Top 10 Tampa Area Accommodations

It turns out there really is a Treasure Island, minus the pirates and parrots and peg-legs that Robert Louis Stevenson envisioned. But you can go ahead and put a black X on the map, because instead you’ll find a small treasure of a Florida boutique hotel. Welcome to Crystal Palms Beach Resort!

With just 36 rooms, it’s not big in stature. But Crystal Palms makes the most out of every inch of space, with spacious one- and two-bedroom suites featuring 42-inch flat screen TVs, granite countertops and washers and dryers. There’s an outdoor heated pool, too, and Treasure Island Beach is right across the street. Speaking of beaches, there are a lot of them around here in various settings. Sand Key, for example, has 14 miles of beach. Sand Key Park is part Florida beach vacation and part wildlife refuge; sea turtles lay their eggs here each year. And in the place of pirate ships and bottles of rum, Treasure Island itself is full of island-style nightlife and live entertainment.

Highlights

The beachfront penthouse suite is just one of seven beachfront units that you can book directly through Crystal Palms Beach Resort.

Getting there

No, you don’t need a pirate ship. Treasure Island, Florida is connected to Madeira Beach to the north by the John's Pass Bridge. The Treasure Island Causeway Bridge connects Treasure Island to St. Petersburg to the east. On the south end of the island is the Blind Pass Bridge which connects Treasure Island with St. Pete Beach.

Related Onsite Offerings

In keeping with its small, elegant boutique style, Crystal Palms Beach Resort has a fully-equipped meeting space for groups up to 20.

Maybe at one time the terms “vacation” and “goal” were mutually exclusive. Now, it’s perfectly natural to have a goal for your vacation. And if it’s enrichment, then welcome to Sandpearl, and to a new standard of experiencing Clearwater Beach and its surrounding area.

Sandpearl features a variety of enrichment programs for adults and children, each designed to further your understanding of the environment, the world, and most often, yourself. These thoughtful programs can involve physical activity including kayaking, hiking and a variety of fitness regimens; they also encourage the mind with activities that include reading, art, environmental study and even leadership training. If you thought we were going to talk about luxurious spa services, master baths with roman tubs and private beachside cabanas, we were getting to that. Sandpearl happens to have all of this and more, plus its signature four-diamond dining experience at Caretta on the Gulf. It’s a true Clearwater Beach luxury getaway!

Highlights

Bring the family and let the kids explore the beach and the local environment at Camp Ridley, a daily supervised program.

Fun facts

Sandpearl is the first new resort to be built in Clearwater Beach in the last quarter century.

Related Onsite Offerings

With a ballroom, reception room, fine dining and a variety of lawn and beach venues, Sandpearl is ideal for weddings.

It’s a classic Florida beach resort, with its own restaurant serving prime rib plus outdoor dining at the Margarita Grill. Sounds fun, right? There’s also live music until 11 p.m. at the Backyard Tiki Bar. And dancing at the Sunset Lounge. Oh, wait, there’s a nightclub, too. Where are we again?

We’re at Shephard’s Beach Resort, and the fun never seems to stop! The Wave is a two-level nightclub experience, with regular DJs and the area’s most exciting state-of-the-art light and sound show. Live bands play regularly at Sunset Lounge, and Shephard’s Backyard Tiki Bar features live reggae amid a variety of festive beach-style events. There’s a heated pool, Jacuzzi, watercraft rentals and parasailing, and accommodations from Deluxe and Specialty Rooms to King Suites to the Two-Bedroom Deluxe with private balcony, full kitchen and in-room whirlpool tub. Right nearby you’ll find excellent Clearwater Beach golf, tennis and a marina with plenty of cruises and fishing charters. We could also mention that the town of Clearwater Beach is full of fun things to do…but we’re already at Shephard’s. So why?

Dates and Times

The Wave nightclub is open from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday through Sunday. Sunset Lounge is open daily from noon to 1:45 a.m. Tiki Bar opens daily at 11 a.m.

Getting there

From Tampa International Airport, travel east on W. Spruce Street. Take the SR-60/SR-589-Toll/N. Veterans Expressway ramp towards Clearwater. Merge onto North Memorial Highway. Take the SR-60 W exit on the left. Merge onto West Courtney Campbell Causeway. That becomes Gulf to Bay Boulevard. Make a slight right turn onto Court Street, which becomes Pierce Boulevard. Turn left onto Memorial Causeway/FL-60. Take the third exit onto Coronado Drive. Turn right onto Hamden Drive. Turn left onto South Gulfview Boulevard. Shephard’s is on the right.

Related Onsite Offerings

With four indoor venues and a variety of outdoor venues and entertainment, Shephard’s can host groups of up to 2,000.

My Holiday Villas III combines a dynamite beachside location with a delectable amount of amenities and luxuries!

