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.

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!

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.

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.