I am going on vacation the last week in October and I am trying to book a hotel somewhere in the area of St. Pete's Beach, Clearwater, Mediro Beach etc. However, there are so many hotels on the beach that I do not know where to start. I would like to stay at a resort type hotel directly on the beach or across the street. I would also like it to have a tropical sort of style to it (poolside bar, nightly live entertainment, etc.). Mainly I want it to have some sort of night life (lounge or bar). Browsing through web sites I have come across many that fit this description, however I am scared that they will be stuffy or a much older crowd (retired) stays there. The Don Cesar was one we were thinking about but it didn't look like it had much night life. Any help or recommendations would be much appreciated.

You are right with an older crowd being in that area. However, on St. Pete Beach there is a large hotel called The Sirata (that used to be called El Sirata) that houses Harry's Beach Bar. I know that is where the local younger set goes to party. The Don Cesar is the nicest but not much at night. The Tradewinds is a resort with a tropical feel right by the Sirata. The Sirata has just been redone and is supposed to be nice. The Hurrican e lounge down the road in Pass A Grill Beach has some nightlife I believe. Clearwater Beach definitely is a younger area.

Thanks so much for taking the time and answering. It is just my mother, myself and my husband so we want to be where the action is (entertainment,night life, activities, etc.) but heard that Clearwater was a mess beacuse of construction, any truth??? Thanks.

Yes, the entrance to Clearwater Beach is a mess. They are building a roundabout.

I would choose the Don Cesar. They usually have entertainment. I don't know how old you are, but the "young" people here (20's)go to Ybor City to party.

A fun thing to do is to go out on the Europa Sea Cruz (a gambling boat that goes out into the Gulf of Mexico) for a six hour cruise. We were there Friday and won enough to finance our upcoming trip to France!! The meal was good and and the entertainment was great!

Whatever you decide, you should have fun and be able to find things to do.

I would suggest the Don Cesar-it is a classic building and has a beautiful pool area with a poolside bar/cafe. There is a lounge in the hotel where they have a piano player in the evening. If you want more action just down the beach are a number of nightclubs and bars.

Hello Maria- You might want to contact the Gulf Beaches Chamber of Commerce. They are very helpful and offer a free vacation guide that lists all accomodations, ammenities, restaurants, etc. Their toll free # is 800-944-1847.