New York City—a fun weekend that includes the new Whitney and a stay at the Sofitel New York
Travel Feature...Zota Resort on Longboat Key
Longboat Key used to have more hotels. But the Holiday Inn left, as did the Hilton. So the time was right for a new hotel and they got one: The Zota Beach Resort that opened in June of 2017. It stands partially on what was once the Hilton, but forget any notion of what the Hilton was like. Zota is a resort, not just a room at the beach. Veteran resort-goers go for a reason: escapism. And that also happens at Zota. The beach at your doorstep is a strong lure, but so is lolling about by the pool, having an umbrella drink, bubbling about in a hot tub, dining al fresco and gazing at the beach from your balcony.
Stay at Zota and you can add things like your own private cabana for the day at $159 (check their website-rates can change). It’s so decadent that you get poolside private space that includes a fridge, sofas and a TV. Oh and you can also have meals, drinks and snacks delivered if you wish. Perhaps you’re thinking this was The Hilton on LBK. It was, but only half of it. When Zota opened in 2017, they completely refurbished The Hilton and then added another building right across the pool for a squared off horseshoe shape. I was told that some
former guests of the Hilton even request the rooms they used to have when it was under the Hilton name.
The décor colors throughout the common areas and the rooms are soothing tropical. Rooms are new and have comfy beds, spacious baths and plenty of room. BTW if you get a room overlooking the pool and it’s up high enough you can see the Gulf and the Bay from your balcony. Choose from the traditional king- or queen-sized rooms, but also consider their suites for lots of room and the chance to feel like your living on the water.
They have a heated zero-entry (you stroll right in), climate controlled pool and hot tub. If you really must work out on your vacay, you’ll be delighted to find they have treadmills and weights that come with a gorgeous view of the gulf and beach. It’ll make that workout go a lot faster. Zota’s $39 resort fee includes beach chairs, Wi-Fi, in-room bottled water, valet parking, daily newspaper, fitness center and more.
The Palm Beach Marriott offers residence suites with one or two bedrooms, a private balcony with a view, a fully-stocked kitchen, separate living and dining spaces, and a host of upscale amenities.
.Lido Beach Resort—The hotel will keep you entertained with its beach, restaurant, pools and chill factor
Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa
How the other coast (of Florida) vacations
Philly is Looking Good Especially seen from way up high..plus a stay at Lowe's Hotel
The Gasparilla Inn & Club on Boca Grande
The Grand Dame stays contemporary without losing its old style charm
Why visit the Gasparilla Inn? In a word, solitude. And you can get that solitude without a long drive or flight as the drive from Sarasota is about an hour and a half.
The other reason is the beauty and charm of the place. The Inn has a comfy grandeur and is steeped in tradition. It’s old school at The Inn and it’s packed.
When you absolutely, positively want to be on the water...
Lido Beach Resort in Sarasota delivers, plus a lot more
Lido Beach Resort is located smack in the middle of the Key, just to the south of the Lido Beach public pool that is being refurbished. The Tiki Building offers rooms and kitchenettes that are located in the resort’s four-story main building. Located behind the main lobby and adjacent to the Tiki Bar, these accommodations have everything you need. The other choice would be the 14-story Palm Building. All guest rooms, junior suites, and suites located in the Palm Building were renovated in 2016 with the oft-used “beach casual” motif which really is perfect for Florida.