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LIDO KEY: Beach & Books and so much MORE!

Photo gallery for LIDO KEY: Beach & Books and so much MORE!

A living room with a sofa, a patterned rug, a wooden side table, and a white bookshelf with decorative items.
A living room with a sofa, a wooden coffee table, a television, and wall-mounted artwork.
A wooden cabinet with drawers, a clock, and decorative items on top.
A modern living room with a dining area, large windows with blinds, a sofa, and a cabinet.
A framed picture of an owl on a rock with a palm tree in the background.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Lido Beach
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Balcony
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View in a map
Sarasota, FL
  • Place, South Lido Park
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Lido Beach
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, St. Armands Circle
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Airport, Sarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.)
    ‪18 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

About this property

LIDO KEY: Beach & Books and so much MORE!

Lido Beach is just a 3-4 minute walk from this ideally positioned mid-island condo which will be available while the traveling bookworm owner is away.

LOCATION: Lido Beach - on the Gulf of Mexico, with its beautiful blue water and gentle waves, is at the end of the block (there's also a beach bar, and the adjacent hotel's restrooms save you from needing to return to the condo!) Renowned St Armands Circle, offering a myriad of shopping and dining choices, is apprx. 1/2 mile away. A short, scenic trip across the Ringling Bridge takes you to downtown Sarasota with its many dining and entertainment venues, as well as Whole Foods and THE LIBRARY. No car? No problem: Ultra-affordable local rideshare offers curb to curb transportation between Lido / St. Armands and town! There's also a free trolley you can catch at the nearby beach pavilion.

PAYMENT/REFUND: Option of incremental payments prior to stay available for most. Refunds as stated but extenuating circumstances will be considered.

Clicking on a photo above will bring up the full gallery with descriptions.
FOR MORE DETAILS ON AVAILABILITY, etc. (and me): scroll down to "About the Host" and click "view profile"
PLEASE NOTE: Only 1 person has ever rated my place less than 5 stars - click on the "read all reviews" below the ones displayed and you can read my response which clarifies things.

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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (212 reviews)
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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please hang wet towels, adjust thermostat to 78 degrees, turn off lights, TV, etc. and be sure door is locked behind you. ;-)
No cleanup required - An up-front cleaning fee of $130 is collected
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1184858vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Sarasota

Located in Sarasota, this condo is near the beach. St. Armands Circle and Mall at University Town Center are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lido Beach and Longboat Key Beaches. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Stardust Event Center, or consider a night out at Tarpon Bay Grill and Tiki Bar. Looking to get your feet wet? Kayaking, snorkelling and swimming adventures can be found near the property.
Map
Sarasota, FL

What's nearby

  • South Lido Park - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Lido Beach - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Coolidge Park - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • St. Armands Circle - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • South Lido Lookout Bridge - 9 min drive - 2.1 km

Getting around

  • Sarasota, FL (SRQ-Sarasota-Bradenton Intl.) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Columbia Restaurant - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪The Old Salty Dog - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Daiquiri Deck - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪Dry Dock Waterfront Grill - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Drift Kitchen & Bar - Lido Beach Resort - ‬4 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is LIDO KEY: Beach & Books and so much MORE! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at LIDO KEY: Beach & Books and so much MORE!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at LIDO KEY: Beach & Books and so much MORE!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at LIDO KEY: Beach & Books and so much MORE!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is LIDO KEY: Beach & Books and so much MORE! located?

Situated by the sea, this condo building is within a 10-minute walk of Lido Beach and St. Armands Circle. South Lido Park and South Lido Lookout Bridge are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 7 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 7 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 7 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 7 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marcia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect spot!

What a lovely little condo for a visit to the Sarasota area. Short walk to the beach and to St. Armand Circle for shops and restaurants makes it a wonderful location. In spite of the small kitchen, it was incredibly comfortable, accessible and private. All thanks to Fran's organization and planning.
Stayed 9 nights in Jan 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar, 2020
Marcia & Dave, I'm so glad you like my little piece of heaven - the location is certainly hard to beat, I've been there for 25 yrs and still love it!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

james t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Close to everything.

This property is everything that makes you feel at home.Very quiet but within walking distance to the beach pool and St Armonds circle.Short drive to publix.Hope to return JAMES.
Stayed 14 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location to beach and St Armand’s shopping and restaurants.

