[AriaGrandparents2013]

Planning a get away weekend early next year and trying to decide whether to book at St. Petersburg or Clearwater beaches. Reading through Trip Advisor I'm seeing lots of negative reviews of hotels/resorts in St. Petersburg beach area.

Has anyone had first experience with either location? Can you recommend a hotel/resort at either location?

Thanks you for your comments.

[villager]

I vote for Clearwater Beach because I used to live there. A great suggested place to stay is the Sheraton on Sand Key (just over the bridge from Clearwater Beach). The Sheraton is right on the water and since it is on Sand Key, it is a bit quieter from the tourists. It's also next to the Sand Key State Park so it is in a pretty area. You can take the local Jolly Trolly around the area for transportation (I hope it is still running). Have fun! And, stick your toe in the sand for me, ok?

[Matzy]

I also would recommend Sand Beach (Clearwater Beach), clean and not too crowded, even not in summertime. We like it very much.

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by villager

I vote for Clearwater Beach because I used to live there. A great suggested place to stay is the Sheraton on Sand Key (just over the bridge from Clearwater Beach). The Sheraton is right on the water and since it is on Sand Key, it is a bit quieter from the tourists. It's also next to the Sand Key State Park so it is in a pretty area. You can take the local Jolly Trolly around the area for transportation (I hope it is still running). Have fun! And, stick your toe in the sand for me, ok?

I never overnighted there, but have attended conferences at the Sheraton at Sand Key and sometimes drove there from Tampa just to have lunch. It is a nice place.

If you are willing to drive just a little farther and are interested in a B&B, you might consider Harrington House on Anna Maria Island off the coast of Sarasota. I stayed there several years ago and I see in Trip Advisor that it still gets great reviews. Harrington House Beachfront Bed & Breakfast (Anna Maria Island/Holmes Beach, FL) - B&B Reviews - TripAdvisor

Not all rooms have a Gulf view; book well in advance if you want one.

[AriaGrandparents2013]

Thank you for your responses......................would be interested in hearing more comments.

[lightmessenger]

I lived in Clearwater Beach for 15 years... Hilton is very good and the Holiday Inn is also good. Do not miss Clear Sky Restaurant a hidden gem on the beach.

If you are looking upscale the Hyatt Regency is great.

[deano_hoosier]

Mid-way, sort of between the two beach areas you mention is Treasure Island Beach. My best favorite of all hotels on Treasure Island is "Sea Chest". We have stayed there numerous times and is very hard to beat. The beach behind the hotel, to the water is very wide and there is a boardwalk behind the hotel that extends quite a way to the south.

Look it up on Trip Adisor..

Dean