My wife and I just stayed here the week before Labor Day and check is was easy and the staff were all great. Lots of parking in the front. The ocean is perfect and calm and like a bathtub at the end of August. We even had a manatee swim right near us in the shallow water. We also saw tons of dolphins playing and jumping most days. We probably didn't even need a car, as there is a free trolley that stops right in front and takes you all the way to downtown, so plenty of restaurant offerings with grouper sandwiches and Cuban sandwiches, my favorite! The rooms are a little outdated, but fully stocked and they have chairs to rent . We went straight to the ocean every day though. I met plenty of great people during our stay and we loved our week through an RCI trade. read more

Sarasota Sands Resort - Entering resort view of ocean. - Resorts Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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My family has been coming here for over 35 years and just love it! It's the best location for the beach, finding shells and making lifetime friends. read more

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This is one of my family's favorite places. We have been coming here for 36 years. It's a great location right on the beach at the end of Lido Key. In addition to easy beach access, there's a pool, hot tub and sauna. There's also a tennis court, basketball goal and you can rent bikes as well as other games. Plus an exercise room and owners lounge with games, a pool table, ping pong table and fooseball table. You are right next to a public park and just down the street from St. Armands circle where there are plenty of restaurants and shopping. The rooms are not super fancy but very comfortable. You also have a full kitchen in your room. It's a pretty quiet place with older people avoiding the winter if you come during that time of year but it's a great place for a relaxing beach week. read more

The internet pics look good, yet my suggestion is "Don't do it". It's just old and dirty for sure. And they don't seem to care! However, If you like ans just want a homegrown hometown kind of feel and just want to play outdoor games like shuffleboard and beanbag toss, then DO come here! There are timeshare owners who have been here in this facility for up to 40 years plus. In fact, when we first checked in and unpacked everything, the younger of the two desk ladies ran up to our room to tell us we had "to move" because they put us in the wrong room. She anxiously said the "owner" was checking in and she accidentally told us the "wrong room number". I asked if we could stay seeing we had just flown 10 hours and drove in another two hours. We were tired and worn out. She looked at me & panicked!Luckily, the other guests complied. Furthermore, if you want some beach time, I warn you the beach here is mostly big cement platform (maybe once a boat ramp?) with a limited view. The strip beyond that is very narrow or nonexistent if the tide is in. There are a few picnic tables before you reach the beach, but just lacking. I wanted to walk on the beach and it's almost practically impossible. What's more, when we checked in, I stopped by to see the new online advertised "gym." Their website says their gym is updated, but it's not in my opinion. In fact, they simply had a stationary bike a treadmill and an elliptical. Their were a few dumbbells (some missing). Oh it came with a new bench; But let me explain: Now I'm 5'4" and it was too short for me! The first go I had left my head dangling off the edge of the bench! I've never experienced that ever. In order to use the dumbbells, I had to push the one folding chair up to the bench, so that I could fit lying down. To be quite honest, the pool area is the only thing that is pristine (if their aren't a million kids). Now I am sure you want to know about the rooms. The rooms in me and my partner's opinion, are dusty and dated and needs some repairs. My other half got a very bad sinus infection that we believe came from the old air conditioner inside and just old dusty drapes, candle holders, dated nicknacks and what not. The kitchen has a teeny tiny stove in there is just not enough room on the counters to do what you need to do to cook any kind meal. Furthermore, you have to move all the small appliances around just to reach an outlet. Not my idea of a vacation at all! Especially when the web pictures gave me a different idea of what I was coming to. All I can say is, I certainly won't stay here. It is sad to me that this place is so dated. It really does have some charm, but the people who run it or the owners don't seem to think it needs updates. I certainly won't be back at this location. It saddens me more because this beach and area are beautiful and worth a visit. I know from past days that the beach is absolutely amazing and good to walk on. And the waters here are a beautiful placid green Green read more

My family has been coming here for years, and it's usually pretty clean. However, this year it was disgustingly dirty. Half of the 4 provides bed sheets (for the couches) had crusted food and a huge TOENAIL clipping wrapped in them. When I went to talk to the office I requested 4 new sheets and she refused to give me them without paying for 2. If half the sheets aren't clean, then I can't believe the other two aren't dirty as well. She tried to tell me she trusts her cleaning staff to clean all the sheets after every stay, but I have a hard time believing that now. This experience has definitely altered how I see this resort. Upon arriving they even mentioned that there as been a spike in covid cases in the area. Knowing this I would especially expect everything to be clean. How unfortunate. read more

Sarasota Sands Resort - The toenail clipping - Resorts Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

