The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota Florida
In 1926, John Ringling of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus began building a Ritz-Carlton hotel in his adopted hometown of Sarasota, Fla. The Great Depression forced him to abandon the project, but Ringling's dream found new life in 2001 (65 years after his death), when a RitzCarlton opened alongside a marina on the edge of Sarasota's city center. Although its site is different from the one Ringling had selected, the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota anchors the community in a way that captures the promoter's vision. Restaurants and art galleries are within walking distance of the 11-acre property, which includes 266 guest rooms and suites, a swimming pool, a 3,000- square-foot fitness center, and the RitzCarlton Mem.bers Spa Club. ($300-$5,000) 941.309.2000, www.ritzcarlton.com |
