$$$
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Waterfront Sarasota hotel with bay-view balconies, dining at Jack Dusty, and shuttle access to the Beach Club.
Exceptional · Deep coverage · read from 0 sources · 0 traveler insights
88
RoomExpert Score
Exceptional
The verdict
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The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is a downtown waterfront hotel known for its soothing beachy decor, dedicated staff, and popular dining at Jack Dusty. Guests appreciate the large pool area, spacious bathrooms, and expansive balcony views across the bay. However, the resort is not directly on the sand, meaning beachgoers must rely on a shuttle bus, and travelers frequently flag hefty add-ons like the $60 daily resort fee. 5161310
Every line below traces back to something a traveler actually wrote — open a line to read the original sentence and follow it to the source.
What travelers noticed
- Spacious bathrooms earn praise for dedicated toilet areas, fluffy towels, and Asprey bath products. 13
- Waterfront balconies provide sweeping views stretching across the water toward St. Armands and Longboat Key. 9
- Dining draws strong reviews, particularly for seafood at Jack Dusty, dinner at Ridley's Porch, and poolside food options. 121817
The catch
- While many guests highlight supremely comfortable beds for an exceptional sleep, others report disappointing linens and strangely small pillows. 161312
- Some visitors love the prime downtown waterfront setting, while others dislike that the property is not on the beach and requires a shuttle bus ride. 165
Who it's for
- — Downtown waterfront stays with upscale on-site dining
- — Guests who value Club Lounge access and attentive service
- — Families utilizing the kids camp and large pool
Skip it if
- — Travelers demanding direct step-out beach access
- — Guests frustrated by a $60 daily resort fee
Seen on camera
5 moments · 3 videos · The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Each moment is pulled at the second a cited reviewer said the words. Play it here, or open the original video at that timestamp.
“This location gives the rid Sarasota Bay an intimate relationship with the water and also places it at the center of the…”
youtube.com1:27“I really like how wide and practical this building's floor plans are. Their even proportions and large open spaces shoul…”
youtube.com5:42“oh there are one the bathroom don't you think that's really nice Danny this it'll do it'll do here and this is our view”
youtube.com8:31“So, you can see water views all the way out to Longboat, you can see St. Arman, out to the Gulf. I mean, it really is sp…”
youtube.com3:46“But you know what you're going to get here. It's that unobstructed view. It the view is going to be the view here, which…”
youtube.com7:16Frames are citations: each one links to its second in the source video, attributed to the creator who filmed it. Nothing here is supplied by the hotel. Creators who want a moment removed can ask and we take it down.
Ways to book
Direct with the hotelRoomExpert pick
$398est. per night
Marriott Bonvoy member rate · King Guest Room
Keep: Marriott Bonvoy points · elite nights · eligible benefits
Booking.com
$414est. per night
Public rate · King Guest Room
Forfeit: Marriott Bonvoy points · elite nights · eligible benefits
Marriott Bonvoy benefits may not apply.
Award stay: about 45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points a night. Availability not checked.
RoomExpert read
Booking direct costs no more here and keeps Marriott Bonvoy points, elite nights and eligible benefits.
Prices shown are an estimated range, not a live quote — the booking site confirms the real rate for your dates.
RoomExpert rate estimate
$398est. per night
Estimated range: $365–$531
Around our estimate
This sits inside our estimated range for this hotel.
Confidence: medium · modelled estimate, not a live quote. Check the supplier for the real rate on your dates.
Score breakdown
How the 88/100 is built, category by category — each one with the strongest thing travelers actually said, and the source it came from.
Bathroom
93read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “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.” 12
- “The bathrooms had Asprey toiletries (one of my favourites), but they also had shower curtains. I had not seen a shower curtain at a luxury hotel in many many years (until Naples the previous couple of days and now in Sarasota).” 17
Location
89read from 1 source · Deep coverage
Room
88read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “The evening sunset was stunning (as most Florida beach sunsets are!). Our room had two comfortable queen beds, robes and slippers (loved 'em), a dining table, a balcony with another dining table, Asprey toiletries, and a pretty marble-clad bathroom.” 10
- “The balcony overlooking the water is stunning at night.” 14
Service
91read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “Service, as with all RCs, is where it excelled. I told the front desk to call me by my first name as I dislike being called Mr X. Every single staff member during the stay also addressed me by my first name thereafter.” 14
- “All of the staff were delightful, remember our preferences and went out of their way to make us welcome.” 14
Bed & Sleep
90read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “The beds are so comfortable; I had an exceptional sleep!” 13
- “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.” 12
Where it is, how to reach it
1111 Ritz-carlton Drive
Florida
34236 USA
Details checked 2026-08-30
Where it sits
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota and the 1 other hotel we cover in Sarasota. Hover a marker for the hotel; click to open it.
