Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re planning a relaxing beachfront getaway, a golf vacation, a family trip, or a romantic escape, we’re here to help you prepare for your stay. Browse our frequently asked questions below to learn more about accommodations, amenities, dining, transportation, weddings, nearby attractions, and everything else you need to know before arriving at The Resort at Longboat Key Club.
About the Resort
The Resort at Longboat Key Club offers far more than a traditional beachfront stay. Set on 410 acres along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the resort combines luxury accommodations with championship golf, award-winning tennis, a private marina, waterfront dining, a full-service spa, and direct beach access all within one destination.
While many Longboat Key hotels focus primarily on the beach, guests here can build an entirely different vacation each day. Spend one morning on the golf course, enjoy an afternoon at the beach or spa, dine overlooking the marina in the evening, or explore nearby St. Armands Circle before returning to the resort.
The resort is designed for travelers looking for more than a traditional beach getaway. Golf enthusiasts, couples celebrating special occasions, families, wellness travelers, boating enthusiasts, and groups all find experiences tailored to their interests.
Some guests spend their stay entirely on property enjoying the beach, golf courses, spa, and restaurants, while others use the resort as a home base for exploring Longboat Key, Sarasota, and Florida’s Gulf Coast.
It offers the best of both. Guests enjoy direct access to a private white-sand beach while also having access to 45 holes of championship golf, one of the country’s top-ranked tennis gardens, a full-service marina, pickleball courts, a luxury spa, and numerous dining options.
Whether your ideal vacation includes tee times, beach days, boating excursions, or simply relaxing by the pool, the resort makes it easy to customize your stay.
Many returning guests say the resort becomes part of their vacation tradition. Some return for annual golf trips, others for family beach vacations, boating adventures, wellness retreats, or seasonal escapes.
Its combination of personalized service, expansive amenities, and an ideal Gulf Coast location means every visit can feel different, whether you’re discovering something new or returning to your favorite places around the resort.
The atmosphere is relaxed, refined, and active. You’ll find guests enjoying a quiet morning walk on the beach, heading out for an early tee time, meeting friends for lunch overlooking the golf course, or ending the day with dinner by the marina.
Unlike resorts centered around nightlife or high-energy entertainment, Longboat Key Club offers a pace that encourages guests to slow down while still providing plenty to do throughout the day.
Getting Here & Transportation
One of the most common questions guests have before arriving is how the resort is organized. The property is divided into two primary areas: Islandside, where you’ll find the guest accommodations, beach, Links on Longboat golf course, spa, Mind & Motion Studio, and Islandside tennis courts; and Harbourside, home to the marina, Harbourside Golf Course, Tennis Gardens, pickleball courts, and additional dining venues. The two areas are about four miles apart.
The resort spans multiple areas, including Islandside and Harbourside, connected by a complimentary shuttle for resort guests. The shuttle makes it easy to travel between accommodations, golf, tennis, the marina, dining venues, and other resort amenities without needing to move your vehicle.
Not necessarily. Many guests spend their entire vacation enjoying the resort’s amenities without leaving the property. If you’d like to explore nearby attractions such as St. Armands Circle or Downtown Sarasota, having a car can be convenient, though rideshare services are also readily available.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is the closest airport and is approximately a 20-minute drive from the resort. Tampa International Airport (TPA) is another popular option for travelers, located about 90 minutes away depending on traffic.
Yes. While Longboat Key offers a peaceful beachfront setting, guests are only a short drive from attractions including St. Armands Circle, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, The Ringling, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Sarasota, and Lido Key.
Accommodations
The best accommodation depends on what you plan to enjoy most during your stay. Guests looking to be closest to the beach and pool often choose rooms in Buildings 2 and 3, while Buildings 1 and 4 also offer beach views with a slightly longer walk. If you’re looking for additional space, the Lagoon View Suites are located in Buildings 6 and 7, and Golf View Rooms in Building 5 overlook the Links on Longboat golf course.
No matter which building you choose, complimentary on-demand shuttle service makes it easy to reach golf, tennis, the marina, restaurants, and other resort amenities throughout your stay.
Guest rooms and suites are designed to complement the resort’s coastal setting with private balconies or patios, complimentary Wi-Fi, in-room coffee, bottled water, and comfortable spaces to unwind after a day on the beach or golf course. Studio Suites and One- and Two-Bedroom Suites also include in-room washers and dryers, making them especially convenient for extended stays and family vacations.
