Hello,
My husband will be going on a business trip to Tampa in March and I will be tagging along. We are looking for some place driving distance to Tampa (for his meetings) but on the Gulf Coast. We prefer nice beaches (not too crowded). We do not have children, so it does not need to be a "family" atmosphere. We will likely be treating this as a mini-vacation, so any advice on very nice accomodations (with good service) would be appreciated. We are not looking for a "great deal" as much as a romantic, nice place.

Thanks in advance for your time and assistance!
Cindy

I think that staying on Sand Key in Clearwater. It is really nice. there is a Radisson there that is an all suite property that is really nice,a nd I ahve stayed there numerous times. One reoom faces the lagoon, the other the gulf. there is a nice pool and beach and a nice restaurant.

tina is offering some good advice. Sand Key is beautiful. I've only been to condos there but the Radisson should be first rate.

Also consider the Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach. And the Islands End B&Bs in Passe-A-Grille beach.

I agree on Sand Key in Clearwater. The Sheraton Sand Key is a great hotel to check out too.

I just drove the entire length of the beaches in the St. Pete-Clearwater area today. Sand Key is by far the most manicured and upscale looking. Most of the beach areas (south of Sand Key) is a hodge-podge of rental units, restaurants, t-shirt shops, etc. Sand Key is VERY different looking: more expensive, less eclectic, less warm, but very nice looking. There seemed to be less restaurants on Sand Key but I was only driving on the main road.

I think the "hodge podge" feel has its own strengths - lots of little places to go, things to do. But for what you described, Sand Key might be just the thing. You can always just drive the 5-10 minutes south of Sand Key to get to the other areas, as you will probably want to.

Plus Sand Key is closer due to being further north, putting it closer to Tampa.

I second for the Don Cesar. It is about 15-20 minutes from Tampa and is absolutley awesome. It is on St. Pete Beach, and when I went in June, it was great there. I've only been once, but I can not wait to return. Just my own 2 cents on the subject.

The Don Cesar is very impressive and many Presidents and celebrities have stayed there(incidentally, it's where the NY Yankees stay for spring training). Also in the St. Pete Beach area is the Renaissance Vinoy resort, which is also very nice. Also look at the Hilton Clearwater Beach for something more affordable than the previous two.

My parents retired in Tampa and I've found that you can't go wrong with St. Pete or Clearwater Beach hotels that are 3 1/2 stars or more.

I'm new to the Tampa area, so I may be wrong on this, but I have a hard time believing that Tampa is only 15 minutes from the Don Cesar. During rush hour, it would be at least an hour. Non-rush hour, it would be 30 minutes minimum. Or I am totally crazy here? I checked mapquest and it's just about 30 miles from Don Cesar to the outside edge of Tampa. Most of that is interstate, which runs well during non-rush hour but can be very congested during rush hour.

If you're going in March, I'd recommend you not stay in Clearwater if your husband will need to go back and forth to Tampa. Honestly, during spring break the traffic comes to a stop, literally.

The road to the Don Cesar is mostly interstate. Same with Islands End B&B. I'm sure you don't want hubby to be freaked out and stuck in traffic while you're chilling back in the love nest

Birder, you're right, it's a little longer but not much. My husband drives daily from S. Tampa to downtown SP and it's 20 minutes flat. So it's more like 30 to the Don.

Birder, which beaches did you like? Did you go to Sunset Beach? I've got a little house there that I rent out.

Yep, the Don CeSar is the place to go...it's on a very nice beach, and very convenient to the interstate (although I'd give it 30 - 60 minutes travel time depending where in Tampa, and rush hour). Easier commute than Sand Key. The Vinoy is nice too, but a city hotel, located on Tampa Bay in downtown St. Petersburg, not St. Pete Beach (two different towns).

TGirl have you stayed at the Islands End B&B? Blacktie/Travel Laughter, the crazy poster, used to recommend this place, but I've never read anyone else with personal experience.

Joan, I've never stayed there but I've checked it out and wish I was there now. Little cottage type places. A nice spot. I suppose some people wouldn't like the location, at the end of the island on the bayside. But it's very cute and gets good reviews.

I hate to recommend anything near Clearwater. That drive is not my fave.

I miss Sunset Beach

Joan, you're not implying that me and BlackTie...noooooooo!

Don't feel bad, TGirl. They are building those "seven beachfront mansions" at the entrance of Sunset, and beginning everyday at 8:01 AM, all day long, all you can hear (I'm a half mile away and can still hear it) is the pounding of the stilts. What an awful sound, metal on metal. Wanna rent half of my duplex? Vacant and looking!!!!

wow. My post disappeared.

Joan, if I could afford your place then I could afford to rent my own. It looks like my tenant might be leaving unless he gets a new contract. So I might be in your neighborhood about mid-month. That silly bridge construction is a real drag. I forgot it was there and got stuck in it. Yekkk.

Wow...thanks so much for all the helpful feedback. I REALLY appreciate all the help and will keep you posted on what we decide.