Tradewinds Resort - St. Pete beach??

[treloarf]

Has anyone ever stayed at any of the Tradewinds Resorts in St. Pete? We're looking to add 2 days at the beach. Any info would be great! Thanks

 

[Tarasmom]

I like the Sandpiper Hotel...it is one of theirs that is less busy and kind of quieter. The Island Grande and Sirata are also nice and they are all footsteps away from each other. Plus, you can use the amenities at all of them no matter which one you actually stay in.
Laura

 

[ErinH1]

We did the same this past June and stayed at the Tradewinds Sirata. We did not like it at all--the only good thing about it was the location which is right on the beautiful beach. Our room was terrible--a blast from the 60's. Totally depressing. Heavy plastic orange drapes; room was so dark lights didn't even make it bright enough; tile in bathroom disgusting; when taking a shower in the tub, water went all over the bathroom floor; big scratch on the TV screen. However, I believe they do have newer and better rooms in their tower buildings (ours was a "garden courtyard" room). I got the Sirata by bidding on Priceline--I think I paid about $60 (only bad room I've ever had via Priceline). Pool was small and music blasted throughout the entire complex until nearly 11 p.m. every night. The more expensive Tradewinds Island Grand is next door--it appeared a little nicer than the Sirata. As I recall, there was a Howard Johnsons or Travelodge next door to the Sirata that looked newer and better. We had just come from 7 days at the fabulous Marriott Grande Vista in Orlando, so I tried to be open-minded because I knew the Sirata was going to be inferior. But I would rank it as one of the worst places I've ever stayed.

 

[mar3990]

We stayed at the Tradewinds Sandpiper in August and we really liked the hotel. Our room was not perfect, but with the traffic they get and the sand and salt I can overlook a few things. The tiles under the dishwasher kept falling down and there was no fan in the bathroom. Other than that everything was great. Not luxury but nice. We got the entertainment rate and couldn't find anything else close to that price. The Alden right next door looks nice as does the Howard Johnson's (great beach bar with music). I think Tradewinds actually owns a fourth hotel now in between the others. Its called the Breckinridge so you may want to ask about that one too. I personally would get the cheapest room they have because you spend all of your time at the beach anyhow. There's a great breakfast spot if you walk down the beach (away from the Don Cesar) a little ways. Its called the Seaside Grille and they have a huge menu and great prices. Lots of locals eating there day after day and you can't beat the view.

 

[Claire L]

Stayed at The Tadewinds Island Grand last year for our honeymoon and the place was lovely. We were upgraded from Deluxe room to a Luxury Gulf view suite and had the most perfect view of the Gulf. The suite also incuded a large fridge/freezer and microwave along with plates, cutlery etc. The lobby is impressive and has been improved alot since my last visit in 1993. The restaurants were good and the bar with pool table was a nice touch for informal beers. The Flying Bride offered good food and views over one of the pools to the beach and the sunset. Location was good for exploring other nearby beaches and attractions. One plus side is that there is quite a deep pool for adults only (8 foot at one end). There are two other outdoor pools, one indoor pool very small) and tennis courts.
I think the Breckenridge is now part of The Island Grand as one of the buildings is called the Breckenrige and houses the Gym, Pizza Hut, Bar and one restaurant.

The sunsets have to be seen to be believed.

Have a great time.
Claire

 

[DisOrBust]

WE also stayed at the Island grand in a 2BR gulf suite and really liked it! I got it for 200/night with an entertainment rate. I know this property also comes up on priceline. My DD enjoyed the pools and paddle boats you can take around the property. It was definitely worth the money. We had 4 adults and 2 kids w/o any problems!

 

[treloarf]

If I use Priceline to bid, do they give you a choice of hotels or do I have to take the one I put my price in for. The current rate at the Sandpiper is $79, but additional $12 service charge. Since we have 4 adults, 2 kids, they do have a 1 bedroom suite (sleeps 6) for $146 + $12 service charge. I'm still thinking about priceline for 11/29 & 11/30. Any thoughts on what price to bid? I've never used priceline.

Also, where is everyone getting the entertainment rate - is that thru the entertainment book?

 

[ZuZugal]

If you take a look at the biddingfortravel.com website, it has quite a bit of information as to which hotels carry which star rating (2 star, 4 star), and also goes by location (st. pete or st. pete beach.)
I plan to bid on the island grand in october but will not do that until i've gone thru all of the steps listed in biddingfortravel. It has been a great resource for this priceline newbie.
Be sure to check out the hotel's own website before you make a bid to check their rack rate and availability for that time frame. That is the best way to start.

 

[DisOrBust]

The entertainment rate was using the book. You can reserve the room before having the book in hand just ask if they have an Ent. rate available. I liked Island Grand better then Sandpiper, just nicer IMHO.

Priceline is great if you know it non refundable. REad the FAQ at biddingfortravel.com before even thinking about bidding. I perferr the Entertainment rate because I can cancelup to 2 days and am able to pay for view etc...

Beware on priceline they do not garentee 2 queens although it rarely is a problem/

 

[treloarf]

I have the Pennsyl. entertainment book & I don't see anthing about hotels in that area. Which locality did you use?

Thanks for all the info!!! But I think I may have a really good rate at the Alden Beach Resort in St. PeTe.

 

[Wonderlandmom]

Not sure of your dates, but check out the Don Cesar site online. They will often run specials. It is the BEST resort on the beach that we have ever experienced. And I am a Floridian who has stayed at the beach a lot. They have a beach house suite down the beach a bit, that offers larger rooms. They run specials too. I can't wait to return...