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Lido Beach Resort: Traveler Reviews


Lido Beach Resort
700 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
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Traveler Reviews

90% Recommend
4.5 of 5 stars 224 reviews
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Getting complacent!

Lido Beach Resort

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4 of 5 stars
mgsh 4 contributions
Ilkley, United Kingdom
Apr 8, 2008 | Trip type: Couples
1/1 found this review helpful

This is the third time we have stayed at this complex, the last time being in March 2007 now March 2008.

It is still THE place to stay in Sarasota but probably because of all the praise this hotel has had in the past I feel the management could be getting just a little complacent and are letting standards fall.

The staff through out are brilliant, the rooms great (more to follow) the setting fantastic and so convenient for everything but the general maintenance of the property is slipping.

We had a room (4007) in the tower block, a Jr Suite. Good size over all with moderate view over the pool to fantastic sunsets. The noise from the pool was very intrusive as was the sound of the fridge in the ajoining kitchen and the sound of the toilets flushing from the many floors above. The bathroom, of excellent size, and facilities was spoiled by a water leak of very long standing, from the shower. This resulted in mold and rotting wood not only by the shower but also the bathroom door frame and floor area. There was also an odd smell in the shower when not used for a few hours. We requested a room change or even paying for upgrade, "sorry we are fully booked" was the reply, this I very much doubt.

We contemplated checking out but stayed as the possition of the hotel is so fantastic.

On two occasions we went to the Cafe Lido for meals, very below standard is the only discription I can give, certainly better eating anywhere in St. Armands Circle and less cost.

Christophers Restaurant has gone to be replaced by a Grill Room, we visited but did not stay, the area was filled with convensioneers from some company or other. Americans are known to be loud in a charming way but this lot were obnoxious.

Looking out over the pool area I noticed that the same light that was not working in 2007 was still not working in 2008, other things like the Koi Pond being so green the fish could not be seen and slight smelt added to the feeling of complacency and neglect on the part of the management of the hotel.

The hotel in one year has gone from an excellent family hotel to a good family hotel and has appearantly moved into the corporate hospitality sector, much to its detriment, though hard times in America make needs must and this departure may be beyond managements control, but the general standard of upkeep is not.

I still fully recommend this hotel to Families but not to those wanting nightlife, Sarasota as a whole has none, and also recommend it to those of mature years. 75yr olds will feel juvenille when walking in the circle, this is no detriment at all, the area is charming and very gentile. And VERY child safe.

The pool is now split into Family Pool, the larger one, and Adult Pool, the very slightly smaller one, great idea. But the "Germans" were there every morning by 7.30, towels all over the place, no people, and most never turned up until afternoon to claim the sunbeds so decorasly reserved. Good management would have removed these towels as lost property when the pool officially opened.

  • Liked — Position, very convenient and on the Gulf Coast beach.
  • Disliked — Lack of maintenance in the complex as a whole
  • My ratings for this hotel
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
  • Date of stay March 2008
  • Visit was for Quality time with family
  • Traveled with Spouse / significant other
  • Age group 50-64
  • Member since December 03, 2007
  • Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
  • I recommend this hotel for An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Families with young children, Tourists
  • I do not recommend this hotel for Young singles, Girlfriend getaway
  • I selected this hotel as a top choice for Beach / Sun, Museums / Cultural / Historical sites, Great food / Wine, Shopping
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Management response from Shannon Burdge, General Manager
(Management representative)
Apr 12, 2008
Thank you for taking the time share your experience at the Lido Beach Resort. We truly appreciate your feedback. I can assure you there is no sense of complaceny. We realize we must continually strive to improve our property in all aspects to ensure our success. I will certainly share your observations with the staff to correct the items you mentioned. I apologize for any inconveniece you experienced during your stay. Thank you again for your comments.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Average price*: $244 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-45-HOTEL from hotels.com
Fabulous Family Vacation at LBR

Lido Beach Resort

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5 of 5 stars
lovesvaca 1 contribution
Huntington, New York
Apr 7, 2008
1/1 found this review helpful

My family just returned from a 5 day stay at LBR and I must say it exceeded our expectations! The room, the views, the pool,the beach and the service were all wonderful. We enjoyed the food both poolside and at the restaurant, however, service at the restaurant was a little lacking, especially considering the price. I think once they get it all together, the Lido Beach Grille will be a top notch restaurant. I would recommed this resort to anyone looking for a laid back beach vacation with their family that has a Caribbean feel yet the convenience of Florida. I think couples that aren't looking for any serious nightlife would enjoy the resort too. Everyone from myself to my 70 year old mother and 5 year old son loved our vacation there and plan on returning next year!

