Overview
by Amanda Norcross
Just north of Sarasota and within easy striking distance of Tampa and St. Pete, the Zota Beach Resort on Longboat Key is a hidden gem of a beach property fronting a beautiful stretch of Florida’s gulf front. The property is part of the Opal Collection (of Clearwater’s Sandpearl fame) and you can count on a luxury experience here.
All 187 rooms and suites have mini-fridges and coffeemakers and the premium suites, perfect for families, have a full kitchen and dining area to make use of, too. Spend your days together enjoying the beautiful beach or outdoor pool or head out by boat for a sunset cruise nearby.
The main restaurant specializes in Floribbean fare, with all the usual offerings — mac and cheese, burgers, etc. — on the kids’ menu. And there’s a casual pool bar and eatery, too.
Our Editor Loves
- Luxury, beachfront property
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Suites with kitchens
Family Interests
- Beach
- Museum/Cultural
- Water Sports
Family Amenities
- Connecting Rooms
- Family Room 5+
- Free Wi-Fi
- Kitchenettes
- Onsite Dining
- Pool
Reviews
by BBMMOldBridge
My husband and I stayed at Zota for two nights to celebrate our anniversary. When we pulled up to this beautiful hotel we were greeted by complimentary valet, which is included in the resort fee. The hotel is small but beautiful. Lana, ( and a manager who I can’t recall his name) checked us in and upgraded us to a room in the south tower for our anniversary , which is the newer one (from what I heard). We had a gorgeous room that overlooked the pool and had an amazing view of the sunset. The resort fee included lounge chairs for the beach and towels . You can rent an umbrella if you’d like. We brought ours and we were able to use it but we had to sit a little further up on the beach which didn’t bother us at all. The package we got included breakfast daily ( up to $40). Breakfast was wonderful and it offered a great menu. The concierge was great. I’m sorry I can’t recall his name but he and my husband talked for sometime about restaurants and things to do in Sarasota.
We did find an delicious English restaurant call Shakespeares Pub in Sarasota. It’s about a 20 min drive but it was AMAZING! We really loved this hotel so much. Although it’s small it has the feel of a big resort. The gym was awesome and really everyone who worked there was so pleasant. You can tell they are very happy working there. To me that says a lot.
Please visit Zota and tell Lana that Beth and Mike said hi! We’ll definitely be back!!!
by ericacV1187PM
We can’t say enough about the gorgeous resort and amazing hospitality! Especially from the beach rental staff By Zack and Jane! Wow! Top notch service getting us the perfect spot on the beach with chairs and umbrellas! We will be back for sure! Thank you Zack and Jane!