Siesta Key, Sarasota, FL...reviews, recommendations?

Siesta Key is beautiful. Plenty of shops, restaurants and bars in the locsl area. Can't really recommend any places to stay, we only went there for a day trip when we were @ our vacation house. As for airports, I think Sarasota is very small you would probably be better flying into Tampa.

My fiance was born and raised in Sarasota, FL. We live in Orlando, however we are having our wedding in Sarasota at the Hyatt Regency there on the water. I know they offer complimentary shuttles to the nice beaches and St. Armand's Circle (great shopping and dining). Sarasota/Bradenton International is the closest airport and many hotels offer shuttle service there and back (I know the Hyatt Regency does anyways). Tampa International is a bigger airport, however it is farther away so I would price out the cost of flying into both because it may be worth flying into Sarasota/Bradenton due to the fact that you won't spend a lot of money traveling. We usually visit Sarasota about once a month and stay with friends and family however a year or two ago we rented a condo directly on Siesta Key for a more "vacation" feel. It was through "Siesta Home and Condos Rental." The condos were great and right across from Siesta Beach and right on the key so you could walk to everything.

We rented a one bedroom I believe and it had a living room, kitchen, and private patio with grill, hammock, tables and chairs so it was nice as we could cook as well as go out. There are plenty of options right on Siesta Key for a week or so that are reasonably priced and it is a beautiful place. Congrats on your upcoming wedding!

Thank you ladies! Flying into Sarasota seemed awfully expensive. I didn't try Tampa. I have family in the Tampa, Clearwater area as well. I heard Siesta Key was very nice for a honeymoon.

Also check the St. Pete/Clearwater airport. It is smaller, easier to find your way around. I think Southwest Airline flies in/out of there.

I grew up in PA, but I have lived in Sarasota for over 30 years. Siesta Key is the beach nearest to me, so I officiate a LOT of weddings there (did one Friday evening and one Sunday morning). I've also done weddings at the Hyatt (and most other venues in the area).

Siesta Key public beach was named #1 in the country in 2011. The sand is as white & fine as sugar.

There are many small motels on Siesta Key as well as larger hotels and condos. Check out the website for the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce (you'll find a listing of their resort members).

Thank Nancy! I have family in the Tampa area and my Uncle mentioned flying into St. Pete/Clearwater as well.

Siesta Key is lovely. My fiancé proposed to me there earlier this year and we have decided to go back for our honeymoon. In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful beaches you will find without leaving the country. I would recommend renting a condo south of the public beach area. It's very quiet there. We stayed at a privately rented unit in the Sea Shell Condominiums and we couldn't have been happier with our location. The "village" a few minutes from Siesta has lovely restaurants, bars, and some shops. You can take a taxi or even what they call the "free ride" which is an electric car service that is FREE - they rely on tips from happy passengers. We drove and plan to drive again so I can't help with advice about airfare or any of that, sorry!