Here's another vote for St Pete over Clearwater Beach. I've stayed at the Holiday Inn, and it was OK. But... over the 30 years I've been going to SP I've mostly stayed at a place called the Dolphin Beach Resort. It isn't fancy, but you can get a room that is actually beach front, first floor, and step right out into the sand! You can't do that at any of the hi-rise places. The Alden is a nice looking bigger resort. I've never stayed there though.

I've been renting a car since way back, so haven't kept up with shuttles to SP from Tampa. Is there still a shuttle service, for like about $18 or there abouts? Granted, it takes a while for the driver to drop off all his/her passengers, but the shuttle seated about 12 people. I took it several times in the past.

Forgot to mention, yes SP is very family oriented. I've been there several times during spring break and did not find it to be over run with the college spring breakers set.

Carol

Having recently researched the shuttle from the Tampa airport subject for a guest of mine, I thought this info might be helpful:
This seems to be the best price for private transportation to the condo without having to wait while your driver drops other guests off at the perspective destinations:
http://www.beachdirectory.com/yellowshuttle/index.html
This is only $40.00 ONE way, and then if you print out the coupon at the bottom, it'll save another $2, for a total of $38.00 one way. I don't believe this is a per passenger charge, but rather a per car charge. I called and spoke with them, and he said there are no other fees that you would be charged, and it will take you from the airport to the condo and then back to the airport on the day you leave.
There is a shuttle service you can take from the Tampa airport right to the condo (it's about a 20 mile drive, across the bay and then through Pinellas County out to the beaches). The web address is:
supershuttle.com
SuperShuttle International - leader in shared-ride airport ground transportation -Tampa Information Page
I went ahead and called them to get more information for you, and here are your options:
A one-way, shared, van ride to the condo stopping at other passenger's destinations along the way would cost $16.00 for an adult, and then $13.00 for additional adults in your party. Because of the fuel cost lately, there is an additional 75 cents surcharge per person.
Now, she told me that a round trip ticket would cost $29.00 per adult, with no discount for additional adults.
And finally, the last option with this company would be your private Lincoln Town car, with a three person maximum for $47.00 ONE way. Your driver would meet you at the airport with your name on a sign, and you wouldn't have to make any stops along the way to the condo. If you choose to use the town car, the fee would need to be prepaid on a credit card.

You could also have some Chex Mix to go with your adult beverages.

BfloGSG: I always take a soft sided cooler to Florida and use it to bring a few cocktails to the beach - nothing wrong with that if you are on a budget. I usually stay in a condo and sometimes want to eat a salad (that I've prepared myself) for dinner on the balcony with a drink - sometimes that's more relaxing than going out! I'm sorry I can't give you any advice on the SP area.

KathyK: I just want to help out another Buffalo Fodorite....check out the Holiday Inn Sunspree on TripAdvisor.com. It gets great reviews. I'm off to the Ft. Lauderdale area in 2 weeks - can't wait to leave this cold tundra!

GoTravel: Two weeks to LBTS and Captain's Quarters. Thanks for the advice!

Budget has compact rental cars for $119 per week.

http://www.budget.com/deals/hotdeals...t_specials.jsp