Resort at Longboat Key Club

This upper-middle-range golf resort spans 410 acres of sprawling grounds with rooms and facilities spread across five different buildings. The green landscaped grounds feature large swathes of lawns and are peppered with palm trees and pretty greenery, and guests tend to congregate at the large outdoor pool. Buildings feature exterior hallways, while interiors are done up with contemporary decor that has a subtle tropical vibe, complete with plantation shutters and lots of wicker chairs. The lobby, for example, gets lots of natural light through numerous windows and has an inviting seating area of wicker armchairs and sofas. Guests here are a mix of families and couples, many of whom come from northern states to escape the cold of winter. 

This beachfront resort is set at the southern end of Longboat Key, a barrier island south of Ana Maria Island. Though there's not much within walking distance, there are some dining options within easy driving distance. The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a five-minute drive away, as is St. Armand’s Circle, an outdoor shopping area with lots of restaurants (a free shuttle service between the St. Armand's and the resort is available). Downtown Sarasota is about a 15-minute drive away, while Siesta Key can be reached in around 20 minutes. The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is about a 20-minute drive away from the resort.

Rooms here are spacious and reflect the decor seen throughout the property: contemporary with a slight beachy flair (think: shutters, tropical paintings, and hints of wicker). Dark wooden furnishings are paired with off-white walls and patterned carpeting. All rooms have private furnished balconies and overlook either the lagoon, the golf course, or the beach. Standard amenities in all rooms include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, Bose radios, mini-fridges, microwaves, wet bars, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi. Suites offer a lot more space than rooms, with separate living rooms furnished with sleeper sofas, as well as dining areas and kitchens with full fridges, four-burner stoves, microwaves, Keurig coffeemakers, toasters, blenders, and washers and dryers. Bathrooms across all categories are simple but clean, with shower/tub combos and large granite-topped vanities that have lots of drawers. Hairdryers, scales, and basic toiletries are provided.

Features here are extensive and cater to business travelers and vacationers alike. Highlights include a large outdoor pool surrounded by umbrella-shaded lounge chairs and skirted by tall palm trees. A poolside bar serves drinks as well as breakfast and lunch, and there's live music on the weekends. The resort also offers direct access to a lovely stretch of sandy beach with cabanas, and there's a full-service deep-water marina with 291 electricity-enabled slips plus showers and saunas.

Another big draw here is the property's 45-hole golf course, which features a restaurant serving light lunch and cocktails, plus a pro shop. Tennis courts, plus a tennis shop and classes, are available as well. Other recreational facilities include a gym offering a good variety of modern cardio machines and strength-training equipment, with personal training available for a fee. Classes are available at the sprawling Mind & Motion Studio -- these include yoga, pilates, boot camp fitness classes, and spinning. The spa has 10 treatment rooms, two relaxation rooms, and a retail shop, and it offers a variety of treatments such as massages and facials. There's also a salon here with nail and makeup services.

Dining options are numerous at the Longboat Key Club, with eight restaurants and lounges, many featuring both indoor and outdoor seating. Options range from American classics to farm-to-table fare, and there's a whiskey bar with over 100 whiskeys on the menu. Other options include a Northern Italian restaurant at the marina as well as an open-air restaurant overlooking the golf course. Room service is available. Breakfast is not included in standard rates.

Other amenities include plenty of event space, a business center, free shuttle to St. Armands Circle, a kids' club for those aged 5 through 12, free parking, and free hotel-wide Wi-Fi. Note that the hotel tacks on a daily resort fee to guest bills to cover access to much of this.