When to Visit Sarasota, Florida
With its humid subtropical climate, Sarasota boasts warm weather year-round. For prime beach weather, plan your trip during the spring or fall when temperatures usually stay in the mid or upper 80s and storms are relatively infrequent.
If you're hankering for hot weather, the summer is also a good choice. Temperatures typically top out in the 90s, but thunderstorms are much more common. If you're planning a trip during the summer or fall, be sure to keep an eye on the Atlantic hurricane forecast.
If your visit falls during the winter, you'll enjoy temperatures in the 70s and fairly dry skies. Because the winter offseason tends to be too cool for swimming in the ocean, you'll generally find low rates on hotels.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Sarasota, FL:
Sarasota, FL: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. nightly cost trends by star rating class in Sarasota, FL. Browse these illustrations to evaluate the best seasons to book a room in Sarasota for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotels in Sarasota, Florida
4 Star Average Prices: $212.90
From resorts to spa hotels, you'll find plenty of ways to splurge in Sarasota. Stay at one of these luxury hotels.
Right in the heart of the city, the Hyatt Regency Sarasota offers spacious double and king rooms, some with private balconies. All of the almost 300 rooms include conveniences such as refrigerators and workspaces, as well as free Wi-Fi to help you stay connected. Take a dip in the outdoor pool and spa tub, and sip a cocktail at the poolside bar. Enjoy breakfast or dinner at the hotel's restaurant, or hop on the complimentary area shuttle to explore dining options in Sarasota.
For a special occasion, treat yourself to a The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, one of the city's most lavish hotels. Spread out in one of the 266 guest rooms, and enjoy a drink from the minibar or a movie on one of the premium cable channels. Soak in the large bathtub and take advantage of the designer toiletries, or book a massage or body treatment at the on-site spa. Go for a swim in one of the two outdoor swimming pools, or catch some rays at the hotel's private beach. Once you've worked up an appetite, have a meal at the hotel's restaurant.
Experience a true resort getaway at the Resort at Longboat Key Club, where you can decide between a golf course view room and a beach view room. Whichever you choose, you'll have a private balcony, along with convenient amenities such as a refrigerator, a microwave, and a 42-inch flat-screen TV. Spend your day at the resort's private beach or the golf course, and end it with a trip to the spa. Take your time and sample all six of the hotel's on-site restaurants. If you're planning an event, make the most of the hotel's 18,000 square feet of event space.
Make yourself at home at the Minorga on the Key Village Condos. All eight condos include homelike amenities such as kitchens, full-size refrigerators, and stoves. Relax in front of the flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and stay connected to family and friends back home with the complimentary Wi-Fi. Cool off in the outdoor pool, make a great meal on the barbecue grills, and explore beautiful Siesta Key.
Best Discount Hotels in Sarasota, Florida
3 Star Average Prices: $155.84
For the lowest rates on Sarasota hotels, focus your search on the outskirts of the city. Just over the city line, you'll find plenty of budget-friendly places to stay.
It might not be right on the waterfront, but the Days Inn Sarasota - Siesta Key is just a short drive from the beach on Siesta Key. It's also only a few miles from attractions such as the Myakka River State Park and the Museum of Asian Art. Stay in a standard queen or king room, and enjoy standard amenities such as microwaves, refrigerators, and workspaces. Use the free Wi-Fi to plan excursions, or sign on at the business center to catch up on work. Fuel up for the day with the free continental breakfast, and enjoy a picnic or barbecue in the hotel's outdoor dining area.
Situated between Sarasota and Bradenton, the Super 8 Bradenton Sarasota Area is convenient to the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, the Ca' d'Zan Mansion, and the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport. Get a restful night's sleep in one of the 47 guest rooms, and wake up to a free continental breakfast each morning. Catch up on work with the complimentary Wi-Fi and in-room desk, or head to the hotel's business center for a work session. When the weather allows, make a splash in the outdoor pool and save with free self-parking.
For some of the most affordable rooms in the Sarasota area, book your stay at the M Star Bradenton. Choose from double or king rooms, and save by preparing snacks or meals with the microwave and refrigerator. With a complimentary continental breakfast each morning and free self-parking, you won't find a more budget-friendly stay than this.
Located right on the Manatee River, the Sleep Inn & Suites Riverfront is just a short drive from the Gamble Plantation, Manatee Village Historical Park, and the South Florida Museum. Relax in one of the 67 guest rooms, or suit up to go to the outdoor pool. Fill up at the complimentary buffet breakfast each morning, and take advantage of the free self-parking.
2 Star Average Prices: $100.86
Best Hotel Discounts in Sarasota, Florida
No matter where you stay, there's no need to pay full price. Depending on your affiliations, you can save big. AAA members save at least 5 percent on the lowest rates at the Sleep Inn & Suites Riverfront and the Super 8 Bradenton Sarasota Area, while AARP members save at least 10 percent at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Sarasota Lakewood Ranch and the Springhill Suites by Marriott Sarasota Bradenton. Members of the military and government employees get low rates at the M Star Bradenton and other area hotels.
