Just speculating...........

[alisonbestford]

We have no definite plans for our trip but I was musing over the idea of spending a day/night in Clearwater

It would, probably, be during the second half of the break and I'd, ideally, like to stay over.
Where would you suggest is the best place to book a nights accommodation online?

I'd rather not leave it until we get there as I'll have a terrible time trying to make a decision on where to stay

Thanks

In fact, is Clearwater the closest beach to get to?

 

[wayneg]

We stayed at the Hilton, it had just been taken over by them and doing a re-brand from Double tree. We didn't like it at all but lots do, maybe we hit a bad time but we also didn't like Clearwater when most people do. We should have done a 1 night stay rather than 1 full week, we missed the parks too much.
Try Hotelopia.co.uk if you see anything on there then there are 10% discount codes, plus another 10% off if you book thru Quidco or Rpoints. Search Clearwater Area - FL

Another search engine is www.travelsupermarket.com but when you ask for Clearwater it gives other places also so you would have to look thru them and make sure its at Clearwater.

 

[cathy_s]

Clearwater Beach is about a 90 min. drive from MK.

DH and I hadn't been to the beach in ages and were just there this past Friday night (went for a walk after dinner). We seemed to see things in a new light while we were there.

We spent the majority of the time talking about how foolish we are to never go to the beach! I realized for the first time WHY people actually come to my town on vacation! Funny how you do that-isn't it? The beach truly is beautiful-lots and lots of powdery white sand.

There is quite a bit of construction in the works and parking can be a mess but if you're staying in a hotel, parking isn't an issue.

Try www.hotels.com for booking and make sure you put in Clearwater Beach and not just Clearwater. To be sure your hotel is actually beachfront, the hotel should be on Mandalay. That is the street that is directly on the beach.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

We have used this site before:

http://www.travelsupermarket.com/

It is years since we have been to Clearwater but we are having a day there in August, it's a good 90 minute drive but worth the extra distance.
Whilst Cocoa Beach and Daytona are nearer the beach is not in the same league.
St Petes and the awesome Sunshine Skyway Bridge is also worth a visit.

 

[alisonbestford]

Thanks all

Eve came home from school yesterday with her socks full of sand...............Her theory was that, seeing as it wasn't in her socks when she put them on, Daddy was giving her a message and must want us to go to the beach..........

 

[wayneg]

Try www.hotels.com for booking and make sure you put in Clearwater Beach and not just Clearwater.

Worth checking out but its the same search engine as Expedia and I find their rates are expensive compared to UK/Euro based agents like Hotelopia nd Alpharooms .

 

[T16GEM]

Thanks all

Eve came home from school yesterday with her socks full of sand...............Her theory was that, seeing as it wasn't in her socks when she put them on, Daddy was giving her a message and must want us to go to the beach..........

Aww Alison that is sweet of her. The last time we did Clearwater was when I was 11 so that was a long time ago now - I am 28 this year! But from what I remember it was a lovely place, we stayed at the then Raddison Clearwater Beach, I don't know if it's still there. There were some great cake shops from what I remember and the views of the beach were fantastic! Well worth a visit I think!

 

[WiganTony]

We stayed at the Marriott Suites last August for 3 nights which we booked through Virgin Holidays website and cost around £80/night.

As mentioned, Clearwater Beach is between 1-1/2 and 2 hours drive from Orlando, depending on traffic around Tampa. I think that the Atlantic coast is nearer being around a 1 hour drive.

 

[tezza_init]

I'd say its an hour to Tampa but with the current roadworks on the I-275 junction it took us just over two hours Kissimmee to Clearwater Beach. There's load of motels to choose from if you want to take you're chances. We've stayed at the Parker Manor for the last two years.

Its a nice break from Orlando and great to park up and not drive anywhere for a few days. Plenty of good places to eat and Pier 60 close by.

Cheers

T
my Flickr Clearwater

 

[Young Pooh]

W also stayed at the Marriott Suites last year and would highly recommend them.

They are at the bottom end of Clearwater Beach area so away from the building work - the beach is part of Sand Key natural park and you have some nice restaurants next door on the boardwalk.

 

[~Piglet~]

We stayed at the Hilton, great beachfront location, pier 60 is 2 minute walk away. Just across the road the marina has plenty of boats offering dolphin sightseeing trips for the day. We spent a few hours on one and the dolphins came and played with our boat, which was really nice to see. We were also lucky enough to see some Manatees from the end of pier 60 at evening time.