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Located directly on Lido Beach in Sarasota, Florida. Private beach and heated pool. Most units have fully equipped kitchens and private screened in porches. Each unit is uniquely decorated and we offer a variety of choices to suit your needs. We are within walking distance of renowned St. Armand's Circle shopping and restaurant district. We are the perfect place for family and class reunions, weddings, family vacations or just to get away for some special time with each other.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Ocean View
Quaint
Location
930 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236-2110
Gulf Beach Resort Motel
4 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
We were looking for somewhere a little less crowded than our usual St Pete Beach spot due to COVID. A friend of ours recommended Gulf Shores Beach Resort and has stayed there in July. It was exactly as described. Clean, quiet and during the week we almost had the entire place to ourselves. The rooms are typical Florida bungalow concrete rooms that have been recently updated. Only steps to the beach and the large cabana was wonderful perfect for enjoying morning coffee and afternoon shade. We also would recommend hiring private chef Mica +1 (917) 312-4712 who prepared an amazing four course dinner prepared at our studio room and served under the cabana while enjoying a beautiful sunset. We would recommend renting bikes and beach chairs/umbrella (there are companies that will deliver and pick up) The ones at the resort are ok but not great for extended beach time. Also it sounds like they are in the process of building a pool which would have been nice to have since we had two days of jellyfish. We loved it and will be back and have friends that are already booked to visit in two weeks based on our reservation.
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from david Marinich, General Manager at Gulf Beach Resort Motel
Responded Oct 6, 2020
thank you for your review.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I travel a lot and the Gulf Beach Resort Hotel is Fantastic . It has a lot of charm of old Florida and has maintained its charm through the years . Location, location, location ! The beach is right at the end of the property and it’s beautiful , great lounge chairs for everyone , pool is great well maintained , and St.Armands is just about a 15 minute walk away for all your dining and shopping needs . There is a Publix grocery store up on longboat key that is very convenient. Although this is not a full service luxury resort , it sure does feel like one , from the time you arrive until the time you leave , the staff makes you feel right at home . I’m a fan for life and will return to this Sarasota Gem again . You can spend twice as much down the beach , but there is no reason too . My room was great very comfortable bed , fridge , microwave and table and chairs , very clean . The staff are just great , With a Special BIG shout out to Tami . The laundry facility is great and they have a great Ice machine . In the end a stay here will not disappoint , it has everything you need for a great Sarasota vacation at a very reasonable price . So thanks again to Tami and David for a great experience 😎
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Date of stay: May 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GulfBeachMotel, General Manager at Gulf Beach Resort Motel
Responded May 30, 2020
thank you - it is good to have our friends back at the beach - We are looking forward to many more return visits. David
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Stayed for a long weekend. Perfect location — walking distance to shopping and resturaunts, plus a bus stop across the street and bikes to rent if you wanted to venture a little bit further.
The beach access at the resort was wonderful. I couldn’t have asked for anything else. More than enough loungers for everyone, plus a tiki hut for those of us who need to wear SPF100 but still want to enjoy the beach. Bonuses included a volleyball net, BBQ grills, heated pool and shuffleboard for anyone who wanted to enjoy them.
The room was quiet and clean with a few extras, kitchen table, microwave and fridge. The decor leans into the pink flamingo of the 1960s, but it was super fun and had everything I needed.
Last but not least... I was a single lady traveling alone and the property was well lit enough for safety at night. The staff was friendly and accommodating.
I don’t know if life will bring me back to Sarasota, but if so, I’ll be staying here again.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GulfBeachMotel, General Manager at Gulf Beach Resort Motel
Responded Jan 8, 2020
Thank you for the kind review of our property - we hope that life finds you well, and affords the opportunity for you to visit us again. We are looking forward to that day. Thank you again David
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My friend and I stayed here with our sons in separate rooms, and we didn't know this property is getting ready to close ( tear down ), so it was obvious that there was no improvements and /or adequate upkeep of rooms. My room had an exposed box spring mattress, and the bathroom looked dirty with old and missing grout around toilet, and dark stains on grout in shower. There was an extra blanket in a closet that wasn't enclosed in any bag per covid protocols. The inside of the fridge had few food particles, and the worst part was the ac window unit ran all the time and every 3 minutes would start a loud noise. My friend's unit wasn't able to lock the dead bolt from the inside. I was embarrassed for suggesting staying here to my friend since several years ago when I stayed here, it didn't seem this bad. I had mentioned this to the "manager", David ? upon check out and he mentioned that " we are getting ready to close the property and the ac unit's compressor may be going bad". I do feel like I should have gotten some reimbursement.
