island girl22 Posted June 29, 2013 #1 Share Posted June 29, 2013 My husband & I & another couple will be flying into St. Petersburg/Clearwater (PIE) airport in April 2014. We will be there for 2 days prior to our Carnival Legend cruise. What is our best choice on a hotel? Should we stay in Clearwater for the 2 days & then take a shuttle to Tampa the morning of our cruise, or stay in Tampa from the get go? Any help would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt_BJ Posted June 29, 2013 #2 Share Posted June 29, 2013 with two days I'd want a room on the beach and that means Clearwater Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohninDC Posted June 29, 2013 #3 Share Posted June 29, 2013 Listen to the CAPT! :cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
island girl22 Posted June 29, 2013 Author #4 Share Posted June 29, 2013 thanks guys!! ... it looks like it's going to be Clearwater for sure!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt_BJ Posted June 29, 2013 #5 Share Posted June 29, 2013 (edited) and by Clearwater I really mean anyplace beachside from St Pete and the Don Cesar north thru Clearwater Beach ... north of here picken's get slim as the beach front is less developed. I'm partial to the Maderia Beach and John's Pass areas myself If going in April make your reservations WELL in advance as this is prime snowbird country. Edited June 29, 2013 by Capt_BJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
island girl22 Posted June 29, 2013 Author #6 Share Posted June 29, 2013 thanks Capt_BJ !! I really appreciate the info :) ... I'll start looking for hotels right away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlaGrl4Evr Posted June 29, 2013 #7 Share Posted June 29, 2013 There are lots of good hotels on the Suncoast that offer different types of accomodations. We enjoy staying at the Alden Beach resort as all of their rooms are suites which include a separate kitchen-dining and living room area, plus a balcony or patio. Having the kitchen makes it nice to save a few $$ on breakfast and sometimes a quick lunch. It is a family owned hotel that is spotless-clean with good Mgt and customer service. If you have a rental car, there is secure garage parking that can only be accessed with your room card. There are plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance as well. In addition, the rates for the suites are the same as a regular hotel room in the same area. http://www.aldenbeachresort.com/ If it's in your budget, The Don Cesar is a 4 star hotel and very nice. https://www.loewshotels.com/Don-CeSar-Hotel If you want a Mom & Pop type place on a section of beach that is less crowded, take a look at the Keystone on Pass-a-Grille Beach. This is at the end-tip of St.Pete Beach. http://www.keystonemotel.com/ :) :) . Whatever hotel you decide on, wishing you great weather and a great time. :) **** Do book early as you are going at a popular time of year **** . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
island girl22 Posted June 29, 2013 Author #8 Share Posted June 29, 2013 Wow!! Thank you for the hotel suggestions & the links :) .. I have never been to this area & I'm quite clueless about where to stay and what is there. This will be most helpful and has definitely pointed me in the right direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueHerons Posted June 29, 2013 #9 Share Posted June 29, 2013 and by Clearwater I really mean anyplace beachside from St Pete and the Don Cesar north thru Clearwater Beach ... north of here picken's get slim as the beach front is less developed. I'm partial to the Maderia Beach and John's Pass areas myself If going in April make your reservations WELL in advance as this is prime snowbird country. Ditto this. I personally love the location of the BilMar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeuroQueen Posted July 4, 2013 #10 Share Posted July 4, 2013 Just my two cents worth, but if you decide to stay in Tampa, close to the port, we loved the Marriott Waterside. It had great rooms and the pool is right on the river with lovely views. The trolley stop is right in front of the hotel and going over to Ybor City for dinner at the Columbia restaurant was quite fun. Just another perspective. Have a great cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
island girl22 Posted July 4, 2013 Author #11 Share Posted July 4, 2013 Thanks BlueHerons.. the BilMar does look lovely. I will also check out the Marriott Waterside, NeuroQueen.. absolutely want to look at all my options. :) I really appreciate everyone's comments & help!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saroede97 Posted July 4, 2013 #12 Share Posted July 4, 2013 and by Clearwater I really mean anyplace beachside from St Pete and the Don Cesar north thru Clearwater Beach ... north of here picken's get slim as the beach front is less developed. I'm partial to the Maderia Beach and John's Pass areas myself If going in April make your reservations WELL in advance as this is prime snowbird country. That being said the Post Card Inn and Tradewinds are nice beachfront hotels in St. Pete Beach (north of the Don Cesar). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Cruisaders Posted July 4, 2013 #13 Share Posted July 4, 2013 Hello! If you decide on the Clearwater Beach area and are going to splurge, I would look at the Sand Pearl resort. Another option, possibly a little cheaper than the Sand Pearl, is the Sheraton Sand Key. Sand Key is really nice because it's around the corner from Clearwater Beach, has its own beach, and will probably be less crowded. I live locally here near Clearwater, so let me know if you have questions about the area. I drive by the St. Pete/Clearwater airport every day on my way to/from work! Thanks, Holly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
