A couple of nights at the beach, but where?

[hsc3boys]

Hi, have booked to stay at Disney world again this October. This time staying at AKL. We would like to get to the beach for one or two nights during our stay, but where should we head for?
Have been looking on the Internet and found a tradewinds hotel, think it was called tradewinds Grand at St Pete beach. Looks like lots to do in the hotel for the children (10 and 12), but having never been before I don't know if this would be in a good location for activities outside the hotel. Should I be looking to be in a specific area that is in walking distance to shops, restaurants and entertainment?
There just seems so many hotels to choose from and different areas.
Also is one night enough or should I look at two nights?
The family would also like to visit bush gardens on the way back.

To sum up, we would like to be able to go for a walk from the hotel and look in shops, stop and have a drink, go to a restaurant and have entertainment for the children close by.

Any advice please, I just don't know what to do for the best.

 

[Elise79]

I have stayed at the trade winds & it's sister resort next door but not since 1998 but I do know we walked to nearby restaurants for dinner.

Lovely beach at St Petes too

If you want to go BG on the way back 2 nights might be best as you will get away early to get to BG

 

[chmurf]

We stayed at the Sheraton on Sand Key (across the bridge from Clearwater Beach)
nice hotel, direct on the beach. Affordable rates. Free private parking

there is a Trolley you can use to get up and down the coast from Clearwater to St Pete

 

[Portugal1000]

We are staying at Tradewinds for a week from 7th August before going back to Bonnet Creek for 15 nights. Would love to hear what its like also as a bit nervous as we are paying double what we are paying for Bonnet Creek per night and for a smaller apartment (1 bedroom instead of 2). It took a long time for me to decide but there seems to be so much going on at Tradewinds that I thought we would all be happy. We originally were going to go to Longboat Key. Friends had recommended this place

http://sandcaybeachresort.com/

They loved it but I just thought my son might end up being a bit bored if there weren't any other kids his age. A shame as this was cheaper and much larger rooms. Maybe next time.

 

[hsc3boys]

I would be very interested to hear your thoughts after your stay in the summer.

 

[Portugal1000]

I will be able to do a live report this year as we finally have an I Pad. I think there is WIFI included with resort fee. I probably wont be able to work out how to post any pictures though

I am really looking forward to it, only problem is we are so use to the rooms at Bonnet Creek I think that I dont think the rooms here will be able to compare. But we wont be in the room much as hopefully on the beach the whole time.