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Le sigh, Clearwater Beach. Powdered sugar sand, warm, clear water (so that’s where the name came from!), gorgeous sunsets, cavorting dolphins – no wonder this place is consistently ranked one of the top beaches in the US.
If you’re looking for a Clearwater Beach resort to enjoy all that sand and sun, you’ve come to the right place, boo. From ultra-modern towers to laid back hideouts, Clearwater Beach has what you’re looking for.
Photos courtesy Hotels.com
Sandpearl Resort
Just a few blocks north of Pier 60 lies Clearwater Beach’s Sandpearl Resort, an award-winning AAA four-diamond beauty with 700 feet of private white sand beach. The L-shaped resort frames the lagoon-style pool and overlooks the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
The Sandpearl not only puts on display the beauty of the environment, but also takes part in preserving that environment. It’s the first Silver LEED-certified resort in Florida, and takes part in several green initiatives and programs.
The 253 rooms all have mini-fridges and coffeemakers, and the suites have full kitchens with washers and dryers. Not all rooms have balconies, so be sure to request one with views of the Gulf and its gorgeous sunsets.
But the pool is really where it’s at. With swaying palms, attentive poolside servers, comfy loungers and cabanas available to rent, it’s the perfect place to grab a drink and enjoy that sweet Florida sunshine. Or head out to the private beach to enjoy the powdery sand and warm waters of the Gulf. Beach chairs are included in the resort fee, although beach umbrellas cost extra.
At night, they light up the beachfront fire pits and setup s’mores stations. There’s nothing like eating a gooey s’more while listening to the waves lapping at the shore and digging your toes into the powdery soft sand.
The resort offers a variety of activities like food and wine tastings, sand sculpture lessons and tours of their art collection. You can also take advantage of bike rentals and beach / pool towel service, which are included in the $29/day resort fee. One thing that’s not included is the required valet parking, which is an additional $25/night. Be sure to account for that.
When you get hungry, head to the resort’s Four-Diamond restaurant (the only one in Clearwater Beach), Caretta on the Gulf. The swanky seafood eatery offers indoor and outdoor seating, fresh, seasonally-inspired cuisine and organic wines.
For something more low-key, grab a bite at the Tate Island Grill, which often features live music. There’s also the resort’s Marketplace, which offers Starbucks coffee and grab-and-go snacks. There are also plenty of restaurants within walking distance of the resort.
Photos courtesy Hotels.com
Amenities:
- 12,000 square foot spa
- Fitness center overlooking the pool and beach
- Exercise classes including yoga
- Camp Ridley kids club
- Concierge services
- Gift & sundries shop
Price: $$$$$
Opal Sands Resort
Just half a mile south of Pier 60, Opal Sands is like Miami come to Clearwater. The modern, curving structure is super swank, with large balconies and unobstructed Gulf views from all 230 rooms. The spectacular views mean guests get a front-row ticket to watch dolphins playing in the Gulf at sunset. Manatees, rays and fish are also commonly spotted.
The rooms are spacious, with large closets and bathrooms, as well as mini-fridges and coffee stations. Larger suites offer fully-equipped kitchenettes. All rooms include modern, beach-chic décor, original art and plush, pillow-top beds. One of the best things about Opal Sands is the guest pantry on each floor, with water, fruit and cookies for guests.
The modern, zero-entry pool overlooks the Gulf and is surrounded by a large sun terrace, including a grassy area where you’ll find the cabana rentals. Pool attendants provide towels as well as food and drinks from the poolside bar. The beach is just down a flight of stairs from the resort. Beach chair and umbrella rentals are available.
The resort fee is $25/day, which covers in-room bottled water, high-speed wifi, towel service and bicycle rentals. Just like the Sandpearl, valet parking is required at an extra $25/day. Opal Sands can’t accommodate large vehicles, so don’t bring your jet skis or RVs.
Food and drinks are available at three on-site bars and restaurants. Sea-Guini serves Italian-inspired dishes as well as weekend brunch and often has live music. The Sandbar is right on the Gulf and serves small plates plus an assortment of tasty beverages. And the Pool Bar offers appetizers, sandwiches and handcrafted cocktails. Plus, many of Clearwater Beach’s bars and restaurants are within walking distance of the resort.
Photos courtesy Opal Sands
Amenities:
- Full-service spa
- Large fitness center
- Concierge service
Price: $$$$$
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa
This Clearwater Beach resort looks like a massive pink palace soaring over the clear, blue waters of the Gulf. Inspired by the style of the West Indies, the 17-story resort is designed to maximize views of the beach. Although the resort is across the street from the beach, the design makes it feel like it’s actually on the beach.