island girl22 Posted July 6, 2013 Author #14 Share Posted July 6, 2013 I really appreciate all of these hotel suggestions!! It's so great to hear ideas and input from people who know the area. Also, thank you Holly!! :) I'm sure I will have many questions, especially as my cruise gets closer!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruisingGatorGirl Posted July 7, 2013 #15 Share Posted July 7, 2013 I second the Don Cesar or the Sandpearl. I am from Clearwater. Getting married at the Don Cesar later this year. We checked out nearly every hotel up and down Pinellas county. The Don Cesar and Sandpearl are by far the nicest :) Don Cesar is the grand historic hotel. Whereas the Sandpearl is more modern FL elegance if that makes sense? Both are nice, just different styles :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
island girl22 Posted July 7, 2013 Author #16 Share Posted July 7, 2013 Thanks to you too, CruisingGatorGirl. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!!! I wish you both well. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruisingGatorGirl Posted July 7, 2013 #17 Share Posted July 7, 2013 Thanks to you too, CruisingGatorGirl. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!!! I wish you both well. :) Thank you so much :) Have a good trip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiseAwesome Posted July 7, 2013 #18 Share Posted July 7, 2013 and by Clearwater I really mean anyplace beachside from St Pete and the Don Cesar north thru Clearwater Beach ... north of here picken's get slim as the beach front is less developed. I'm partial to the Maderia Beach and John's Pass areas myself If going in April make your reservations WELL in advance as this is prime snowbird country. The captain is right, anywhere in yheMaderia-Redington Shores-Indian Rocks area is perfect. Not a lot of typical beach riff-raff. Plenty to do at John's Pass and several places to eat along Gulf Blvd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
island girl22 Posted July 8, 2013 Author #19 Share Posted July 8, 2013 Thank you CruiseAwesome!! ;) ... sounds really nice & my husband will like the plenty of places to eat! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir_Randy Posted September 9, 2013 #20 Share Posted September 9, 2013 I would recommend staying in Clearwater Beach. We like Barefoot Bay Resort & Marina because it is small and quaint (probably not for everyone, but we do not like large hotels) but next time we stay there, we will look at staying at Frenchy's Oasis Motel. We love the Frenchy's Restaurants, there are 4 within walking distance, there is a nice marina and a long pier with nightly entertainment, and the beach is amazing! You can walk to everything, which is what we like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
island girl22 Posted September 9, 2013 Author #21 Share Posted September 9, 2013 thank you Sir_Randy... that sounds really nice, especially the pier!! Clearwater it is!! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LuckiStac13*Majesty* Posted September 9, 2013 #22 Share Posted September 9, 2013 Capt BJ - headed down to Siesta Key in a few weeks here--never been but hear the area is beautiful. Are you familiar with it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruisingGatorGirl Posted September 9, 2013 #23 Share Posted September 9, 2013 thank you Sir_Randy... that sounds really nice, especially the pier!! Clearwater it is!! :) I just wanted to add that I agree about frenchys! Make sure you go! Personally we like the saltwater location- we think they have the best food :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt_BJ Posted September 9, 2013 #24 Share Posted September 9, 2013 (edited) Capt BJ - headed down to Siesta Key in a few weeks here--never been but hear the area is beautiful. Are you familiar with it? Have not spent a lot of time there - but the beaches ARE first rate, good shelling if you are into that. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Can't recommend any eating places tho - just made a few day and passing thru trips. Head up to Sarasota one day - there is a branch of Columbia rest' there. http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/sarasota.asp see also http://www.ringling.org/ art mus'm AND circus mus'm Edited September 9, 2013 by Capt_BJ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
island girl22 Posted September 9, 2013 Author #25 Share Posted September 9, 2013 just want to thank everyone who took time to reply :) .. you guys have definitely helped me out with not only great places to stay, but places to eat & things to do too!!! many thanks ;D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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