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All 48 Sarasota hotels »

Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel

3.0 of 5
1540 Ben Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Hotel amenities
Ranked #16 of 48 hotels in Sarasota
4.0 of 5 stars 396 Reviews
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396 reviews from our community

What travellers say about this hotel
  • Very nice(8)
  • Lido Beach(6)
  • Pool bar(6)
  • Little dated(4)
  • Gulf view room(4)
  • Gift shop(4)
  • Armands circle(4)
  • Great Place(4)
  • Beautiful white(3)
  • Beds were comfortable(3)
Traveller rating
    129
    148
    64
    33
    22
Only show reviews for Family (95) | Couples (121) | Business (11)
Date Rating
John W
San Diego, California
Contributor
12 reviews
1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 February 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

I just love this old hotel for its history and it brings old Florida taste back to vacations. I stayed here many times but this is my first review. If I had any complaints it would be why can't I buy this hotel? Lol... Its olf Florida flavor is very eveident in the rooms and hopefully when they update they... More

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retiresoon2013
berwick
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews
2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 February 2012 NEW

A wonderful view with a great room. This hotel is showing a little wear but the service and rooms are great. The food is exceptional and room service is everything you expect in a fine hotel. The cost is very reasonable for both the hotel and the restaurant. The location is a little hard to get to and a GPS... More

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becky1410
London, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews
3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 January 2012

Iv stayed here twice now and it's lovely I had a gulf view room my last visit which was amazing hotel is very clean no complaint from me il me back In October :) More

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barbschuh
lafayette, ca
Reviewer
5 reviews
7 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 January 2012

Great hotel - dated but full of charm. Located on Lido beach on a quiet peaceful stretch of beach great for running, walking and shell collecting. The pools are wonderful for kids and adults alike. A mile down the road is the best shopping in Sarasota. Perfect hotel - perfect location. More

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cjaycee
tallahassee, florida
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews
1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 January 2012

We've lived in Florida for more than 30 years and we've seen much of its essential nature be replaced by condos, strip malls, traffic and crowded parking lots. The Helmsley Sandcastle to its credit retains much of the charm so elusive now in the state. Lido Beach is beautiful and the hotel does a good job of providing beach services,... More

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Calgary2010
Reviewer
3 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 January 2012

I can only describe this property as a thoroughly delightful "time warp". Straight out of the '70's, it may be dated, but immaculately kept up. A great change to be in a hotel right on the beach and with real character, in the nicest way possible. Came for business, but both my colleague and myself are considering returning for a... More

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bright0ngal
Orlando, Florida
Reviewer
3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 January 2012

I always stay at this hotel that is located on Lido Beach. It is quiet and small. The Breakfast is wonderful too.. you can order a la carte or buffet. Its just 5 minutes from St Armands Circle.. My favorite restaurant. the Colombia and great stores and galleries.I just love it there! More

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fleurdelysfan
virginia
Contributor
12 reviews
5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

The hotel is on a wonderful, uncrowded beach. A short walk down the shoreline takes you to a completely unoccupied area at the southern tip of the island where the water is as calm as a swimming pool and the egrets walk along to catch food in the shallows. Facilities are very good but they need to be maintained with... More

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ElizabethN1320
Wallingford, Connecticut
1 review
1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

The hotel is right on the Gulf in a great location but too far away from stores or activities. That would be okay if they had a shuttle. Had to get a taxi to get to the airport. The rooms were renovated but still looked old. The maid service was okay but when she came in to clean she put... More

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cheapies
Wigan, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
33 reviews
60 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Booked 3 nights over new year. 12/30 to 1/2. Booked with an American Hotel Company and paid about £90 per night. We opted for the mid range room which was a Pool/Courtyard view. Our room overlooked the pool and had 2 queen beds and everything you could want. The location of the hotel is everything right on one of the... More

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Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel Also Known As

  • Helmsley Sandcastle Sarasota
  • Helmsley Sandcastle
  • Sarasota Helmsley Sandcastle
  • Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel Sarasota
Address: 1540 Ben Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236

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Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel
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