My girlfriend and I are going to St. Pete Beach for 4 days in July for a Girls Getaway. Here's the problem: we don't want to spend the $$$$ to stay at Don Cesar, but we don't want to stay at a "budget" hotel either. Could someone recommend something still very nice, but not the Don? Looking to spend around $250/night at the most.

Thanks much for any help you can offer!!

-Betsy

(we're 2 40-something ladies that LOVE the beach, wine, shopping, and good food!!)

Have you signed up for the Loews Hotels e-mail list; perhaps the Don may offer a special & you'd be able to take advantage of it. We have stayed in St Pete Beach a couple of times & found it to be pricey. Caprice Resort, has a 2 BR, 2 Ba condo for 187/night during this time frame; I believe this is one we visited when it first opened ~ 5 yrs ago. You might also check out the Inn on the Beach Innonbeach.com, Gulfside resorts, Alden Beach Resort. We've also stayed at the Bon-Aire Motel which is not fancy, but there is a great little Italian cafe/bakery across the street, the Island's End or Sabal Palms in Passe-a-grille. The Gulf Strand is individually owned condos so you might want to check Trip Advisor to see which condos are recommended. We stayed at the Tradewinds Island Grand when I had a conference there & it was ok.

Thank you so much, Mouse.
We almost went with the Don- but instead found a gorgeous condo on the beach- less than $200/night.

Maybe next time I will come back with my husband, and stay at the Inn on the Beach- it looks wonderful!

Many thanks!

-Betsy

Have a great trip, Betsy!

Betsy:

We recently stayed at the Tradewinds Island Grand Beach Resort on St. Pete Beach.

Do not waste your time or money.

We were very displeased with the entire property. Food was not good, service very bad and generally a poor experience.

Left early.