AAA says Four Diamonds for the Longboat Key Club just outside of Sarasota, FL. It's truly a nice property. I wouldn't question AAA's grading in this case. The rooms are a little aged but still nice and a good value. The Gulf beach leaves little to be desired. The golf course is pristine. I would never discourage anyone from seeking a quiet beach vacation from giving it a try.
I have to say though, that I just didn't feel at home there. That may be the point of vacations, to not be at home, but I mean more in the sense that it simply didn't resonate with me. I think it hearkens back to this story: I decided for the first time in my life to try a massage while I was on Longboat Key. The timing was not spectacular. I had a deep thigh bruise at the time. I let the misuse know, and she was very good (this is no reflection upon her). At one point though she grazed that bruise, and it shot a pain that went straight up my spine. I literally jumped from the table in one fluid motion and let out a yelp, scaring that poor woman to death.
It's a nice place for a quiet beach vacation. I think, unfortunately, I've given myself a mental block on Sarasota.
