Help.. Looking for a beach retreat

[mommic32]

I was wondeing if anyone out there can help us..
I am in the look out for a nice hotel to go to after Disney, we want to go to either the beach or to Gulf side and are not afraid of a 2 hour drive. Can any one help? I prefer to stay ocean side so I have a view, but do not want to spend $200.00 a night.. I am not familiar with Florida so I dont know where to begin. Can any one direct me?
Thanks.

[spiceycat]

Disney's Vero Beach is about 2 hours away. the Inn rooms have an ocean view.

However Daytona Beach is much closer. Not familiar with the hotels at Daytona.

[Grumpy92]

I would also suggest Clearwater/St. Petersburg, Sanibel & Captiva if you want the gulf side. NOt to many good hotels in Daytona. But many more options in Cocoa and Melbourne. Disney's Vero REsort is an excellent one.

You can also go north Amelia Island is a great location.

[ptrbryant]

I hardly ever see it mentioned as a nearby beach from WDW, but on the map, it looks fairly close and sizeable enough that it may have a nice variety of things to do.

Karla B. :flower:

[Tiggerfan40]

We have been to Clearwater Beach (on the gulf side) a few times and loved it! We stayed at the Holiday Inn Sunspree on Clearwater Beach and found it to be really nice! They are right on the beach and if you ask for a room in the tower section you will have a beautiful sunset view every night! They have a kids activity program and a nice pool, hot tub and bar! It is near Tampa and only about 1 1/2 hrs from Disney World. A lot of people like the Hilton at Clearwater Beach also, but we have never stayed there! Good Luck!

[twocat]

Put my vote in for Clearwater Beach, too. Great beach, calm water, good dining (try the Columbia). Just down the road a piece from Clearwater is Sand Key. Very nice Sheraton there.

By going to Clearwater, you have the advantage of being near Tampa and St. Pete with plenty to do..shopping, eating, museums, etc.

[mommic32]

Thank you for all the advice... I have been leaning towards clearwater. The problem is I cant seem to find a hotel available the same days we are there. The Sheraton Sand Keys was expensive for 2 days, I believe it came to almost $500.00.. I do want something I on the beach, I may have to look at the Holiday Inn.. Can I ask, is "Sand Key" a beach? I am confuses on this..I was just assuming that Sheraton Sand Key was the name of the hotel.. I am Loosing it......... All this planning.... After Disney, I will need the beach!!

[Immelman]

look in the siesta key area.

also check out http://www.floridasbeach.com/

our beaches are soooo much better than the atlantic side. :)

[Ted and Holly]

look in the siesta key area.

also check out http://www.floridasbeach.com/

our beaches are soooo much better than the atlantic side. :)

Siesta Key, in my opinion, is the best beach in Florida.

Ted