The Best Western Golden Host is located less than half a mile south of the Ringling Museum, the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum and the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. Nestled on five acres of tropically landscaped grounds are a 50-foot heated pool and shuffleboard courts. In-room amenities include high-speed Internet access and data port, telephones, irons and ironing boards and hair dryers, all accompanied by a daily complimentary deluxe continental breakfast. If you’re looking for a wicked Mai Tai or a rollicking weekend crowd, head down to the resort’s legendary Bahi Hut cocktail lounge. 4675 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 355-5141.

Located just one mile north of the airport, the Hilton Garden Inn is a lushly landscaped hotel featuring all the comforts and conveniences that appeal to vacationers and business visitors, including complimentary shuttle to and from the airport. Nearby attractions include the Powel Crosley Mansion, Ringling Museum of Art, Mote Aquarium, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the theater district. There are 115 rooms, a comfortable lounge and bar, heated outdoor pool and fitness center with spa. 8270 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 552-1100.

Adjacent to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and the University of South Florida at Sarasota, the Comfort Inn is within walking distance of the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. Guests enjoy free deluxe continental breakfasts, weekday newspaper and fresh-baked cookies, as well as a fitness center and outdoor pool. 5000 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 351-7734.

Located on Sarasota Bay, the Sarasota Cay Club Resort and Marina is the home of Latitudes, a waterfront restaurant where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in a casual Key West-style atmosphere. The Tiki Bar is a popular gathering place with friendly service and live entertainment that adds to the island ambiance. Surrounded by lush foliage, the deck overlooking the marina is an ideal place for sunset weddings or just lounging at the heated outdoor pool. The full-service, 78-slip marina offers watersport and boat rentals. The resort’s amenities—178 newly appointed guest rooms, deluxe suites and 10,000 square feet of banquet space—attract corporate and social events. A complimentary airport shuttle is available for guests. 7150 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 355-2781 or (888) 818-2781. www.cayclubs.com.

BRADENTON

Near the beaches of Anna Maria Island, the Holiday Inn Riverfront sits on the mile-wide Manatee River and is convenient to restaurants, shopping and cultural attractions in downtown Bradenton, as well as fishing, golfing and tennis nearby.

          The full-service hotel boasts Spanish ambiance and architecture with 153 rooms and suites, all with private balconies offering river, pool or courtyard views. A fitness center and restaurant are also on site. 100 Riverfront Drive W., Bradenton. (888) 465-4329.

SOUTH

Physically located at 6600 S. Tamiami Trail, the Holiday Inn Express is a contemporary, tropically appointed, 131-room hotel that’s convenient to Siesta Key. Fine dining and shopping are within walking distance of the hotel, and it’s less than half an hour to local attractions like St. Armands Circle, museums and Mote Marine Laboratory. Amenities include complimentary continental breakfast, outdoor pool and whirlpool, fitness center, guest laundry facilities and the Siesta Key Snack Center. Business services include copying, fax machine and printer. 6600 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. 924-4900.

Venice’s newest all-suites hotel, the Best Western Ambassador Suites, is conveniently located off I-75 exit 193 (Jacaranda Boulevard). Guests can easily enjoy sandy beaches, 40 challenging golf courses, shopping and more. It offers free hot breakfast, local calls and high-speed Internet, plus an outdoor heated pool, exercise facility and full conference and business center. Executive suites come with Jacuzzi tubs. 400 Commercial Court, Venice. 480-9898.

The Hampton Inn & Suites offers spacious guest rooms and suites with kitchens, complimentary breakfast, free newspaper, high-speed Internet access and a fitness center. Plus, it’s close to shopping, dining and area beaches. 881 Venetia Bay Blvd., Venice. 488-5900. www.hamptoninnvenice.com.

Holiday Inn Venice boasts 155 comfortable rooms and three spacious suites ideal for families, groups and individual travelers. Its outdoor pool, hot tub and beach volleyball court make it a fun locale for weddings, group gatherings and reunions. And it’s centrally located near the beach and within walking distance of downtown Venice dining and shopping. 455 U.S. 41 Bypass N., Venice. 485-5411 or (800) 237-3712.