Residence Inn by Marriott Sarasota Bradenton

The full kitchen and living area made being away from home a lot easier. My room was very clean, and I had a comfortable stay even with difficult circumstances. Elizabeth did a beautiful job with housekeeping, and I appreciated the extra effort. Donna at the front desk was kind, and the breakfast attendant kept everything tidy and well stocked.

The difference in how I was treated compared with an older gentleman left me wondering about race. I hope I’m not reading too much into it, but the contrast was hard to miss. He seemed to have misplanned his trip and needed one more night, and the staff member offered him a complimentary night in a cordial, considerate way, even joking about needing his card before 1100 that day. Just after that, I asked the same employee about using the Explore rate. I already had a form from an associate, but he was curt, said a room was already booked at that rate, and didn’t even look at my form. When I asked how to do it in the app, he said hotel policy meant he couldn’t tell me and offered no help. I thanked him and went on with my day, but I won’t stay here again. Terrible service. Beware.

I picked this place for a very early flight out of Sarasota. The room was decent enough, though quite dated, and the wall unit air conditioner was a little noisy. Otherwise, it was fine.

The rooms and service were great, but breakfast was another story. Like many Residence Inns since covid, it was terrible. During the week I was there, there was absolutely no meat. The options were reheated premade biscuit sandwiches, quiche, and runny eggs. Why no meat?