Lido Beach Resort * Aweseome

Draft:

Sarasota News:

We just visited the Lido Beach Resort for a few-day staycation. It was wonderful! The facility and staff are amazing!

Lido Key, just off the coast of Sarasota, Florida, has long held a place in people’s imagination: white sands, warm Gulf water, breezy palms, and that languid, old-Florida charm. Lido Beach itself has been a focal point of leisure, community, and escape ever since art deco pavilions, wooden bridges, and early 20th-century resorts began to dot the shoreline.

The resort now known as Lido Beach Resort sits partly in this tradition of seaside hospitality. Over time, the property has evolved, been updated, and re-imagined. Today it is part of the Opal Collection, a group of Florida hotels that lean toward upscale beach resorts.

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If you need a getaway, and this is our recommendation!
Watch this page, we’ll have it finished in about four weeks.

Pure sandy white beaches with cabanas and two pools afford a most relaxing visit.

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The sky is full of fire at sunset, and the Gulf is pure teal.

The skies change from vibrant blue to hot pink on a daily basis.

Features, Amenities & Guest Experience

Over the decades, and especially with the recent renovations and rebranding, Lido Beach Resort offers a range of features that blend laid-back beach charm with upscale touches. Here are the highlights:

Accommodations: About 222 guest rooms and suites, in a mix of standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and condo-style suites. Many rooms include full kitchens or kitchenettes, private balconies, and sweeping views of the Gulf or surroundings. Complimentary WiFi is standard across the property.
Beach & Pools: The resort sits directly on the Gulf, with about 300 feet of private/secluded beachfront. Umbrellas, cabanas, lounge chairs are part of the offering. There are two outdoor swimming pools: one family-friendly, and a quieter pool reserved for adults (18+). Also, there are three hot tubs / Jacuzzis poolside.
Dining: Multiple on-site food & beverage options:
- Drift Kitchen & Bar (newer concept) on the 8th floor with expansive Gulf views.
- Lido Beach Grille for more upscale, modern-American / seafood-focused meals.
- Café Lido / Tiki Bar / bar by the pool for lighter fare, casual or outdoor dining.
Recreation & Wellness:
- A fitness center open 24 hours, with strength-training and cardio equipment.
- Beach-based activities: snorkeling, kayaking, volleyball, etc. Rentals available.
- Sun decks, gardens with tropical landscaping, relaxing spots near water.
Meetings & Events: The resort has significant event-space capacity. Over 14,000 sq ft of event space, ballrooms, breakout rooms, banquet facilities. It is often used for weddings, corporate retreats, etc.
Location & Surroundings: On Lido Key, a quick drive from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (about 7 miles). Close to cultural attractions (e.g. Ringling Museum), as well as shopping and dining at St. Armand’s Circle. Guests sometimes make use of the complimentary shuttle to St. Armand’s.

What the Resort Means in the Life of Sarasota

In many ways, Lido Beach Resort is more than a place to sleep: it’s part of what people think of when they imagine Sarasota’s shoreline. It bridges tourists and locals: people staying there contribute to the culture, to local dining, to walkability (to boutiques, galleries, and sights). It’s a gateway to enjoying the natural beauty of the Gulf, but with the comfort and amenities people expect in a luxury beach resort.

The greatest testament to a resort is happy people. This lovely foursome were celebrating one of their birthdays. As you can tell they are happy campers!

The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. A real touch of class!

Their Executive Chef oversees their splendid dining offerings. (Photos to follow.)

The Lido Beach Resort is a wonderful venue for weddings and events. This wedding reception was held in a quaint room for a small wedding. They have a total of 14,000 sf for larger events. (The photo is blurred to protect the privacy of the guests. We checked with the bride’s Father for approval of the photo.)

Character & Ambience

One thing that stands out is how the resort balances two moods:

Old-Florida charm: Tropical landscaping, relaxed beach vibes, pastel colors, casual/formal mix of dining, families and couples mingling. The history of the place contributes to that laid-back but nostalgic feel.
Modern refinements: With the recent renovations and redevelopment, there’s a leaning toward more polished design, more up-to-date amenities, and more refined culinary and stay experiences (e.g. the Drift Kitchen & Bar).

Guests tend to appreciate that you can have a beach-centered stay without giving up creature comforts — full kitchens in some rooms, good dining, upscale touches — but still feel the natural beauty of the Gulf, the sunsets, the sand underfoot, and a strong sense of place.

Daytime and night-time swims in an adult pool or a children’s pool compliment the Lido Beach Resort amenities.

Comfort is a premium feature at the Lido with quality beds and fluffy pillows. The towel art makes you feel special.

The Lido has a combination of King beds and Queen beds. The rooms have ample plug ins for your devices. Soothing wall art makes for a mellow environment.

A finely appointed bathroom with top end lotions and soaps are abundant.

The showers are large with multiple spray heads and a bench seat.

👍 What people like

1. Location & beach access

Many guests praise the beachfront location, saying it’s excellent to be able to walk right from the resort to the sand.
It’s close to local attractions like St. Armands Circle (shops, restaurants) and many say the resort offers a shuttle in the evening.
The beach is often described as clean, with soft white sand and fairly comfortable amenities (chairs, umbrellas).

2. Staff & service

The staff frequently gets compliments: friendly, helpful, accommodating.
Some guests mention being upgraded or surprised with extras (e.g. for special occasions) as a nice touch.

3. Rooms & amenities

Rooms are often described as comfortable, nicely decorated in a coastal / light style.
Many guests like that some units include kitchenettes (good for families or longer stays).
Having multiple pools and a tiki bar by the beach is seen as a plus.

They have a wonderful coffee shop with Starbucks coffee and snacks.