Question for jtopicz1....about beach resorts on the gulf

[The Mystery Machine]

Hello Jim I was reading your helpful thread about Clearwater. We leave in a couple of weeks and still haven't decided where to stay the last leg of our trip(coming from WDW). We are planning 3 days on the Gulf. We still can't decide WHERE! After reading about all the traffic, crowds, etc, would Treasure Island be better? A resort at Sand Key? We are still open to anywhere.
Basically we are looking for a spot to just hang out, rest, and watch our 2 DD's 4 & 10 play in the sand. Someone told us the Alden Resort is nice. Well just looking for your 2 cents, and I thank you!
Jeannine