Where would YOU stay - Clearwater vs. Treasure Island area..

[Minnesota!]

We are flying in to Tampa in a few weeks. Seeing a few spring training games in the area. One of them is in Clearwater, and then we are going to make our way down to Fort Myers. My question is -


We are torn on where to stay - Clearwater Beach or should we go further south - Treasure Island, Redington Beach, John's Pass...etc.

We are looking for family friendly, good beaches, fun restaurants (SEAFOOD!!!), somewhere we can park the car and just hang for a few days.

I have been researching to death and I am TIRED of it...just want some real people's opinions,

Thanks!!

 

[mamamary]

Hi. We have stayed at the doubletree in north redington beach twice. I felt it was a nice central location for us to get around. Clearwater was a little too busy yet it was a fairly quick car ride away to visit

 

[Minnesota!]

Hi. We have stayed at the doubletree in north redington beach twice. I felt it was a nice central location for us to get around. Clearwater was a little too busy yet it was a fairly quick car ride away to visit

Thanks! That hotel is actually booked solid when we are there - was my first choice downside of going during spring break! I appreciate the input!!

 

[mamamary]

Thanks! That hotel is actually booked solid when we are there - was my first choice downside of going during spring break! I appreciate the input!!

Oh that's too bad. We really liked that hotel. It was family oriented and low key. You never know maybe somehow it will open up. I'm not sure if there were any other hotels in that area that we liked. My sister stayed at the Tradewinds in St. Pete beach three years ago and highly recommended it. Also, we heard great things about the Don CeSar. Have fun planning.

 

[NotUrsula]

It rather depends on your style. Clearwater is more of a party vibe, with lots of services along the beach itself. The sand can get crowded on weekends. Major hotel chains are represented.
The more residential parts of the island are a very different atmosphere. The beach in Treasure Island, for instance is 1/2 mile wide from the start of the sand to the shore in places, and you won't find any public restrooms out there except at the beach park. I've never seen any rental concessions set up on the beach there, either. Most of the non-condo lodging choices are very old-Florida in this area; little motels from the early 60's that have been renovated inside, but which have no pretensions of "resort". If you like this sort of stay, then I would suggest looking at a property that is a member of Superior Small Lodgings; they very carefully inspect member properties. https://www.superiorsmalllodging.com/

 

[Mom2DDs]

My dad used to live in No. Readington Beach and when we went to visit we either stayed at the DoubleTree or in Clearwater. My DDs loved Clearwater because of all the things to do!

 

[kt_mom]

We've been going to St Pete Beach the last couple years and staying at the Sirata and we love it. We eat a great little seafood restaurant that is in walking distance. We love it there!

 

[Pumbaa_]

Sunset vista in treasure island is a lovely condo style hotel.

 

[gotomu212]

I LOVE the Grand Plaza Florida on St Pete Beach. It's right on the beach and I found it really family friendly with Crabby Bills right next door too!

 

[Rystil]

Last time we went, back in 2009, we stayed at the Bilmor, it wasn't too bad. The hotel is right on the beach and the hotel restaurant, Sloppy Joe's was very good. It's also just across the street from Ricky T's which served a really good breakfast.

Edited to add that the Bilmor is at Treasure Island