Stay value
How this property reads against the hotels we cover alongside it. Measured on review evidence, not on a nightly rate.
Trails its peers
Falls short of what $$$ usually buys
Scores 4 points below the upscale median of 92, across 396 hotels in the same bracket.
Price bracket
$$$
Upscale
- This hotel
- 88
- Bracket median
- 92
- Index median
- 90
Based on 396 comparable hotels.
Which room to ask for
What reviewers say about where to sleep inside this building — by room number where one is named, and otherwise by floor, wing, aspect and position. Every line opens onto the quotes behind it.
Ask for
- 2 mentions
Avoid
No location within the hotel draws repeated complaints yet.
Where travelers agree — and don’t
The topics reviewers split on most. A wide bar means your experience depends on which room you get — or whose opinion you trust.
Bed & Sleep
81
Room
52
Service
52
Food
28
Value
10
Bathroom
5
Location
5
View the 75 things travelers said behind this verdict▾
Quotes run exactly as travelers wrote them — spelling and all. We trim for length, never for tidiness.
Location4 mentions · 1 filmed
- “This location gives the rid Sarasota Bay an intimate relationship with the water and also places it at the center of the shopping, dining and entertainment of the quay, which will be a core component of Sarasota's downtown life once the four remaining projects and their ground level retail space have completed.” On camera191:27
- “The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota I favor several hotel brands in certain parts of the world. It's The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota for a Florida beach location perfect for family fun and here's why:” 18
- “A prime downtown location on the waterfront enhances this lovely hotel.” 5
- “I like it, too, but generally it gets bad reviews due to proximity to beach. I found it very comfortable and accommodating and location otherwise is great” 2
Room14 mentions
- “The evening sunset was stunning (as most Florida beach sunsets are!). Our room had two comfortable queen beds, robes and slippers (loved 'em), a dining table, a balcony with another dining table, Asprey toiletries, and a pretty marble-clad bathroom.” 10
- “I booked a Deluxe, Guest Room, 1 King, Balcony directly from Marriott.com on a Redemption rate. I used a Free Night Certificate, which I thought was a good value considering that the hotel was starting around $850 plus tax when we stayed.” 6
- “Great layout, fairways are manicured, bunkers awesome, amazing plants all over the course, entry and clubhouse.” 1
- “Decor follows the brand's traditional style: muted and refined colors combined with thoughtful "at home" details, like a built-in marble credenza just inside your door with a lamp to welcome you back each evening or provide light for little ones in the middle of the night.” 7
- “I live in Sarasota and went for staycation. What was my third time staying? The room the carpet in the hallway, the service everything was atrocious.” 2
- “The balcony overlooking the water is stunning at night.” 14
- “The suite was stunning, however the view was more of buildings in the distance with the hotel air conditioning below. It wasn't bad but I would hate to think what a 'Limited' view suite is.” 14
- “(See some photos on Instagram at #WhiteCabanaGoesToTheRitz) a substantial building in the city of Sarasota Our suite was beautiful. Our suite was beautiful. Our room overlooked the pool, outdoor dining area, and the marina.” 10
- “Layout is great for golfers of all skill levels.” 1
- “The waterfront view from my beautiful room on the sixth floor of the Ritz!” 18
- “Our room was the same set-up as our room last year. The bathroom, the bed, the balcony, and the view are my favourite parts of the room. Way to narrow things down, right? The bathroom is so spacious and well-appointed.” 13
- “It held a bench as well as a table and chairs. We had a pretty nice view from the balcony.” 6
- “The suite opens to a spacious living area. with a couch, TV, and chair.” 6
- “The suite was stunning, however the view was more of buildings in the distance with the hotel air conditioning below.” 14
Service24 mentions
- “The pool is large, the lounge chairs are comfortable, the towel service is perfect, and the poolside food options are excellent.” 13
- “But what truly sets the property apart is the commitment to service and a hotel staff exuding warmth and genuine care. Guests are greeted by name and it is not uncommon to get to know your shuttle driver, waterfront host or server at dinner through easy conversation.” 7
- “From valet parking to check-in to restaurant reservations to info about the area - the staff knew how to look after us and answer all of our questions. It was so nice to not have to think about anything!” 10
- “Service, as with all RCs, is where it excelled. I told the front desk to call me by my first name as I dislike being called Mr X. Every single staff member during the stay also addressed me by my first name thereafter.” 14
- “At checkin was immediately offered Champagne which set the tone for the stay. Agent was swift and explained all club benefits.” 14
- “Staff is very friendly and helpful, even at the gate they have the friendliest people!” 1
- “I did notice queues did form at reception. They didn't seem to have enough staff on or only some were "allowed" to check guests in.” 14
