Happy Birthday To Sarasota’s Art Ovation Hotel

Fancy boutique hotels with a rooftop bar are all the rage, just look around Downtown Sarasota and you can confirm that being on top of a building in this enviable location is like being on top of a paradise tinted world and everyone wants in on it.

Beautiful vistas of stunning Sarasota Bay and Bayfront Park remind you that living in a landlocked town would be akin to prison. Turn your head the other way and you catch unique perspectives of the historical architecture we still have in this town, reminiscent of a time when glitz and glamour were an earmark of the blossoming Sarasota. As the construction boom in Downtown Sarasota continues and million dollar views become increasingly obstructed, we can expect more venues to capitalize on their rooftop real estate.

Located a stone’s throw away from some of Sarasota’s iconic landmarks including Sarasota Opera House, Art Ovation Hotel will be celebrating their first birthday as a premiere hotel destination in Downtown Sarasota. Part of Marriot’s Autograph Collection, Art Ovation has easily ingrained itself in a neighborhood that is Sarasota’s cultural epicenter. Guests can enjoy St. Armand’s Circle, Lido Key, and the Mall at UTC all within a few miles of the hotel but the greatest perk, perhaps, is what is within walking distance and the magnificent property itself. We had the pleasure of speaking with Art Ovation Director of Sales, Asa Thomas about the one-year milestone and the uniqueness of this particular boutique hotel.

SP: Being somewhat new to the area, how are you enjoying Sarasota?

AT: Having been born and raised in Orlando, I was familiar with Sarasota but I have been impressed with the strong philanthropic community I found when I moved here almost two years ago. It’s a very magical place and I’m happy to be here.

SP: Who is your base clientele at Art Ovation?

AT: Outside of season we see many locals taking advantage of the hotel for staycations and girlfriends weekends. The rooftop pool area is a great space to gather with friends, take in the sights and enjoy spectacular food.

SP: What makes Art Ovation Hotel unique in comparison to other high-end boutique hotels that are popping up in the area?

AT: At Art Ovation, we showcase a variety of different artists and have a popular artist-in-residence program that our guests enjoy. On any given stay, guests can always enjoy wonderful art that is hanging in the lobby but may also experience jewelry-making classes, poetry reading and a variety of other art mediums. As for the art in the lobby, it is switched out on a quarterly basis – something not normally done in any other hotel.

SP: What local partnerships has Art Ovation cultivated over the past year?

AT: We work with multiple organizations in the area including Florida Studio Theatre, CAN, Booker High School, Forks & Corks, and many, many others. Innovation Mondays is a program where we partner with a local art charity and donate up to 20% of the proceeds back to the charity. Art and Wine Tours and artist panels and workshops allow for the community to enjoy many events at Art Ovation. We also enjoy showcasing the works of local artists.

SP: Obviously an art-based hotel provides a gorgeous backdrop for guests to unwind. What other aspects of staying at Art Ovation are special?

AT: Our guests enjoy the placement of ukuleles and sketchbooks in each room. Ukulele lessons are offered and guests are encouraged to bring their Art Ovation experiences to life in their sketchbooks to be left behind for the next guest to enjoy. A variety of onsite restaurants, including five star Overture Restaurant and the Perspective Rooftop Pool Bar, provide something for everyone. And, at Art Ovation Hotel, every day is new and exciting with something novel and wonderful for everyone.

Please join us in saying Happy Birthday, Art Ovation Hotel! Thanks for giving us a birds-eye-view on the beauty of Sarasota and for becoming a beacon of artful inspiration for locals and guests from all over the world. For more information, please visit their website here.

Photos courtesy of Art Ovation Hotel Facebook page.