I'll start with the positives, and there definitely positives. On our first day of an extended birthday "staycation" weekend that my wife planned (we reside in downtown Sarasota), we really enjoyed the private beach bed with a front row seat and view to the Gulf of Mexico. The concierge team set up additional chaise lounge chairs and umbrellas for some optional sun-tanning. They also provided a bucket of ice cold waters - and best of all, an "easy button" (as my wife referred to it) that we could use to order additional ice cold waters, or food, or cocktails, or more towels - all to which we said, "yes please." On the second day, my wife arranged a private spa day, in a private suite with a private plunge spa, where we received couples deep tissue massages, and afterward had lunch and a bottle of wine brought in. Everything was heavenly. The dinner at CW Prime was one of the best steakhouses we've eaten at (amazing food quality, exceptional service, and a wonderful decor and ambience). And we also very enjoyed our first dinner (read on) at Oshen, a casual Japanese restaurant situated overlooking the beach and ocean - from the fresh hamachi and tuna hand rolls to the cocktails to the sake selection. But here's where everything went south (and I don't mean to Venice). First and foremost, there are "family friendly" resorts, and then there are resorts that allow to be overrun by marginally-supervised toddlers, pre-teens and teens. And that is the St.Regis Longboat Key. From causing havoc in the swimming pool and lazy river pool, to running amok in the hallways, to ruining the evening ritual champagne service for adults at the lobby hotel bar - to making some dining experiences unbearable. At Riva, one of the resort's restaurants, unsupervised toddlers were allowed to be seated alone, without an adult at tables, creating so much noise, my wife and I walked out (but had a second great Japanese meal at Oshen). I would also add that the superior service, which the St. Regis is supposedly known for, was very inconsistent - including missing housekeeping service on our first day, that left us without towels or coffee on the second day. And additionally, detracting from our otherwise amazing private spa service, the wrong bottle of wine was delivered with lunch (even though I emphasized my wine selection with the hostess taking the order several times). Net-net: I found the St.Regis, that likely envisions itself a quality-level "carbon copy" of its Marriott cousin, the Ritz-Carlton, is nothing more than a more expensive version of Beaches or Disneyland (though that's my assumption only, as I've never been to either). And speaking of the Ritz-Carlton, there's one nearby in downtown Sarasota where an elegant and upscale adult experience is consistently delivered - and the same beautiful beaches are 5 minutes away.
