Housed in a boxy white building set perpendicular to the beach, the Zota Beach Resort looks rather unexciting from the outside. Past the main entrance, though, the property feels fresh and inviting. Its grounds are spacious and serene, with a large pool deck that opens onto a lovely yet somewhat compact beach, and small gardens full of palm trees and greenery. Rope hammocks big enough for two are placed under trees near the beach, along with a giant chess set, while the pool lounge spills onto the deck with a huge padded couch and a long fire pit. Interiors are casual and beachy, consisting of a cute combination of pastel blue, gray, and white with wood and metal accents, tufted chaise loungers, and small coffee tables. Huge windows make indoor spaces bright and airy, while potted plants add a tropical touch. 

Rates at the Zota Beach Resort can be high -- some guests have even found it a tad overpriced -- but it is a solid option for those seeking a quiet spot for a relaxing getaway. There are activities for adults and kids, and the property is popular with families during school vacation periods, but the vibe is generally laid-back and mostly serene. 

The Zota Beach Resort is located in the central part of Longboat Key, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico. The area is quiet and residential, and a car is required to reach even the nearest restaurants, bars, and shops. St. Armand’s Circle, a shopping area home to many restaurants, is about a 20-minute drive from the resort, as is the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. The drive to Anna Maria Island, known for its pretty, white-sand beaches, takes about 25 minutes, while Downtown Sarasota is about a half-hour drive away. The nearest international airport, Sarasota-Brandeton International Airport, is about 40 minutes from the property. 

The hotel’s 187 rooms and suites have the same fresh, contemporary feel as common spaces. Thick carpets in neutral hues are paired with soft woods and off-white accents, while beachy, pastel-blue walls are offset by metal touches and darker wooden headboards with live edges. Each room has at least a small balcony with a couple of chairs and a small table, and most offer side sea views. Standard amenities are good for a hotel in this price range and include single-cup coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the resort, and bottled water is replenished daily free of charge. Suites add microwaves. Quality beds are topped with duvets and several pillows, and larger categories are outfitted with twin-sized sofa beds. Modern bathrooms have walk-in showers, ample counter space, and large backlit mirrors. Hairdryers and basic toiletries are provided. 

Nightly turndown service comes standard in all categories and includes chocolates. Dogs up to 30 pounds are welcome in some units for a non-refundable nightly fee. 

The hotel is set right on a long, sandy beach where it has a number of loungers for guest use. The area assigned to the hotel is rather compact, though, and it can feel cramped during busy vacation periods. Beach chairs are free for all guests, as are towels, but umbrellas require an extra charge. Separated from the beach by a landscaped area with trees, rope hammocks, and a giant chess game, the pool is big and appealing. Dozens of loungers line the deck around it, and there are several cabanas with mini-fridges, safes, ceiling fans, and lots of seating that guests can rent for a daily fee. While most guests are here to relax in the sun, the hotel also offers an entertainment program for all ages that includes family-friendly movie nights with popcorn, scavenger hunts for kids, free use of sea kayaks, and a number of toys and games. 

Viento Kitchen + Bar is the hotel’s only restaurant. It opens for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and serves up international dishes with a Caribbean twist. Breakfast gets great reviews from past guests, but the dinner menu is generally described as somewhat underwhelming. The restaurant also features a bar menu and handcrafted cocktails, which can be served either in the restaurant, on the terrace, or poolside. The adjacent wine bar has a large selection of local and international wines. 

The gym is spacious and light, with big windows overlooking the grounds and a good array of modern cardio and strength-training machines. The hotel also features over 2,700 square feet of event space plus a business center with a couple of computers and a printer. Valet parking is available -- and sometimes mandatory, depending on the time of the year.