- “The bus ride is a chinch and the beach is full service with a nice restaurant (full service meaning you can get service on the beach).” 2
- “One of the other (of the many) things that I really like about about the Ritz Sarasota is the shuttle bus service.” 13
- “It is a much smaller hotel than our previous one (266 rooms) and it felt that way. We thought service at the Ritz Carlton Sarasota was incredibly friendly (and a special hats off to the valet and bell team who were always incredibly funny and helpful).” 17
- “All of the staff were delightful, remember our preferences and went out of their way to make us welcome.” 14
- “By 11am or so, we were done our spa treatments, we were checked into our room (the Ritz was able to accommodate my early check-in request, and I was very thankful), and we were on the shuttle bus to the Beach Club.” 13
- “Service is incredible and the rooms are so luxurious.” 18
- “The kids would disagree. We enjoyed our mornings on the balcony at the Ritz Carlton club lounge overlooking the Sarasota Bay. Furthermore, the staff could not have been nicer or more accommodating.” 16
- “Even though they've come to expect top-notch service, plush rooms and classy ambiance from these properties, travelers still can't stop gushing over the excellent customer service and the close attention to detail.” 5
- “In addition to gorgeous guest rooms and legendary Ritz Carlton service, the Sarasota property has a fab kids camp.” 20
- “Service was great throughout and the Club Lounge offered a nice, elevated experience.” 6
- “I was not pleased when we arrived at 5:30 PM to be told our room was not ready, but service recovery was impressive and we actually only had to wait around 20 minutes.” 6
- “An impressive clubhouse and characteristically gracious service gives way to a golf course built to make the player feel important: heavily secluded holes, broad sweeping features and a general "premium" feel.” 1
- “The shuttle service to the beach club was easy and convenient. There's a shuttle stop in St. Armands Circle for those passengers who would like to explore some unique stores.” 10
- “I live in Sarasota and went for staycation. What was my third time staying? The room the carpet in the hallway, the service everything was atrocious.” 2
- “Lastly, I must mention the AWESOME Ritz Carlton Sarasota beach club. The pool was fantastic, the service was fantastic, and so was the location.” 16
- “Towels are fluffy and the Asprey products are lovely.” 13
- “$155 per player was very steep for this course when there are so many in the area just as nice for much less.” 1
Food20 mentions
- “While Jack Dusty steals the culinary spotlight, don't overlook Ridley's Porch for dinner. The waterfront restaurant serves dishes like a bacon Caesar salad with house-made croutons and pan-seared branzino with a sun-dried tomato pesto in a laid-back, yet elegant setting.” 12
- “Breakfast was particularly noteworthy.” 6
- “The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge - we had Club Access (our room was in that same floor) and we seriously were impressed. The quality and presentation of the food was excellent - and the service really was great.” 17
- “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.” 12
- “The food at the Beach Club was also fresh and of high quality.” 14
- “In our short time in Sarasota, we only managed to have one meal at the hotel - breakfast ordered from room service. Our meal was delicious and very filling!” 10
- “The single bathroom is in the back of the lounge. We returned again in the morning for breakfast. I was impressed with the quantity and quality of the food.” 6
- “The restaurant itself was super quaint and the food was really nice. The caesar salad was one of the best I ever had in the USA and our dessert was also exceptional).” 17
- “The hotel's Jack Dusty restaurant offers a beautiful breakfast but dinner is even more special with a seafood-focused menu that is creative and done right.” 18
- “Dinner around $200 for two, including 2 glasses of wine. We had a meal at the Ritz-Carlton's Jack Rusty restaurant - the seafood was excellent and the setting was lovely.” 17
- “However, many of the rooms do have fabulous marina views. Also, always try to score a club level room when staying at a Ritz. Their "snacks" count as a meal for most people and the extra service makes you feel like a rock star.” 20
- “Jack Dusty is among the first signature restaurants in the Ritz-Carlton portfolio to eschew formalities but still serve elevated fare. Don't miss the cocktails or the desserts.” 12
- “I do not know if the menu will change, but I really liked my grilled cheese and Lauren loved her chicken and waffles.” 17
- “The Beach Club has a pool area and a separate beach area (but sun loungers in the pool area are much better... We used the Club on two separate days and had decent meals there too - the menu was very sandwich and salad focused but again, service was good, and so were the cocktails.” 17
- “The food at the Beach Club was also fresh and of high quality. It was also competiively priced for a hotel of this stature.” 14
- “My poolside lunch consisted of a cheese quesadilla (good) and an ice cream sandwich (amazing).” 13
- “Jack Dusty, the main hotel restaurant, serves up an incredible Sunday buffet brunch, and the younger crowd has plenty to love on the custom kids' menu, filled with classic favorites like mac & cheese and chicken fingers.” 7