Regardless of your reason for visiting, Holiday Villas are an ideal way to relax! Besides the obvious benefits of beach adjacency, inside your unit you'll discover beautiful decor and attention to detail. Not only is the next door beach nice to have, but Holiday Villas III is also just minutes from all the activity and amenities/beach attractions found in the Tampa, St Pete, and Clearwater Beach area. Get out and enjoy the weather with a walk on the beach, a swim in the crystal clear gulf water, or catch a tan poolside.

Address

18610 Gulf Blvd Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL 33785

Highlights

There are complementary BBQ grills with a picnic area for both regular dining and family gatherings!

Related Onsite Offerings

There's also an oceanfront pool with complementary lounge chairs and shaded resting area!

It’s like having your own private villa or cottage on the beach. Except…well, actually, it’s just like that. Situated directly on the beautiful beaches of Indian Shores, Sand Glo Villas provides a peaceful spot in the sand and your choice of 11 homes away from home.

These Central West Florida vacation rentals seem brand new, in fact, having been completely renovated. And each one- or two-bedroom Gulf front or Gulf view villa is designed to highlight the spectacular surroundings at the most moving times of day. We’re talking about the sand, surf and sky that seems to come right into the living rooms during the day, the sunset views from the decks and the bright interior color palettes that help define a great getaway even when it’s dark outside. Of course, if you care to turn around and make a short trip into town, you’ll be equally rewarded with Tampa attractions including Cypress Gardens and at least a dozen fantastic golf courses in Clearwater, Largo and St. Petersburg. Which, given your surroundings at Sand Glo Villas, you may not.

Dates and Prices

Sand Glo Villas are available for rent year round by the night, week or month from May 1 to December 17 and for weekly or monthly rental during the winter. Rates range from $119 per night to $4234 per month.

Getting there

Travel south on I-275 to Exit #28 (US 694/Park Blvd, Gandy Exit). Continue west on Park Blvd. 10 miles to Gulf Blvd. Turn right on Gulf Blvd. Sand Glo Villas is located on the Gulf side just 1/4 mile north of the Park Blvd. bridge.

Related Onsite Offerings

Along with the villas, Sand Glo offers the Courtyard Cottage, a slightly different yet equally stunning accommodation on the Indian Shores beach.

Spanning seven miles of beautiful, white-sand beaches, Anna Maria Island is everything you're looking for in a tropical Florida vacation. At Anna Maria Island Inn, you can experience a luxury getaway that offers you all the best of a sunny, beachfront vacation. Bask in the stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and plenty of private beach for unwinding and fun. With 14 apartment-style units and poolside accommodations, Anna Maria lets you choose the place that's just right for you. Enjoy fully equipped kitchens, balconies, flat-screen televisions, and free wireless internet! When you're not lounging in your home-away-from-home, you'll love splashing in the pool's inn or cooking up a delicious meal under the tiki huts! Of course, head out to the beaches for quiet sunbathing or exciting activities such as swimming, surfing and sailing. If you're here with the family, the kids are sure to enjoy building sandcastles or searching for seashells to take back home. And, if you're looking for a fun day-trip, the inn is located just over two hours from Walt Disney World!

Address

2218 Gulf Drive N, Bradenton Beach, FL 34217

Highlights

Anna Maria Island Inn's prime location makes it easy to keep an eye out for some incredible sea life. Watch for the dolphins and manatees that come close to the shores, or look for baby sea turtle hatchlings!

Related Onsite Offerings

The inn offers comfortable tiki huts, beach loungers, barbecue grills, and a heated outdoor pool to enjoy during your stay!

If your idea of a Florida vacation looks like a beach, a giant theme park and a hotel room, you may need to consult the people at Madeira Bay Resort. Because along with Mediterranean-style condominiums and a world-class marina, this resort vacation includes fun you probably never even knew you could have.

There’s the spectacular scenery and wildlife of Florida’s Intercoastal Waterway just outside your door. And two blocks away, the world-famous John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk maintains a taste of authentic Florida. This is essentially a 100-year-old fishing village, only today you’ll find shopping, restaurants, boat cruises and plenty of fishing charters. Just a few minutes more puts you in Tampa, with the famous Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium and the spectacular St. Petersburg Sunken Gardens. At its heart, though, Madeira Bay Resort is about boats. Even if you’re like us and, uh, forgot to bring the yacht along this time, you'll love the royal view of the marina from your one- or two-bedroom fully-furnished condo with new appliances and all the extras. This is the life!

Highlights

The Spa at Madeira Bay includes a hair salon, skin care, nail and spa services and is the only provider of these beauty services along the beach.

Getting there

From Tampa International Airport, take I-275 south to St. Petersburg. Take Exit 28 West and continue due west on Park Blvd. until you reach Gulf Blvd. Turn left (south) onto Gulf Blvd. Continue into the Madeira Beach area. Madeira Bay is located before the John’s Pass Bridge at 132nd on Gulf Blvd on the Intercoastal Waterway side of the road.