The 287 rooms all have private balconies with at least a partial water view, and most rooms come with full-sized kitchens that include a refrigerator, microwave, stove, coffeemaker, blender and toaster. Perfect if you’re looking to save a little cash by cooking a few of your meals yourself. Rooms are over-sized and also come with larger than average flat-screen TVs.
The expansive pool is on the 8th floor and has breathtaking views of the Gulf. There are private, climate-controlled cabanas available for rent and a separate kids area. Poolside attendants will bring you snacks and fancy beverages so you never have to get up. There’s plenty of space for sunning yourself on the 8th floor, but there’s also a 16th floor Sky Terrace with incredible views.
The resort fee of $27/day covers your welcome drink at check-in, bottled water, wifi, pool snacks, board games and a nightly feature in-room movie. Self-parking will cost you $23/day, while valet parking is $28/day.
Dining includes the award-winning SHOR seafood grill which features a dramatic open kitchen and both indoor and outdoor seating. The Swim Bar & Grill serves light fare and specialty drinks poolside, and Skimmer’s Bar combines a casual sports bar vibe with awesome views. The resort also has a market that sells coffee and snacks.
Photos courtesy Hotels.com
Amenities:
- Eco-friendly spa
- 24-hour gym
- Camp Hyatt kids club
- Concierge service
- Gift shop
Price: $$$$$
Sheraton Sand Key Resort
This 10-acre Mediterranean-style resort is more secluded that the rest. It’s located right next to Sand Key Park, just a couple miles south of all the action at Pier 60. There’s a free trolley that runs between the resort and the main Clearwater Beach area about every half hour. So you can go enjoy the entertainment, then retire to the more peaceful environment of the resort. Being further from the action makes it slightly less expensive than most of Clearwater Beach’s resorts.
The 375 spacious rooms all come with patios or balconies, but some of the lower floors have poor views. Ask for a higher floor for a guaranteed nice view of the Gulf, Clearwater Bay or Sand Key Park. All rooms come with a mini-fridge and coffeemaker.
The resort is set a bit further back from the beach than most, meaning it’s about a five minute walk across the white sand to get to the water. But they offer golf cart rides to carry you and all your stuff to the waves, and the beach is serviced by an attendant with a bar cart. The pool is beachfront, with lots of loungers on the sun deck, cabana rentals and food and drink service from the poolside cafe and bar.
Although they advertise that there are no resort fees, there are fees for many of their services, including wifi, breakfast and beach chairs. But unlike other Clearwater Beach resorts, there’s plenty of free parking.
Their on-site restaurant, Rusty’s Bistro, was named one of Tampa Bay’s top 50 restaurants. They serve “Caribbean-meets-Southwest” dishes featuring local produce and seafood. Then there’s Island Grill, serving sandwiches and other light fare, and Mainstay Tavern, the resort’s sports bar with live music Tuesday through Saturday. There’s also a poolside cafe and bar available, as well as BlueWater Provisions, which offers snacks and drinks 24/7.
Photos courtesy Hotels.com
Amenities:
- Fitness center with epic views
- Tennis and volleyball courts
- Spa services
- Jewelry & apparel boutique
Price: $$$$$
DreamView Beachfront Hotel & Resort
One of the least expensive Clearwater Beach resorts, DreamView is uniquely situated on Clearwater Pass, which means you can watch the sun rise over Clearwater Bay, then see it set over the Gulf of Mexico. Pretty sweet. The resort isn’t as stylish as some of the others in the area, but it gets the job done.
All 110 sunny rooms come with mini-fridges and coffeemakers, and most have large windows and balconies. Ask for a beachside room if you don’t want a view of the parking lot.
The 300 feet of private beach offer panoramic views of the Clearwater Bridge and the water below. Both the beach and beachfront pool area are packed with plush loungers, and there are also complimentary cabanas.
The $25/day resort fee covers parking, wifi and towel service. If you arrive early, you can take advantage of the resort’s changing rooms to change into your swimsuit and head to the beach while they store your luggage and then deliver it to your room when it’s ready.
The Sands Beach Bar & Grill serves American cuisine and cocktails, and the Tiki Bar serves delicious tropical beverages right on the beach. There’s also an on-site Starbucks and a 24-hour Grab-n-Go Cafe. Plenty of Clearwater Beach bars and restaurants are nearby.
Photos courtesy Booking.com
Amenities:
- 24-hour fitness center
- Concierge service
- Business center
Price: $$$$$
Which Clearwater Beach Resort is Best?
I’d go with Opal Sands if you want to be in the center of the action and you like the modern vibe. Or Sheraton Sand Key for something more peaceful.
No matter which one you choose, you really can’t go wrong. Anything on Clearwater Beach is going to be amazing.
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