Arrival/Check-In: We had been touring South Florida for several days, visiting Ritz-Carlton properties in Miami Beach and Naples before arriving in Sarasota. The hotel sits by the water and offers a great location for venturing to Siesta Key or to the local restaurant scene, which is progressive and chock-full of choices. We valet-parked our car and came into the lobby for a swift registration. We were slightly early and a little hungry, so we enjoyed a light lunch at Jack Dusty in the lobby area.

Guest Quarters: Our suite provided just what the doctor ordered. Although it lacked a spectacular waterfront view, it offered plenty of space to stretch out and relax. As we spent our final three nights of the trip here, having a little extra room was a treat.

From the front door of the suite a short hallway led to a small but welcome powder room on the right. It is nice when two people share a room to have a second bathroom while getting ready to go out. The hallway led to a large room with a sofa, coffee table, an elegant glass-topped table for dining or working (this became my office) and a big-screen TV. On the far side, two large sliding doors opened to a narrow but long patio with chairs. The room included a Nespresso machine I used every morning.

The large bedroom featured light and white fabrics and upholstery. Two “beachy” nightstands flanked the king-sized bed, and on the far right stood a much-appreciated vanity. The wall opposite the bed held a dresser with a big, flat-screen TV. In the large, white marble bathroom a lovely separate shower with strong water pressure accompanied a large soaking tub. The bathrooms also featured terrific amenities including Asprey shampoo, conditioner and lotions and items you can always use such as nail files, cotton swabs and cotton balls.

Services/Amenities: Is it any wonder Ritz-Carlton wins the GT Tested Reader Survey award for Best Club Floor? Every evening after a tiring day out, we relaxed in the Club for cocktail hour and chatted with the friendly staff. The Club served as a launching pad for securing restaurant reservations and also served breakfast. The team was extremely helpful with my business needs including sending faxes, scanning documents and even having one notarized by the general manager’s assistant (above and beyond the call of duty). If you travel and have legal documents to file, it is nearly impossible to get a notary without disrupting your schedule. This was a real plus.

We appreciated a beach- and golf-related amenity in the room made of various chocolates (milk, dark and white) — a real work of art.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ Enjoy the yummy sushi at Jack Dusty.

◆ I enjoyed the modern art sculptures that were part of the room décor.

◆ The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota Club Floor rates as my all-time favorite.

The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota

1111 Ritz Carlton Drive
Sarasota, FL 34236
tel 941 309 2000
ritzcarlton.com