bonniebroad

Anybody stayed here or know someone who has? I'm looking for a place around St. Pete/Clearwater Beach where I can take the dog with us. The Sheraton will let us..........FOR $185.......... I was hoping to stay at $100 or less. I found pet-allowed chains where even the reservations clerk recommended we NOT stay there! Some accommodations that allow pets can be SO BAD!!!

cd

bonniebroad
We've stayed at the Sheraton Sand Key and enjoyed our stay. The staff was friendy and the rooms very clean and well maintained. Ask for a waterfront room. There is nothing between the hotel and the ocean except this HUGE beach so even though you're oceanfront you're a long way to the water.

bonniebroad

CD, we have no choice in rooms. Only those on the first floor near the tennis courts are allowed to have pets in them. HOW FAR do we walk from the front of the hotel to the water? Do you mean 1/4 mile, a 1/2 mile? What are we talking here? Thanks for your reply!

Cerlaurie

We have stayed at the Sheraton Sand Key a couple of times and we thought it was very. I can't remember what we paid but seems like it was around $125. I guess it depends on when you are going. Maybe they also charge you more because of the dog.

Cerlaurie

I just saw your last post. The walk isn't that long. You go down some steps right down to the sand and then it is a couple of blocks to the water. I don't think it was a big deal. I am glad to hear they have certain rooms dedicated for pets.

emd

We have spent three periods of 3 to 4 days each in the spring at Sheraton Sand Key. Typical Sheraton, clean, predictable, and it does have a nice little bar right out by the pool (where they serve great big margaritas in a little reusable beach bucket; we stil ahve a few of those buckets around...) We stayed there free on Starwood points, and i don't recall what rates were at the time, but in peak season $185 for a good solid hotel w/food and indoor bar and outdoor poolside bar and a nice outdoor pool right on the beach doesn't seem that unreasonable. When are you going? I do recall checking rates at the other hotel that is across the HWy form the beach but has an enclosed walkover on top of the hwy (Raddison I think?) and it was comparable to whatever the Sheraton wanted at the time, but it was not right on the water. Yes, it is a shlump down to the water- you do not want to forget things as you will have to flip a coin on who has to go all the way back to the room to get it. But the sand is nice and white and soft on the feet so it's not a bad walk, just have to drag your stuff down to the water and park yourself there. It's a wide beach, I'd say about a quarter mile from the poolside down to the water's edge.
One other thing- Sheraton is right over the bridge linking that Sand key area to Cleaarwater and that bridge area can get backed up adn slow at certain times of day, so you 'll want to time your trips to shop in Clearwater or go to get provisions at the drugstore or whatever.

bonniebroad

Thank you, one and all for your replies. EMD, no, $185 in peak season is not unreasonable at a Sheraton, with all that it offers, right on the beach. I had just not intended to spend quite that much on this *little trip* but will probably do so, because I can't stand to stay in a hotel that allows pets, but doesn't truly take care of the areas they're allowed in! I think I can manage that walk to the water.... can eat more seafood that night!!!;-) Thanks again........all. Now what restaurants around there are good?

emd

Please don't laugh. We usually go for the more upscale dining when we travel. But there is this funky (sort of 60s'ish in character) dining in Sand Key called the Whirling Dervish. We have eaten there on all three trips and it is good solid normal food, nothing terribly inspiring but they have a good prime rib, stuffed shrimp (remember that?), and other good fresh fish and meat dishes, good steak, and some pasta. A good well-rounded menu, nice friendly service and it is pretty casual and reasonably priced. My sense it that it is frequented by the locals. And it is just down the road from the Sand Key without having to drive into Clearwater. They make good bar drinks like manhattans, the old stuff, it is that kind of old fashioned place. Very comfortable and close after a day on the beach if you don't wnat to drive in to Clearwater.

bonniebroad

EMD, sounds wonderful! We are in our late 50's/early 60's so we still love Shrimp stuffed with crab, and a good prime rib, and all that good ole *normal* stuff! And it sounds so convenient. We will definitely try it! Thanksabunch!

emd

Oh good, bonnie, here I was thinking you were younger than me and wouldn't remember stuffed shrimp! Makes me feel alot better, thanks! Also, there is a neat bird sanctuary down a bit from Sand Key, right on the beach. We had an interesting and infomartive visit there one afternoon. They keep and rehab alot of injured shorebirds and migrating birds. Hotel will have details of the name and location, abotu 15 min south of the hotel.

bonniebroad

Remember Brandy Alexanders, stuffed flounder, Beef Wellington, yum, yum, yum!!!??? We are bird-lovers, big time, so that is great to know! We have numerous bird feeders and baths on our property, and were so thrilled to see our first hummingbird a couple of days ago!!! (Here in central NC.) You are so helpful, EMD, and I appreciate it!

cd

bonniebroad
Sorry I did not answer your question, we have been in Houston for the weekend, but notice others have. The hotel does set up lounge chairs and umbrella's at the ocean and I believe the rent for a day is $20.00, if that is of interest. A fun place for lunch and a great grouper sandwich is Frenchy's Rock A Way Grill. See at: http://www.trymyplace.com/clearwater/clwpage54.html Have fun!

Tandoori_Girl

Sand Key is a large beach. If you feel like you've already forked out enough for your room, then stop somewhere and buy a cheap beach umbrella and chair. Set it up at the beach in the AM and you'll have your little camp for the rest of the day. After the sunset, take it all in. That's what the locals do.

You're talking about the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary in Redington Beach. Call ahead and find out when feeding time is. It is a treat to see all the pelicans whooping and scooping for their dinner. Not too far from there is a place called Guppies that has good food for a nice lunch or dinner. Also, ask directions from the hotel to the Island Way Grill in Clearwater for upscale dining. I love the atmosphere and the food was terrific all around when I went.

Have a great time.