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Located in the cultural district overlooking Sarasota Bay, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is one of the hottest spots in the city.
Sarasota is an under-the-radar destination. Not many people know about the vast Ringling campus with stunning grounds, museums and more, or the bountiful beauty at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. But this luxury hotel puts it on their radar.
People come to the newly renovated hotel for a chic, coastal respite with beautiful views. They make a beeline for Jack Dusty to indulge in creative cocktails like the Siren (Ketel One vodka or Hendrick’s Gin, St-Germain Elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice and prosecco with grapefruit, cranberry and flower ice cubes that add more flavor as the night wears on) and fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood.
They visit the spa to unwind with a massage. They join the pros at the 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed Golf Club. And they hide away at the private Beach Club to soak in that Sarasota sun.
Sarasota is an under-the-radar destination. Not many people know about the vast Ringling campus with stunning grounds, museums and more, or the bountiful beauty at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. But this luxury hotel puts it on their radar.
People come to the newly renovated hotel for a chic, coastal respite with beautiful views. They make a beeline for Jack Dusty to indulge in creative cocktails like the Siren (Ketel One vodka or Hendrick’s Gin, St-Germain Elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice and prosecco with grapefruit, cranberry and flower ice cubes that add more flavor as the night wears on) and fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood.
They visit the spa to unwind with a massage. They join the pros at the 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed Golf Club. And they hide away at the private Beach Club to soak in that Sarasota sun.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- One of the best perks of the Sarasota hotel is access to the private Beach Club in Lido Key. You won’t have to fight for a chair in the sand at this quiet, exclusive beach.
- Jack Dusty is among the first signature restaurants in the Ritz-Carlton portfolio to eschew formalities but still serve fine-dining food. Don’t miss the cocktails or the desserts.
- While Jack Dusty steals the culinary spotlight, don’t overlook Beach Club Grill. The citrus-burrata salad, scallops with bacon risotto and key lime sundae make it a worthy destination for dinner.
- The rooms adopt a soothing, beachy look that sets you at ease.
- The 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed Golf Club is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary where you can encounter bald eagles, snakes, alligators, boar and bobcats. Since it boasts one of the best driving ranges in the area, you likely will run into a pro there.
Things to Know
- The hotel’s complimentary shuttle will bring you to the Beach Club (three miles), the golf course (16 miles) or shopping/dining hub St. Armands Circle (2.4 miles).
- Upgrade to the eighth-floor Club Level for perks like two daily garment pressings and entry to the Club Lounge, which offers food and drinks throughout the day. Sip a sparkling rosé, nibble on a mini crab roll and admire the great views of Sarasota Bay.
The Rooms
- Rooms draw inspiration from the seashore, but the décor goes beyond the obvious. A hardwood-floored entrance mimics driftwood. Muted blues and purples come from the striking sunsets, sea green pulls from the ocean and gray textured walls bring it all together.
- A nautilus shell pattern curves on the carpet, capiz shells cover the top of a side table, lamps have a golden shell base and local artists and Ringling School of the Arts students create framed pieces like a canoe on a washed-out beach.
- Sink into the supremely comfortable bed or the padded chaise, which has a throw pillow with a photo of nearby Cà d’Zan, a 1925 Venetian Gothic mansion that served as the winter home for the Ringling family, a nod to the city’s rich circus history.
- The rooms are outfitted with high-definition LCD televisions and access to streaming apps so that you can watch Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora and YouTube on the TV.
- Bathrooms look sleek with gray walls and white marble on the floors, double vanity and bathtub. They are stocked with Ritz-Carlton’s perfumed Asprey toiletries.
The Restaurants
- Since the name “Jack Dusty” was 18th-century slang for the sailor who oversaw the ship's pantry and rum locker, it’s no surprise that the signature restaurant's décor takes a maritime theme. Oak wood walls get lightened up with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the water.
- The food at Jack Dusty slants Southern with seafood as a specialty. Try the seafood platter, teeming with shrimp, oysters, clams, sesame tuna poke, drunken octopus salad and ceviche.
- Executive pastry chef Lyndsy McDonald whips up comforting creations like sweet corn fritters with sweet corn ice cream and honey drizzle, and a rich peanut butter banana bread pudding with hot fudge and a meringue crown.
- While Jack Dusty steals the spotlight, don’t overlook Beach Club Grill. The citrus-burrata salad, scallops with bacon risotto and key lime sundae make it a worthy destination for dinner.
Amenities
24-hour room service 
Bar
Golf
Gym
Meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
Pet friendly
Restaurants
Spa
Tennis
Getting There
Stories
