YOUR PLACE IN PARADISE 1 BLOCK TO THE BEACH 3 BLOCKS TO ST. ARMANDS

Lido Beach is my most favorite place in the entire world! I was looking for a way to extend my stay without having to pay some of the higher prices out there. Over the many times I've stayed on Lido during these past 19 years, I cant believe I missed out on this place.

First and foremost, the Lido Islander is a Great value. The location is Amazing - basically right across the street from Lido Public Beach. Another great thing about this location is that it's hidden away back in the residential area. The 1 bedroom unit was very roomy, comfortable (great couch and king size bed). It also had cute decorations. The Property Manager and her Daughter were very helpful throughout our entire stay. They have a nice linen and supply set up as well.

The only major downfall is that there is no pool on the Islander's property. However, there is a public pool right across the street. And, of course, the Beach and Gulf which cannot compare to any pool! The wireless internet is free but has some stability issues - especially if it rains.

What I liked best: The value and location.

What I liked least: Leaving!

The Lido Islander was a great place for our family vacation this summer. The location was great, walking distance to Lido Beach and St. Armands, and the rooms were clean. We enjoyed the full kitchen in our suite. We the price was very reasonable for what we got, a 1 bedroom condo/apartment style room. Lido Beach is great and we got to see some Dolphins swimming off the beach. It was Great!

This review is a long time coming, since we stayed here in May of 2009. My friend was getting married in the area, and instead of shelling out way too much for rooms at the Holiday Inn (which is in walking distance if you need to meet up with anyone there), my girlfriend and I plus two other couples decided to stay at the Lido Islander for 3 nights. Two of the couples, including myself, stayed in the 2 bedroom suite on the second floor and the other couple stayed in a one bedroom unit two doors down, which was very similar to a smaller hotel room, but still nicely appointed for a beach apartment.

The two bedroom suite was spacious with a large living room, dining area and a kitchen big enough that 2 people could prep food/drinks and had enough utensils that you could get most cooking done if you improvise. The kitchen is open to the common area, so you're never cut off from the action - be that a good or bad thing. The master bedroom had a king bed and shared a bathroom with the 2nd bedroom, which contained two twin beds. The rooms were big enough that you could walk around easily even with luggage on the floor. The walls are a little thin, so there could be some issues with neighbors, if they're night owls/early risers. There is a propane grill on the property which we took advantage of. It had a full tank and was clean. Very nice touch.

The location is perfect. a 5-10 minute walk to St. Armand's which has everything you'd want to do/see/eat in that part of Sarasota. The beach is also a similar distance away, Very do-able even with two armfuls of beach gear (there are chairs provided at Lido Islander if you get up early enough).

Everyone was having a great time and were very impressed with the facilities, especially considering how much we were paying. The part that really put the Lido Islander over the top was the friendly service. Once night, we were out to dinner at Hemmingway's, and my girlfriend had red wine spilled on her new white linen shorts (one of the girls we were with is quite the gesticulator). We thought for sure that they were ruined. The next morning, the property manager heard us talking about it on our way to the beach and offered to try and get the stain out. When we return from the beach that afternoon, the shorts are lying on our bed, good as new!

All in all, an amazing long weekend. If ever in the area again, I will definitely be staying here.