Hyatt Regency Sarasota

We spent seven days there, April 15-22 2025, and the location was amazing. Even though the hotel was due to be demolished in June, it was in excellent condition. The staff were helpful, including Max at the recreation counter and many others. My wife enjoyed chatting with Margret at the evening lobby bar. Before we arrived, Serena Spring, one of the hotel managers, listened to what we needed and offered advice. During our stay she greeted people with a smile at the entrance. I didn’t get to meet the manager Wes Santos, but saw him tidying the grounds as he walked around. Both managers seemed willing to do whatever needed doing. We had a great stay.

We had lunch by the pool both days, and loved the balcony room overlooking the beautiful pool and Marina. The pool was lovely, especially the waterfalls. It’s really sad the hotel is closing, and we hope they build a resort-style pool area. The front desk staff were so friendly and welcoming, especially Ryan, if that was his name. Thanks for everything, we had such a good time.

The people we dealt with were all really pleasant, from the valet staff and bartenders to the restaurant servers, lobby staff, and front desk attendants. The hotel was clean and nice, though the rooms weren’t as updated or high-tech as the Hyatt regencies I’ve stayed at in California. On our first night, only part of our group had arrived, so we ate late at the downstairs restaurant. The yellow rice, chicken, greens, and appetizer bread were all delicious. I was there on vacation with family, and we had fun at the pool and hot tub and exploring around the hotel. My brother couldn’t paddleboard because of the wind, so we went to the Ringling museum instead. It’s about five minutes away and worth taking the time to see. Students should bring their ID, since the discount helps with seeing the whole museum.

We paid $750 a night for a two-night stay and arrived to find the air conditioning broken, apparently for some time. The hotel was shabby and rundown, with carpets coming apart and gouged, smashed walls. It reminded me of a budget place in the Bronx. We later learned it was set for demolition June 2, just two months after check-in, which would explain the lack of upkeep and cleanliness. There was also construction right next door for a new Ritz Carlton. With three huge cranes, jackhammers, and cutting wheels grinding steel, opening the patio door made it impossible to think. Since the AC didn’t work, we had to leave the slider open and run portable fans to push out the hot air. Work started around 6:30 AM sharp. The ninth floor was terribly hot, and our rental car started looking like a better place to stay. Honestly, you’ll want to go just about anywhere else.