Over the summer my mom, my sister, and I took a trip to Sarasota, Florida. I had never been to Sarasota before so I was not familiar with the area. We had marked out a few things we wanted to see and do while in Sarasota and then that determined where we chose to stay.
I am a true believer that where you stay on vacation can really help enhance your experience. We never skimp on hotels with the thought "I only need it for a place to sleep". You want to really enjoy where you are staying.