St. Pete Beach, recently crowned the best beach in the United States by TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards, is a slice of paradise waiting to be explored. As someone who’s called the Tampa Bay area home for over 25 years, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing nearly every hotel St. Pete Beach has to offer. This guide is your curated list of the Best Hotels St Pete Beach, perfect whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a fun-filled family vacation, or just a quick weekend getaway.
While nearby Clearwater Beach has long held its reputation as a top-tier beach destination, St. Pete Beach offers equally stunning wide, white-sand beaches with a more relaxed and less crowded atmosphere. Choosing from the array of hotels in St Pete Beach can feel overwhelming, but the good news is that they all boast access to the same incredible shoreline. The key differences lie in the hotel amenities themselves, ranging from simple and comfortable to luxurious resorts with all the bells and whistles, including lazy rivers and exhilarating waterslides. For those planning longer stays, apartment-style suites provide the perfect home away from home.
So, let’s dive into my expert recommendations for the best hotels in St Pete Beach, ensuring you find the ideal spot for your perfect beach vacation.
The Don CeSar
The Don CeSar, affectionately known as the “Pink Palace,” is an iconic landmark of St. Pete Beach. This grand hotel, dating back to 1928, graces the southernmost point of St. Pete Beach and boasts a storied past of hosting dignitaries and celebrities.
Today, The Don CeSar welcomes a diverse range of guests, from families and couples to retirees, while retaining its upscale ambiance. Its prime beachfront location is simply breathtaking, complemented by a stunning pool area complete with a delightful café. Recent renovations have ensured the hotel’s facilities are modern and well-maintained, offering a blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort.
While exuding a sophisticated and adult feel, The Don CeSar remains family-friendly, offering a dedicated kids club. The resort fee conveniently covers beach essentials like chairs and umbrellas, and even access to some watersports activities.
Its location at the southern end of St Pete Beach is ideal for beach lovers and those wanting to explore the charming Pass-a-Grille beaches nearby. However, accessing restaurants and entertainment beyond the resort may require a short drive or Uber ride. The Don CeSar provides a luxurious and historically rich experience for your St Pete Beach getaway.
Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar
For those seeking a bit more space and home-like comforts, the Beach House Suites by The Don CeSar are an excellent choice. Located just half a mile from the main Don CeSar hotel, these suites offer a more apartment-style setup, perfect for families or extended stays.
Each suite features a convenient kitchenette equipped with a mini-fridge and microwave, providing flexibility for meals and snacks. Guests at the Beach House Suites also enjoy full access to all the exceptional amenities at the main Don CeSar property, including pools, dining, and beach access.
The Beach House Suites offer the best of both worlds: the space and privacy of a suite with the resort amenities of the Don CeSar, making them ideal for families wanting a comfortable and convenient base for their St Pete Beach vacation.
TradeWinds Island Grand
The TradeWinds Island Grand is another long-standing favorite on St. Pete Beach, particularly renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and abundance of activities. While an older property and not as overtly upscale as The Don CeSar, the TradeWinds offers a vibrant and fun-filled experience for all ages.
Families will be delighted by the three pools (two family-oriented and one adult-only), a fantastic lazy river complete with paddleboats, and a massive inflatable waterslide right on the beach. Mini golf adds to the on-site entertainment, and complimentary beach chairs are included for relaxing days by the ocean.
The TradeWinds enjoys a prime central location on St. Pete Beach, providing easy walking access to a variety of restaurants and lively beach bars. Its beautiful beachfront and extensive amenities make it a top pick for families seeking an action-packed and memorable St Pete Beach vacation.
Sirata Beach Resort
Located right next door to the TradeWinds, the Sirata Beach Resort benefits from the same stunning beach and convenient central location, but at a more budget-friendly price point. While it may not have quite as many bells and whistles as its neighbor, the Sirata provides excellent value and a relaxed beach vacation experience.
The resort features a lovely beachfront pool area and a fun splash pad that will keep the kids entertained for hours. The resort fee includes valuable perks such as beach chairs, parking, and access to recreational equipment like boogie boards and pool noodles. And for families wanting to experience the inflatable waterslide at the TradeWinds next door, day passes are readily available for purchase.
The Sirata Beach Resort is a fantastic option for families and couples seeking a comfortable and enjoyable St Pete Beach vacation without breaking the bank.
Postcard Inn On The Beach
If you’re looking for a lively and budget-friendly option, the Postcard Inn On The Beach is worth considering. However, it’s important to note that this hotel is geared more towards a younger, party-seeking crowd and less ideal for families with young children. (Confession: I even had my bachelorette party here, many years ago!).
While the Postcard Inn is an older property and may appear somewhat dated, it consistently receives positive feedback for its cleanliness and comfortable accommodations. It shares the same enviable beachfront and central location as the more upscale St Pete Beach hotels, but at a significantly lower price.
The Postcard Inn is perfect for fun getaways like girls’ weekends, college spring break trips, or a quick and affordable couples escape. Its laid-back vibe and budget-friendly rates make it a popular choice for those prioritizing fun and affordability in their St Pete Beach hotel selection.
This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the best hotels St Pete Beach has to offer. No matter your travel style or budget, St. Pete Beach has the perfect hotel to make your beach vacation dreams a reality.
