Siesta Key-Longboat-Anna Maria island??

[mike03]

We are looking to stay a week some place in May. Prefer on the beach and upscale. Maybe close to shopping and eats but not tourist trapish. we are older and not traveling with kids so.....what do y'all suggest??

 

[Bonnie40]

Hi Mike03! Welcome to the Disboards!

Sarasota/Siesta Key area is lovely. We enjoy going just a little south of Sarasota - Venice Beach. There are a couple of nice spots right on the beach there - Best Western and Inn at the Beach. Venice Beach is lovely - quiet, older area with a nice little shopping district within walking distance to the beach. We make a point of staying there every trip we take even if it's just for a day! If you search for Venice Beach on the computer, you should be able to find these hotels. As well, if you really want the Siesta Key area, search for that area and I know there are a number of nice places along Midnight Road, I believe which is right along the beach.

 

[hercamore]

I can recommend a really good book on Flordias beaches called "Florida Beaches" by Foghorn OUtdoors. Good info on best places to stay and condition of beaches, etc. Barnes and Nobles

herc.

 

[ttfn3]

We LOVE Sanibel Island. Check out the Chamber of Commerce website and you can find good deals on condo rentals directly from owners. Very nice, non touristy island. Low rise housing. Nature focus. Great beaches. Nice bike baths. Great Restaurants and nice shopping.

 

[disneysteve]

We spent several days at the Longboat Key Club several years ago. Very nice oversized room, plush bathrobes in the closet, steps to the beach and a great view from the wraparound balcony. It was way out of our usual price range but we weren't paying so we enjoyed every minute of it.

Steve

 

[LurkerLisa]

We go to Longboat Key every year and this is my .02. Longboat is very upscale (they don't know us, so they let us in). There aren't many hotels. We usually rent a condo for a week. Two places that we have had luck with are Casa del Mar and Sand Cay. Just be sure to ask when the unit was last updated. There are lots of fine dining options on Longboat and Siesta. Anna Maria is a little more fun/funky. Traffic on Gulf of Mexico drive can be rough. The beaches are very clean and the sand is soft. If you want more specific info - email me and I'll try to answer your questions - after Christmas because we're heading to Disney
Lisa

 

[sammi]

My vote is for Longboat Key. We've stayed at the Longboat Bay Club which is also a very "upscale" resort. The island is lovely and very peaceful with really nice folk.