For your convenience, The Ritz-Carlton has provided the following information to help you plan for and enjoy your stay with us.
Location
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is situated at the edge of beautiful downtown Sarasota overlooking Sarasota Bay. The resort is 4 miles south of Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport and 55 miles south of Tampa International Airport.
Taxis
Taxis are easily accessible at the airports, just steps away from the baggage claim area. The average rate for the ride is $15 USD from Sarasota/Bradenton Airport and $80 from Tampa.
Rental Cars
Car rentals may be arranged through the Resort Concierge for pick-up and drop-off at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Advance reservations are suggested by calling (941) 309-2160.
Chauffeured transportation
Limousine and private car transportation can be arranged by the Resort Concierge for an applicable fee. Advance reservations are required by calling (941) 309-2160.
Parking
Valet Parking only. A $20 fee per car per night applies.
Climate
One of Sarasota's prime attractions is the weather. Sarasota enjoys an average annual high temperature 82.8 F (28.2 C). Even when the forecast calls for rain or thunderstorms, chances are it will only be for a brief period and much of the day will be sunny.
Clothing
A casually sophisticated town, dress is generally informal in Sarasota.
- Shorts and sandals are perfectly acceptable daytime attire for almost everywhere.
- Through May, evenings can be cool and a jacket or sweater is suggested.
- For evening dining, Resort Casual attire is recommended at the resort (slacks and collared shirts for men).
- Proper golf attire is required at most local private and semi-private clubs.
- Additional suggested items to pack: swimsuit, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunblock, camera.
Visas
A citizen of a foreign country wishing to enter the U.S. generally must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. The type of visa you must have is defined by immigration law and relates to the purpose of your travel.
Health Requirements
N/A
Currency
• Transactions are done in US Dollars.
• A currency exchange service is available at the hotel’s front desk
• You may also change your money or cash travelers checks at banks
• Remember to bring along your passport to help facilitate exchanges
Telephones
- The country code is 1, and the city code (area code) is 941
- For international calls, dial 011 followed by the country code and the local number.
- Calls to other states in the U.S. are made by dialing 1, then the three-digit area code before the seven-digit number
- For local directory assistance, call 411
Tourist Information
Official Sarasota Visitor Information Center
655 North Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: (941) 957-1877/ (800) 522-9799
Fax: (941) 951-2956
Email:info@sarasotafl.org
Website:
http://www.sarasotafl.org/
Unless your party size is large, tips are usually not included in any restaurants or lounge bills and the tip amount is left to the customer's discretion. In deciding what to give, base your tip on what the service is and how well it is performed.
Tipping guidelines:
For hotel staff, recommended amounts are $1 - $3 per bag for a bellman, $1 - $2 per night for housekeeping, $5 - $10 for special concierge services, $1 - $3 for a doorman who hails a cab or parks a car, 15% of the greens fee for a caddie, 15%-20% of the bill for a massage, and 15% of a room service bill.
In a restaurant, give 15% - 20% of your bill before tax, to the server, 5% - 10% to the matre d', 15% to a bartender and 15% of the wine bill for a wine steward who makes a special effort in selecting and serving wine.
Public Holidays
Major national holidays include
- New Year's Day (Jan. 1)
- Martin Luther King Day (3rd Monday in Jan. - Jan. 15, 2007)
- Presidents' Day (3rd Monday in February - Feb. 19, 2007)
- Memorial Day (last Monday in May - May 28, 2007)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (1st Monday in Sept.- Sept. 3, 2007)
- Columbus Day (2nd Monday in Oct.- Oct. 8, 2007)
- Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November - Nov. 22, 2007)
- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (Dec 24 and 25)
- New Year's Eve (Dec 31)