The neighboring condos had their maintenance man with his VERY LOUD leaf blower/edger/mower there at 7:15am on 2 days, and with the back-up beepers on the construction equipment, there was no sleeping past 7am any day except Sunday (construction should be over by mid-summer 2005).

The pool could be bigger (we didn't use it, as there were too many kids). There are nice chaise lounges in the grassy area right outside the lower-floor units. We were right next to the laundry area, which was great but could get to be expensive. The resort would provide irons and table-top ironing boards upon request. You can exchange your towels daily, and if you need housekeeping, just let them know. We had no maintenance or housekeeping problems during our stay. The kitchen was well equipped and the appliances all worked well.

Sarasota is nice but very congested. St. Armand's Circle is a great shopping area, though pricey (we hit some fabulous end-of-season sales). If you are into ice cream or candy, be SURE to stop at KILWIN'S in St. Armand's - the BEST ice cream I've ever had in my life, bar none! Mote Aquarium is great for adults and kids interested in learning about marine life, and Selby Gardens is a fabulous way to spend several hours. We drove to visit family (45 minutes south on Route 41) every day, which got to be a grind, but it is certainly no reflection on the resort. If you want to drive an hour or so, Venice is a wonderful town to see and do some shopping (not as costly as St. Armand's). We went over to Siesta Key to see the world-famous "sugar sand" - the beach was unbelievable but extremely crowded (even during off-season and during the week). Some of the multi-million-dollar homes in the area are worth driving around to see. It's not touted as a great shelling area, but my husband found three huge conch shells in 1 day about 30 feet from shore! I would go back there again - as long as you get good weather, it is a very enjoyable place to spend a vacation, providing you don't mind a lot of traffic when driving anywhere off Lido Key.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Not Available
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Good
• Family Friendliness: Good
• Service: Very Good

BEACH I was expecting white powder sand. Lido Beach was hit by a hurricane and eroded. They trucked in sand that was more gravelly and coarse than the white sand I'd expected. However, the gulf water was beautiful, with very little waves and fun shelling. There was practically no one on the beach, so we had a grand time all day in the water (reminded me of the Caribbean).

RESORT While I expected hotel conversion units, I hate going to a place that nickels and dimes me to death. They charge for paper towels at the front desk ($1.50), salt and pepper, pail and shovel, beach chair rental ($5/day each), VCP ($4/day rental), etc. These little extras could have been provided. It was convenient that they offered them for sale, but paper towels? In addition, the unit had one small TV in the living room and none in the bedroom (they handed me a remote control at check-in). The bedroom had one king bed and then there were four day beds, two in each room, that were not comfortable, though provided plenty of sleeping places. No midweek cleaning, though they had a towel exchange daily where they counted each and every piece of cloth. The pool was quite small and crowded each day, all day. The front desk was friendly and efficient. I could not see the beach from my unit (many are not gulf view).

RESTAURANTS I recommend Columbia's at St. Armands Circle (try their famous 1905 salad) and Captain Jack's on the water. Dino's has delicious pizza and delivers to the resort. Also, Seagrapes next door has a very good lunch.

SIGHTS Not a lot to do but sun and surf. Nightlife is nonexistent. The Mote Aquarium is a nice place for kids. Also, the Ringling Museum is a nice day out. Tampa isn't too far if you want an amusement park experience.

I plan to try another resort in the area next time. Lido Beach is in a great location, midway between Siesta Key and Longboat Key and so close to St. Armand's.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Good
• Amenities: Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Good
• Family Friendliness: Very Good
• Service: Very Good

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Very Good
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent