There’s a new St. Regis coming to Florida, and it should open within the next year…
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Basics of the St. Regis Longboat Key, Florida
Florida should be getting its second St. Regis property in 2024, with the opening of the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort. The 18-acre resort will be located on Longboat Key (as the name suggests), a barrier island outside of Sarasota, right on the Gulf of Mexico. The St. Regis will feature 166 guest rooms plus 69 private residences, so it’ll be quite a large property (given how much bigger residences are than hotel rooms).
Marriott currently claims that the hotel will be opening in the summer of 2024. The hotel provided a video with construction progress a couple of weeks ago. Personally I think late 2024 is a more realistic opening timeline, but we’ll see.
Exact property details are limited as of now, though we can expect multiple restaurants (including a steak and seafood restaurant, an Italian restaurant, and a pool grill), a spa, a gym, multiple outdoor pools, and more. Below are some renderings of the property.
Also, while this is targeted at those buying a residence, below is a video from the developer about the project, to give you more a sense of the vibe.
This will be a great addition to Marriott’s portfolio
I’ve lived in Florida most of my life, and my family is from the Tampa and St. Petersburg area, so this new St. Regis is just a short drive away. The Gulf of Mexico side of Florida has some beautiful beaches, for those who are into that, and that’s particularly true of Longboat Key. So if you want a relaxed yet luxurious beach vacation, this property will be a great choice.
While the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota is only a few miles away from the St. Regis Longboat Key, the property isn’t right on the beach. It does have a beach club with shuttle service, though I’m sure many will prefer to just stay directly on the beach.
This part of Florida doesn’t otherwise have many true five-star beach resorts. Yes, there are some upscale properties, like the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach, Don CeSar St. Petersburg Beach, etc., but I wouldn’t quite consider those to be of the same caliber. On the west coast of Florida, the only other luxury beach properties are a lot further south, like the Ritz-Carlton Naples.
So anyway, this will be a great option for earning and redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points, and I’m looking forward to checking out this hotel when it opens. Given the popularity of Florida (especially in winter), I’m sure this resort will have no problem filling rooms with very steep pricing.
Bottom line
The St. Regis Longboat Key is expected to open in 2024. The property will feature 166 rooms, and will be located on a barrier island just outside of Sarasota. It’s nice to see the St. Regis brand expanding in Florida, and I’m sure many are looking forward to checking out this property. I’ll be sure to provide an update when the hotel opens for reservations.
What do you make of the St. Regis Longboat Key?
As a resident, not at all pleased.
Extra traffic, noise and lights all serve to degrade from LBK's pristine environment.
Yes Great memories of the Colony Resort stays and it’s great dining from the 80s
Hopefully this can compare without being over the top
@Ace - LBK residents could have their own bridge to the mainland, but they prefer to head over other islands north and south in order to keep their island more private. They are getting what they want (horrible traffic) because of their own decisions.
I have been watching this beautiful resort being built. So excited for its opening.
I loved the Colony Resort. This new place too huge and glitzy!
This has been a high-drama development for years with most of the locals wanting it gone (which, of course, will not happen). Traffic on LBK had gotten materially worse and the one link that connects it to Sarasota can take an hour (literally) to go 2-3 miles. The developers flat-out lied about the design, size and location of the parking structure (too long for this forum, but you can google it) and the residents are...
This has been a high-drama development for years with most of the locals wanting it gone (which, of course, will not happen). Traffic on LBK had gotten materially worse and the one link that connects it to Sarasota can take an hour (literally) to go 2-3 miles. The developers flat-out lied about the design, size and location of the parking structure (too long for this forum, but you can google it) and the residents are not thrilled. LBK is nice, but unless you plan to stay close-by, expect near gridlock like conditions much of the time.
Yes...I agree 100% As a resident... "Not thrilled" is an understatement
100% as a resident
not thrilled or looking forward to the extra traffic