The Helmsley Sandcastle, Sarasota, Florida
Hotel and Restaurant Review, Summary of Services and Amenities
Aug 11, 2009
The Helmsley Sandcastle hasn’t changed much in almost 10 years. While this is a good thing in many respects, there are some things that might have benefitted from being refreshed in the intervening years.
All in all, though, for European visitors to the Sarasota, Florida region, the Helmsley Sandcastle represents a little oasis of calm efficiency and relaxation after the hustle and bustle of Miami or adrenalin fuelled mad rush of the Orlando theme park experience.
Where is the Helmsley Sandcastle?
Situated on Lido Beach, Lido Key, just outside Sarasota, FL, the Helmsley Sandcastle is slightly off the beaten track. Looking out over the Gulf of Mexico (with water that hits 84 degrees Fahrenheit – around 30 degrees centigrade) it sports a stretch of beach, two pools, a poolside bar, an indoor bar, restaurant, and all the modern amenities that seasoned holidaymakers expect.
For European holidaymakers – the US season runs November to April or thereabouts. This means that in July, the place is deserted. The beach is empty; the pool is busy but not overcrowded, and there’s no danger of not bagging a lounger. On a relaxed holiday in Florida, these things are important.
What is the Helmsley Sandcastle Like?
Also important are the rooms. These are spacious and comfortable, and represent good value, with families able to book a room with two double beds, adjoining rooms, but, strangely, no suites. The bathrooms could also do with a basic refit, and considering that most other hotels now have LCD or plasma televisions, some might find the slightly old TVs in the rooms a bit clunky.
On the other hand – nobody is going to sit in a darkened room with the air conditioning on all day, when the beach is literally a stone’s throw away, and two clean, cool, swimming pools are waiting.
Eating at the Helmsley Sandcastle
The big discovery on this trip turned out to be the restaurant – after eating Disney food (overpriced burgers) for a week, followed by Subway, Pizza Hut and the occasional all you can eat buffet, the restaurant at the Sandcastle was a breath of fresh air.
Every day saw a new list of specials – the Catch of the Day proving especially tasty – as well as a kids menu, and vast array of well-cooked dishes, ranging from sea food to steaks, and vegetarian options (not tested, but looking equally tasty). It’s not Continental haute cuisine, but the dishes are well thought out, nicely presented, and delicious.
For between 25 and 30 dollars diners can enjoy a copious salad with a choice of dressing – blue cheese a favorite – and main dish, accompanied by various vegetables. A quick scan of restaurants in the area (a short drive away) also revealed the prices to be competitive, i.e. cheaper, and certainly convenient.
Families with small children will also be glad to note that dining is either indoors or out, and the area is safe enough that the children can go play a quick game of shuffleboard, table tennis, or wander around looking for lizards in the undergrowth around the hotel, while waiting for their burger, sausage, Bolognese or other kid-friendly delight to be prepared.
Apart from the modernization of the bathrooms and televisions, and perhaps the addition of bunk beds in a few rooms to make a rough equivalent of a junior suite, for those with older children, the Helmsley Sandcastle offers good value, a relaxing environment, and the staff are friendly and helpful.
As the last stop on a tour of northern Florida, or for a relaxing beach holiday, with no aspirations beyond sea, sand and pool, the Helmsley Sandcastle is a recommended destination. It might be a little out of the way with respect to other locations, but this will benefit residents who relish the peace and quiet that this location offers.
It's the little attentions to detail and personal touches that make the Sandcastle special, and as the website notes, it really is "A tropical paradise with the Helmsley touch."
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