The Best Hotels in St. Pete-Clearwater

Any "best hotel" list must include the landmark pink beauty, The Don CeSar, which has glamorously held court over a beautiful stretch of St. Pete Beach since 1928. "The Don" (as it's affectionately referred to by locals) is beach luxury at its best, with a sprawling property that caters to families, big groups, couples, and even those traveling with pets. Rooms and social spaces have been recently transformed, and guest rooms flaunt an oh-so-Florida décor. Families and groups who need more room can stay at the nearby Beach House Suites.

While the Don’s beach will call to you daily for refreshing dips in the Gulf as well as water activities, the Beacon Pool Bar & Lookout is always a fun scene with a parade of frozen drinks and live music.

When you need solace, retreat to the sprawling Spa Oceana for one of the signature treatments and amenities like whirlpool baths and aroma-filled steam rooms. After the treatment, continue the Zen vibes on the spa’s rooftop terrace overlooking the water.

Uncle Andy’s Market is a must-stop for ice cream or tasty treats, while the swanky lobby bar is the place to start a night with cocktails before savoring coastal cuisine at award-winning Maritana.

In addition to being named "Best Hotel" in our 2024 Best of St. Pete-Clearwater awards, The Don was also named "Best Wedding Venue." 

A top hotel in beautiful Clearwater Beach is the stylish and contemporary Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, which stands out for its prime beach access and easy walking distance to restaurants and the Pier 60 fishing pier. While the nightly sunset celebration at the pier is a must-do, if you choose to stay in, many rooms at the Wyndham have balconies or terraces that offer Gulf views where you can have your own private sunset show.

Families will love the deluxe king room that also comes with a twin bunk bed for the kids. Guests can alternate their days between the pool and the beach, and make a reservation at Pallavi Spa to indulge in amenities like eucalyptus steam rooms and showers with a colored-light experience. Fitness is another key aspect of this hotel, with perks like a Peloton bike and fitness classes.

In the evening, gaze out over the Gulf from the Ocean Hai restaurant which focuses on locally sourced ingredients in their Asian-fusion dishes.

TradeWinds Island Resorts on Clearwater Beach, encompasses two connected beachfront resorts, TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort and RumFish Beach Resort, both of which share amenities (not to mention gorgeous Gulf views).

Even if you’re not a child, the towering three-story water slide on the beach will grab your attention, as will the floating waterpark. The resort is known for its family-friendly appeal, from poolside crafts to a marine touch tank experience and "dive-in" movies at the pool. But adults will also love the floating cabanas and a tucked-away adults-only pool.

If you’re looking for an exciting dining experience that will capture the attention of everyone at the table, RumFish Grill is beloved for its 33,500-gallon aquarium, where sea creatures swim by as you dine. Both hotel properties are pet-friendly.

If you prefer lively city vibes, culture and an inspired culinary scene – mingled with tranquil bay breezes – The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Autograph Collection is your kind of stay in St. Pete.

While the pink-hued, Mediterranean Revival-style hotel has a storied history that dates back to the 1920s, the luxury resort was recently renovated and offers many grand spaces that encourage gathering and relaxation.

It also serves as a gateway to the city’s many attractions, as it's nestled across from a bayside marina and very close to the St. Pete Pier District, as well as dining and shopping on upscale Beach Drive and environs. A vacation stay here means you're also within walking or biking distance to wonderful museums such as the Dalí Museum and The James Museum of Western + Wildlife Art in St. Pete's Waterfront Museum District.

When you’re done exploring, spoil yourself with an on seaside-inspired treatment at the Vinoy Spa, play a round of golf, or simply relax in the pool. The hotel is home to several dining options, including some that overlook Tampa Bay.

A healthy mix of beachfront relaxation and non-stop family fun is what visitors can expect at the upscale Sandpearl Resort, one of the best hotels in Clearwater Beach.

The resort’s biggest draws are its postcard-perfect setting along a 700-foot stretch of stunning beachfront, and its massive zero-entry, lagoon-style pool. Catching fiery sunsets from the beach is a nightly celebration, and guests love traditions like the evening ringing of the bell and campfire s’mores at the firepits by the beach. It’s also just a 10- to 15-minute walk to the nightly sunset festivities at Pier 60.

Sandpearl's guest rooms and suites were recently renovated with a seaside-chic vibe, and the resort's expansive suites offer plenty of room, featuring kitchens and bathrooms with walk-in showers and soaking tubs. Of course, rooms with balconies overlooking the Gulf are travelers' top picks. Choose from amenities such as a spa, water sports rentals and a kids' club. And don't miss a chance to dine at the acclaimed Caretta on the Gulf.

Located directly on the sands of Clearwater Beach (close to its sister property, the Sandpearl), the sophisticated Opal Sands Resort is all about coastal glamour and unbeatable beach vistas. The biggest perk for guests: Every guest room and suite offers a balcony with incredible water views.

While there are a variety of room types, the spacious suites with kitchenettes and dining areas feel more like luxurious apartments in the sky than they do hotel rooms. The property is a tranquil haven, loved by both leisure and business travelers, with a beachfront pool and a deck perfect for sipping cool drinks and sunbathing. Opal Sands also welcomes dogs under 30 pounds.

Considered a golf lover’s dream, Innisbrook Resort is located in quiet Palm Harbor, and is home to championship golf courses and stunning scenery that invites serenity.

While the resort caters to avid golfers who want to play where the professionals compete, the resort is also great for families, groups and couples’ trips. Plan a stay around the PGA tour’s Valspar Championship, which is held every March on the Copperhead course, known for its challenging fairways and plentiful wildlife sightings.

Outside of golf, the resort stands out for the Salamander Spa, where guests bliss out on pampering massages and even golf-specific treatments. Kids gravitate to the Loch Ness pool and its slides, and adults over 18 also have their own pool for peace and quiet. There are tennis and sports clinics, as well as free bikes to explore the picturesque resort or the nearby Pinellas Trail. Cats and dogs under 35 pounds are welcome for a fee but call ahead.

Oversized guest rooms and breathtaking views make this Clearwater Beach resort a top choice for a Florida beach escape. Located directly on soft, white sands, the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa feels more like a residence than hotel, with a variety of room styles and sizes, some with full kitchens or private rooftop terraces.

Relax at Sandava Spa for a treatment inspired by the gentle waves of the Gulf, or check out a daily schedule that’s packed with family-friendly activities. Don’t miss watching the sunset from the 8th-floor pool deck, then cap off the night with dinner at upscale SHOR American Seafood Grill, where you can watch chefs in the open kitchen craft seafood and steak dishes.