The Hyatt Regency Sarasota Review

I’ve been trying to visit Sarasota for a while now, so when Andrew and I needed a weekend away, we realized it was the perfect place to go! Since we are so loyal to Hyatt, we decided to spend the long weekend at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. Of all the hotels in the area, I am so happy we chose this one!

I will explain below all the reasons we enjoyed our stay at this Category 4 Hyatt hotel, but to sum it up, it was an excellent experience! Between the convenient location, the gorgeous atmosphere and the plentiful amenities, the Hyatt Regency Sarasota checks all the boxes. Here are some things to keep in mind if you are planning to visit as well!   

Location and Atmosphere

You will find the Hyatt Regency Sarasota downtown, near the Ringling Bridge. Though it is not on a beach, which many want out of a Florida hotel, it is on a scenic waterway. I found it preferable to not stay on the beach, because I was equal distance from the Sarasota beachside and the Siesta Key Beaches. This way we could visit both easily!

The other nice thing about it not being beachside, is that is does not have the touristy atmosphere. Instead we were on the edge of the thriving downtown and walking distance to many restaurants and attractions, like the Gardens. We started every morning walking downtown to get coffee from the wonderful Overton Café.

Being right on the waterway still gave it a serene vacation atmosphere. We especially loved the water views from our hotel room. The pool is surrounded by palm trees and even features a waterfall so it is plenty tropical. As for the lobby and the interiors, the style feels modern with a hint of Florida that is done elegantly. I did not have any complaints regarding the atmosphere of the Hyatt Regency Sarasota and was impressed at its updates.

Guest Rooms at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota

The guest rooms are another great selling point of the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. They are very spacious and all have either a balcony or a window nook. We stayed in a King bed room and initially I was sad to have a nook instead of a balcony, but it actually ended up being preferable. It was pretty hot that weekend, so it was nice to be able to sit by the window for the expansive view, but stay in the A/C.

As for the rest of the room, the bed was comfy, there was lots of drawer space and the style was simple and modern. The only downside was the shower. It was a small, basic tub shower with not the best water pressure. I have found Hyatt Regency showers to be lacking in the past and this tracks. It was still manageable though, and I would recommend this hotel regardless!

Pool and Amenities

One of the best parts of staying at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota is the vacation friendly amenities. They have everything you need here to get some fun and relaxation! The pool alone is quite large with plenty of space to swim around and not be bothered by people. Along with the hot tub and the waterfall, it adds to the resort feel.

There are also free rentals for watercraft, fishing poles, and bicycles. We took a tandem kayak out and enjoyed paddling along the inlet. Though we did not see much outside the marina, there are often fish and manatees and it is a nice excuse to get some outdoor exercise. We did not rent the bicycles, but with downtown being nearby, it would be a great way to get around. There is also a shuttle service to St. Armand’s Circle, but it was not running when we visited due to COVID-19. You can bring your dog to the Hyatt Regency Sarasota for a fee and there is plenty of green space for them to roam. Lastly, golfers can get a 20% off discount for a game at the IMG Academy Golf Club.

Nearby Dining and Attractions

Though you could probably stay at the resort for a weekend without getting bored, the close proximity to local attractions is another awesome part of the Hyatt Regency Sarasota. It is within walking distance to two Playhouses, the Downtown and the Sarasota Gardens. You technically could walk to Bayfront Park where O’Leary’s Tiki Bar is or even further to the Botanical Gardens, but it might be easier to make the one-mile drive.

If you are looking for casual places to eat within walking distance, I recommend The Overton or Tsunami Sushi & Hibachi. For a nicer meal, Bijou Café and Selva are nearby.  There is no free breakfast provided by the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, but if you prefer to eat there, the restaurant Currents, which is open all day and serves coastal cuisine.

Know Before You Go: The Hyatt Regency Sarasota

A hotel can really make or break a trip, so take my advice and stay at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota next time you are in the area! We felt the staff really went out of their way to make our visit pleasant and found the amenities to be worthwhile. It may not be as luxurious as the next door Ritz-Carlton, but it is close enough for half the price and you can spend the money you saved on memorable experiences! Even better, you can pay with points from a Chase Travel Credit Card, which is what we always do at Hyatt hotels. If you are visiting the Hyatt Regency Sarasota, keep these tips in mind for your visit.

• The Hyatt Regency Sarasota is a Category 4 Hyatt hotel and costs points per night. On average, cash rates are around $200.
• Parking costs $15 per day or $25 per day for valet.
• There is a resort fee of $24 per night, but that is waived if you pay with points.
• Amenities include a pool, hot tub, gym, watercraft rentals, bicycle rentals, and a shuttle downtown.
• Rooms sleep a maximum of four guests with two double beds or 2 guests with one king bed.
• A maximum of two dogs can stay in one room for $100 for 6 nights and under.
• The hotel is in walking distance to Downtown and the Theater District. It is a ten-minute drive to the nearest beach, Lido Beach.

Have you been to Sarasota before? Let me know where you have stayed if you have! For more information on visiting Sarasota, check out my Restaurant Guide and my list of Things To Do in the area.