
Zota Beach Resort
Best for travelers who want roomy Gulf-front rooms, a large zero-entry infinity pool, straightforward service, and family-friendly policies.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
Zota Beach Resort is a Gulf-front, approachable upscale resort on Longboat Key with family-friendly amenities and a signature infinity-edge pool. The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is an ultra-luxury beachfront property under the St. Regis brand—read this if you’re choosing between relaxed upscale comfort (Zota) and formal, high-service luxury (St. Regis).
Updated · about 3.2 km apart (roughly 2 miles)

Best for travelers who want roomy Gulf-front rooms, a large zero-entry infinity pool, straightforward service, and family-friendly policies.

Best for travelers seeking an ultra-luxury, full-service resort experience with a recognized luxury hotel brand and formal service standards.
When Zota Beach Resort wins: choose Zota if you want a relaxed, accessible Gulf-front stay with a standout infinity-edge pool, clear value features included via the resort fee (valet, towels, fitness), and pet-friendly options.
When The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort wins: pick the St. Regis if you prioritize ultra-luxury service, branded suites and signature St. Regis amenities (multiple bars/lounges, full-service spa, limo/town car service) and are comfortable paying for a higher-end experience.
Bottom line: both are beachfront Longboat Key choices; Zota is the more approachable, family-friendly option focused on pool, views, and casual dining, while The St. Regis is the pick for travelers after a traditional, high-service luxury resort stay.
| Category | Zota Beach Resort | The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Relaxed, contemporary Gulf-front resort with casual dining and family-leaning amenities | Formal ultra-luxury beachfront resort with full-service facilities and brand-level service |
| Location | On Gulf of Mexico Drive, direct Gulf access on Longboat Key | |
| Size (rooms) | 187 rooms, including 24 suites | 168 guestrooms (supplier listing) |
| Ages / audience | All ages; marketed to couples and families (minimum check-in age commonly 21) | All ages (not adults-only) with full-service resort programming |
| Pools & pool features | Infinity-edge zero-entry Gulf-front pool, 16-person Jacuzzi, poolside dining, rentable bungalows | Outdoor pool(s) (supplier lists 1), pool cabanas (surcharge), poolside bar |
| Restaurants & bars | Viento Kitchen + Bar (Floribbean) and Cascades Pool Bar; in-room dining available | 3 restaurants, 3 bars/lounges and a coffee shop/cafe (supplier listing) |
| Spa & wellness | No dedicated on-site spa; Tammy Fender in-room bath amenities; 24-hour fitness center included | Full-service spa (massages, body treatments, facials) and health club |
| Known for | Gulf-front infinity pool, family-leaning amenities, accessible upscale rooms and event/wedding spaces | Ultra-luxury St. Regis service, branded suites, private beach and extensive guest services |
| Parking & transport | Valet parking only; valet included in Zota resort fee | Valet parking (surcharge listed) |
| Pet policy | Dog-friendly up to 30 lbs (official resort guidance), fee $100 per dog/night | Pet fee policy: supplier listing notes pets allowed with fees (exact published weight limit Not published) |
Zota Beach Resort sits directly on Gulf of Mexico Drive with on-property beach access and quick drives to St. Armands Circle and other Gulf Coast sights.
Zota is positioned for easy beach access and regional sightseeing without needing a long drive.
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort is a beachfront ultra-luxury resort on Gulf of Mexico Drive with private beach access and resort services aimed at full-service stays.
St. Regis provides the same Longboat Key beachfront location with more full-service resort infrastructure for luxury travelers.
Zota’s 187 rooms across Opal and Escalera towers include 24 suites and a mix of standard and premium (Opal Tower) room types.
Zota’s room lineup emphasizes roomy, comfortable Gulf-view options with in-room wellness touches rather than brand-luxury frills.
The St. Regis lists a range of deluxe rooms and named suites (for example, Marie Selby Suite, Caroline Astor Suite, John Jacob Astor Suite) designed for higher-end travelers.
St. Regis offers a classic luxury room hierarchy with signature named suites and accessibility-minded options.
Zota focuses on two on-site venues: Viento Kitchen + Bar for breakfast and dinner, and Cascades Pool Bar for pool lunches and drinks.
Zota’s dining is concise and Gulf-facing with a single signature restaurant plus casual pool service.
The St. Regis lists three restaurants, three bars/lounges and a coffee shop/cafe in its supplier listing, offering more on-site variety.
St. Regis delivers more on-site dining variety consistent with full-service luxury resorts, but expect extra charges for breakfast and some services.
Zota’s signature amenity is its Gulf-front infinity-edge zero-entry pool and adjacent 16-person Jacuzzi.
Zota centers its guest experience on its large, accessible Gulf-front pool and straightforward beach access.
St. Regis offers private beach access and outdoor pool facilities with cabanas and a pool bar.
St. Regis pairs beachfront pools with cabana and bar service typical of higher-end resort operations.
Zota provides a 24-hour fitness center, meeting and wedding venues, and positions itself for events and weddings on the Gulf.
Zota handles weddings and meetings with multiple Gulf-front venues; wellness is focused on fitness and in-room amenities rather than a full spa.
St. Regis lists a full-service spa, health club and meeting/conference space, along with concierge and limousine services.
St. Regis supports formal events and offers a full spa and guest services ecosystem expected at an ultra-luxury resort.

Zota — roomy Gulf-front rooms, large zero-entry pool, included valet and fitness access via the resort fee.

The St. Regis — named suites, branded service offerings, full-service spa and multiple bars/restaurants.

Zota — standout infinity-edge zero-entry pool and easy poolside dining.

The St. Regis — spa, health club, concierge, and limo/town car service.
Zota is focused on the Gulf-front pool experience (infinity-edge, zero-entry pool and Jacuzzi) and casual poolside dining, making it a simpler choice for a pool-and-beach stay.
The St. Regis has a full-service spa and health-club facilities; Zota does not have a dedicated on-site spa (it supplies in-room Tammy Fender amenities and nearby sister-property spa options).
Yes — both are on Longboat Key with direct Gulf access and beach facilities.
Zota publishes a pet policy welcoming dogs up to 30 lbs (fee applies). The St. Regis listing includes pet fees in its supplier details but a definitive weight limit is Not published — confirm with the hotel.
Explore how Zota Beach Resort stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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