Best Value Options in Sarasota, Florida
If you're looking for a great place to stay in a convenient location but don't want to spend much, you'll find plenty in your price range. Take a closer look at these best value options in Sarasota.
A few miles north of Sarasota, book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bradenton West. Convenient to the South Florida Museum and several local medical centers, the Holiday Inn also has plenty to do right on site. Get in a workout at the 24-hour fitness center, cool off in the outdoor pool, or catch up on work at the business center. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and a complimentary buffet breakfast, making it an even better deal.
Located between Sarasota and Bradenton, the Springhill Suites by Marriott Sarasota Bradenton is convenient to the Sarasota Classic Car Museum and the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Stay in one of the 84 guest rooms, and get a great night's sleep on a pillow-top bed. Swim some laps in the outdoor pool, or relax in the spa tub. Leave the car behind, and explore the Sarasota area with the complimentary area shuttle.
The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Sarasota Lakewood Ranch might be off the beaten path, but it offers well-kept rooms for a budget-friendly price. The hotel is within two miles of the Nathan Benderson Park, the Stardust Event Center, and the Hi Hat Ranch. Get some rest in one of the 87 guest rooms, and wake up to a complimentary continental breakfast. Swim in the outdoor pool or spa tub, stay fit at the on-site fitness center, and take advantage of the business center.
Situated just south of Sarasota, Captiva Beach Resort is about a mile away from scenic Siesta Key Beach. Choose queen rooms with one or two beds, and you'll also have a kitchenette at your disposal. All 19 guest rooms include separate sitting areas, making this resort great for families. Spend your day at the resort's private beach or outdoor pool, and cap it off with a barbecue.
Can’t-Miss Attractions in Sarasota, Florida
Get a sense of Sarasota's upscale history with a tour through the Ringling, which includes grounds, gardens, collections, exhibitions, and the impressive Ca' d'Zan Mansion. Take a stroll through the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, noted for their seasonal displays and immaculate trails.
Pack up the family for a trip to the much-loved Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, which features favorites like otters, turtles, manatees, and more. Family members of all ages will also love the Myakka River State Park and the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary.
For some of the Sarasota area's best sunning and swimming, make your way to the white sands of Siesta Key. For great kayaking and fishing, head straight for South Lido County Park and Lido Beach.
Whether you're planning an adventurous beach vacation or a relaxing offseason trip, set your sights on the Gulf Coast. A great Florida getaway, Sarasota is a top pick in any season.
Sarasota resident Stephen King once said, 'Either get busy living or get busy dying.
It's easy to see why he chose to reside in this city in Florida, as it has some amazing beaches and resorts to offer visitors. Many of the beaches have fine sand and shallow clear waters. This city was also once the winter home of the famous Ringling Brothers Circus, and there is now the Ringling Museum of Art. The humid and subtropical climate means that even winters are warm in Sarasota, making it a popular destination with tourists all year round. Sarasota hotels vary from the low-end options to the more luxurious ones.
Affordable Accommodation
Knights Inn Sarasota is one of the typical cheap hotels which is located just off the highway. It's also near to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and the downtown area. Free continental breakfast is provided every morning, and for dinner options there are a few restaurants nearby including seafood and Italian choices. This hostel also has an outdoor swimming pool, which is perfect for taking advantage of the warm climate. Another one of the cheap hotels is Super 8 Sarasota which is a few minutes drive away from several beaches. It is ideal for those on a budget, who still want clean and comfy accommodation to rest their head at the end of the day. There is also the option to book a room with a microwave and refrigerator, making it easier to stick to a budget.
Refined Luxury Hotels
Many big luxury chains have hotels in Sarasota including, The Ritz-Carlton, which overlooks the bay, and is uniquely located in the former Ringling Circus troupe's home. It's ideally located for those wishing to explore both the Gulf Coast and the city. No luxury is spared in the rooms which are furnished with large comfortable beds, complete with feather duvets and goose down pillows. Hyatt Regency Sarasota is a fashionable choice for those seeking the ultimate luxury. They have a huge outdoor pool for guests to soak in, and for lovers of golf they're nearby to many of the best golf courses this city has to offer. Balconies are available with some of the rooms too, and fast internet access is provided, with the option to upgrade to premium high speed for a small fee.
Chic and Stylish Hotels
Hotels in Sarasota also include some boutique and independent options. Hotel Indigo Sarasota has stylish decor and interiors, and is perfectly located just a few minutes away from the beach, and within walking distance of the downtown area. This is different to other Sarasota hotels as it is modern, laid-back and very cool. Hotel Ranola is a low-key option which is privately owned, and prides itself on providing a personal touch. It boasts urban charm in the heart of downtown Sarasota, just a short drive away from the beaches. It's in an area which has many theatres, shops, great nightlife and restaurant choices.
FAQs about hotels in Sarasota
How much does a cheap hotel in Sarasota cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Sarasota can be as cheap as $100.86 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Sarasota cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Sarasota has been $155.84 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a luxury hotel in Sarasota cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel in Sarasota has been $212.90 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)