Our visit to Sarasota was a two night break away from Disney and the Helmsley Sancastle was just the place to go. We booked a Gulf View Room for ourselves and our two kids (6 and 9) and drove from Kissimmee taking the scenic route via the keys taking 3 hours.

The Hotel has "outdoor" corridors and staircases mainly surrounding the two nice clean pools and Restaurant area. Our room was spacious and very clean - the view of the Gulf from the 3rd floor was fantastic. The room had a small fridge, table chairs and two double beds. Air con worked fine (and quietly). The balcony was shared with the next room, but you could look all the way along the balconies anyway so sharing wasn't a problem. The bathroom was compact with bath, shower over etc and also hairdryer.

We tried the candlelight Restaurant the first night and although the food was fine, felt a little neglected as there was a large party next to us who were quite demanding of the staff. Breakfast wasn't included in the price but was good value and you could pick and mix or have the buffet.

The beach access was great - you can walk out of your room and be on the beach within 10 paces. Considering the hotel was busy, not many were on the beach, preferring the pools instead for some reason. Parasol and lounger hire at $2 each for the day made our day on the beach complete. We are now the owner of a small surf board from the shop which also sold crisps (oops I mean chips!) biscuits, postcards and the like.

A short drive to St Armands circle gave us the opportunity to try eating out and there were lots of very nice shops - home made ice cream/toffee etc.

Then it was back to Disney.......

We stayed at the Helmsley in May of this year and loved it. We read some less than resounding reviews, and, until the very moment we walked into the lobby, were apprehensive. True, it must be one of the oldest hotels on Lido, but so what? It was one of the cleanest and friendliest resorts I have been to in Florida. The location is wonderful. Easy beach access, and If you are smart enough to rent a car, unlimited things to see and do in Sarasota, such as lunch cruises, sight seeing, exploring Longboat Key, Anna Maria Island (had the best Groupper ever), Siesta Key. We had a courtyard room and enjoyed a beautiful Gulf view. The resort is not really a place for kids, and I have no problem with that. I enjoyed the older clientel and the peace and quite. If you want noise and the nightlife, go to Saint Armands. There is plently to see and do there. The only negative I experienced was the pricey dinner menu, although you can't beat the best value of breakfast and lunch which was above average (loved "The Burger"). Room service was expediant, the staff more than friendly and efficent. And, even though construction was going on next door, we hardly noticed. I'll go back next year, and I'll even ask for room 205. Thanks to all the staff.... from the wonderful young man in the gift shop to the competent young lady behind the bar.

My husband, 14 year old son and I stayed at this hotel recently, and in fact this was our 6th visit. We love it here - its quiet, friendly and in an ideal situation - the hotel is fronted into the Gulf of Mexico. The beach is clean and the sea crystal clear, in fact if there are 10 people on the beach it is packed!

There are 2 pools which are both kept extremely clean by the friendly, helpful staff. This year we stayed in a courtyard room which had a balcony and a gulf view.

Breakfast is served on the terrace next to the pool, you can choose from the menu or buffet.

The hotel is very near St Armands Circle which has great shops and restaurants, although if you drive onto Longboat Key there are more restaurants there.

All in all, a great hotel in a lovely area. Its not touristy or commercialised and only 2 hours driving from Orlando if you want to visit the theme parks.

After a hectic week in Orlando going to 7 theme parks (!) we were looking for the opportunity to put our feet up and relax. We knew the 'Sandcastle' was not a plush and lively hotel from reviews on here, but it was perfect for us.
Our two children, aged 9 and 11, loved the pool and the beach.
Meals we had were of a high standard and service excellent.
We had a big room overlooking the Gulf - we paid an extra £200 for this and it was well worth it! We were on the 4th floor - if you want the best rooms, I suggest asking for room numbers 451 to 456 - these have the Gulf view from the balcony and pool view from your front door!

Good places to go in the area:
We eat at, and were happy with:
- Patricks on Main St
- Lynch's Bar in Armand Circle
- Hungry Fox in Armands Circle (excellent omlettes for brakfast)
- Sam Sneads
- Amish on Cattlemen Rd (These last two about 20 min drive but worth it)


Took Children to:
- GWIZ - don't miss this, our kids loved it (near Sarasota Tourist Office)
- Motte Aquarium and boat trip - nr St Armands Circle
- Smokin Jo's bar on Main St - good Table Football Machine there!
- 'Freaky Tikki' shop on Main St - girly fashion accessories shop our girls
loved!

Pat Mahoney