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I love this place. I am an owner & come yearly. Join "Sarasota Sands Owners" Facebook page for pictures from owners that love coming back. I have a problem with this outdated board's decision to close the Sands n not call everyone. Please we are not getting any of our maintenance fees back n happened to check website at 630pm the night before we leave to drive 24 hours down that it is not open. Shame on the board n office staff for not caring about all the people coming. I can understand part of the reason behind closing it for 5 weeks to renters. But when the governor of Florida said owners of time shares can still come to Florida why is the board still closing n not letting owners come to their home away from home? I'm 42 n been coming here since I was a kid n I love it here. So many of the same owners come at the same times every year that we have a huge extended family down there. This is my happy place. Beach walking n shelling are my favorite things to do. Last year there were a group of manatees having "sex on the beach" I have never seen that happen here before. The wild life that swims around out there in the gulf is amazing, I have seen manatees, dolphins, turtles, turtle nest n tracks back to the ocean, fish, sting rays, crabs, star fish, live olive shells, hermit crabs, even baby sharks! Yes it's an older building n some grumpy staff but place n location so make up for it. -Deanna read more

We loved our stay! Minus one star for the couches. Yes, they were THAT bad. The fabric that is- HIDEOUS. The bed was heavenly. Excellent service, beach is just perfect, nice people. read more

Stayed here in Sept. Although it's an older resort our unit was clean and well maintained. Immaculate resort, friendly and about 50 feet to a perfect beach. Water temp was 85 degrees. Perfect. You could spend 5 hours in the water and be very comfortable. We have a reservation for Sept 2014. They do the RESALES in house. Some great deals. read more

Sarasota Sands Resort - St Armand's Circle - Resorts Near Me - Sarasota, Florida

Right on the sandy beach & a beautiful inlet for swimming. Units totally updated but small, with a beachy/Florida motif. No problem though. Everything works from plumbing to A/C. Employees always helpful. Laid back and peaceful!!! read more

Great location at the end of the key. Very friendly staff. Cameron with Conscious Cab and Longboat Key Taxi

This is a hidden gem in Sarasota! Quiet, family friendly, clean beach and not busy/loud at all. We have come back here year after year because it always proves relaxing and an enjoyable atmosphere . All the condo rooms are clean with updated granite kitchens. I will say the bedding and decor is a bit outdated. So if you're not picky with the comforters, carpeting and 1990 decor it's a great place! I'd highly recommend a week's stay! read more

When I was much younger, my grandparents used to own a timeshare here. Almost every summer, I would spend a week here making many memories. It's been more than 10 years since I had been to Florida and Sarasota Sands. My boyfriend and I decided to vacation this June in Sarasota on a whim. I knew immediately that I wanted to stay here. Not much has changed about the place and I mean that in a good way. A very nostalgic trip for me and I wonder why it took me so long to get back here. My boyfriend and I opted for the studio unit which rents for a total of $650 a week in the off season. Of course, studio units are small and we knew that going in to the situation. I had been used to my grandparents 2 bedroom units in years past. Our unit came with a small mini kitchen equipped with two burners, a microwave, toaster oven, and all the dishes, pots/pans, and utensils you would need. We spent most of our stay eating at area restaurants, so this small kitchen was the perfect size. Our unit was on the 5th floor, which actually had an amazing view and was very private in the mornings and evenings. My only critiques are as follows: I wish the bathroom sink area was just a tad bigger. The bed was not the most comfortable. And the AC unit had a tendency to be super loud and drown out the TV. However, my boyfriend and I are a young couple and these are minor issues. I think the studio units are perfect for young couples/travelers, but I wouldn't recommend it for an older couple. My favorite thing about the resort is you are literally right on the beach. Your view is amazing and because you are on the end of Lido Key, it's a very private section of the beach. The animal life is great if you like that and the beaches really are the best in the whole United States. While we stayed, we saw many devil rays and a couple manatees. Staff is nice and they keep the grounds clean. Plenty of activities on the grounds including shuffleboard, arcade games, hot tub, exercise room, swimming pool, billiards, tennis, and air hockey. There really is something for everyone. Area attractions include the Mote Marine Aquarium, The Ringling Museum, and many outdoor recreational activities. Many great restaurants in the area. Traditionally, the resort has always catered to older retirees and their grandchildren. However, on this trip I saw a great mixture of young families, couples, and retirees. I think if you are a young couple in your 20's and you are looking for a quiet, laid back, and affordable trip to the beach, then this is a great option. If you are looking for non-stop partying, this resort and the town of Sarasota is probably not your thing. Also, if you are looking for an expensive, luxurious resort then this isn't your place either. Sarasota Sands is an older place where you come to relax and make memories. Yes, the decor is stuck in the 1980's but who really cares? I see some people complain about having to pay extra for beach towels and chairs. I don't think $2.00 to rent a beach chair or umbrella is bad at all (and I don't have a lot of money!) and if you didn't pack a beach towel, that's really more of a reflection of how unprepared you were when packing. I always pack a beach towel if I know I'm going swimming. I had an amazing week at Sarasota Sands and I can't wait to go back. I hope that in the future, I'll be able to bring my kids here too. I already miss this place! read more

