st.pete beach the howard johnsons or tradewinds sandpiper?

[sunfun]

has anyone stayed at either of these places. can not decide...i have never been to the west coast. is this a good, safe family area how is the water...is it calm? thanks

 

[jesse]

we used to stay at the Sandpiper all the time when I was a kid (so I cannot give you a RECENT review). We usually had a suite, you enterd the suite into the first bedroom, walked through a galley kitchen, and then to a living area with a balcony. If this is the same Sandpiper, it was right next door to the Howard Johnson's. The Sandpiper seemed to have nicer grounds, and more room oriented towards an ocean view. The beach was very nice, white sand, gulf surf which is more gentle. Take my opinions lightly however, I haven't been to the Sandpiper since 1985! Maybe someone else will have more recent info.

 

[mrsmom]

I can't say anything about the hotel we stayed somewhere eles last yr, but the water was warm and nice, very calm my kids loved it, we brought back so many shells, and they have things going on at the pier at night, clowns jugglers, crafts and other stuff. I can't wait to go back next yr , but this time we are going after disney not before. have fun!
mrsmom

 

[mkymouse4ever]

last time we stayed at the tradewinds I swore never again! They continually had this pool closed, or this area closed for private functions. Its been a few years but they advertised 3 main pools and we were lucky if 1 was open. The Howard Johnson is just a block away down the beach so both have excelent beach areas. But I didn't think the tradewinds was worth the money.