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Who is Alpha in Sarasota?

Where: 1000 Boulevard Of The Arts [map], Sarasota, FL, United States, 34236

[Publisher's note: Longtime hotel maven dzot explains why Polynesia and Sarasota Florida are everything alike and nothing alike, all at once. Enjoy.]

A few years back, the Hyatt Sarasota was the king of the hotel jungle in Sarasota, FL. Forego the Hyatt, and your only decent spots in town were Hilton Garden Inns and Courtyard Marriotts and the like. The Hyatt was the Alpha Male, and if you could snag yourself a water view room, you had a beautiful view of sunset over Sarasota Bay from your balcony.

Then, just like on the African veldt, a wandering rogue appeared in the distance. The threat was obvious; his reputation preceded him.  He was bigger, stronger and better looking.  The proud Hyatt put up a game fight, but resistance was futile. Just like that, Ritz-Carlton became the new Alpha.

That kind of stuff is going to happen -- the circle of life, natural selection, and so forth. But get this: the Ritz-Carlton not only took over as the top spot in town from the Hyatt, but positioned itself directly between the Hyatt and Sarasota Bay such that the striking view of sunset over the bay is now reserved for guests of the Ritz.  Those delightful water view rooms in the Hyatt now have a beautiful view of...The Ritz-Carlton.

More on the Hyatt after the jump.

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