Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - st. pete/clearwater & hotels info

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st. pete/clearwater & hotels info

My family (2 small daughters), my brother-in-law's family (3 children under 10), my wife's parents, and a 40 yr. old sister, are all going to tampa/st. pete area Thanksgiving week. We are looking at Clearwater Beach and St. pete Beach area. These are the hotels we are looking at: Tradewinds Resort - St. Pete Sandpiper/Tradewinds - St. Pete Sheraton Sand Key Radisson Sand Key Hilton Clearwater Beach Sirata? - St. Pete While there will be 5 children under 10 in the party, we also have 70+ with parents, and 5 adults in the 35-40 age range. Is the Sandpiper a nice place to stay? We have gotten suite rates from them, and they were 45-50 dollars less vs. their sister property Tradewinds, but they said all amenities could be used at either property. We are also unsure of whether to stay in Clearwater vs. St. Pete area. We plan on doing a few days in Tampa, a deep sea 1/2 day fishing trip, aquarium, beaches, etc. Has anybody stayed at the remodeled Sirata? Sand Key looks to be quieter, but that is not necessarily a good thing for our family. We enjoy a quiet/safe property, but like to be near things to do. Any feedback would be appreciated, either here or via e-mail. thank you, Kurt...

We were in Clearwater a couple of weeks ago. Just for your information there are major road works going on near the pier and the traffic queues were a right pain if you wanted to get in and out of clearwater. We stayed at the Ramada. Sue

KSS-we were in St. Pete in March--I would stay at any of the places you listed. They all look very nice from the outside--and we heard no complaints about them while we were there. Several friends stayed at the Alden (in the same vicinity as the other hotels you listed) and have been for years. It is a large resort with several pools, a good beach and lots of kids, but also older couples. We stayed at the Don Cesar Beach House which was very nice, but if we go back we plan to stay at one of the places you listed.

St. Pete Beach area probably would be better. The road construction to Clearwater Beach is a mess. (I live in the area.) As far as hotels go, all that you mentioned should be okay. Although my favorite is the Don Cesar. Have a great trip to FLA.

All of the places are nice. I think the Tradewinds is the nicest. The just redone Sirata is nice as well. The Don Cesar is the best really on St. Pete Beach but you are more in the action at Tradewinds. The aquarium in Tampa is not that great. Bush Gardens is good for little kids as they have a whole section just for little ones. My 4 year old likes it better than Disney. Lawry (sp) Park is Tampa is a quiet little zoo/play area for the kids. When in St. Pete take a drive down to the Pier area downtown. Enjoy.

I appreciate the feedback. I have been looking at the Tradewinds/Sandpiper option. I would be interested in feedback on the quality of the Sandpiper Resort. The rates are quite a bit less on the 1 bedroom suites vs. its sister property, the Tradewinds. I am aware there are quite a few more amenities at Tradewinds, but you are allowed to use them all if staying at Sandpiper. From what I understand, the Sandpiper was a Radisson last year? The difference in pricing of similar suites is quite a bit over 4 nights, but would pay the higher premium if it is worth it. I was told the property is under 1 minute drive, and under 5 min. walk between them, only 4-5 blocks. Has anybody stayed at the Sirata recently? Looking at suite options with quite a few kids in the group.

KSS-stayed on St. Pete's Beach in Mar/Apr and had a wonderful time. There really is a lot to offer for all ages. We stayed at the Alden (right next door to the Sandpiper) this trip. We stayed at the Sandpiper many years ago (about 12) so my guess is that it's much different now. I will put in a plug for the Alden because of the large room layouts. I believe they have a website at www.theadlenresort.com which may show the layouts. There are two separate rooms connected by a hallway with bath. The living area has a kitchenette or kitchen depending on which room you choose. We also had several families and friends so the space was wonderful. I would find out the actual size of the "suites" at Sandpiper and compare them to the other resorts since it sounds like space is a big issue. As far the distance between Tradewinds and Sandpiper, it is only a couple blocks. Let me know if you have any more questions! Kelly

I would also look for any feedback on the Sandpiper since I have reservations to stay there next week. I also looked at the various properties you listed. The sandpiper had the best availability. I liked that it had and enclosed pool in case of rain.

I stayed at the Sandpiper ( in one of the suites) a few years ago and thought it was just fine. I also "used" the Tradewinds and the walk between the two was less than 5 minutes. Assuming there have been no major changes in the past couple of years, you should be fine at the Sandpiper.