This Hotel was very clean and the smell of the Bulgari soap in the bathroom was a delight as you walked into your room.
The rooms were a bit smaller than I would have expected for a 5* hotel, however the bathroom was a good size.
I enjoyed the room tea and coffee making facilities which were replenished twice a day. The balcony was also a nice size with a lovely view over the harbour and the pool and gardens.
The hotel, even though it was full, always seemed very quiet (I eventually found everyone down the Beach Club, which was very very busy, I suppose it was the weekend.) My only complaints about the beach club - I had to change from my swimsuit in the toilets. There were no private changing cubicles. Also, there should be a lifeguard at the pool area. Beach and sea were great
The pool at the hotel was nicer, very quiet with a view of the harbour and sea.

Having seen a few reviews on the Ritz Carlton prior to our stay, we were very openminded to what we were going to expect.

We left Miami after staying at the Delano hotel (very dissapointing stay) and headed over to Sarasota in our hirecar. We pulled into the drive of the RC and were absolutely impressed with the first impressions. We parked up outside and was greeted by a very friendly Valet. We were shown to reception and checked in in abour 3 minutes. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left (10 days in total) we were treated by the staff as if we were long standing guests who return every year.

Our room was overlooking the bay (5th floor) directly facing The Hyatt Hotel(inferior as it is). The room itself was exceptionally comfortable, clean and maintained to a high standard.

The pool at the hotel was more than adequate but then to also have the use of the Spa (which is only about a 5 minute shuttle ride away - included by the hotel) was a complete dream. The staff there were running around after each individual guest even though it was 90 degrees and brilliant sunshine, but they rallied on and couldn't have done more for us. The only thing I would have changed if it were possible was the temperature of the sea - it was far too hot for me!!!

I was totally shocked at the level of entertainment a five star hotel gives to children. No wonder why parents were saying that they come back year after year - I don't have children but would recommend anyone with children looking to relax whilst their little rugrats get worn out go to the Ritz Carlton Sarasota!

I would suggest this hotel anyone wanting sheer relaxation and time to be pampered.

We went to the RC for a weekend away. Although the property is very nice as you drive up to the hotel (the palms lining each side are fantastic). The overall interior of the property is in need of a face lift.

Positive Comments:

1. Check in was very smooth with friendly associates and bellman.
2. The Spa associates were friendly with the treatments received top notch.
3. The Sunday NY Times on the hotel door was a very nice touch.
4. Breakfast was very good with excellent service

Negative Comments:

1. Room was tired and dated. Bleach spots on the carpet, towels were thin and had seen better day's. Shower Curtain belonged in my grandmothers house, not at the RC.

2. Hotel Furnishings were in need of a face lift. The Bar while nice, the furniture was faded and tired looking.

3. Cig butts were not swept off of the area outside the Health Club on the 2nd floor. It looked dirty and not maintained on a regular basis.

4. Gift Shop, while it stocked very nice items, was over crowded and hard to shop. The visual apperance of merchandise and layout was lacking.

Having read several negative comments regarding The Ritz Carlton I approached my stay with a little trepidation. However, with the exception of one point, The Ritz exceeded my expectations and I would have no hesitation in recommending it.

That one exception was, as mentioned by a previous reviewer, a room on the 2nd floor overlooking a roof. I refused to accept the room and after several minutes negotation, undertaken by the Bell Boy who brought up our luggage, was moved to a 5th floor room. When booking on the hotel's website you can request a room on a high floor, however, there is no guarantee that this request will be granted. Beware. I had previously seen comments about rooms being small. I travel extensively for business, and yes I've had bigger rooms but have certainly had smaller and would not say this was a problem.

All hotel staff we encountered gave excellent, friendly service. The beach club staff in particular kept glasses of water flowing even when they were busy at the weekend. Do try the bar's signature drink, a chocolate Martini. No doubt packed with calories but if you have a sweet tooth absolutely wonderful.

Do try The Ritz Carlton. It's down town location (this is a US town with a centre you can walk round with good restaurants), coupled with the beach club, gives you the best of both worlds. The complimentary hotel shuttle bus to St Armands Circle and the beach club negates the need to drive. On that subject if you wish to save the valet parking fee you may find parking space on the drive ways leading up to the hotel.