Yes. Families often appreciate the resort’s spacious suite options, convenient beach access, and variety of on-property activities. Pack ‘N Plays, high chairs, and booster seats are available upon request based on availability, and larger suites offer additional room for longer stays.
Amenities & Activities
Many guests spend their entire vacation on property because there’s so much to experience. In addition to relaxing on the private beach and enjoying the pool, guests have access to championship golf, award-winning tennis facilities, pickleball courts, a full-service marina, Opal Spa, the Mind & Motion Studio, fitness classes, bicycles, and multiple dining venues. Resort transportation makes it easy to enjoy amenities across both Islandside and Harbourside.
The daily resort fee provides every guest with:
- On-property transportation to resort amenities
- Use of two beach lounge chairs, four for two-bedroom suites
- Poolside loungers upon availability
- In-room coffee
- In-room bottled water
- Included access to resort and private club facilities including fitness center, tennis courts, golf driving range, beach, poolside lockers, changing rooms, and showers
- Access to bicycles, tennis and pickleball instruction, pickleball reservations for hotel guests, golf instruction, golf courses, fitness classes, and spa (based on availability, charges apply)
Golf is one of the defining experiences at The Resort at Longboat Key Club. Resort guests have access to 45 holes of championship golf across the Links on Longboat course at Islandside and the Harbourside Golf Course. Practice facilities, golf instruction, and the driving range are also available, making the resort a destination for both experienced golfers and those looking to improve their game.
The resort is home to one of the area’s premier tennis programs, with courts located at both Islandside and the Tennis Gardens at Harbourside. Resort guests can reserve courts, participate in instruction and clinics, and enjoy pickleball as part of their stay. Tennis rackets and balls are included, and court reservations can be made in advance.
Guests looking to recharge can enjoy treatments at Opal Spa, work out in the fitness center, or join classes at the Mind & Motion Studio. Yoga, HIIT, spin, and other fitness classes are offered throughout the week, allowing guests to maintain their wellness routine while on vacation or simply try something new during their stay.
Dining
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely breakfast before a round of golf, a waterfront lunch after a morning at the beach, or an elegant dinner to celebrate a special occasion, The Resort at Longboat Key Club offers several distinct dining experiences across Islandside and Harbourside.
Guests can enjoy everything from fresh Gulf seafood and handcrafted cocktails to casual poolside fare and marina-front dining, allowing every meal to feel a little different throughout a longer stay.
The resort features several dining venues, each offering its own atmosphere and menu.
- Latitudes serves coastal-inspired cuisine overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and is a favorite for breakfast and dinner.
- Spike ‘n Tees offers casual breakfast and lunch with views of the Links on Longboat golf course.
- Portofino Ristorante & Bar overlooks the marina and serves Northern Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner.
- Tavern & Whiskey Bar is known for handcrafted cocktails, an extensive whiskey selection, and elevated pub fare.
- Banyan Poolside offers casual outdoor dining, tropical drinks, and light bites just steps from the pool.
Together, these venues give guests a variety of dining options without ever leaving the resort.
Yes. Complimentary resort transportation makes it easy to visit dining venues located at both Islandside and Harbourside. Whether you’re spending the day on the beach or at the marina, you’ll have convenient access to the resort’s restaurants throughout your stay.
Absolutely. Just a short drive (or a ride on the resort’s scheduled shuttle) away, you’ll find St. Armands Circle, one of Sarasota’s most popular destinations for boutique shopping, cafés, wine bars, seafood restaurants, and local favorites.
Guests who want to explore even more dining options can also visit Downtown Sarasota, where everything from waterfront restaurants to fine dining and international cuisine is within easy reach.
Policies & Fees
Planning ahead can help you make the most of your stay. Tee times, tennis courts, spa treatments, marina services, and certain fitness classes are popular and may be reserved in advance. Guests are also encouraged to make dining reservations for select restaurants during holidays and other peak travel periods. Our popular Daybeds (Queen- or King-sized) may be pre-booked up to 30 days in advance through the concierge.
Reviewing your confirmation email before arrival is the best way to prepare for your visit and begin planning your resort activities.
Your stay includes access to many of the amenities that make The Resort at Longboat Key Club unique. Depending on your reservation, this includes access to the private beach, resort pools, fitness facilities, beach chairs, driving range, tennis courts, on-property transportation, and additional resort amenities included through the daily resort fee.
Some premium experiences, including golf rounds, spa treatments, marina services, daybed beach service, and select recreational activities, may require advance reservations or additional fees.
