Siesta Key Beachside Villas (Photo: Lauren Jackson)
Coquina on the Beach on Longboat Key (Photo: Lauren Jackson)

Quaint Beachside Hotels, Motels and Cottages in Sarasota County

If mom-and-pop beach bungalows are more your style, settle in to the quieter side of Sarasota County and embrace our beaches at these coastal lodgings

The call of a four star resort is a strong one, but sometimes you can get lost in the shuffle. With big crowds and busy amenities you may find it hard to find some quiet time to reconnect and refresh.

These smaller hotels and motels offer a more intimate and sometimes affordable stay in our beautiful destination and are all within walking distance from our main attraction: the beach!

Here’s a neighborhood guide of all of some favorite spots to rest your bones as you slip away into your peaceful beach vacation.

Siesta Key


Bikes at Siesta Key Beachside Villas (Photo: Lauren Jackson)
Bikes at Siesta Key Beachside Villas (Photo: Lauren Jackson)

The island of Siesta Key has done an excellent job of maintaining its Old Florida charm. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a big corporate hotel among the loads of smaller spots. If you’re looking for a place to land that’s near the beach but also has a fun island nightlife, you’ll want to select a spot close to the Siesta Key Village. Here’s a few with a quick walk to the Village:

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, you may decide to opt for a destination at the south end of Siesta Key. 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 wide and soak up the sun. Visit the list below for some south Siesta Key spots:

Siesta Key Bungalows

Captiva Beach Resort

Tropical Beach Resorts

The Cottages at Siesta Key

Sea Club V Beach Resort

Island House Beach Resort

Longboat and Lido Key


The view from the Rolling Wave Beach Cottages on Longboat Key (Photo: Lauren Jackson)
The view from the Rolling Wave Beach Cottages on Longboat Key (Photo: Lauren Jackson)

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 Beach is home to the famous St. Armand’s Circle, a shopping and restaurant district frequented by locals and travelers alike. If you’re hoping to be close to lots of amenities, we recommend selecting a Lido Beach destination listed below:

Coquina on the Beach

Gulf Beach Resort

Longboat Key is known for its quiet 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

Rolling Waves Beach Cottages

White Sands Longboat

Silver Sands Gulf Beach Resort

Four Winds Beach Resort

Casey Key


On the Beach Casey Key (Photo: Lauren Jackson)
On the Beach Casey Key (Photo: Lauren Jackson)

Moving down to south Sarasota County is Casey Key, a predominantly residential island with sprawling properties that will make your jaw drop. In contrast with the palatial homes are a handful of mid-century beachside motels, just a stones throw from the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re looking for a truly private stay on Sarasota’s most exclusive island, look no further than our list below.

On the Beach Casey Key

Gulf Surf Resort

A Beach Retreat on Casey Key

Venice


Inn at the Beach in Venice (Photo: Lauren Jackson)
Inn at the Beach in Venice (Photo: Lauren Jackson)

Rounding out our guide is the island of Venice in south Sarasota County. Known for its Mediterranean-inspired city layout, Venice is a great spot for all ages. Our favorite places to stay are both walking distance to downtown shops and restaurants as well as the shark tooth laden Venice Beach.

Venice Beach Villas

Inn at the Beach