Related Onsite Offerings

The Sunset Room on the sixth floor of Madeira Bay Resort is just part of 2,000 square feet of meeting space for events of all types.

This is a classic West Central Florida beach vacation in every way. If you love the beach, it’s here; if you love to relax by the pool, feel free. If you enjoy the space and features of a condominium, that’s here, too. It’s what a Florida Gulf getaway should be - no less, and certainly a little more.

It’s situated in a populated yet calm area of St. Pete Beach, with multiple levels, a pool and Jacuzzi, shuffleboard and plenty of space to unwind. Restaurants and shopping are within easy walking distance; or walk directly to adventure including parasailing, Jet Skis, and of course miles of the famous white sand beach. Most people come here for the beach, but it’s best enjoyed from the comfort of these apartment-style accommodations with modern conveniences right down to the dishwashers, washers and dryers and central air conditioning. The private balconies are always a joy!

Dates and Prices

There is a seven-night minimum stay during peak season, from December 20 through April 30. A three-night minimum stay applies during off-peak, excluding holidays. Rates range from $95 per night to $240 per night.

Related activities

Augment your Gulf Strand Resort experience with exciting Tampa area attractions including Busch Gardens and the Lowry Zoo; or, take a day trip to Orlando for Disney World and Sea World.

Related Onsite Offerings

All rooms feature modern amenities including two cable TVs, VCR, DVD and complimentary high speed Internet.

We know the sand around St. Pete Beach is sugar-white. We’ve heard it’s because of the quartz that washes down from the higher elevations nearby. Then we came to our senses. Who cares why? Just enjoy! A classic case in point: The serene elegance - and the beach - at TradeWinds Island Grand Resort.

The beach is 18 acres of the aforementioned white sand, and that’s just the start. This is AAA Four-Diamond island comfort combined with an uncommon mix of features and activities. You might say that the five pools, beach cabanas, volleyball and at least ten watersports make TradeWinds Island Grand a classic beach resort. Or you could claim that the life-sized chess board, tennis courts, mini golf and shows by Redbeard the Pirate make it a family resort. You might come here for golf, with privileges at several nearby courses. In all cases, you’d be right. But the best thing about TradeWinds Island Grand is that with all of this it includes renovated hotel rooms, parlor rooms and suites into a vacation that’s truly one-of-a-kind. And living proof that white-sand beaches are only part of a beach vacation.

Highlights

St. Petersburg Island features shaded, winding waterways that you can travel by paddleboat.

Getting there

From I-75, take I-275 to Tampa and remain on it through Tampa and across Tampa Bay. Continue south on I-275 approximately 15 miles through St. Petersburg. Exit I-275 at the St. Pete Beach/Pinellas Bayway Exit (new exit 17, old exit 4). Proceed West across Pinellas Bayway ($.50 toll) which takes you directly to St. Pete Beach and ends at Gulf Blvd. Turn right, and the TradeWinds Resorts are on the left hand side of the street, about 1-1.5 miles north.

Related Onsite Offerings

TradeWinds Island Grand is actually one of two resorts on the property - it shares a total of 23 beach acres with Sandpiper Hotel and Suites.

It sounds upscale - Sirata kind of rolls off the tongue, like it’s going to cost you a fortune no matter what. But Sirata Beach Resort has accommodations for any budget. And while you get the amenities of an expensive and mannered tropical beach escape, the resort is devoted to one concept: casual.

It’s a blend of style and fun - if you’re in the mood for a little wild landscape with your casual fun, check out the dunes along the 15 acres of beach directly in front of the resort. Downtown St. Petersburg is only 10 minutes away, with The Pier for family fun and plenty of art galleries and boutique-style restaurants. Meanwhile, here’s you back at Sirata - a cool drink in hand, relaxing by any of the three swimming pools, surrounded by the palms and tropical landscapes; perhaps later you’ll sample some of the fresh local seafood at the onsite Compass Grille. Okay, so maybe Sirata Beach Resort is kind of upscale. But that’s okay, because its selection of traditional and beachfront guest rooms is easier on the pocketbook than a “real” upscale Florida beach resort. You’re the only one who needs to know!

Related activities

Sirata Beach Resort also maintains a children’s program right on the beach!

Getting there

From Tampa International Airport, take the SR-60 ramp toward I-275/Downtown. Merge onto North Memorial Highway/ FL-60 E. Merge onto I-275 S and travel about 21 miles to St. Petersburg. Merge onto FL-682 W via Exit 17 (.50¢ toll). Turn right onto Gulf Blvd./ FL-699 N. Sirata Beach Resort and Conference Center is located on the left hand side.

Related Onsite Offerings

Sirata Beach Resort features a stunning 15,000-sq.-ft. conference center, plus 10,000 sq. ft. of exterior gardens and beach front patios.