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Our second home. Never had bed bugs... sorry about the experience of the previous...we will miss Mike who was our buddy for years but life moves on. Looking forward to many great family trips here. read more

This is my first time writing a review ever on yelp because of my disappointing situation with this resort. I was browsing online for a Fourth of July getaway to surprise my 12 year old son who deserves a nice getaway due to the covid and e learning situation we have both been dealing with for the past months. I came across this resort which looked absolutely gorgeous and right off the beach as well. I called a few weeks prior to the fourth and spoke to the front desk woman I believe her name was Anna and she had told me they had one room left but needed the full 588.00 for three nights to secure our room. I right away booked with my debit card and couldn't wait because it was a good price for last minute holiday weekend trip. Fast forward to the Friday before we were ready to leave, Illinois governor passed a mandatory 14 day quarantine for travelers coming back to Chicago from Florida and other states as well. I wouldn't be able to quarantine because I had to return to work the following week. I immediately called that Friday to cancel my reservation and was told to fax over receipt and proof of quarantine that was issued and a refund isn't "guaranteed." I had finally faxed over all the paperwork when I returned to work following week after the holiday weekend. I received a phone call from Anna yesterday explaining they couldn't refund me because their policy is no refund due to "mother nature" and needed a 45 day written notice "and they have never refunded anyone. I asked to speak to the manager and was introduced to the rudest inconsiderate manager named Daniel I've ever encountered. He was talking over me explaining that they couldn't refund anyone even international travelers like he was proud and that was something to brag about. This isn't some snow storm or tornado and with Florida being a high risk state I would have expected a little bit more understanding. I would have been happy with even half a refund or credit but the rude staff could care less. It's a shame because of times like these which are constantly changing it would have been nice to have the managers make some exceptions to their "refund policy." Awful staff and awful situation and I don't wish this on anyone especially during these hard times where we as humans should stand together... read more

I posted a review the other day and it has disappeared. BED BUGS My family has been coming here for 25 years, and we have always enjoyed our stay. This past trip, however, we returned home with bed bugs. The after-math has been nothing short of a living nightmare. When I called two days after returning home, I had to call twice to get a manager to return my call. (You would think a call like this would put a hotel on high-alert... I was told it was the first time they were hearing of my call!). All three people I spoke to, including the general manager, were very dismissive, and basically told me that it is not their problem, they can come from anywhere. What is even worse, they said there is a family staying in that room now, so they cannot go in there. ????? Good luck to that poor family! The resort is not even looking to see if there are bugs in the room! The fact that this place is denying having them at all, so much so that they will not even check the room, is just irresponsible. They said the family in there now "has not seen anything." Of course not! They come out in the pre-dawn hours and are very very small, and I did not see anything there either of course. Even in my own home, I have finally found ONE, after combing my room/bed for three days. I am confident they came from Sarasota Sands because I noticed some bites on my arms and shoulders and arm-pits about halfway through the trip, and no one else was getting bites (I thought maybe mosquitos?). I was with two other groups who stayed in two different rooms, on two different floors. When I returned home on Saturday, I made the mistake of putting on laundered clothes from my suitcase to save myself from putting more laundry away... huge mistake: within an hour, I was covered with bites and my whole body was itching out of control. I have not slept in three nights, and our house is being torn apart. Every piece of clothing, stuffed animals, bedding, and linens has to be washed in hot and dried, then sealed in garbage bags. I have had to take two, going on three days off of work just to get through all the laundry, the constant Lysol-ing and vacuuming until the treatment is completed tomorrow. My extermination company told me that most hotels/resorts will pay for the very costly treatment (can be several thousand dollars), so I can see why Sarasota Sands does not want to have any part in this. Even after explaining the timeline of events very politely, I was met with a dismissive and defensive response. I will keep working on having them help with this problem, and if they do so, I will update my review to reflect that they at least are willing to help solve the problem, rather than ignore it. So disappointed and upset. I need a vacation from my return home from vacation! read more

Upon arrival, the clerk in the office seemed annoyed by our questions, not what I would expect as a greeter. The room was very clean as far as bathroom & kitchen but the couch was visibly dirty. I felt uncomfortable sitting on it for this reason. The bedroom smelled horrible. The scent lingered the entire week, bought a candle to mask the smell. The room was very damp, so much that my clothes felt damp when I put them on and the bed linens felt damp to sleep on. Definitely will not return to Sarasota Sands Resort. The noise in the pool ALL DAY was ridiculous!! The only plus was that is was very clean. read more

We have stayed on Lido key for over 20 years. This spring we stayed at the Sarasota Sands for the first time. Clean rooms, nice grounds, and a wonderful beach. Lots of young families and reunions while we were there. Only negative is they need to update the barbecues. Gas grills vs. having to buy charcoal and lighter fluid would be nice:) read more