We just decided on a March trip to Florida and I'm looking into the St. Petersburg or Naples areas. Looking for a beautiful beach... not rowdy, but not too stuffy either. (no kids with us, like beachfront room) We've been to Sanibel, Marco Island, and Key West. Any helpful info on Tradewinds/Sandpiper, Sheraton Sand Key, or Don Cesar's would be appreciated.

If it's just you and yours and there's no kids, well forget the Tradewinds. It's a little sad around the edges anyway. But the real drawback is that it's a kids destination during spring bk.

Sheraton Sand Key and Don Cesar are both very nice. The Sheraton is nicer sand and thus a nicer beach but be prepared for isolation. You will have to drive wherever you go, there's nothing within walking dist. It's a newer place than the 80-y.o. Don. I've not stayed at the Sheraton but have the Don a few times. It's more elegant and stately than the Sheraton. It's the original Pink Hotel. I love its restaurants.

Totally confused? Both are nice. Really.

I'm not sure why you named the hotels you did, but you should be aware that there are quite a few hotels in St Pete Beach that are not overrun with rowdy teenagers. In fact, St Pete Beach in general is much quieter than a lot of the beach destinations. And for the quietest spot in the area, yet close to everything, look into the places in Pass-a-Grille Beach (which is really just the south tip of St Pete Beach). Everything in Pass-a-Grille could be considered very informal. I like the Island's End cottages, right on the tip of the barrier island that is St Pete Beach.

On the other hand, none of the places I have mentioned would be anything like the elegance of the Don CeSar. If look are seeking something more plush, then the choice in St Pete Beach has to be the Don. Good luck.

Sorry, I meant to say "If YOU are seeking something more plush..."

Wayne, I think it would be REALLY helpful for the poster if you gave them some names, some suggestions for hotels other than those posted.

mcward, the best Naples advice would be from Patrick who was kicked off this board. I wish I could help you but Naples is not my area of expertise. Maybe Patrick will be back on the fodors board when it's closer to your trip date.

Tandoori Girl, you might not have noticed that I provided a name of my favorite Pass-a-Grille spot (Land's End Cottages). To supplement that, my next best suggestion in P-a-G would be the Inn on the Beach (www.innonbeach.com). I frankly had expected that if the original poster were interested in that area, he would post back and I could provide lots of names.

Outside of P-a-G in St Pete Beach, located right on the beach, are several hotels such as Howard Johnson, Holiday Inn, and other big names. There are decent but lesser known places such as Bon-Aire motel and Beach Haven.

A little farther north is Treasure Island with lots of beachfront hotels. The Howard Johnson is one that I've stayed in--not fancy but adequate. Good luck.

Wayne, right you are. I had not noticed your good suggestion for islands End (which I can never remember if it's End or Inn). Forgive me, I've got a case of Christmas Chaos.

Is Inn on the Beach that hotel next to the hurricane?

TG--No, Inn on the Beach is about 2-3 blocks north of the Hurricane, on the corner and facing the beach. They have rooms with kitchenettes as well as regular rooms. It's owned by a local guy who is in the insurance business, so I suppose he's making a profit on it. Otherwise, it would probably just up and burn one day --LOL.

Teehehehe. Sounds like my kind of place