Driving down to Clearwater - advice needed

[LaraB]

We go in August this year and thought we'd take time to go down to clearwater maybe for an over night stay or two, also visiting Busch whilst we're around there. Does anyone have any recommendations for accommodation? We've never been there before and don't really have a clue. Also, if we stayed there are we best booking beforehand, or will it be possible to find accommodation as we arrive?

Thanks for your help.

 

[dc1964]

One tip i have found that is good is pick up a travel saver guide, this is available in most Mcdonalds aroundOrlando, it has discount savings on Hotels around Florida, most 50% off. I would phone and book before you drive down though. You can see the travel saver guide on the internet if you do a google search.

 

[Jakey Rowling]

We have been down that way in early Aug, doing much the same as you, a day at BG then drive to St Petes for an overnight stay, then round the coast drive to Clearwater.
I'd ditto the advice above, accommodation not hard to find in Aug down that way, get one of many mags, papers from places on the 192, I drive.
We got a holiday inn pretty cheap in St Petes.
Either that or the internet but no need to book in advance I'd say, best make sure the weather looks OK for this part.

 

[Young Pooh]

We stayed in Clearwater last September for the first time - usually stay in St Pete's but fancied a change this time.

We booked the Marriott Suites on Sand Key in advance and they were fantastic. We chose this hotel because we had DD with us and the hotel is all suites - you get your bedroom with one or two beds in it plus a seperate lounge area with a sofa bed for DD.

The hotel itself is very nice - it is across the road from Sand Key Natural Park (??) and they will drive you across so you don't even have to carry your stuff to the beach.

We booked through VA and got 5 nights for about £350 - probably could have got it cheaper but wanted the VA points.

Hope this helps.

 

[Scots Girl]

Hello

My family and I were in Florida for 2 weeks last September and thought clearwater sounded good - we were shocked at how beautiful it was.

The drive down on the Monday morning was trouble free (we were expecting bad traffic but there was none!). We hadnt booked accomodation before hand and found there was loads of motels right on the beachfront so just booked into one of these it was $60 per night (although if you were planing to go at the weekend i would book before hand as they said it gets very busy). we left the next morning and went to bush gardens on the way back to orlando. All in all a really good two days, so good infact the next time we go to orlando my mum is talking about spending 3 days at clearwater!!!!

Have a good time!!!!

 

[LaraB]

Thanks for all your advice and help. Still 6 months to go, but getting excited

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Shereton Sandy key is very good, the only good hotel on Clearwater is the Hilton IMHO,

Due the pirates boat trip from the marina.

 

[WiganTony]

We also stayed at the Marriott Suites last August and couldn't fault them.

We spent three nights, but had a day at Busch Gardens, and hired one of the cabanas around the pool on the Sunday - absolutley fantastic and relaxing!!

We booked through Virgin Holidays (hotel only) for about £72/night.