We will be in Florida at the Christmas holidays. Looking for an "extra nice place" to stay for Christmas eve. Narrowed it down to Sheraton Sand Key--most expensive, the two Hiltons (Clearwater and Redington Beach) or Tradewinds Sirata (St Pete). Has anyone stayed at any of the above? Which one!!??
Thanks for any input. Cindy

Only stay at the Tradewinds if you have children.
ALl of the places you mentioned are nice, but not "extra nice."
The Don CeSar on St. Pete Beach is in the "extra nice" category, and they've just had a major overhaul. It's gorgeous 1920's pink and white Mediterranean-style structure. Check it out before you decide.

I agree with Trevor on his post. I am from Clearwater, so I have never stayed at the hotels, but I am familiar with them. Keep in mind that Clearwater Beach might be crowded at that time. Another "extra nice place" besides the Don CeSar is the Vinoy near downtown St. Pete.
Hope this helps...
Erica

I stayed at the Sirata hotel with my family recently and had a very good experience. I wouldn't say it is extra nice as far as luxury is concerned since there is no extravagant lobby area or fancy furnishings in the rooms but I found the people at the hotel very nice with attentive service. In addition, the hotel had very good pool and beach areas. As someone had responded earlier it is a great place to take kids but probably not your first choice for a romantic getaway.

the Sirata has grown and is nice but not special. I agree with the above poster and think The Don Cesar is THE place to be. The beach there is quiet and so pretty. Walk down to Pass A Grill and get a grouper sandwich at the Hurricane Lounge. The Vinoy is wonderful but downtown and not on the beach. If the weather is lousy that would be a great spot as you could walk to The Pier which has a lot going for it. Have a great time.

Cindy,
We stayed at the Sheraton Sand Key last year for Thanksgiving. It has a huge white sand beach, nice rooms, and a beautiful view. We liked being able to get up in the morning and walk for miles without seeing many other people. An "extra nice place"? Not necessarily, but if you want to be away from the action and concentrate on the beach, it's the place to stay. I'd stay there again.

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I checked out the Don Cesar but it was out of our price range (our currency is canadian -- ouch!). I booked the Hilton North Redington Beach and at least I was able to get a special on a gulf front room for Christmas eve. However,within a day of doing that,lo and behold there was a special on the conceirge.com site for the Don Cesar. Never fails! Oh well, thanks again to all for your posts. Cindy

Cindy--I wouldn't think it would be too late to cancel the Hilton reservation without penalties and book the Don CeSar. Just MHO, but I sincerely believe the Don is head and shoulders over that Hilton!! You aren't comparing apples to apples here--the Don is in a different league, and one of only 3 or 4 "4*, 4 diamond hotels" in the entire Tampa Bay area.