Best Sarasota Hotels for Art Aficionados

Life truly imitates art when you stay in Sarasota, Florida—the coastal destination affectionately dubbed Florida's Cultural Coast® for a reason. Dozens of professional companies, historic theaters and luxurious galleries make up a staggering lineup of artistic attractions few beach destinations can match. But if you really want the full artistic experience during a visit, book a room at one of these local hotels and rentals that are committed to Sarasota's proud artistic history.

Art Ovation Hotel

Art Ovation Hotel is an 162-room Autograph Collection Hotel located right at the cross section of downtown Sarasota's "Cultural District" of performing arts and luxurious art galleries. While some of the crown jewels of the arts attractions on Florida's Cultural Coast® are a short walk from Art Ovation's lobby, this hotel can be considered a museum in its own right with carefully curated art pieces on display around the property, hallways and rooms! Gallery exhibitions and original collections rotate quarterly inside the hotel along with performances, artisan classis and other demonstrations designed to enhance guests' creative inspiration during their stay. Art Ovation is the most comfortable gateway into a visit filled with trips to the Sarasota Opera, Florida Studio Theatre, the Towles Court, Sarasota Ballet, Sarasota Orchestra, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, and more!

The Sarasota Modern

The Sarasota Modern is a Tribute Portfolio Hotel situated in downtown Sarasota’s Rosemary District. Sarasota Modern is a lifestyle boutique hotel that celebrates the famous mid-century Sarasota Modern School of Architecture movement. The 89-room boutique hotel is designed in the Sarasota Modernist tradition, with crisp architectural lines, lush tropical atmosphere, and design elements that prioritize natural sunlight. The hotel features a 150-seat, locally-sourced restaurant named after Sarasota Modern architect, Paul Rudolph, as well as art based on the work of influential Sarasota artist, Syd Solomon. The fusion of captivating architecture with minimalist design and artistic flair creates an inviting space for modern thinkers.

Escape Resort & Marina

In 2019, the owners or Escape Resort & Marina on Casey Key brought in artist Hiero Veiga to spice up the outside of their quaint, luxurious villas. His work has since transformed the multi-bedroom beachfront units units into head-turning murals ranging from brightly colored animals to a hyper-realistic portrait of the property's maintenance man and dog. Park a boat in the property's 15-slip marina and spend some time lounging between a villa and the oft-overlooked Casey Key beaches like Nokomis and North Jetty to recharge those creative juices!

Bonus: The John Ringling House on Lido Key

OK, this one isn't a hotel per se, but anyone who appreciates art, history and culture will appreciate the chance to stay in a home on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in the famous Ringling Estates development on Lido Key near St. Armands Circle, the 1925 Mediterranean Revival estate is the former home of famous circus magnate John Ringling's sister-in-law. Ringling is of course known for living in the Ca' d'Zan Mansion on what is now The Ringling Museum, but this cultural gem on Lido retains plenty of similar historic splendor from a time when the circus family ruled Sarasota.