OT - Clearwater beach?

[JJ&JSMOM]

Thinking of splitting our next vacation between Disney and Clearwater Beach. Wondering if anyone has stayed at Clearwater and would reccommend a place to stay. We're hoping to rent a condo on the beach but we have no idea about the area. A hotel would be fine too - we really want to be on the beach whether its a condo or hotel.

We know nothing about Clearwater. Are there certain areas of the beach that are more busy/secluded? What else is there to do around there?

Thanks for any info.

 

[tam626]

We did that back in 2000. I forget the name of the hotel but it was in Sand Key which is, I think right beside Clearwater. I want to say it was a Hilton but I'm not sure. It was nice.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

Thanks for the info. I've done a search as well and have gotten lots of info. I'm surprised the hotels aren't that expensive....well I'm comparing them to Disney rates. Its much cheaper to spllit the vacation in half and stay elsewhere. The Gulf side looks absolutely beautiful!

 

[laceemouse]

Yep, I was going to say just do a google search on the area, there should be condos and houses to rent out, we own a home in Pensacola Beach that we rent through an agency.
The gulf coast of Florida is perfect, sugar white sands and calm blue water. I can't understand why so many people think they have to leave the US to find beautiful beaches.
Have fun planning!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

There are lots of condos and homes to rent. Just not sure of the areas there in or how close to the beach they really are. Some have pics and say "gulfview" which it does have but with other buildings/condos in the way. LOL!! But I shall keep researching and asking around.

 

[maraki527]

We have stayed on Clearwater Beach at the HIlton hotel and it was awesome. We did drive further down to the Sand Key part and at the time it seemed alittle boring. There wasnt much, but that was like 4 yrs ago so itcould have changed.

 

[doclegler]

We have stayed in Clearwater on our past few WDW trips and have LOVED the area. Its absolutely beautiful!
We are staying in Indian Shores this time, at Celebrity Resorts (we will be there in November - unfortunately the Triathlon will be going on during our visit so it will be much busier!). It is supposed to be a nice secluded area - less touristy and just down the beach from Clearwater Beach. We are also making a stop at Caladesi Island, (voted 2008's best beach). It requires a ferry and you can only stay a few hours, but its nice and secluded with lots of natural habitats.
Capt. Memo's Pirate Cruise is a lot of fun in CB, and so is the shopping. We've also found the food is great at Frenchy's (the beachfront one) and Crabby Bills, along with Post Corner Pizza. I'll be able to give more ideas once we're back, but those are my suggestions for now. Its such a beautiful area that really is a MUST see!

 

[tam626]

Sand Key was pretty boring. We drove up over the bridge to Clearwater. I think it's more for older folks than families.

 

[doclegler]

My only complaint I forgot to mention about Clearwater in my above post was that we stayed in real dive of a beach rental, rented by Florida Beach Rentals. Looked decent online, but was absolutely horrible! We were stuck with it for 3 nights unless we wanted to take our losses and move somewhere else. The worst part was freezing while sleeping under the air conditioner that only worked on high, and needing to get a blanket from the closet....I spread the blanket across the bed as my dh got COVERED in sand! Gross and dirty...NEVER again. I complained to them, but it didin't get me anywhere either since they rent out houses for individuals. So good luck if doing a rental like we did. Sometimes you don't get what you are paying for or expecting!!

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

We have stayed on Clearwater Beach at the HIlton hotel and it was awesome. We did drive further down to the Sand Key part and at the time it seemed alittle boring. There wasnt much, but that was like 4 yrs ago so itcould have changed.

Thanks for the info. The Hilton looks very nice. I would like to stay somewhere where theres other stuff to do. Clearwater sounds like it has lots to do.

 

[JJ&JSMOM]

We have stayed in Clearwater on our past few WDW trips and have LOVED the area. Its absolutely beautiful!
We are staying in Indian Shores this time, at Celebrity Resorts (we will be there in November - unfortunately the Triathlon will be going on during our visit so it will be much busier!). It is supposed to be a nice secluded area - less touristy and just down the beach from Clearwater Beach. We are also making a stop at Caladesi Island, (voted 2008's best beach). It requires a ferry and you can only stay a few hours, but its nice and secluded with lots of natural habitats.
Capt. Memo's Pirate Cruise is a lot of fun in CB, and so is the shopping. We've also found the food is great at Frenchy's (the beachfront one) and Crabby Bills, along with Post Corner Pizza. I'll be able to give more ideas once we're back, but those are my suggestions for now. Its such a beautiful area that really is a MUST see!

Thank you - lots of suggestions. I appreciate it. I think we've settled on Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach - I'm leaning towards Clearwater. Sounds like lots of fun.

Regarding your other post on the beach front condo. That is what concerns me the most is not getting what we think we'll be getting. I have a coworker that usually stays in Clearwater in a condo. I'll ask her about it and see what she has for info. I think word of mouth is probably the way to go when renting a condo.

Thanks again.