Older Charming Elegance with Top-Notch Service — A Memorable Stay! If you are looking for a waterfront stay that isn’t outrageously extravagant, then the Ramada Inn in Sarasota is the place for you. If you’re looking for a hotel that blends historic charm with good comfort, this gem delivers on every level. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re greeted not just by the timeless architecture and rich character of an older, well-maintained property, but by a staff that truly understands hospitality. Everyone we met from Bruce and Miriam with their smiling faces each morning at the breakfast bar to the front desk to housekeeping—goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome and well cared for. The on-site restaurant is standout. With a menu that balances classic seafood favorites and creative seasonal dishes, every meal was a delight. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the food was consistently fresh and flavorful, served with attention to detail and a smile. The bar deserves its own applause—warm, inviting, and well-stocked with top-shelf selections. Whether you're enjoying a nightcap or relaxing with friends, the atmosphere is perfect: lively without being loud, classy without being pretentious. As for amenities, this hotel doesn’t disappoint. The fitness center was clean and well-equipped, providing a professional atmosphere. The saltwater pool and jacuzzi were particularly noteworthy, offering a relaxing experience. There are cozy common areas throughout the hotel and outside small tiki huts where you can read, work, or just soak in the ambiance of the Marina. In short, this is the kind of place that makes you want to return. Not just because of the comfort and amenities, but because of how it makes you feel—valued, relaxed, and genuinely at home. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates quality, character, and...
Read moreI based my decision to stay here largely on the beautiful photos depicting the location on the waterfront. It seemed to offer everything we needed for an enjoyable week; however I would not recommend this place to anyone for more than an overnight stay. The staff here, particularly Jessica at the front desk was extremely helpful and did an exceptional job. Bruce, who greeted us most mornings at the breakfast room was over zealous in asking everyone to write a favorable review for him, and in my view, at times "overly friendly" toward female guests. The breakfast itself was plentiful but awful except for the pancake and waffle machines. The bacon and sausage links were inedible. The room was less than accommodating despite everything having been recently replaced due to hurricane damage. Whoever chose the furnishings did not have travelers in mind. There was absolutely no place to unpack anything and no place to put our luggage except on the floor; no place to even hang a wet towel. The door to our room did not fit right making it hard to close; the door to the microwave did not fit right; the in room coffee maker did not work; and there was absolutely no "noise barrier" from the hallway. Walking the hallway to exit the building was often interesting given the clearly audible conversations and noises coming from some of the rooms! I have to say the pool was lovely, warm and clean, but the towels were barely the size of a hand towel and I would use 5 at a time just to get dried off! Needless to say, I will not be returning here. I thought I got a great deal when I booked my stay here, but turns out you really do get what...
Read moreBy definition, this is a motel, not a hotel! You park your car right in front of the door to your room. Yes, it has a pretty view of a nice boat docking area On one side, but the other side is immediately facing a very busy, noisy Yeah road. This motel is old and outdated. There used to be a tub in our room and it was removed to put in a walk-in shower. The valve for the shower control is down at your knee. The room was damp and lighted by the most gaudy blue LED lights. It felt more like a cave than a hotel room. We stayed there for two nights because there were no other options to switch to once we saw how bad the accommodation was. I’m writing this review from our next hotel where we have spread out all of our clothing that was in our suitcase so that it can dry out. The guy at the breakfast buffet, I think his name was Bruce, was very friendly and it was nice to see him, switching between Spanish and English with the guests. The restaurant behind the motel, which is not owned by Ramada, was basically a bar that also served food. We paid $29 for a grouper sandwich, which was outrageous And you were right under the approach for the Sarasota airport. There is a woman at one of the tables who is waving to the passengers on the planes as they flew over. If There was some magical way for you to be transported into one of the rooms prior to booking. There would be no one that would make the reservation. Oh yes, I forgot to mention that there was a leak coming from under the toilet between the floor and the tile every time you flushed the toilet. I will end on a high note, all of the staff seemed very friendly and...
Read more