Sarasota, FL--

When we first heard about the Hotel Indigo grand opening in the Sarasota area, we could not wait to respond to our readers emails with a trip to an area that has never before seen a boutique property. The words high end meant a trip to the Ritz Carlton if you wanted anything more than a three star experience in the Sarasota or Siesta Key area of Florida. The Hotel Indigo Sarasota offers 95 delightful rooms and 12 suites to choose from, meaning they have something for each type of traveler and in each category or pricing there is one that works for all travelers.

When we first walked into the lobby of the Hotel Indigo our Florida dream started with their inviting light blue, green and white colors that surrounded us. A large beach chair sits by the front desk reminding you what a perfect night at a hotel should include, lounging and falling asleep with bliss, leaving behind the hustle and bustle after stepping into the lobby.

Nothing makes a pleasant hotel experience better than a great staff to compliment a great room. Checking into the hotel, Kristy who was manning the front desk greeted us and she exhibited some of the best professionalism on behalf of the property that you would only expect to find at a five star property. Her expertise on the area as well as a complete explanation of what this small gem of a property has to offer was nothing less than spectacular.

After we had the chance to take in the lobby and start unwinding from our drive from the Tampa area, we could not believe our eyes once we opened the door to our room. Even the hallways are a match for the entire hotel. Pictures of seascapes remind you just how close the beach is to the hotel. Hotel Indigo has done plenty to put you in a state of enjoyment at every turn in the property.

The room was large, with all the bright blues, greens and whites in the lobby. Inside the room sits a plush king size bed with lovely linens and bright pillows. In each room there are wood floors with an area rug under the bed. Armoire, work desk, chair and ottoman, good lighting. Needless to say, as new as this hotel is, everything was spotlessly clean. It is still nice to say that since the hotel opened in October, six months later it still looked as it had opened yesterday. The staff cares about the property and hopes to make this a gem that fits nicely in between the Ritz Carlton and the Hyatt that is more of a convention and business based hotel across the street. For business travelers like us, Indigo will be stealing some business with all they has to offer.

Normally we pay close attention to the bathroom at each hotel we review, but the huge glass enclosed shower at the Indigo is a designers and travelers dream, so much we wanted to spend alot of time in the shower. One way to describe its’ presence… It's huge and so is the showerhead that accompanies it. Be careful because the water pressure unlike some hotels flows really nice and if your not careful you will manage to spray water from the shower onto the bathroom floor. The showerhead itself is called an "Oxygenizer". There is no tub, but with the modern twist the hotel adds, many won’t mind. I wonder how a family with small children would manage, but my parents never let me take a bath on vacation anyway, so why should you. Let your kids enjoy the waterfall like presence the shower gives and business travelers, don’t get lost in paradise with your shower.

Rounding out the bathroom is a nice flat screen TV that compliments the one in the Pier 1 style furniture that lines the room. Nice toiletries by Aveda and plenty of plush towels again add to the beachy feeling.

If you are looking for a way to continue with your daily workout, check out the Nautilus equipment in the workout room. All new equipment, towels and gym style mirrors make a nice addition. Like the hotel, it’s small but packs a punch that gets the job done.

If you keep walking down the hallway past the exercise room you will come upon a private patio area with two Jacuzzis, one hot and one cold… Depending on the time of year, it is your choice, as they both feel amazing.

After a relaxing soak in the Jacuzzi, why not try some of the menu items in their full service restaurant, PHI, that is located directly next to the lobby area downstairs on the main floor. The open area includes a nice bar that has a huge plasma television and is a great place to grab a drink with friends. We decided to sample some of the menu items and see if they matched the same elegant quality the hotel gives its travelers.

Our first item from the menu was a hummus plate that was very filling a good enough to share… so good you will find it hard to share.

If you are looking for something more than an appetizer, we highly recommend the Chicken Caesar Salad or the Strip Steak, which some boutique hotels would love to be able to serve.

Do not leave without trying one of their desserts. The chocolate cake packed with a gooey warm center is good to the last bite… Ours was gone in just three bites it seemed… just that good.

PHI is open 7 days a week from 11:00am until 10:00pm. All of the items from their menu can be delivered as room service as well. The Golden Bean is open from 6:00am until 10:00am for those who wake early and need the perfect cup of coffee.

The restaurants, clubs and shopping of downtown Sarasota are nearby - certainly within walking distance on a pretty day, which in Central Florida some would say everyday is a pretty day. All the cultural attractions are nearby and the Van Wezel Concert Hall, along with the GeeWhiz Science Museum located directly across the street.

If your travel plans take you to Sarasota on business or your looking for the perfect place to plan a small business meeting, take advantage of their 509 square feet banquet room that can seat up to 50 in meeting style and 42 for a banquet. Again, they offer small but a big value at the end.

The hotel is located on US 41, about 5 miles south of the airport. It is located across the street from the Hyatt hotel. The entrance is off the Blvd. of the Arts. We self parked right next to the front doorway. There is plenty of self-parking and a garage as well as valet available.

If your looking for the perfect change and your next business or leisure trip brings you to Sarasota, then we highly recommend you give the Hotel Indigo a try, we did and we are glad our readers helped us find what is sure to become a destination of repeated business. Once you stay here, you will want to try them all.

For more information or to make a reservation contact the hotel directly at 941 487-3800 or visit their website at www.hotelindgo.com, you will be glad you did.