  • My ratings for this hotel
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
  • Date of stay March 2008
  • Member since June 15, 2007
  • Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
  • I recommend this hotel for Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
  • I do not recommend this hotel for Young singles, Older travelers, Great pool scene
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Management response from Shannon Burdge, General Manager
(Management representative)
Apr 9, 2008
Thank you for taking the time to share your recent experience at the Lido Beach Resort. We truly appreciate your comments and will certainly take action to improve in the areas you mentioned. We look forward to your next stay with us. Thank you again for your comments.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Check Rates
Average price*: $244 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-45-HOTEL from hotels.com
Wonderful time

Lido Beach Resort

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4 of 5 stars
sher8911 1 contribution
Michigan
Apr 2, 2008 | Trip type: Family

We stayed at the Lido Beech Resort over spring/Easter break and found the experience wonderful. We have three teenage children that never got board! There was plenty to do for everyone, the view was great, the food at the grill was very good and reasonably priced. The staff was very friendly and accomidating to our every need, (my girls paid special attention to Carlos and Edgar, so I thank them for their patience). I would book another stay there in a heart beat. It was a little expensive, but you get what you pay for in Resorts.

  • Liked — Family setting
  • My ratings for this hotel
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 4 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
  • Date of stay March 2008
  • Visit was for Quality time with family
  • Traveled with Family with teenagers
  • Age group 35-49
  • Member since April 02, 2008
  • Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
  • I recommend this hotel for An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Families with young children, Families with teenagers
  • I do not recommend this hotel for Young singles, Pet owners, Tourists
  • I selected this hotel as a top choice for Beach / Sun
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Management response from Shannon Burdge, General Manager
(Management representative)
Apr 5, 2008
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at the Lido Beach Resort. We certainly appreciate your comments. I will be sure Edgar and Carlos know you mentioned their names. They will be very thrilled. Thank you again for your review.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Check Rates
Average price*: $244 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-45-HOTEL from hotels.com
Excellent experience at a great resort

Lido Beach Resort

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5 of 5 stars
SailChicago 6 contributions
Chicago, IL
Mar 31, 2008 | Trip type: Family

This was our first stay at the Lido Beach Resort (March 24-28, 2008). The hotel was completely booked and busy due to Spring break for many families. As a frequent traveler, my expectations are fairly high, and the Lido Beach Resort did not disappoint. I commend the staff and give an "Excellent" rating due to this being such a busy week for the hotel, yet the service and facility were excellent for the entire stay.

We had a special (and inconvenient) request for housekeeping that was promptly and professionally responded to. This seemed to be generally characteristic of the service provided by the staff. Service at the pool-side bar and cafe was friendly and responsive. I did not feel we were being “price gouged” at every turn. The food and drinks in the restaurants and bars were very good and reasonably priced. We did not dine at the Lido Beach Grill on the 8th floor (formerly Christopher’s), but heard other guests comment favorably on the food and service.

The property itself is modern and well kept. I highly recommend a beach-front room in the South Tower. The room was very spacious for the four of us, the kitchenette is nicely equipped, and the balcony is spacious with an outstanding view. The facility itself has very attractive public areas, and other than being busy around the pools, you never really felt as though the hotel was full. The room was also very quiet at night. We may have just hit it lucky with good neighbors around us, but some good planning for noise reduction must have been put into the South Tower construction. At night, we never heard anything from the rooms on either side of us, below us, or above us. To the chagrin of some guests, the pool bar does not stay open late, so outside of the room was quiet every night after 10p.m. This is definitely a family friendly resort, however I would not hesitate to stay there as a couple. There are two pools, one of which is reserved for guests 18 years and older.

We used the Resort’s complimentary shuttle to St. Armand’s Circle on a couple of occasions, then walked back (it is an easy walk). The shuttle was always prompt and the drivers were helpful with shopping and dining suggestions. Paige at the concierge desk was great. We were not able to get a table at the Tropical Cafe at Tonny Bahama's, so she recommended and reserved a table for us at Hemmingway’s Retreat (which was excellent), and she took the time to follow-up with me on my cell phone and also left a message in the room. The Resort’s close proximity to St. Armand’s Circle is ideal. We had fun shopping and dining at "The Circle" each night.

