Sarasota County Hotels and Resorts Offer "Getaway Packages" During Republican National Convention

SARASOTA, Fla., Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 2,400 delegates and alternate delegates will arrive in Tampa at the end of this month to attend one of the biggest political events of the election year, the 40^th Republican National Convention, which takes place from August 27 – 30th.

Looking for an excuse to escape the crowds and the hullabaloo, Tampa residents? Look no further than a quarter-tank to the south, where hotels and resorts in Sarasota County are offering spectacular deals — along with a side of peace, quiet and relaxation — just for their neighbors looking for a quick, easy and inexpensive getaway.

The Hyatt Regency Sarasota gives Florida residents a chance to take advantage of their proximity to paradise with its exclusive Florida Resident Offer. With this offer, residents with a valid Florida ID can receive discounted room rates at the hotel through September 30, 2012. With the Park and Surf package, patrons can take advantage of free Hi-Speed internet and complimentary valet parking during their stay. When booking your stay here, enter the code FLRRO to get the Florida Resident package or PKSURF for the Park and Surf package.

For a visit on a budget, Ramada Sarasota is offering an $89 per night deal for Tampa residents looking to skip town during the Republican National Convention. Included in this deal is an Executive Waterfront room, two drink coupons and free Sunday service aboard America's only floating chapel on the bay. This deal is perfect for the nautically-inclined, as the package also includes a free wet slip.

With 13 acres of beach front property overlooks the sparkling white sands of Siesta Key's famous Crescent Beach, Sarasota Surf and Racquet has a variety of offers in its special "Tampa Getaway" series.  Take advantage of the Resort View Package deal during the RNC: With two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room with a 42" flat screen and DVD player and an enclosed lanai overlooking the resort, this package is great for the entire family — and it only costs $450 (normally $175 daily) for an August 27 – 30 stay. Prefer a room with a view of the ocean? The Gulf View Package during the same dates is discounted to just $600. For more information about package deals during August and September, contact the resort by clicking here.

Beachside Resorts Realty will provide its Siesta Key vacation rentals, condos and beach homes at a 30% discounted rate for stays lasting four or more nights and at a 20% discounted rate for three-night stays during the convention. The Tampa Getaway Deal offers a tremendous discount for longer stays: Stay five nights and get two for free, or stay three nights and get one for free with this fantastic deal available through ­­­­­­the end of September.

The Comfort You package at Sarasota's Ritz Carlton, Sarasota is one of the best luxury deals of the summer. Starting at $279 per night, the package includes overnight accommodations, $50 per night in resort credit and complimentary breakfast for two in the hotel's celebrated four-star restaurant, Vernona. Available through December 31, 2012, the Comfort You package is the perfect getaway for those seeking relaxation on the private beach, the challenge of the Fazio-designed championship golf course at the Ritz Carlton Golf Club or the luxury of a soothing treatment at the Ritz Carlton Spa. Contact the hotel here to reserve your vacation.

Looking to get away from the crowds, but aren't drawn to the beach? The Hotel Ranola is nestled right at the heart of downtown Sarasota, just a stone's-throw away from some of the best shopping, dining and entertainment the city has to offer — and still only 10 minutes from the beach. Originally built in 1926, this hip and historical boutique hotel features private apartment-style rooms with all modern amenities. From August 15 – September 15, get a 10% discount on any stay lasting two or more nights. To book your stay, contact the hotel here.

The Marriot Fairfield Inn & Suites in Venice is just minutes away from the vibrant restaurants and shops on Venice Main Street, as well as the Venice Theatre, Venice Art Center and, of course the beaches that earned they city the title of "Shark tooth capital of the world." During the Republican National Convention, the hotel is offering its Standard Two Double Bed rooms and King rooms for just $87 per night, and suites for the discounted rate of $95 per night. In addition to a fitness center and pool, the hotel provides its guests with complimentary Wi-Fi and continental breakfasts.

Prefer to travel with your own accommodations on wheels, but just need a place to park the RV? Ramblers Rest RV Resort, situated along the gorgeous Myakka River in Venice, is offering a variety of buy-one-get-one package deals this summer. Packages are available by the night (buy one night, get one free) or by the week (buy one week, get one free). Looking to camp out for the entire duration of election season? The resort even offers the buy-one-get-one deal by the month. Reserve your spot today by calling 941-493-4354.

As exciting as it may be to live in a city hosting a national political convention during election year, the idea of actually living there and fighting the crowds during the convention may sound like a bit of a headache for residents of Tampa and the surrounding areas. There's no better time in the year to get away and no better place escape than to the sugar-white beaches and the bustle-free downtown atmospheres of Sarasota and Venice — so take your vacation, and take advantage of these tremendous deals while they're still fresh!  To check out the full details of these packages, please visit: http://www.visitsarasota.org/get-away-from-the-rnc/. 

SOURCE Sarasota Convention & Visitor's Bureau