Clearwater-Sheraton Sand Key or Hilton?

[floridafam]

The Radisson is right across the street from the Sheraton.

If you look at beachsand.com that is a picture of the Sheraton.

The Radisson would be "behind" that across the street.

The beach is quite large. I don't think the walk from the Sheraton would be bad but it would definately be further than your room at the Sheraton.

How much more is the Sheraton than the Radisson? What kind of view would you book at the Sheraton? We always book a "poolside/low floor" room-this is an actual category on their website. We have always stayed on the first floor. We love walking out of our room right to the pool or the beach and the view at night is awesome. They have lights underneath the umbrellas at the tables by the pool and it looks very pretty at night with the moonlight on the gulf, etc.

Your room at the Radisson will probably be larger but the rooms at the Sheraton have all been renovated recently.

We are partial to the Sheraton because we had such a good stay there our first time that we decided to book our wedding there and we were married on the beach.

I'm sure our view helped with our enjoyment of the hotel. I don't know how happy we would be if we weren't able to see the beach from our room.

We like the 24 hour shop for snacks and anything we might need. The kids enjoy Island Grille for lunch and dinner. They have a soft serve ice cream machine and the kids enjoy getting ice cream during the day.

The first time we were there everyone was so attentive and nice. The manager in the restaurant gave our children little stuffed sea turtles and everyone seemed to really care about the guests.

It all depends on what you prefer. We always book an oceanfront or beachfront resort. To us, it is worth the extra. I wouldn't like being at the Radisson on Gulf Blvd and having to cross the street to go to the beach. I like being able to walk right out of my room and sit down by the pool or beach.

 

[floridafam]

We will be there next week.

I will take all the pictures that I can. I may not be able to post them. We bought a digital camera but we haven't received our new Mac yet so I can't download the pictures to anything yet because the computer I have now isn't great for doing that.

I'll post a trip report when I get back and figure out a way to get the pictures to people who want them.

All of our wedding pictures are from the Sheraton, too. We have some great ones of the beach, etc. We had our wedding dinner in the restaurant there and they made special cake for us decorated with beautiful flowers.

I have a special place in my heart for them because they were so helpful in planning our wedding and when my brother died of colon cancer 6 days before our wedding they went above and beyond what they had to do. They even refunded some of our money for our wedding when not as many people came due to my brother's death. Most hotels wouldn't do this.

I hope everyone has a good time there. I'm always afraid I am going to recommend a place and then someone is going to have really bad luck and not have great stays like we do.

I have never been a fan of Radisson's because the ones we have here in Michigan are dirty and not run very well. This may be totally different in Florida. We also stayed at one next to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and it was also dirty, understaffed, etc.

 

[paulakim]

Just called and they are sold out for our dates in November. I wonder whats going on that week. We usually have no trouble getting what we want at that time of the year. Guess we are stuck with the Radisson Hope it's not to bad.

 

[floridafam]

What are your dates in November?

I really think that you will enjoy either place.

It wouldn't hurt to keep checking. They were sold out for our dates in May but we checked back periodically and they opened up. They do have a lot of conventions.

If you can do it, just keep checking.

Did you call the hotel directly or is this through a website?

You can call 727-595-1611 and ask for reservations. That is the direct hotel number.

I was just getting ready to type in a cute little story about the Sheraton when I saw your post. My DH LOVES the lotion that they leave in your room for you. I called and told housekeeping this because we had ran out of the supply from our last vacation. I said I wanted to put some in his Christmas stocking. The lady said no problem. She sent me 24 bottles!!!! I was thinking 2 or 3.

I hope something works out for you.

 

[paulakim]

Wow 24 bottles! That was so nice of them! I checked both the site and called direct. I'll keep calling back to see if my dates open up. The more I checked out their site the more I want to stay there now. It looks absolutly beautiful! If rooms do become available their rate would be around $200 for a gulf view. We would need 2 rooms though. The rate at the Radisson through hotline is $135 for the suite. Thanks for all your time and help. Have a great trip! If you have any free time check out the Radisson for me
Paula

 

[floridafam]

I will walk through the Radisson on our way to the Boardwalk that sits behind the Radisson for breakfast.

I'll take pictures.

They also have suites at Sheraton. They are on the 8th floor. I believe you can get one with 2 double beds and a pull out sofa.

This may be cheaper than 2 rooms if you only need to sleep six.

Anyway,

I'll post a report when I get back.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

We ended up staying at the Hilton-Clearwater Beach. The decision was made for us when DH's meeting was postponed and rescheduled AT that Hilton
First impression was not great. The front desk was rude and unhelpful. Told us our room would be ready at 4. We came back at 4 and the woman cried that it was NOT 4 yet ! Anyway, we had a nice room with a balcony. Our room and floor looked recently renovated. Very clean carpeting and bedspreads etc. Bathroom was tiny with only one sink. Only one of us could get in it at a time ! Having been at CR the week before, this was a shock!
The beach is wide and beautiful, as is that whole area. Lots to see and do. Right by the Pier. Ate a wonderful seafood meal by the water-Leverocks.
There were several eateries and lots of beach shops by the Hilton, so plenty to do while DH was busy. Weather was gorgeous for us.
Oh, there was a $6 a day parking fee and some resort fee($8?) tacked on to the bill.
When we go for pleasure and pay with OUR money, we will return to Don Cesar. Spoiled forever by that resort !