 SARASOTASearch for availability in this area
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 Sarasota exudes an air of relaxed sophistication. Long considered the cultural capital of Florida, the Ringlings and other
wealthy families made Sarasota their winter playground, imparting the legacy of the arts early on. This fair city soon became
a haven for artists, thespians and musicians. The powder white sands of the keys attracted more visitors and they soon developed
into rustic, laid-back beach communities.
With a cultural calendar that rivals that of any metropolis, Sarasota boasts several world-class museums and arts venues.
A beautiful Italian Renaissance villa-turned-art-museum, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art houses one of the most
comprehensive collections of Baroque paintings, plus exquisite 17th-century tapestries. Next door, the Ringling residence,
Ca'd'Zan (House of John), a 30-room mansion nestled on picturesque Sarasota Bay, is modeled after a Venetian palace. The Circus
Museum on the grounds contains memorabilia from the Big Top, including parade wagons, photographs and costumes.
The Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts (formerly the Asolo Center) is an outstanding regional theater,
as well as a teaching conservatory. Honored by the state of Florida for its high quality of artistic production and performance,
the Sarasota Opera Association presents four operas in February and March. A celebrated orchestra, the Florida West Coast
Symphony, presents a stunning season with several internationally renowned guests. The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, a purple,
shell-shaped landmark, is known for its distinctive architecture and excellent acoustics.
Sarasota is also rich in lush natural beauty. The Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, set on Sarasota's sparkling bay, is an orchid
research center with beautiful and bountiful grounds that showcase these and other exotic blooms. Displays at the Mote Marine
Aquarium are a means to explain the work of Mote scientists to visitors and to encourage an understanding and appreciation
of the aquatic environment. The lab is world renowned for its scientific research, particularly research on sharks and the
assessment of environmental pollutants. The Gulf Coast Heritage Trail, the state's first ecotourism trail, winds through Sarasota
County.
Siesta Key is renowned for its ribbon of sugary beaches, some of the widest and most popular in the country. Since the 1987
"Great International White Sand Challenge," the sugar fine sand here has been officially top rated every year. Independent
judges selected Siesta Key's sand over 29 other entries, including the Bahamas and Grand Cayman, as the whitest and most powdery
sand in the world. Siesta Village is a vibrant area filled with boutiques and eateries. Bright umbrellas dot the casual outdoor
cafés and in-line skaters and bicyclists share the sidewalks with those strolling through this lackadaisical community. Board
one of the colorful Siesta Key trolleys for an overview of this beautiful barrier island.
Besides sparkling beaches, Lido Key also boasts St. Armands Circle, a European-flavored outdoor shopping area. Here more than
145 exclusive shops and boutiques carry quality merchandise from Mondi, Tiffany & Co. and Tommy Bahama. Several fine restaurants
and ice cream parlors also line the circle. A horse-drawn carriage ride around the circle is the perfect evening treat.
For the more active visitor, Sarasota offers watersports, fishing and tennis galore, along with many excellent golf courses.
A municipal baseball stadium is used for spring training by the Cincinnati Reds. Nearby Myakka River State Park, Florida's
largest, offers sun-dappled rivers and cypress-studded paths for hikers and bicyclists.
So just kick back, relax and let your cares dissolve in Florida's premier west coast paradise.
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| The Days Inn Sarasota is conveniently situated 15 miles from Sarasota-Bradenton Airport and only five miles from Siesta
Beach. Guests can enjoy complimentary continental breakfasts in a spacious dining room that glows with natural lighting from
two walls of windows. |
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| The Helmsley Sandcastle located on Lido Beach in Sarasota has a relaxing sunny resort flavor, with a storybook seaside setting
on a 600 foot strand of private, natural white sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Sun. Sand. Swaying Palm Trees. And Great
Service, Too. You'll be treated to thoughtful Helmsley touches, such as a morning newspaper and a small refrigerator for chilling
beverages and snacks. Plus the pleasures of outdoor dining for both breakfast and lunch are virtually right outside your door. |
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The Holiday Inn Express / Siesta Key Hotel is a contemporary but tropically appointed 131 room hotel.
Located in South
Sarasota, this hotel is conveniently located near the world famous Siesta Key Beach finest whitest sands in the world. Fine
dining and shopping are within walking distance of the hotel. Just minutes to Sarasota's local attractions such as St. Armand's
Circle, Ringling Museum of Art, Mote's Marine Aquarium, and Several Pro Level Golf Courses.
Hotel features include free
local phone calls and a complimentary Express Start continental breakfast. Enjoy a unique breakfast
experience at our new Express Start Breakfast Bar served every morning featuring a selection of fruits, juices, cereals, breads/pastries,
and even hardboiled eggs. We have also created the world's best tasting cinnamon roll.
Visit Sarasota and stay smart at
the Holiday Inn Express Hotel.
Our hotel staff speaks:English , Spanish . |
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| The Holiday Inn Lido Beach is just steps from the powder white sand of Lido Beach and only two blocks from over 140 upscale
restaurants, shops and galleries on St. Armands Circle. The hotel features a sophisticated, yet “Florida Casual” decor.
The Holiday Inn Lido Beach combines the relaxed atmosphere of a beach resort with the amenities and services of a full service
hotel. |
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The Lido Beach Resort faces its own private stretch of sugar-sand beach on Lido Key, a barrier island linked by causeway
to downtown Sarasota. Palm trees, lush gardens, waterfalls, footbridges, and a koi pond create a tranquil mood at this family-friendly
resort. This beachfront resort is a half-mile from St. Armands Circle shops, cafés, and galleries, and three miles from
downtown Sarasota, one of Florida’s most culturally vibrant cities. Complimentary shuttle service to and from St. Armands
Circle is provided on demand from 9 AM to 9 PM (hours subject to change). The Howard Bros. Circus is a star attraction of
the Circus Museum, located at the Ringling Museum of Art. The circus is a scale replica of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and
Bailey Circus c. 1925–1938, and has eight tents, 152 wagons, 1,300 circus performers and workers, 800 animals, and a 55-car
train. The museum is six miles from the resort. |
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This island Colony Beach Resort on the Gulf of Mexico features 21 tennis courts, a spa, a fitness center, and a freshwater
pool overlooking the private, sandy beach. The Colony Dining Room, winner of Florida Trend magazine’s 2004 Golden Spoon Award,
offers sophisticated Continental cuisine and superb views of the Gulf. Indoor and al fresco dining are available at the Monkey
Room, wittily decorated with a monkey motif.
This resort provides complimentary supervised activities for youngsters age
3-12, in addition to a playground. The water-sports center rents kayaks, Hobie Cats, windsurfers, boogie boards, and other
equipment. |
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