The Ritz-Carlton

I forget Sarasota is a vacation destination sometimes. It wasn’t till I had an opportunity to visit this resort that I remembered how awesome our neighboring beaches are and how people flock from all over every winter to be here.
The pool is great for both kids and adults, service is great, food was just okay, and they could have picked up the trash a little better. I am hanging out at the pool trying not to let my toddler pick up old, random cups left poolside by strangers, because no one is going around picking up the trash… not okay for Ritz Carlton standards. I finally gathered them all up myself.
We ordered sandwiches and they were served in to-​go containers and bags. Even the Hyatt resort brings real plates, napkins and utensils. You get plastic forks, paper napkins, and you eat out of a plastic to-​go box at the Ritz???
The poolside server, the gorgeous view, and comfortable lounge chairs are all four five stars, but given the dining experience, the food, and cleanliness of the place, I have to downgrade to three. Sorry, Ritz!

We had lunch at the beach club pool. For the Ritz, prices were reasonable — about $ 10 per sandwich. I had the buffalo chicken wrap. It was one of the better buffalo wraps I have had, and I am a pretty big buffalo chicken fan. It was great eating by the pool. The Beach Club really is beautiful. Service was awesome. Our food was there within 15 minutes of putting up the little service flag on our chairs, and unlimited free bottled water and lemonade is always a plus!

If you want a place to make you feel special and always welcomed, visit this hotel. Every staff person greets you with a smile. Even for a weekend getaway. There are so many wonderful restaurants to choose from. You never need your car after you have it valeted. They shuttle you around whether it’s to St Armand’s circle or their beach club. A peaceful relaxing place that everyone should experience at least once.