Sarasota Bradenton International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Sarasota Bradenton International is 10-15 minutes from downtown, with the only hotel on airport grounds right next to the gates and a second one just outside the gates: the most practical choice for a dawn flight or a late evening arrival, since there is no rail link or direct bus here. Anyone staying more than one night gains by sleeping in the Rosemary Arts District, downtown's creative neighborhood of galleries and theaters, or by heading as far as Siesta Key, 20-25 minutes away, for beaches often rated among the most beautiful in Florida.

At the airport

On airport grounds, a few minutes on foot or via the hotel shuttle from the gates.

Best for: Anyone with an overnight layover or a dawn flight who wants the shortest possible transfer time.

Pros

The only hotel located within the airport grounds
Shuttle or a short walk from the gates, no traffic to deal with

Cons

An area with no evening life, just hotels and offices
Rates tend to be higher than the area right outside

Recommended hotels in this area

Hampton Inn & Suites Sarasota/Bradenton-Airport: The only hotel built within airport grounds, a few steps from the terminal.

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Airport area

By car 3-5 minutes from the terminals, no direct bus.

Best for: Anyone who wants to stay a step from the terminals but prefers a newer hotel, renovated in 2023.

Pros

A few minutes from the terminals, renovated in 2023
Prices on average lower than the hotel on airport grounds

Cons

An area of just hotels and offices, nothing within walking distance in the evening
A car is needed even for downtown, 10-15 minutes away

Recommended hotels in this area

DoubleTree by Hilton Sarasota Bradenton Airport: Renovated in 2023, a few minutes from the terminals with breakfast and an evening reception included.

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Downtown and Rosemary Arts District

City centre · By car or taxi 10-15 minutes from the airport, no direct bus.

Best for: Anyone wanting downtown, the galleries of the Rosemary Arts District and the bay waterfront within walking distance.

Pros

Art galleries, theaters and the bay waterfront within walking distance
More choice of restaurants and evening venues than near the airport

Cons

No direct public transport link to the airport
A touristy area, busier on weekends and during events

Recommended hotels in this area

Art Ovation Hotel, Autograph Collection: Downtown, with a panoramic rooftop bar and an open studio where guests can watch artists at work.
The Sarasota Modern, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel: In the creative Rosemary Arts District neighborhood, with two shared pools and a hot tub.

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