Very clean and accurately described. Really enjoyed the close proximity to south Lido beach area.
Stayed 32 nights in Feb 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute and comfortable

Small unit. Served our needs for 1week at Lido Beach. Walkable distance to beach and town.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Joan G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Great Location, Small Unit

This is the owner’s year round home. Thus, not a lot of space for your belongings, eg. no dresser drawers. Kitchen is very small— no dishwasher, only 2 plates, bowls, 3 mugs, no stove, only hot plate and microwave, and stacked washer/dryer are in the small kitchen. Wall switches work only in the bathroom and bedroom. However, location is great. 15 minute walk to St. Armand Circle, a block and a half to the beach.
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar, 2020
I'm sorry that, unlike my other guests, you did not find more to like about my place. I would, however, like to address some of your comments so that others do not get the wrong impression: 1. Although drawer space isn't provided, there is apprx. 7 ft. of hanging space. Prior guests have just kept their foldables in their suitcases. 2. Since my listing states the apartment is suitable for 2, I felt  dishes for 2 was sufficient. Still, I also provided a number of disposable plates and cups. Besides the dishes there are both a Keurig and a French press coffee maker as well as pots, pans, Corningware, and utensils. 3. I chose to have the electric burners sit on the counter rather than embed them in the counter (the result is the same, but savings were substantial.) The microwave is also a good-sized convection oven, but I find most guests prefer to enjoy Sarasota's fine restaurants rather than stay in and cook. This is why I opted to replace the dishwasher with a washer/dryer. 4. Where there is no wall switch, there is automatic lighting and lamps.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

mary w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great stay

Loved this place. clean, attractive, comfortable -owner was very responsive and thoughtful. a block from the beautiful Lido Beach and a short,nice walk to St Armands. Good places to eat and shop. Also easy to get to Sarasota. I would stay again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nadia L.

Cozy, affordable & great location

My husband and I stayed 9 nights at this quiet little condo, two steps away from the beach, restaurants and shops at St Armand's circle. The condo met our needs and given its location, was a good value! South beach on Lido key is absolutely gorgeous with BBQ grills and shady picnic areas.
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2018

About the host

Hosted by Fran

Host profile image
I'm an avid travel fan and book lover - you'll probably find at least 5 of the NY Times top 10 on my bookshelves, and Sarasota's main public library is a short, free, trolley ride away (right by Whole Foods). If you like to read, you will enjoy curling up by my Fire & Ice fireplace should a short '27 cold snap come through.

Starting in August '26, I plan to offer my home for your use while I am away during the first 2-3 months of 2027, I will usually be reachable by phone and also have friends nearby. While you will have the entire place to yourself, be aware that the space will not be totally depersonalized. There will, however, be closet and cupboard space and the refrigerator will be mostly, if not completely, empty.
The furnishings are not child friendly, but it is an inviting space for 1 or 2 adults. NO smokers, please!

Why they chose this property

This is an upscale coastal neighborhood where the average property value is over a million dollars, and 40% of the residences are winter homes.

If you are a daily walker, there are a variety of different and interesting routes you can take: tree-lined streets past historic homes and new waterfront mansions; streetside along Ben Franklin Drive, past parks and condos overlooking the Gulf of Mexico; or the length of the island along the water's edge.

Lido has a park at each end of the island, and another mid-island. The southern park is a great picnic spot (wooden tables and trees providing shade) and has a wonderful view of boats entering and exiting Sarasota Bay. The mid-island park (closest to my place) has a swimming pool. The hotel next to it (right by the beach access at the end of my street) has nice restrooms (no need to go back to the condo) and a beach bar!

GETTING AROUND

Beyond the beach or St Armands Circle without a car: On demand service will pick you up and take you to/from the transit center in town by Whole Foods for a nominal fee until 10 pm. There is also a free trolley. Buses from there to/from areas around town (including the airport) are available until around 6pm. At other times, Lyft or Uber are affordable alternative options.

What makes this property unique

Aside from BOOKS:
*No cramped bed/sit (studio/bachelor): This is a full one bedroom apartment with separate living room, kitchen, and bedroom w/ensuite bath.
*No pull-out or fold-down beds to fight: Comfortable stationary queen size bed.
*No noisy wall unit A/C: "Whole house" forced air cooling+heating.
*No teeny tiny refrigerator: Full size side-by-side.
*No coin operated laundry hassles: In-unit full size stacked washer/dryer.
*No parking quandaries: Assigned COVERED parking (Condo rules restrict trucks, RVs, and motorcycles).
*No lengthy treks: Convenient mid-island location means you won't have far to walk to any point on Lido Key or to St. Armands. The beach is straight up the street 1-1/2 blocks (beach towels, beach chairs, and small (six-pack) cooler provided).

Languages:

English
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