My wife and I (both around 30) will be attending a wedding in Tampa next month. We are planning on staying a few days for a mini-vacation, and are looking for suggestions on where to stay. We plan on spending most of our time relaxing on the beach, so a nice beach would be the most important factor. We would like to find accomodations on or a short walk to the beach. I've read Clearwater Beach is somewhat commercialized. What about St. Pete or Treasure Island? Any advice would be appreciated.

Treasure Island beach is not as nice as the south end of St. Pete Beach. Madeira Beach is also not as pretty. Clearwater definitely has more "action" than St. Pete. Try the El Sirata on St. Pete Beach. If money is no problem then go for Don Cesar or Tradewinds. E mail me with questions if you like. I grew up there and visit at least once a year.

We have stayed many times at the Bon-Aire, a 2-story, family-owned motel with two pools, kitchenettes, and a beautiful wide beach. Our only complaint: The owner can be a bit crabby. But you probably won't have to deal with him.

It's at 4350 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach. 813-360-5596.

Don Cesar on St Pete is the nicest around. The rooms are small, but the hotel is elgant and the service is great. Plus they have a nice pool area and it is right on the beach.

Jeff:
I live on Treasure Island (at the south end, known as Sunset Beach - absolutely beautiful) therefore I take exception to Melinda's comment. St. Pete Beach is almost as busy as Clearwater Beach, IMHO. But it's still nice, family-oriented, and you can walk to lots of restaurants. My "city" friends often rent a condo unit at Coral Reef Resort, on Gulf blvd in St. Pete Beach. Clean, reasonable, and they have the best beach bar around. Take a look at:http://www.flhotels.com/stpetersburg/coralreef.html

Another one to check out is Island Inn on Treasure Island. Alot more laid back than St. Pete Beach, clean, and always full (definitely a good sign). The rooms at the Don CeSar are very small, as Holls pointed out. You will need a car if you stay there, but it's true, it IS very elegant - the highest rated on the beach (Pres Clinton stayed there). Great restaurants.

Welcome, and I hope you enjoy every minute here!
Joan

Hi
Regarding your listing, this weekend I have returned from an enjoyable week long stay on treasure island and can recomend the sea chest, as it is in a good beach front location and was spotlessly clean. try theseachest.com or seachestmotel.com give it a try it was good.
regards
Bill C