Staycation at The Westin Sarasota on Sarasota’s Bayfront
It’s in one of the best locations on Sarasota’s bayfront. The Westin Sarasota stands 18 stories tall on one of the busiest street corners on the 18th best place to live in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report.
In just a couple short years, The Westin Sarasota has become the place to go—for vacationers, for business travelers and for nearby residents looking for a place to unwind. That’s us.
My wife and I live in Sarasota and love to find new places to “stay-cation.” We could have ridden our bikes over—but chose to arrive the traditional way, so we’d be able to sample the resort—from arrival to departure.
We arrived close to Noon, before our room was ready, and with that possibility in mind–we booked treatments in the spa on the 3rd floor. I had a deep-tissue massage and my wife had a pedicure. The welcome was inviting—from the warm and enthusiastic receptionist to the calming music and ambiance. Spa Director Mary Winter has consulted spas around the world, and clearly she brought her knowledge and touch to The Westin Sarasota.
By the time we finished our room was ready on the 15th floor overlooking the bayfront. The hotel as 225 rooms each with their own refrigerators, free WiFi and LED televisions. There’s also a 24-hour health club, bicycles to rent and a complimentary beach shuttle. Did I mention the hotel is 2 miles from Lido Key and 6 miles from one of the nation’s top beaches, Siesta Key?
Having enjoyed those beaches for years, we were anxious to check out the roof-top pool and bar. What a view! We found a couple places to spread out towels and take in the amazing 360-degree perspective of this beautiful city on the Gulf of Mexico. We ordered drinks and snacks from the waitress and enjoyed people watching from under our umbrella.
Before long it was time to shower and change for dinner. It’s such a treat to be able to leave the car keys and the worries behind and take an elevator a few floors down to fine dining! We received great service at EVOQ, one of the hotel’s two restaurants (the other up top by the pool). I enjoyed a salmon dinner and Erin had beef tenderloin. We were both happy with our choices. EVOQ specializes in American cuisine under the hand of Chef Craig.
We ate indoors, but there’s also a patio overlooking downtown and the bayfront. A giant wall/door opened to the balmy night. The restaurant is elegant by any measure. Even the hostess ‘gets it,’ by spreading out the diners and not putting us on top of each other. One of my pet peeves of less classy restaurants.
After a restful sleep with the doors open and hearing and feeling the bayfront breeze, we were back to EVOQ for a great Sunday brunch and out the door by check-out at 11am.
I’d be remiss to not mention the 26,000 ballroom and conference center. Since I live nearby, I’ve attended several business and social functions here. First-rate all around.
The Westin Sarasota is a great addition to an already wonderful city. We can’t wait to go back. We may walk over next time—or even run!
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-photos/srqwi-the-westin-sarasota/