Parking is offered to patrons only, making it easy to arrive by car and explore Longboat Key, Sarasota, and the surrounding Gulf Coast during your stay. Applicable parking fees are disclosed to our overnight guests at the time of booking.
No. At this time, pets are not permitted at The Resort at Longboat Key Club. Service animals are welcome in accordance with ADA guidelines.
Weddings, Groups & Events
The Resort at Longboat Key Club offers everything needed for a complete wedding weekend in one destination. Couples can host beachfront ceremonies, elegant receptions, rehearsal dinners, farewell brunches, spa experiences, golf outings, and guest accommodations without leaving the property.
With multiple indoor and outdoor venues overlooking the Gulf, Sarasota Bay, and the marina, the resort can accommodate celebrations ranging from intimate gatherings to grand affairs.
In addition to weddings, The Resort at Longboat Key Club hosts corporate meetings, conferences, executive retreats, golf tournaments, charity events, family reunions, holiday celebrations, and milestone occasions.
Flexible event spaces, professional planning services, and a wide variety of on-property activities make it easy to create customized experiences for groups of all sizes.
Yes. Group room blocks are available for weddings, meetings, tournaments, and other special events. Staying on property allows guests to enjoy convenient access to dining, golf, tennis, wellness experiences, and the beach throughout the event.
Longboat Key offers a unique setting where business and leisure naturally come together. Attendees can spend the day in productive meetings before enjoying championship golf, waterfront dining, spa treatments, or sunset walks on the beach, creating an experience that’s both memorable and productive.
Practical Questions
Many guests find that three to five nights provides enough time to experience the resort’s beaches, restaurants, golf, spa, and recreational amenities while also exploring nearby attractions like St. Armands Circle and Downtown Sarasota.
If you’re planning multiple rounds of golf, spa treatments, boating excursions, or simply want to enjoy a slower pace, a longer stay allows you to experience more of what the resort has to offer.
Absolutely. Many guests choose The Resort at Longboat Key Club because it offers enough variety to create a complete vacation without ever leaving the property. Between the beach, golf, tennis, pickleball, marina, restaurants, spa, pools, and fitness programming, it’s easy to fill several days with different experiences.
For those who enjoy exploring, Sarasota’s museums, shopping, performing arts venues, and nearby islands are just a short drive away.
Longboat Key is a year-round destination, with each season offering something different. Winter and spring are especially popular for warm weather, golf, and outdoor activities, while summer brings family vacations, calm Gulf waters, and vibrant sunsets. Fall often offers a quieter atmosphere, making it an excellent time to enjoy the beaches, dining, and cultural attractions with fewer crowds.
Exploring the Area
Guests are just minutes from many of Sarasota’s most popular attractions, including St. Armands Circle, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, The Ringling, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Downtown Sarasota, Lido Key Beach, and Anna Maria Island. Whether you’re interested in shopping, arts and culture, waterfront dining, or outdoor recreation, there’s something for every type of traveler within a short drive.
Yes. One of Longboat Key’s biggest advantages is its central location along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Guests can easily spend the morning on the beach, enjoy lunch at St. Armands Circle, visit The Ringling or Downtown Sarasota in the afternoon, and return to the resort in time for dinner overlooking the water.
Each destination offers a different experience. Longboat Key is known for its luxury resorts, championship golf, and relaxed atmosphere. Lido Key combines beautiful beaches with the walkability of St. Armands Circle, while Siesta Key is famous for its lively beach scene and powder-soft quartz sand.
Many guests choose Longboat Key because it offers a quieter retreat while remaining close to both destinations.
Beyond Sarasota’s best-known attractions, guests often enjoy exploring the quieter side of the area. Kayak and paddleboard adventures through nearby mangrove tunnels, sunset cruises from the marina, local art galleries, neighborhood cafés, and scenic waterfront parks offer memorable ways to experience Florida’s Gulf Coast beyond the beach.
Direct Booking Benefits
Absolutely. When you book direct, any changes or cancellations are handled quickly and personally by our hotel team or our dedicated Opal Collection reservations team – no middleman, no hassle. With OTA reservations, adjustments have to go through large centralized call centers that manage thousands of properties, which often means longer wait times and less flexibility.
When booking online, always pay attention to the search results – and be on the lookout for scammy imitation sponsored ads from OTAs. Make sure the link points to the hotel’s official domain (opalcollection.com/longboat-key-club) or booking engine (reservations.opalcollection.com/longboat-key-club), not a third-party site. And, when in doubt, start at the hotel’s homepage or call the property.