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Date of stay: April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stopped here for a few days while on our way back home to KY. The location is spot on, basically right on the beach. They also provide beach chairs and beach towels.The outdoor pool is heated. I took a dip one night while the temperature was in the 50s and it felt great. Now for the bad part of our experience. The first room we stayed in was a dated old dingy room. No side chairs to sit in, no shade on the wall light and the bathroom was just blah. Luckily for us the air conditioning froze up and stopped working which made a sleepless hot night. Management was accommodating the next morning and moved us.it was as if we went to another motel. This new room was bright, welcoming and had a table and chairs plus 2 wicker chairs. I'm not sure if somehow they forgot to remodel the first room or just use it as overflow but they really need to do something with it cause it's a dump. Be sure that you don't get room 200 201 or 202.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GulfBeachMotel, General Manager at Gulf Beach Resort Motel
Responded Jan 15, 2020
Thank you for your review - sorry about the a/c - glad you liked the next room. David
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My sisters and I stayed at the Hulf Beach Hotel and had a great time. The quality of the rooms varies hugely so be careful when you book. Even though my room cost more than my sister’s, it was very bare bones - no bed side lamp, no hair dryer, no coffee cups. The front desk said it was a “motel room”. My sisters room had a full kitchen, nice furnishings, and beach decor - and was way cheaper. So if you stay here, enjoy the beautiful beach and get an “efficiency”.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Don’t book the “motel room”. Book an efficiency or “apartment”
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from GulfBeachMotel, General Manager at Gulf Beach Resort Motel
Responded Jan 13, 2020
thank you for your review - we hope that you and your family had a great time - and we hope that you can have a reunion here again -- Thank you for staying with us David
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Each room is owned by a different owner. You walk out of your room and you are yards from the beach. The staff is excellent- especially Dave, Jennifer and Tammi. They are very helpful. Some rooms are well decorated with new beds, a/c while others are in poorer condition. See online photos which are good but may not tell the 'whole story'. We did have a pleasant room but with a horrible bed. It took a few dates of negotiating to get them give us a better bed and this was a damper as we were there for one week. Also the staff does not have control over the interior of the rooms as the owner's do and this means you don't really know what you will get as the owners are not there. Still I enjoy the cozy, pleasant atmosphere and would go again.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: February 2020
Room Tip:See photos, ask questions about the bed, refrigerator, a/c.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Navigate73671, General Manager at Gulf Beach Resort Motel
Responded Mar 3, 2020
Thank you for your review - we always strive to make all our guest feel comfortable, I hope that we were able to accommodate you - we look forward to your annual visit - and we look forward to your next visit - Thank you again David
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We booked based on reviews and images. I knew that it wasn’t 5 star clearly based on price but was in the sand. It was “old Florida” for sure but more sketchy... We were a later check in and went to dinner straight away. We returned to people arguing and slamming doors. We got up, went to the beach and breakfast. Upon returning I noticed the shower had sand from the previous guests. We had work meetings so I left my flip flops on and got in the shower. It wouldn’t drain so I had to stand in standing water. We had no choice but to attend our work meetings but decided to leave and drive 6 hours home tonight rather than stay another night.
This place is not fit for weddings and groups as portrayed in images. It seems more people live there than stay there. It’s dirty, scary and gross. All reviews are positive bull#%+^. I assume you get a discount on your monthly rent for a positive review. STAY AWAY. Also don’t think that it’s nice because the Ritz-Carlton Residences are 3 doors down... one of the residents needs to tear it down.
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from david Marinich, General Manager at Gulf Beach Resort Motel
Responded May 5, 2021
the property's last day is May 30th - we have had a good run, and we thank you for your review - wish I could have been more helpful.
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I struggle whether to give this an excellent or very good because it may not be for everyone. We love it and come back. The motel is an older style motel where the rooms are now owned by individuals, are decorated and rented out like small condos. Rooms tend to be smallish, although some are larger, and basic but wonderful for sleeping and relaxing. Most have a porch area which is great for reading and other things. And best of all you are a short walk, steps from the beach. Note there are two floors so you may have a few steps to walk down but the view is nicer. Imagine getting up, pouring a cup of coffee and walking out your door and on the beach. No going through a lobby just fresh air. If you like modern, high rise, and lots of amenities this is not the place. If you want quite, right on the beach, friendly and just want to be yourself. This is it. It is also close to many resaurants and sites so you probably won't be in the room much.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:If its your first time I suggest picking one of the larger rooms at a slight increase in cost. ...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Navigate73671, General Manager at Gulf Beach Resort Motel
Responded Mar 7, 2020
thank you for you review, hope to see you soon. David
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We loved this place. The kitchen was large enough for my husband to do all the cooking he wanted, and the beach was perfect for me to relax, walk and sunbathe. We loved walking down to the park at the end of the key. We watched a crane catch his breakfast. The room is small, but the outside makes it all worthwhile. The heated pool was perfect for my water aerobics workout in the evening after the families went inside.
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Date of stay: January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Navigate73671, General Manager at Gulf Beach Resort Motel
Responded Feb 12, 2020
thank you for your review of our property - we hope you have an opportunity to visit us again in the near future. David
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
we are keeping the social distancing - we are not allowing the cabanas on the beach - and each guest will have a wristband so we can keep the beach to our guest only.
There are more places to choose from in the Sarasota area.
LOCATION
United StatesFloridaSouthwest Gulf CoastSarasota
NUMBER OF ROOMS
49
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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