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Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel – reviews, photos

3.0 of 5
1540 Ben Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Hotel amenities
Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel
Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel
Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel
Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel
Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel
Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel
Ranked #19 of 46 hotels in Sarasota
4.0 of 5 stars 444 Reviews
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444 reviews from our community

What travellers say about this hotel
  • Lido Beach(16)
  • Armands circle(10)
  • Very nice(10)
  • Pool bar(8)
  • Gulf view room(8)
  • Gift shop(7)
  • Great Place(7)
  • Friendly and helpful(6)
  • Little dated(4)
  • Parking garage(3)
Traveller rating
    140
    169
    74
    36
    25
Only show reviews for Family (111) | Couples (142) | Business (12)
Date Rating
KC
1 review
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“Slightly disappointed”
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 February 2012
4
people found this review helpful

We requested a room specifically with a beach front (gulf front) location with a balcony, because we had just finished with a business function in Orlando and wanted to be able to relax and decompress. The "balcony" is a 3 foot depth shared space and 2 plastic chairs with no privacy or separation from rooms on either side of us. The view, if you are seated, is blocked by concrete railing. We were at the mercy of neighboring guests and their cell phone conversations, cigarettes, talking, and eyes. Not quite what we had in mind. The description of the room accoutrements were inaccurate by ommission of this information. I agree this hotel is old, but in fairly good shape and priced well. The staff is friendly and helpful.

  • Stayed February 2012, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
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Ask KcTde about Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
San Diego, California
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
“Beach Location”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

I just love this old hotel for its history and it brings old Florida taste back to vacations. I stayed here many times but this is my first review. If I had any complaints it would be why can't I buy this hotel? Lol... Its olf Florida flavor is very eveident in the rooms and hopefully when they update they will consider this. There going to have to upgrade soon or lose some business because of the competition in the area.

The beach is theHotels true asset and its on a prime piece of realestate. The pools are nice but could use some refreshing in those areas. I hope to come back next Winter and hope to see some new improvements.

Room Tip: pools-side is loud in the mornings.
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  • Stayed January 2012, travelled as a couple
    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 3 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
berwick
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
“What a view...”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 February 2012

A wonderful view with a great room. This hotel is showing a little wear but the service and rooms are great. The food is exceptional and room service is everything you expect in a fine hotel. The cost is very reasonable for both the hotel and the restaurant. The location is a little hard to get to and a GPS came in handy as it was our first time to the Gulf Coast. Laundry is located not far from the pool and beach and as we were touring by car laundry facilities were a bonus. This hotel is located on the Lido Key which is lush and beautiful. I highly recommend this hotel as a quiet, relaxing spot on a beautiful beach.

  • Stayed September 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask retiresoon2013 about Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
London, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Lovely hotel”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 January 2012

Iv stayed here twice now and it's lovely I had a gulf view room my last visit which was amazing hotel is very clean no complaint from me il me back In October :)

  • Stayed October 2011
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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Ask becky1410 about Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
lafayette, ca
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
“Quaint retreat”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 January 2012

Great hotel - dated but full of charm. Located on Lido beach on a quiet peaceful stretch of beach great for running, walking and shell collecting. The pools are wonderful for kids and adults alike. A mile down the road is the best shopping in Sarasota. Perfect hotel - perfect location.

Room Tip: Enjoy the beach!
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  • Stayed January 2012, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 3 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask barbschuh about Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel
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Additional Information about Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel

  • Helmsley Sandcastle Sarasota
  • Helmsley Sandcastle
  • Sarasota Helmsley Sandcastle
  • Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel Sarasota
Address: 1540 Ben Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236
Price range (per night):* INR7,245 - 11,425

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