Group Getaways: Downtown Hotels for Your Next Big Bash

Sarasota is a top destination for group travel, with its vibrant cultural scene, picturesque skyline, bay-front parks and warm hospitality. Whether you're planning a wedding, meeting, corporate retreat for team building or just a gatherin with friends, you'll need a hotel that can accommodate your entire crew. 

Here are just a few group-friendly hotels in or near downtown Sarasota that will make your next big event go off without a hitch!

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Your guests will be treated like royalty with The Ritz-Carlton's top-notch service and amenities. Offering an impressive 60,000 square feet of versatile event space, both indoors and out, this luxurious destination is ideal for hosting events from product launches to weddings. The 12,000-square-foot grand ballroom and the picturesque lawn offer romantic backdrops for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Other venues include outdoor waterfront spaces, beautifully manicured fairways and a spacious 26,000-square-foot indoor conference center. With 14 distinct event rooms and eight breakout rooms, couples and planners can choose the perfect space to fit their vision. Meanwhile, the hotel's top-tier event planning team ensures that every detail is taken care of.

The Westin Sarasota

Located at the gateway of the John Ringling Bridge and downtown Sarasota, head to the coastal-chic Westin, where 255 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites await. The hotel offers more than 21,000 square feet of market-leading meeting facilitie, including seven event rooms, 12 breakout rooms and the capacity to accommodate 520 guests. Impress clients with floor-to-ceiling views of Sarasota in the Coral Bay meeting room, or host a networking happy hour at The Roof Top Bar & Eats, which features panoramic views of Sarasota Bay. Planning a destination wedding? Host a chic banquet-style reception in the Triton Ballroom. An expert catering team can create a custom menu for your bespoke event, while the hotel can provide exclusive rates on a room block. 

Embassy Suites Sarasota

Directly across the street, find a classic Hilton hotel that blends business with leisure like no other. Just steps from downtown's theaters, restaurants, bars and shops, this all-suite hotel features 180 spacious guest rooms. With 3,646 square feet of versatile event space with waterfront views and meeting rooms — including the Ringling Ballroom, Pool Terrace, Bayview, Snooty Boardroom and more — host your corporate event or incentive trip of up to 200 people. Embassy Suite's experienced event staff can help with everything from menu planning and seating arrangements to A/V equipment and special room block rates.

voco Sarasota

Experience the vibrant energy of downtown Sarasota at voco Sarasota, an IGH hotel. Located on the fringes of the growing Rosemary District across from The Bay Park, voco is an ideal spot for off-hour team building, networking or outdoor activities. While this stylish hotel is on the smaller side — with 95 guest rooms and event space accommodating up to 50 people — it's a great venue for boutique events and intimate meetings. The hotel's three fully-equipped, versatile rooms total 1,166 square feet and feature natural lighting, catering services and expert planning resources. This hotel also happens to offer a free shuttle and is the closest hotel to Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport. 

EVEN Hotel Sarasota-Lakewood Ranch

Located outside of downtown Sarasota, this IGH hotel is still only 7 miles from the airport and offers 128 wellness-focused guest rooms. For a venue further from the city bustle, opt for EVEN's flexible meeting spaces, designed to accommodate various private events and functions. With 2,566 square feet of meeting space — including the Osprey, Manatee and Heron rooms — the hotel provides a convenient, productive setting for corporate events, training sessions and social gatherings. The hotel's event spaces are equipped with modern amenities and technology, including Wi-Fi, office supplies, updated A/V equipment, dry-cleaning pickup and custom on-site catering service to ensure a seamless and successful event. 

What to Expect From Our Group-Friendly Hotels:

• Spacious meeting rooms and event spaces
• Professional event planning and coordination services
• Comfortable accommodations for your entire group
• Delicious catering options to satisfy your guests' tastes
• On-site amenities like pools, fitness centers, transportation services and restaurants
• Convenient locations near downtown Sarasota, beaches and attractions

Book Your Next Group Trip to Sarasota:

Whether you're planning a wedding reception, corporate retreat or just a fun weekend with friends, Sarasota has group transportation services and fantastic hotel options for your party size and needs. Browse even more of our group-friendly meeting hotels and start planning your next big bash today!

Need help planning and booking everything for your group? Please contact Shantel Norman, Group Sales Manager for more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What size event spaces do downtown Sarasota hotels typically offer?

Downtown Sarasota hotels offer event spaces ranging from intimate boutique settings, like voco Sarasota's rooms accommodating up to 50 guests, to large-scale venues like The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota, which offers tens of thousands of square feet of indoor and outdoor event space for weddings and large gatherings.

Which downtown Sarasota hotel is best for a large wedding?

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is well suited to large weddings, with a grand ballroom, a scenic lawn at its Beach Club, and an experienced event-planning team to help coordinate every detail.

Are there boutique hotel options in downtown Sarasota for smaller group events?

Yes — voco Sarasota is a smaller-scale, boutique option in the Rosemary District, ideal for intimate meetings, retreats or celebrations that don't need a large ballroom.

Do downtown Sarasota hotels offer group rates or room blocks?

Most group-friendly hotels in the area, including The Westin Sarasota and Embassy Suites Sarasota, offer room block rates and dedicated event-planning support for weddings, corporate retreats and reunions.

How do I start planning a group event or room block in Sarasota?

Reach out to Visit Sarasota County's group sales team, or contact your preferred hotel's event-services team directly, to compare event space, room block pricing and availability for your date range.