Finally, a Ritz-Carlton for Sarasota

75 years after construction on the first Ritz-Carlton planned for Sarasota halted, circus magnate John Ringling's dream of the luxury hotel is being realized now that the 266-room Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is open. In 1926, Ringling, one of Sarasota's most prominent founding fathers, began constructing his most ambitious project, a Ritz-Carlton hotel on nearby Longboat Key. However, construction on the luxurious building was soon halted by the Great Depression. The partially constructed ornate building, known as the "ghost hotel," remained standing until the 1960s, when it was demolished. The new Ritz-Carlton Sarasota, situated in downtown Sarasota, 4 miles from the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport. The hotel is easily accessible by both Interstate 75 and US 41. Hotel amenities include guest rooms and suites overlooking the bay, marina, and city, and a heated swimming pool overlooking the marina. Dining options include Vernona, a gourmet Mediterranean restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch; the Bay View Bar & Grill; the Lobby Lounge and the Ca d' Zan Bar. Additional amenities for business and leisure travelers include a full- service business center, Boutique Chocolat (a gourmet shop), Ritz Kids Program and a 3,000-square-foot fitness center with massage therapy. For conferences, meetings and special events, the hotel offers 18,000 square feet of function space, featuring the 12,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Grand Ballroom and seven smaller meeting rooms.