Stayed for a business trip and was provided an executive size room on the top floor which was good size with nice ammenities and view except, the AC did not work. Called the front desk and was told I could come down to get another room key. Mind you I have 3 bags to carry down to the front desk. When I asked if a new key for the room they were moving me to could be delivered she acted put out. I was moved to probably one of their smallest rooms next to the exit on a lower floor (meanwhile maintenance returns to the room to tell me there is availability next door). The bellman that delivered the key did not speak english and left before I could ask for assistance to move my bags to the second floor. Didn't want to push this since I was only staying one night and finally had AC at 9PM. By the time this was all taken care of I missed the cutoff for ordering from room service. I will give credit to room service because they made accomodations to make me a salad in a pinch and were very friendly. I am also planning to call corporate office to make them aware of performance at this location. Beautiful setting but hotel personnel need to improve customer service and performance.

I originally chose this hotel because I had been to Sarasota before and envied the location of the hotel. After staying here I would go back again and again because of the location, friendliness of the staff and ease of hotel. I stayed in an oceanview room whose balcony opened to the Gulf of Mexico. The ocean breeze convinced me to turn off the AC and just keep the sliding glass doors open my entire stay. I also enjoyed grabbing a cup of coffee and watching the sunset from my patio chair. The staff was super friendly and gave me great recommendations to local restaurants and shopping (try the Blue Dolphin in St Armand's). Charming St Armand's Circle a short walk away was a bonus! The 7th floor restaurant had an amazing early bird dinner special that allowed for a full meal and a spectacular sunset. The beds were super comfy and the showers decent. Large parking lot behind hotel with free parking was great to keep my beach chair in my car then pull it out for some serious lounging.

Bed was quite comfortable with down comforter. Although my room was next to the elevator the noise of the elevator was not perceived in the room. All rooms have balconies with sliding doors that open, great to enjoy a breezes when the weather is nice. Great location literally across the street from Lido Beach and a couple blocks from St. Armand's circle with great shopping, restaurants, etc. Free internet was slow and kind of a hassle to log onto but it did eventually work. Nothing fancy, but comfortable in all respects in a great location and I got a great price as a Travel agency package. I was a bit cautious because some reviews mentioned staff rudeness but the front desk was friendliness personified. The maids were a bit standoffish, yes it's a Holiday Inn, but much nicer than I would expect.

We checked in and barley understood the clerk, The food was horrible and the service was wrse and nobody would do anything about it. The beach stank of fish and there was seaweed all over the place

The photo of the hotel is misleading, the hotel isn't on the beach is across from it, but still convenient access, the hotel provides beach chairs but they have a very limited supply, the staff is great, front desk, housekeeping, the restaurant and bar people are great, the restaurant on the top floor has a great view, breakfast is very good but dinner isn't, the prices are ok but the quality of the food was terrible, even dessert was bad.I definitely will come back, just have dinner out. The staff shure makes up for any shortcomings.