My wife and I, along with our 16 years old daughter, have visited The Tides Inn 3-4 times. We have always had a great time. The owners are very nice people. They are there when you need them, but away when you don't. The rooms are clean, the pool is beautiful and the grounds are secluded and very big. The Inn is 2 minutes from the Stickney Point Bridge and 3 minutes from Crescent Beach. The price is almost 1/3rd the cost of staying on Siesta Key. Efficiency Apartments are the way to go for us. You get a full kitchen, so instead of going out to eat 3 times a day [spending a fortune] we shop at the local supermarket and fill the fridge. There is a grill for guests to use as well as outside eating areas. We were there for our wedding anniversary and much to our surprise the owners gave us a bottle of wine with their name on the bottle [it was very tasty]. If you want to go out for dinner there are hundreds of great restaurants within a few minutes drive. We have been vacationing in Sarasota for 20 years and if affordability, privacy, and staying close to everything is what you are looking for then the Tides Inn is the place for you. You may contact me for any additional questions you may have. Paul Maginnis 781-834-1036.