- “At the end of the day, recent travelers said a meal at Jack Dusty, the resort's popular seafood restaurant, is a must.” 5
- “The culinary offerings had very limited choices for children except for breakfast. However, the kids loved the candy table! Unfortunately, they can't live on Hershey Kisses and Fire Balls.” 16
- “When it's so hot out, I really don't feel like eating, and I was glad to see a variety of options on the hotel's poolside menu.” 13
Noise1 mention
- “The hallways and elevator lobbies were also nicely decorated and well maintained.” 6
Bathroom4 mentions · 1 filmed
- “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.” 12
- “The toilet had its own space. I hate when it's butted up against the shower.” 6
- “oh there are one the bathroom don't you think that's really nice Danny this it'll do it'll do here and this is our view” On camera158:31
- “The bathrooms had Asprey toiletries (one of my favourites), but they also had shower curtains. I had not seen a shower curtain at a luxury hotel in many many years (until Naples the previous couple of days and now in Sarasota).” 17
Bed & Sleep5 mentions
- “The beds are so comfortable; I had an exceptional sleep!” 13
- “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.” 12
- “We played in 3.5 hours. We saw the beverage cart 1 time early during the first nine and then she was nowhere to be found. Never saw her the rest of the round.” 1
- “I had a king size bed, and the pillows were strangely small. In fact, the maids had to tuck a good portion of the pillow case underneath the pillow to disguise the fact that it did not fit.” 16
- “I expect nice linens and a decent pillow when I stay at a Ritz Carlton, and sadly I did not get either at the Sarasota hotel. I had a king size bed, and the pillows were strangely small.” 16
Value2 mentions
View1 mention · 1 filmed
- “But you know what you're going to get here. It's that unobstructed view. It the view is going to be the view here, which I like.” On camera97:16
What we still don't know
What we can’t tell you yet, said plainly. These close as we read more coverage of this hotel.
- No reviewer has named an individual room number here yet.
- Nothing reliable said about room types.
- Nothing reliable said about floor level.
- Nothing reliable said about building or wing.
- Nothing reliable said about which side it faces.
- Nothing reliable said about position on the floor.
- 12 sources carry no publication date, so we cannot tell how current they are.
Ask about The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota
Answered only from the coverage cited on this page. If nobody has written about your question, it will say so rather than guess.
How much we read
Deep coverage · 19/100We read 0 sources for this property, covering 0 traveler mentions, boiled down to 0 traveler insights worth knowing. Last checked 2026-08-30.
0
Editorial
0
Blogs & sites
0
Video reviews
0
Podcast segments
Breadth
0
Depth
0
Freshness
96
Watch this hotel
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Sources
Everything quoted on this page, grouped by traveler insights, outlets, and video & podcast. Counts beside each group show everything we’ve read of that kind; no one kind can carry the score on its own.
5 of 5 summary lines above are traced to specific quotes. The rest summarise the read as a whole rather than any single document.
View all 20 cited sources▾
Everything quoted on this page.
- 2Anyone have any reviews of ritz Sarasota? : r/LuxuryTravelreddit.comForum thread2025-10-10Recent5 quotes used
“Meh, not a great hotel, but you'll pay top notch.”
Read originalreddit.com - 6Hotel Review: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasotathebulkheadseat.comReview site2024-04-28Ageing12 quotes used
“I booked a Deluxe, Guest Room, 1 King, Balcony directly from Marriott.com on a Redemption rate. I used a Free Night Certificate, which I thought was a good value considering that the hotel was starting around $850 plus t…”
Read originalthebulkheadseat.com - 7Ritz Carlton Sarasota Reviewciaobambino.comReview site2019-05-26Ageing3 quotes used
“But what truly sets the property apart is the commitment to service and a hotel staff exuding warmth and genuine care. Guests are greeted by name and it is not uncommon to get to know your shuttle driver, waterfront host…”
Read originalciaobambino.com - 17A Luxury Weekend in Sarasota - Mrs. O Around the Worldmrsoaroundtheworld.comReview site2018-10-22Ageing8 quotes used
“The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge - we had Club Access (our room was in that same floor) and we seriously were impressed. The quality and presentation of the food was excellent - and the service really was great.”
Read originalmrsoaroundtheworld.com - 13Travel: Ritz Carlton Sarasota Reviewwhitecabana.comReview site2017-09-04Ageing10 quotes used
“The pool is large, the lounge chairs are comfortable, the towel service is perfect, and the poolside food options are excellent.”
Read originalwhitecabana.com - 10Travel: Review of the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, Floridawhitecabana.comReview site2016-08-29Ageing6 quotes used
“The evening sunset was stunning (as most Florida beach sunsets are!). Our room had two comfortable queen beds, robes and slippers (loved 'em), a dining table, a balcony with another dining table, Asprey toiletries, and a…”
Read originalwhitecabana.com
Showing 6 of 20 cited · 0 read
1/4
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