Great Vibe at Hotel Indigo Sarasota
- Karen Marts
- Aug 26, 2019
- 4 min read
I immediately liked the vibe of Hotel Indigo Sarasota. The white building with navy awning and shutters, and magnificent palm trees was very inviting. I was traveling with Freedom the Parrot, my 22 year old Panama Amazon, and we reserved a room June 26-June 29, 2019. We were able to park near the entrance, where there was a circular drive with pavers, but an underground garage was available as well. The entire staff was so gracious in greeting us, and went out of their way welcome us to the city of Sarasota, Florida. Kevin and Yufan enjoyed meeting my pet bird, and their enthusiasm was contagious! The hotel lobby had the largest Adirondack chair known to man, with a comfortable cushion, and beautiful hardwood floors. Behind it was a tall mesmerizing waterfall, with blue mosaic glass, and water dancing on stones at the bottom. Angela was lovely at the front desk, was able to check us in early. They had a wonderful fruit infused water station for guests. Our incredible bellman, Bob, was beyond professional and helpful. I could not believe he was able to empty our car trunk and back seat luggage, and fit it all on the cart. It turns out Bob used to live on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where I’ve resided for 32 years! He suggested Freedom the Parrot and I visit Ken Thompson Park to see a mangrove forest.
The hotel room was modern and innovative, with a turquoise door. The bed had a white headboard, 5 pillows, and a grey comforter. On each side was a bed stand, with lamps, telephone, and free pen. There was an armoire to match, and a long table in the hallway with a mini-coffee maker, 2 coffee mugs, 2 water glasses, coffee and tea pouches, and breakfast menu. On the far left was a blue armchair with matching ottoman, artsy wallpaper with a flowery design, and warm wood floors. Conveniently we were on the first floor, which looked out to a sidewalk, and side street. Gold curtains and a white sheer liner provided privacy for my parrot. I film wildlife videos as a hobby, both in Hilton Head Island, and along the East Coast, and have 10,000 posted on Karen Marts YouTube. Since 75 percent of my videos are of birds, I thought kudos to Hotel Indigo Sarasota for having a photograph of a Great Blue Heron on the wall! I’m always on a “working” vacation, so it was great to have a wide desk with a rolling chair. Because I also film birds, animals, and reptiles in captivity, I was in town specifically for the Central Florida Zoo. When I film 7-8 hours straight, in the evenings I need to recharge 10-15 camera batteries, and it appeared there were plenty of outlets in the room. The room was very attractive, and had a large flat-screened television, and refrigerator. I loved the large white wooden tray with 2 Fiji water bottles, and metal ice bucket with a liner. It was perfect for the sandwich and orange juice I had purchased at the lobby bistro. (the bistro had a glass case with pre-made sandwiches, salads, pastries, and cold drinks)
The glass bathroom shower was generous in size, with tiled floor, and a wood bench to sit on. There’s nothing better than a long granite countertop, so I could lay out my makeup, lotions, and hair styling equipment. Under the sink was a hair dryer in a bag, and lots of space for extra towels or storage on the shelf.
I ran to the back to the front desk to confer with Scott, regarding the proper attire to view a mangrove forest, across the bridge by Lido Key Beach. He was fun to chat with, had a great attitude, and wonderful suggestions. I changed out of my black sleeveless dress and parrot necklace, and threw on white shorts, peach short-sleeved shirt, and sneakers. We drove 15 minutes to the beach, and walked the boardwalk at Ken Thompson Park. We were lucky enough to film a juvenile raccoon up in a tree. The intricate mangrove tree limbs and roots were unbelievable! It was a great evening. We had a wonderful dinner back at the hotel, relaxed, and spoke to visitors. Jacob provided a map to Lido Key Beach, and recommended I visit Save Our Seabirds rescue facility.
The outdoor patio had a fabulous blue tiled waterfall with the nautilus logo, a beautiful pool and hot tub, and tall tropical plants surrounding the cushioned furniture. On my second day, I visited the famed Sarasota Jungle Garden, which featured a parrot show. The birds, mammals, and reptiles were amazing, and the variety of palm trees unbelievable! I popped back to the hotel to grab Freedom the Parrot in his travel cage. We chatted with Nick at the front desk, Kishan from India, Kat at the bistro, and Olivia. We drove to Lido Key Beach, and saw nesting Black Skimmer birds, and Least Terns. The birds are protected, and many visitors were enthralled watching parent birds guide their little juveniles in the sand! We stayed until sunset, and it was one of the greatest evenings! Below are 4 videos, 3 of the hotel, and one of the birds on the beach.
Black Skimmer Parent in Protection Mode Delivers Fish to Juvenile with WINGS OUT & TURNING at Lido Key Beach! Sarasota, Florida
Freedom the Parrot & Spectacular Waterfall & Amazing Palm Trees! Hotel Indigo Sarasota, FL
Freedom the Parrot in Largest Adirondack Chair Known to Man! Hotel Indigo Sarasota, FL
Freedom the Parrot & Welcome to Paradise at Hotel Indigo Sarasota, Florida
My last day in Sarasota Freedom and I met Jessica, then I visited Save Our Seabirds for 3 hours. It was quite an impressive array of shorebirds, wading birds, parrots, and birds of prey, such as hawks and owls. Many of the birds will be rehabbed for release to the wild. Lastly I ventured to Big Cat Habitat to experience bears, gorgeous tigers, and other exotic cats. Many of these large animals have also been rescued. I truly enjoyed the tourist attractions, but did not have time to check out the cultural side of the town. Hotel Indigo Sarasota was certainly a hotel I will return to in the future. The staff is to be commended for their incredible personalities, interest in guiding guests, and wonderful service. Freedom the Parrot was sad to leave such a phenomenal hotel!
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