Gulf Beach Motel: "Pink Motel!" Top 5 Page for this destination Sarasota Hotel Tip by sarahjayn

Okay, so besides being pink, this place is totally awesome. It was going to be torn down back in the day, but local citizens didn't want some other corporate monster on the beach. No one could afford to buy the entire motel, so, collectively, they each bought a room of the motel. Now, the rooms are rented by individuals through a communal source that is paid for by all of the owners. Neat story, huh?
Each room is also decorated by the person who owns it, so they're all different and not nearly as creepy and sterile as regular motels. The nicest room by far is the Palm Tree Room, but they're all pretty cute.

Unique Qualities: Even though it's not a huge mega-resort, it's still right on the beach in kind of a secluded area (its at the end of a strand), has a nice pool, and has a tiki / barbeque deck. You can save some cash (and in Sarasota you'll need to) by not eatting out and grilling your own food. Also, I find this is the best place to watch the sun set over Sarasota Bay.

Address: 930 Ben Franklin Drive, Sarasota, Florida, 34236
Comparison: about average
othercontact: Fax: (941) 388-1312
Phone: 1-800-232-2489
Price: US$80-120
Theme: Motel
Website: http://www.gulfbeachsarasota.com/