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 good reason. Dozens of arts organizations, historic theaters and contemporary galleries make up a staggering lineup of artistic attractions few beach destinations can match. That being said, if you really want the full Sarasota experience during your visit, check in to one of these hotels committed to the city's creator culture and art-centric history.

Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection

Art Ovation Hotel is a 162-room Autograph Collection Hotel located right at the cross-section of Downtown Sarasota's "Cultural District" which consists of many performing arts venues and high-end art galleries. While some of the crown jewels of the arts attractions on  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 foyer along with performances, artisan classes and other demonstrations held within the lobby—designed to enhance guests' creative inspiration during their stay. 

But beyond the decor and events, Art Ovation also happens to be the most convenient gateway to Sarasota's many downtown art galleries and performing arts venues—including the Sarasota Opera House, Florida Studio Theatre, Towles Court, Sarasota Orchestra, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Urbanite Theatre and more!

The Sarasota Modern, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

The Sarasota Modern is a Tribute Portfolio Hotel situated in 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 whimsy and playful restaurant, Wink Wink Food & Drink. The fusion of captivating architecture and artistic interior spaces creates an inviting place for modern thinkers and vacationers alike

voco Sarasota, an IHG Hotel

Apltly located on Boulevard of the Arts, this newly branded boutique hotel sits directly across from the iconic Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and Art Center Sarasota. This means you can snag tickets for a Broadway show or concert or explore the exhibits within the neighboring gallery and be a short walking distance from your suite. voco Sarasota's stylish lobby, guest rooms and on-site restaurant, Offshore Bistro & Bar, all evoke a coastal-chic ambiance with a modern, artful twist—featuring tropical murals, abstract artwork, funky light fixtures, colorful rugs and contemporary decor.  Anyone with a design sense or just an appreciation for curated spaces will be pleased with their stay here. 

Escape Resort & Marina

In 2019, the owners of 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 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 south Sarasota County beaches, like Nokomis and North Jetty Beach, 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 1924 Mediterranean Revival estate is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece and the former home of famous circus magnate John Ringling. Ringling is of course known for living in the Ca' d'Zan Mansion on what is now The Ringling, but this gated cultural gem on Lido retains plenty of similar historic splendor from a time when the circus family ruled Sarasota.