We are a young couple (mid twenties) that loves to travel. We headed to Sarasota with no idea where we wanted to stay. We found this hotel when driving around and looked it up on trip advisor. It was exactly what we were looking for. A lot of the hotels/motels on the beach are run down and have really bad... more

My husband and I just returned from a 5 day 4 night vacation to celebrate our 10 year anniversary in Sarasota, FL. I was going to stay at the Lido Resort and then read the review on Helmsley and boy am I glad we found this place. It was just our style. RIGHT on the beach, and very casual. We... more

We spent two fabulous weeks at the Helmsley Sandcastle in June 2008 and we cannot rate the experience highly enough. Firstly, the hotel is located on its own private beach, so you quite literally step from the hotel straight onto the beach. We upgraded to a Gulf View room as soon as we arrived and would recommend this as the... more

Interpreting these reviews is sometimes difficult so having prepaid for a week I just hoped for the best. On arrival the reception staff were exactly as you would wish ; both friendly and efficient. They whisked our cases away to our room while we parked the car. The room itself ( overlooking the pool) was typical American Mid-range which to... more

Found this hotel on Tripadvisor and got a great price through link to Skoosh. Only had 2 nights before moving to Orlando but would def stay here again. The staff were friendly and helpful, the position on the beach was great and the only thing stopping us giving this an excellent rating was the tired appearance of the rooms -... more

The staff was wonderful, couteous and accomodating. Our air conditioner went out the second day and we were moved immediately (and upgraded) to another room. I expected to have to wait or, at least, demand to be moved - it was their suggestion! It is a great place to stay - for those with bad knees, etc. You walk straight... more

Recently stayed in room 456 with a beach view for 10 days and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Ideally situated on Lido key with great car parking on level 3. The hotel is, as other travellers stated slighty jaded. Probably the word rustic would better suit it. The staff are very friendly and helpful.The rooms cleaned very well every day.... more

we went florida last may and stayed for a week in the helmsley sandcastle hotel , it looks a little dated but thats part of its charm ! our room was on the ground floor right next to the pool and the pool bar , [ the mudslide cocktail is a must !] thehotel is right on the beach fabulous... more

my family and i toured florida between christmas and new year in 07 one of our last stays ( for 3 days ) was this hotel ,the atmosphere of the hotel and staff was first class ,the location could not have been better ,if you want to have good food ,good atmospere and most of all kind and friendly staff... more