Do you just want the beach experience? To be honest, if you're planning on doing BG and staying only one night, you won't see too much. Would you think of staying for two nights, then you could really enjoy a bit of relaxing beach time.
If so there are many hotels on the beach in Clearwater, or like others have said the Marriott Suites at Sand Key which are very nice and, IMHO, a nicer part of Clearwater, but then we prefer a little away from the real main touristy hustle bustle type places.
Whilst it's not actually on the beach, your rooms overlook the bay - the intercoastal waterway - with magnificant views from your balcony. The beach is over the road, literally a 4 min walk; or the hotel offers a free shuttle bus, but it's no problem at all to walk.
The pool is really nice and there are a few restaurants and shops, including a deli, along a boardwalk a few mins walk from the hotel. The Clearwater trolley bus also stops at the hotel for a nice little trip into Clearwater, 10 mins away.