12 Hotel Pools to Stay Cool in Sarasota

Whether you're a vacationer, weekender or local, you have so many terrific choices in our beautiful area to take a dip and enjoy a scenic poolside escape. From glistening pools that are just steps away from Gulf beaches and bays to family-friendly pools that have kid-friendly swim activities, you've got no shortage of ways to stay cool and relaxed this summer—or, really any time with year-round Florida sunshine!

In no particular order, here are 12 highlights from hotel and resort poolscapes in and around Sarasota. 

Downtown Sarasota Hotels

1. Art Ovation Hotel

Art Ovation Hotel showcases the arts with exhibitions and artistic and musical touches throughout the property. It makes sense that its rooftop pool would be just as artistic and inspiring. You can enjoy cabanas, a full-service rooftop bar and stunning views of Downtown Sarasota and Sarasota Bay while you sip on a refreshing drink or take a dip.

Local Tip: Day trippers and locals can book daytime access to the rooftop pool and rent cabanas through ResortPass. locals enjoying the rooftop pool area at night. In the evenings, Perspective Rooftop Bar transforms into a nightlife venue, where "all the locals come to enjoy," as well as hotel guests.

1255 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota

2. The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota

If you want to lounge by a Sarasota pool in style, then head over to the 5-star Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, where you'll relish the luxury associated with the Ritz resort brand, along with its lavish Bayview Pool neighboring its restaurants Jack Dusty and Rufa, with spectacular views of Sarasota Bay – as its name implies!

Local Tip: The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota's spa and pool are also available on ResortPass for daycation bliss. 

1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota

3. The Sarasota Modern

You'll find yourself in an urban oasis at The Sarasota Modern's pool area. This boutique hotel in the Rosemary District of downtown Sarasota has an open-air pool area neighboring its Wink Wink Food & Drink restaurant and Wink Wink Pool Bar. There's the main pool, a hot tub, and a cold-plunge pool, so if you've been wanting to try the cold-plunge trend, now's your chance. Not ready yet? Then spend your time relaxing on a floatie in the main pool and looking up at hovering palm trees.

Local Tip: Access to Sarasota Modern's mid-century modern paradise, daybeds and food/drink service are available on ResortPass. 

1290 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota

4. The Westin Sarasota

Want a bird's eye view of downtown and our surrounding waters while drinking your fave cocktail and relaxing by the pool? That's just what you'll get at The Westin Sarasota's pool, located on the 19th floor of the property. Spend the day enjoying some R&R atop one of Sarasota's tallest buildings. The Roof Bar and Eats is adjacent to the pool, so you can make your way over there when you want a different type of lounge time.

Local Tip: The Westin Sarasota's spa services and rooftop pool are available on ResortPass for a full day of self-care. 

100 Marina View Drive, Sarasota

Surrounding Area & Barrier Islands

5. The St Regis Longboat Key Resort

Enjoy your poolside time in top-tier luxury at The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, where there's a Winding River (lazy river) experience along with Under the Sea Lagoon, a family-friendly zero-depth entry pool and a large jacuzzi. Or, if you prefer, there's the Vilebrequin Pool & Cabana Club, an adults-only pool with a cascading waterfall. Top it all off with Longboat Key Beach views and plenty of poolside activities for the kids. 

1601 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key

6. Lido Beach Resort

Located right on popular Lido Key Beach, the Lido Beach Resort offers two beautiful swimming pools, one that's adults-only and a second one that is family-friendly. Take in the beach view while just steps away from your room, work on your tan on one of the many loungers or hang out at its adjacent Tiki Bar for an afternoon mojito.

700 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota

7. Sun Outdoors

The young and the young at heart traveling with you will not want to leave the pool area at Sun Outdoors. This large RV resort includes not only an outdoor heated pool but also its mega waterslide, hot tub and splash pad. You'll wear yourself out from the water slide, so grab a bite to eat afterwards at the Poolside Bar & Grill.

Local Tip: Snag a day pass to enjoy the park's many family-fun amenities by booking through ResortPass. 

7125 Fruitville Road, Sarasota

8. The Ritz-Carlton Beach Club

Located just three miles from the main downtown hotel, The Ritz-Carlton's Beach Club resort resides on the beautiful white sand beaches of Lido Key, offering guests a private Gulf Coast beach escape and an elegant zero-entry pool adjacent to its popular Tiki Bar – famous for its mud slides! 

1300 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota

9. Casey Key Resorts 

At Casey Key Resorts, lounge the day away by the resort pool, relax in a cabana or grab a drink at the poolside Tiki bar and fully enjoy every moment of your well-deserved vacation. If you're hungry, the Mainland location also features Chef Rolf’s New Florida Kitchen for an al-fresco snack or meal. 

Local Tip: Casey Key Resorts Mainland is on ResortPass for locals to enjoy its tropical poolscape and tiki bar.  

1660 S Tamiami Trail, Osprey

10. Zota Beach Resort

No matter the season, you'll find a sophisticated experience at the Zota Beach Resort pool on Longboat Key. Its infinity-edge pool features terrific Gulf views, firepits, elevated eats and handcrafted drinks at Cascades Pool Bar, plus poolside bungalows with TVs and coolers for extra convenience.

4711 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key

11. Escape Casey Key Resort & Marina

Escape Casey Key will make you feel like the king or queen of your castle but also offer touches of home. You've got direct beach access, a marina and, of course, a beautiful pool shaded by towering palms. Pick a lounge chair or a nearby hammock, and enjoy some tranquil moments poolside.

212 Casey Key Road, Nokomis

12. Sunseeker Resort

Sunseeker Resort gives you plenty to do, whether it's choosing an option from its Harbor Yards Food Hall, breathing in the water views of Charlotte Harbor or just lounging by its scenic pool. Plus, you've got two pool choices during your stay: the expansive main pool and then its Level Blue Rooftop, with stunning rooftop sights.

5500 Sunseeker Way, Charlotte Harbor