In 1926, Mr. Ringling, one of Sarasota�s most prominent founding fathers, began constructing his most ambitious project, a Ritz-Carlton hotel on nearby Longboat Key. With great publicity and public interest, construction began on the luxurious building, but was halted by the Great Depression. The partially constructed ornate building, known as the �ghost hotel,� remained standing until the 1960s, when it was demolished.

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. Guests who require additional pampering can choose rooms or suites on The Ritz-Carlton Club level, featuring the services of a dedicated concierge and five complimentary culinary presentations daily served in a casual and elegant private lounge. The Club level is accessible via a specially coded elevator key.

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, including an executive boardroom finished with mahogany walls and trim.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa and Beach Club

Currently under construction, the 15,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa will be adjacent to the hotel and will offer an extensive menu of beauty, health and wellness services. A variety of massage therapy treatments designed to incorporate native Florida citrus, orange blossoms and botanicals will be available in over 10 treatment rooms. Also, fitness classes, circuit training and wellness seminars will be a part of the spa experience, which is scheduled to open in Fall 2002.

Slated to debut in Late 2002, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Beach Club will open on Lido Key, offering guests of the hotel a private, expansive powder-white sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico. In addition, the Beach Club will feature a rooftop terrace, tiki bar, casual restaurant, beachside pool and hot tub, all exclusively for guests and members. Access to the Beach Club will be available via The Ritz-Carlton Shuttle Service.

Located just four miles from the Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport, The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is easily accessible by both Interstate 75 and US 41.