Hotel Ranola was the perfect respite for us weekenders from Fort Lauderdale looking for an urban get-away on the Gulf Coast. The hotel's downtown location is ideal for easy access (within walking distance) to all downtown establishments, including restaurants, evening entertainment, the theatre, cinema, the opera, a huge library, and boutique shopping. The hotel accommodations were the right match for our needs. We loved the separate dressing room and full kitchen - a mini-suite with an affordable rate. With Whole Foods right around the corner, who could ask for more! The hotel is full of art deco charm and character inside and out, and loaded with all of the modern conveniences. The innkeepers did an excellent job of providing recommendations for restaurants, entertainment, the beaches and historical landmarks.

We'll be back...hopefully soon!

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We spent 3 nights at the small Hotel Ranola and really enjoyed being downtown. The rooms (I think there are 9) have full kitchens and we walked to the nearby Whole Foods to pick up take-out. There were a few items missing from the otherwise well-equipped kitchen which the staff promptly supplied. Our room had a flat screen TV and something for an Ipod (I don't have one), a comfortable bed and was around $169/night. There is a washer/dryer guests can use. Also a good Itlalian restaurant next door- Ca' Rina. The hotel is at 118 Indian Place, [-].

Stayed here for two nights to bring in the New Year at the Sarasota street party. Hotel is small, very central and the owners etc are friendly and helpful. There are no eating facilities at this hotel it is apartments only, which was what we wanted. The room and cooking area was modern, comfortable and had everything you need. The only downside was the room had no outlook. It faced into a tiny internal courtyard area of the building.

It didn't bother us too much as we were there to tour about and of course for the street party.

I would have no hesitation in recommending this hotel as a central base for touring the Gulf Coast.

We spent one short evening at the Hotel Ranola and I wish we could have had more time! We visited Sarasota for a wedding at the Ritz and found the Hotel Ranola to be a much more affordable option for the night. The hotel's location and parking were very convenient. The room itself was very spacious and clean! We were surprised to find a kitchen and sitting/dressing area. The room included a very comfortable bed, modern furniture and artwork, and a selection of books and magazines to read (a very nice touch). I really enjoyed the Rusk toiletries provided in the bathroom. The hardwood floors were nice and very different from the typical hotel experience. The airconditioning unit did a great job of cooling the room, though we got a good blast of cold air blowing directly on us whenever we walked by. We'd definitely stay here again!