Clearwater and St. Pete Beaches

[Poly-Anna]

Has anyone stayed at either the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater or the Don CeSar in St. Pete's Beach? What were your thoughts about them? We're thinking of extending our next Orlando trip to include a stay at either beach. Which beach/hotel would be better with a 6 year old?

Any comments appreciated.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

My family and I have not stayed at either resort, however when we go to Clearwater we always stay at the Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key, so have you thought of staying there?
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpams-clearwater-beach-marriott-suites-on-sand-key/

 

[deej696]

While I have not stayed at the other, I have stayed at the Don Cesar a couple times and its great. Great history, and if you're looking to stay in a luxury hotel on the beach, it really cant be beat...

 

[Poly-Anna]

CR Resort Fan 4 Life - Thought about the Marriott also the Hilton; however we were able to get a 1 bedrm suite at the Sandpearl. Is Clearwater Beach very family friendly? We've never done the beaches before, just Orlando a million times! Also I never posted a report, but we had stayed at the CR in a gardenview room back in August and our little guy loved the pool! Also the convenience of being so close to MK couldn't be beat. Thanks for your input on CR back then - you were right on the mark!

Deej696 - Glad to hear you like the Don Cesar - we can get a luxury suite with 2 queen beds for a decent rate and are considering staying there. Do you like St. Pete's beach?

Thanks again for your input.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

CR Resort Fan 4 Life - Thought about the Marriott also the Hilton; however we were able to get a 1 bedrm suite at the Sandpearl. Is Clearwater Beach very family friendly? We've never done the beaches before, just Orlando a million times! Also I never posted a report, but we had stayed at the CR in a gardenview room back in August and our little guy loved the pool! Also the convenience of being so close to MK couldn't be beat. Thanks for your input on CR back then - you were right on the mark!

Yes Clearwater Beach is very family friendly and it's great you enjoyed the Contemporary when you stayed there.

 

[scard192]

I haven't stayed at either hotel, but have visited Clearwater Beach and St Pete's beach a number of times. Both are beautiful and you can't go wrong with either one.

 

[Poly-Anna]

I appreciate your input. We still have time, so it'll be whatever hotel gives the best deal.

Thanks again.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I appreciate your input. We still have time, so it'll be whatever hotel gives the best deal.

Thanks again.

You're welcome.

 

[canadianjovigirl]

We spent 3 days at Clearwater beach prior to our Orlando part of our vacation in Oct/Nov 09 and stayed at the Holiday Inn in a kids suite and we loved it. www.clearwaterbeachholidayinn.com I was nervous about the reviews i got here on the Dis when i inquired about hotel recommendations, but it was very reasonable and was a very short walk to the beach and pier 60. There was alot of shops and reataurants close by also. We loved it so much that we would love to go back We used a rewards card so the kids got free meals in the restaurant and we got coupons for free drinks as well. The hotel had a king bed in a bedroom, a alcove with bunk beds, dresser and tv. There was also a full bathroom off the the bedroom as well as as a balcony. There was a nice sized living room and a small kitchenette as well as another full bathroom.

I did not want to spend big bucks on the other hotels recommended because we only added the days due to cheaper flights on Oct 30 so decided we would add that portion onto our vacation. It was great to start off with relax time on the gorgeous beach and the kids loved the water and the sand....they spent hours searching for shells.

 

[deej696]

Deej696 - Glad to hear you like the Don Cesar - we can get a luxury suite with 2 queen beds for a decent rate and are considering staying there. Do you like St. Pete's beach?

Thanks again for your input.

In a word, yes. Being native Floridian, I much prefer the Gulf side of the beaches to the Atlantic. While there aren't the rolling waves to ride my boogie board, the beaches are beautiful, including St. Pete. My visits to the Don Cesar have been short, but its a gorgeous hotel, and the beach is wonderful. Personally, I dont think it can be beat in the area....

 

[Poly-Anna]

canadianjovigirl and deej696 - Thanks so much for your beach insight. I'm thinking we can't go wrong with either beach. Oh, decisions, decisions!

Thanks again.

 

[Poly-Anna]

Actually, on 2/1 the Hyatt Regency is opening a new oceanfront resort and spa that is 1-2 blocks south of Pier 60. The rooms are all huge (smallest is 600') with full kitchens, and balconies on the gulf. They are offering decent AAA rates also. So needless to say, I figured out which hotel and beach we're staying at in May!

I'll let you know how it rates.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Actually, on 2/1 the Hyatt Regency is opening a new oceanfront resort and spa that is 1-2 blocks south of Pier 60. The rooms are all huge (smallest is 600') with full kitchens, and balconies on the gulf. They are offering decent AAA rates also. So needless to say, I figured out which hotel and beach we're staying at in May!

I'll let you know how it rates.

They are also going to have condominiums being built over there, so it's going to be more then just a regular hotel.

 

[leahvonleah]

We love CWB! We have stayed at the Hilton. Very nice location..right on the beach, but the resort itself was nothing to write home about.
THis past year, we stayed in a 2 BR Sandpearl suite. Talk about luxury...very spoiled for our 4 days there, but it comes at cost!
This May we are going to Disney for 4 days and then heading to St Pete. We currently have reservations at Tradewinds Island Grand in a 2 BR suite. But, I keep checking CWB rates. I have priced the Hyatt, but it is still more pricey than what we are getting in St Pete. I have never stayed in St. Pete, but willing to try it.
Good luck.

 

[Poly-Anna]

We were thinking about the Sandpearl, but you're right - it is pricey. I couldn't decide between CWB or St. Pete Beach so let me know when you get back what you thought of St. Pete.

Have a great time!