Siesta Key is one of Sarasota, Florida’s most popular destinations. The favorited island attracts travelers from all over the United States and the world with its soft, white-sand beaches and warm, Gulf of Mexico waters. For those seeking a Florida Keys vacation on a budget, Siesta Key is also a great option, as it boasts the coveted “key” name combined with a more northerly location, resulting in reduced accommodations prices.
If it’s overall value that you’re after, many find that beachfront condo rentals are a good bet when visiting Siesta Key. Beach condo rentals are often just as affordable as any resort guest room or hotel stay, but they typically come with so much more, including more space for families and friends, on-site dining, kitchen and laundry facilities and more. If this sounds like the perfect choice for your traveling family, check out the options below for booking your Sarasota beachfront condo rental.
(Photo by Rick Schwartz via Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
HOMEAWAY
With more than 100 beachfront condo rentals, HomeAway gives guests traveling to Sarasota and Siesta Key plenty of options. Just pick your dates of travel and search and you’ll immediately see available condos scattered all over a map of the oblong island, with quite a few in the northern portion of both the island and the adjacent Sarasota mainland. Prices range from $150 to $400 per night, and it all depends on the size and quality of your preferred beach condo. Many come with desirable amenities such as pools, hot tubs, kitchens and outdoor grills. There are, however, none that allow smoking, none that are considered “luxury” and none in Bay Isle or Aloha Kai, two desirable areas.
You’ll find well over 50 beachfront condo rentals that offer an Instant Confirmation option, so that you can be assured your condo is reserved for your stay, without going through HomeAway’s normal booking process that requires you request dates from a condo owner before they’re approved.
SIESTAKEY.COM
SiestaKey.com offers vacation rentals all located on Siesta Key (so none on the mainland, in Sarasota, like some that you can find on HomeAway) and all are tried and true condos, meaning that they come with the amenities and perks most associated with condo stays, such as more space, added privacy and kitchen or laundry facilities.
You can find condos at some of the most desirable developments around the key, including Gulf & Bay Club, Sunset Royale, Aloha Kai, Siesta Key Village, Jamaica Royale and Tivoli by the Sea. There are more than 500 rentals to choose from, and you can search via your arrival and departure dates, location and number of bedrooms. Do note a minimum two-night stay is required at all properties. When you find the right condo for you via the search feature, you can look through photos, reviews and limitations (as some do not allow pets and others require longer minimum stays, such as a week). You can request further info about a particular property, or book directly. Beach condo rentals are not fully booked until your request is approved and you submit your payment.
BOOKING.COM
Booking.com offers a more limited number of beach condo rentals in Siesta Key. The options range from condos at larger resorts, to those at smaller, locally-owned and operated spots. Both come with their perks and drawbacks. Once you’ve picked a condo that looks suitable for your needs, you can view a photo gallery of the property, read reviews, peruse the amenities and look up information on nearby attractions and landmarks.
Booking.com does offer free cancellation on some condos and you can reserve your spot without waiting for an approval, which makes the travel planning process that much easier.