thanks!

Sue

 

[cdrn1]

I was in Bradenton a few weeks ago and went to a beach at Siesta Key. It was so nice! the sand was like baby powder. We also went to a beach in Bradenton that had an outdoor cafe that served a pancake and sausage (all you can eat) breakfast for four bucks. That was pretty neat too. Enjoy!

 

[mom42860]

We stayed at Siesta Key 2 weekends ago, it is a beautiful beach, very clean

 

[bearzabout]

My mother-in-law has a condo down the street from Coquina on the Beach. Coquina is an older hotel with rooms overlooking either a parking lot or pool area. You can walk for a mile or two on the beach in either direction from the hotel. A walk to the south will take you to a pretty park frequented by fishermen and wading birds hoping to share their catch. To the north is a great view of Longboat Key with its expensive condos and homes. The beaches are seldom crowded. The white sugary sand moved to Siesta Key during a storm a few years ago. The beach has been restored but the sand has more shells and is sometimes uncomfortable to walk on with bare feet. St. Armand's Circle only a mile or so away from the hotel offers great dining options and high end shopping. It is a great place to spend a few beach days. Enjoy!

 

[sammi]

Sue I think you'll love this area!

We stayed on Longboat Key and Siesta Key a few years back and enjoyed it so much. We're even trying to make plans to go next year in March!

 

[momof2boyz2girlz]

Originally posted by mom42860
We stayed at Siesta Key 2 weekends ago, it is a beautiful beach, very clean

Where did you stay?? Did you see any other good condos or locations? We would like to go there next year and I do not even know where to start!!!

 

[mom42860]

We stayed at Siesta Plaza on Sun & Sea Dr, it was an apartment/motel setup that worked well for us. We had a kitchen, LR and 2 BRs and 2 baths. It had access to a pool (that was closer to us than the place we stayed in Orlando) and the beach was a very short walk away (DD 18 mnths could walk it). I did a search on Sarasota and came up with a tourist info. site that sent me a very nice catalog of places to stay in the area. Sorry I can't remember the name offhand but will look thru' the things I haven't unpacked to find the catalog and let you know