Beachside Stays at Boutique Hotels, Inns & Cottages on Sarasota's Keys

The call of a four-star resort is a strong one, but sometimes you can get lost in the shuffle of the busyness of it all and have trouble finding quiet time to reconnect and refresh.

These smaller hotels and historic local inns offer a more intimate way to stay in Sarasota. Compared to big-name hotel brands in more dense areas, these spots have kept their quaint, Old Florida vibe intact, and are all within walking distance from our main attraction: the beach!

Here’s a guide to a few favorites where you can rest your weary bones as you slip away into a peaceful beach vacation.

Inns and Villas on Siesta Key

Siesta Key has done an excellent job of maintaining its island charm. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a corporate hotel among the smaller Old Florida-style resorts, coastal condos, cottages and villas. If you’re looking for a place to land that’s near the beach but also provides a taste of island nightlife, select a spot close to Siesta Key Village. 

Here are a few stays within a quick walk of the Village and the main stretch of Siesta Beach:

• Siesta Key Beachside Villas
• The Inn of Siesta Key
• Siesta Key Beach Resort & Suites
• Banyan Tree Beach Resort
• Tropical Breeze Resort
   

If your trip is 100 percent beach-focused on sand and solitude, you may opt for a quieter destination at the south end of Siesta Key, near Turtle Beach and Crescent Beach. The bars and restaurants are more spread out, but there are miles of expansive white-sand beaches for you and your family to spread out and soak up the sun. 

Peruse the list below for quaint south Siesta Key spots:

• Siesta Key Bungalows
• Captiva Beach Resort
• Tropical Beach Resorts
• Azul Resort Siesta Key
• Sea Club V Beach Resort
• Island House Beach Resort
• Hibiscus Suites Inn

Boutique Hotels on Longboat Key and Lido Key

Sarasota County’s northernmost barrier islands are Longboat and Lido Keys. Connected by the New Pass Bridge, it’s easy to scoot from one island to the other while on your beach vacation. Lido Key is home to the famous St. Armands Circle, an open-air shopping and restaurant district frequented by locals and visitors. 

If you want to be close to lots of amenities and offerings, we recommend selecting an overnight destination in close walking distance to Lido Beach and St. Armands Circle:

• Suntide Island Beach Club
• Casa Limonada Boutique Hotel
• Limetree Beach Resort
• Sarasota Sands Resort

Longboat Key is known for its exclusive neighborhoods and beautiful architecture. With miles of private beaches, it’s the ideal spot to relax and slow down. Any one of our listed lodging options are located either directly on the beach or right across the street with beach easement access. You truly cannot go wrong.

• Beach Castle Resort
• The Diplomat
• White Sands Longboat
• Wicker Inn Beach Resort
• Silver Sands Gulf Beach Resort
• Four Winds Beach Resort

Motels & Marina Stays in Casey Key and Nokomis

Casey Key is a predominantly residential island with sprawling waterfront properties that will make your jaw drop. In contrast with the palatial homes, a handful of mid-century beachside motels are just a stone's throw from the Gulf. 

In addition to the small stretch of beach here, which is mostly privately owned, visitors can take a short drive to the public Nokomis Beach for access points and amenities. Nokomis is a connecting coastal community celebrated for its laid-back vibe, uncrowded beaches, surfing and boating culture.

If you’re looking for a truly private stay on Sarasota’s most exclusive island of Casey Key or in laid-back Nokomis, check out the below:

• Casey Key Resorts - Beachfront
• Escape Coastal Resort & Marina (on the marina side, not the beach)
• A Beach Retreat on Casey Key
• The Beachcomber
• Gulf Sands Beach Motel

Walkable Stays in Venice

On the island of Venice, visitors will find a slower pace compared to the liveliness of Siesta and Lido Keys. Known for its Mediterranean-inspired city layout, Venice is a great spot for all ages. Walkability is high if you're looking for a place to stay near Historic Downtown Venice's art galleries, shops and restaurants, as well as Venice Beach and the Venice Fishing Pier.

Outside of renting a condo or local bungalow, there are only a few places to book a room and stay on Venice, but are well worth the trip:

• Venice Beach Villas
• Inn at the Beach

Vacation Cottages in Englewood and Manasota Key

For an even quieter coastal escape, head to Manasota Key and Englewood, where Old Florida charm takes center stage. From boutique beachfront resorts and laid-back island inns to vacation cottages steps from the Gulf, accommodations here offer a more relaxed alternative to Florida's larger beach destinations. Spend days shelling uncrowded shores, kayaking Lemon Bay or catching live music at waterfront restaurants.

While most places to stay on Manasota Beach and Englewood Beach will be vacation rentals and condos, there are a few Gulf-side accommodations to book a stay at:

• The Pearl Beach Inn
• Manasota Beach Cottages
• Sea Oats Beach Club
• Manasota Beach Club