The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort

We spent 5 days at the resort over spring break with our 2 kids, ages 6 and 8. Our kids had celebrated their birthdays the week before and were surprised with macrons in the room, a cute note from the butler team, and personalized bags with their names and princess peach/yoshi on them. It was an amazing touch and made the kids day. The service was top notch, from the pool to the restaurant. We had breakfast at Riva every morning which was great, and we ate dinner there twice. Food was very good. We also ate lunch at the pool a few times and it was all delicious. We loved the Sabrage they have every night at 6pm, and it was a great touch that they included the kids by passing out Shirley temples to all of them. We did the snorkel experience which was really awesome. Loved feeding the stingrays and snorkeling around looking at all of the fish. The tortoises were a big hit with the kids as well. The room was spacious and the balcony was as well. My only complaint about the room was that when you shower, water leaked between the door and the shower wall and caused a puddle to form on the floor outside the shower. Overall, this was a very family friendly resort and I would 100% go back. I wish I could remember everyone’s names to give a personal shout out, but seriously everyone we came in contact with were top notch. Everyone went out of their way to make not only my husband and I, but our kids as well, feel welcomed and special.

Stopped by the new St. Regis to have lunch and check it out before we stay as guests next week. An extensive hotel review will follow then. This is just for their tiki beach bar, The Monkey Bar, but of course no shorter than any of my other reviews. Outside winding entrance road and gate area kind of bare, perhaps because of the devastation from last fall’s hurricane which forced them to close right after opening. Could see lots of new plants, but no palm trees or trees of any kind so looks stark. Hard to tell ballroom entrance you see first vs the lobby entrance further up. Both understated in appearance. Resort offers valet parking only, immediate service upon driving up. Told charge is $10 with a validated ticket from a restaurant, otherwise I think it would have been $37. Asked at reception how much parking is as a guest, almost $60 a night including the tax. Beautiful huge lobby, 3 reception desks to the right. Entrance to CW Prime on the left. Two gas fire places burning even though it was almost 90° out. Gorgeous view of the gulf visible looking straight through lobby to expansive wall of windows. Gorgeous lobby bar in the middle with elaborate stained glass lighted structure overhead (can be seen on line, will post photo next review). Found our way outside past Riva, down steep stairs to another open air restaurant. Got directions to Monkey Bar which was still mobbed at 2 pm. Every table taken, some chair hogs holding seats (with no one sitting there for an hour I noticed). Mentioned it to the waitress who replied not her job to monitor it, and they must be in the restroom. Finally got two seats at the bar. Excellent service. Extremely limited food menu-four entree items? Tropical drinks $25 each. Didn’t care for my grouper sandwich but husband liked it, and they had nicely cut it in half plated onto two plates when we said we were going to share it. Fries crispy, tasty, pirate rum drink yummy. Met several people, none of whom were staying there. All had walked up the beach to check it out. Pool area absolutely mobbed, and actually smaller than it looks on line. Loud music playing. Lazy river looks inviting. Beach much quieter and looks beautiful. Told all seating is first come first served. We walked past an adults only pool to get to the beach area. Smaller with a pretty waterfall feature. Our female server (the only woman) very good. Only negative was the guy bartender in front of us. Ignored us when we sat down, ignored us the entire meal, and looked miserable. Snapped at guests asking questions. Maybe unhappy working during spring break. Very grumpy to anyone who tried to speak to him. Fortunately didn’t have to deal with him. Note that we happened to stop at the Aura restaurant at first to ask was this the Monkey Bar, but was snootily told by hostess that “Aura is only for guests and members”. We must have looked kind of scruffy to her I guess. But I smiled and replied then I guess we’ll see you next week when we stay here. Su

We loved the full service experience as we were looking for a beach escape for me to relax and get away from my job and work and Darren at the beach made sure we have everything at our fingertips. My goal of relaxing on the beach and have excellent food options as well. Was a dream for us. We did not leave for 3days. Love the Italian home Made dishes and desserts

This is probably one of the best resorts in the US. The resort really has everything you want for an amazing vacation - insane spa, lazy river (cool for adults as well as kids), lagoon experience with real stingrays, sushi with views of the sunset, tons of great food and drinks. I could keep raving about all the areas of this resort. The hotel was full during our weekend but it never felt crowded and the service is perfect. LOVE this place. We will be back.

Exquisite beach. I mean amazing. Beach service could be better, I’m sure it will improve. Everything is very pricey, it’s the St Regis, seems like a popular wedding venue on the weekends. Ate at both restaurants and both were great. Room was comfortable and nice view. Good housekeeping, great destination resort as not a lot going on in the area otherwise.

What a wonderfully beautiful resort. My the moment we walked in and were handed a glass of champagne, that set the tone. Frazier showed us to our room and he was very knowledgeable and helpful. Jeffrey from the front desk was so helpful and was very accommodating. I will definitely recommend this resort to friends and I look forward to my next visit!!