Visit Sarasota

Flights + Rental Cars

Nearby Airports:

When visiting the Sarasota area, there are several different airport options to consider. Closest to Sarasota, is the Sarasota/Bradenton Airport. This airport is much smaller than nearby Tampa and Orlando Airports, so ticket prices are typically more expensive. However, it is only about 10-15 minutes to downtown Sarasota and 25-30 minutes to Siesta Key.

The next closest airport(s) are Tampa International Airport and St.Pete/Clearwater Airport. Both airports are approximately an hour away from Sarasota. Tampa airport often has the most affordable and convenient flights for a trip to Sarasota. St. Pete Airport is a very low cost option for individuals flying Allegiant Airlines - this airport essentially only serves that low-cost carrier.

Orlando International Airport is approximately two hours away from Sarasota but may be the most affordable option, especially for individuals coming from international destinations.

Booking your flights:

First Stop: Momondo

We begin all flight searches with Momondo to find the best deals. Momondo searches many third party discount sites that provide deals otherwise missed. Momondo allows you to analyze the most affordable days to fly and most affordable nearby airports based on your travel dates.

Next Stop: Expedia

We all know this familiar travel search engine. We like to use Momondo first to see if there's any lesser known discount sites with better deals than Expedia. If not, our next stop is searching Expedia. When you book flights through Expedia, you often get additional discounts on hotels/rental cars.

Booking a Rental Car:

First Stop: Expedia

We are back to our familiar friend, Expedia. Expedia offers great deals for rental cars and requires no deposit for reservations. In most circumstances, rental cars through Expedia offer free cancellation at all times.

Next Stop: Fox Rent A Car

We suggest locking in a reservation on your first search through Expedia and then double checking against Fox Rent A Car rates. Fox is lesser known and does not show up on Expedia. It is available in the Tampa airport and often times is significantly cheaper than any other rental car company. We have used Fox many times, always a good experience.

Where to Stay

Sarasota/Siesta Key: 

The properties below include a selection of hotels and condos on or nearby Siesta Key. Siesta Beach/Village is approximately 10-15 minutes from downtown Sarasota.

BeachPoint Cottages - located across the street from Siesta Beach access and about a 3 minute walk to Siesta Village.

Tropical Breeze Resort - walking distance to Siesta Village and Siesta beach. This property has three pools and fabulous reviews.

Hyatt Residence Club Siesta Key - private beach area on Crescent Beach and private pool and hot tub. As it is a Hyatt property, it has many more amenities than other nearby accommodations.

Tropical Beach Resorts - located walking distance to Crescent Beach. This beach is slightly less crowded than Siesta Beach because there is no public parking. The property is about a 5-7 minute drive to Siesta Village.

Siesta Key Palms Hotel - located off Stickney Rd just over the bridge from Siesta Key. This boutique hotel is incredibly quaint tucked away behind a welcoming drive with two pools and quick access to Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Downtown Sarasota: 

Downtown Sarasota offers high end hotels and dining experiences situated on the Sarasota Bay. While these properties are not beachfront, they are in the heart of downtown. The closest beach to downtown Sarasota is Lido Beach on Lido Key (also right by St. Armands Circle).

Art Ovation Hotel - incredible rooftop pool with complimentary bicycles and shuttle.

The Westin Sarasota - another beautiful rooftop pool and bar with free shuttle services.

Ritz-Carlton Sarasota - located waterfront and provides access to exclusive members beach club on Lido Key. Incredible pool (not rooftop but alongside water), hot tub and dining options.

Aloft Sarasota - amazing 8th floor pool and hot tub with panoramic views.

Longboat/Lido Key: 

Lido Key offers great shopping/restaurants at the popular St. Armand's Circle and it has the closest beach to downtown. Longboat Key is more quiet with a beautiful luxury resort, condos and quaint beaches.

Zota Beach Resort - beautiful 4-star resort hotel on Longboat Key.

Lido Beach Resort- resort in the heart of Lido Key with beachfront pools and free shuttle service to St. Armands.

Holiday Inn at Lido Beach - a beachfront Holiday Inn also right next to St. Armands.

Interested in learning more about the beaches in the area? Check out our blog post Exploring Sarasota Beaches.

Scheduling Property Tours

Current Clients:

We're excited for your visit to Sarasota! Let us know if you need additional assistance on your travel arrangements, we are happy to help. **Please let us know once you have your travel dates booked, so we can arrange your tours for while you are here.** Often times, it can be challenging to view properties on last minute notice due to tenants. So, the more advance notice, the more properties we will be able to view during your time here. We look forward to helping you find your perfect property!

New Clients:

Welcome! We're excited you are planning a visit to Sarasota and we would love to assist you in finding your perfect property. Be sure to read more about us and reach out or fill out this form to begin your customized home search. In the meantime, feel free to search listings with our MLS feature and let us know if you find any of interest. We look forward to working with you!

Interested in Sarasota Local Market Updates? Subscribe to the Hartman Report!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links contained on this page are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you make a purchase or follow the link.