We really had to work hard to come up with anything negative about our stay. The only thing we could think of was a coffee spill/stain on the balcony was not cleaned by housekeeping for two days, and towels were not available one morning when the pool opened (but did show up within 30 minutes). I'm somewhat embarrassed to even mention those things because they were such minor “nits” in a week when most hotels would have had a hard time handling the busy period. I think that speaks volumes about The Lido Beach Resort being a well-managed establishment with a well-trained and excellent staff.

Prior to our stay, we debated whether we should have tried the Sarasota Ritz Carlton, but have already decided to book the Lido Beach Resort for our next Florida vacation. The Lido Beach Resort is a beautiful property, in a great location, with a high level of service, and based on our experience, has earned its #1 Trip Advisor rating.

  • Liked — Attractive and quiet room, great facility, and excellent service.
  • Disliked — Having to leave.
  • My ratings for this hotel
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 3 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
  • Date of stay March 2008
  • Visit was for Quality time with family
  • Traveled with Family with teenagers
  • Age group 35-49
  • Member since November 14, 2006
  • Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
  • I recommend this hotel for An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Great pool scene, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
  • I do not recommend this hotel for Young singles, Pet owners
  • I selected this hotel as a top choice for Beach / Sun, Great food / Wine, Shopping
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Management response from Shannon Burdge, General Manager
(Management representative)
Apr 3, 2008
Thank you for your detailed review of your recent stay at the Lido Beach Resort. The staff will be thrilled to hear how you enjoyed your stay, especially during such a busy period at the hotel. I apologize for the two inconveniences you experienced. Although we try very hard for perfection, there are times where we do fall a little short. I will be sure to share these items with the appropriate departments so we may improve for the future. Thank you again for your comments, they are very much appreciated.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Check Rates
Average price*: $244 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-45-HOTEL from hotels.com
Nice hotel, nice stay at Lido Beach

Lido Beach Resort

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4 of 5 stars
TravelBugNH 15 contributions
N.H.
Mar 31, 2008 | Trip type: Couples

This is a nice family resort, on the beach with good amenities and attentive staff. We were upgraded to a 2 bedroom 2 bath suite (no real explaination but who would complain!) and it was really nice. Your basic Florida decor, lots of pastels and tile, couches a bit old, but great beds and linens. Wonderful view of the gulf from the balcony.
Finally - an adult pool!!! The kiddies had a large pool too and it was so nice to relax without getting zonked on the head by beach balls. The outdoor cafe/bar had good burgs, salads and drinks. The beach offered cabanas & chaise ($15 day) which was ideal one day. The sun was brutal but welcoming after a snowy NH winter.
The location is close to St. Armand's Circle (on-demand shuttle from hotel) which is wonderful for shopping, people watching and good food. One night we snacked at a really cool upstairs Lebanese restaurant (Cafe Galante) and watched a beautiful young woman belly dance as we sipped wine.
If you're looking for a nice hotel on the beach, (but not up to the standards of say a Renaissance Vilnoy/St. Petersburg) this won't disappoint.

  • Liked — The adult pool and service from the bar/cafe!
  • Disliked — There could have been more shade offered by the pool and on the beach
  • My ratings for this hotel
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
    • 3 of 5 stars Business service (e.g., internet access)
  • Date of stay March 2008
  • Visit was for Romantic getaway
  • Traveled with Spouse / significant other
  • Age group 50-64
  • Member since August 06, 2003
  • Would you recommend this hotel to a friend? Yes
  • I recommend this hotel for An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
  • I do not recommend this hotel for Young singles
  • I selected this hotel as a top choice for Beach / Sun, Museums / Cultural / Historical sites, Shopping, Concerts / Music festival
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Management response from Shannon Burdge, General Manager
(Management representative)
Apr 2, 2008
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at the Lido Beach Resort. We truly appreciate your feedback. I will be sure to share your review with the entire team. The staff enjoy hearing from our guests. I am hopeful you will think of the Lido Beach Resort in the future when looking to stay in the Sarasota area! Thank you again for your comments.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Check Rates
Average price*: $244 (year-round)
Call now to book: 1-800-45-HOTEL from hotels.com
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