oliveoyl and bluestructure -
Thank you both for your suggestions! I'm a little wary of auctions as well - but that was definitely something I didn't think of. I did start looking a little after your posting but I realized it's a whole new world of which I would need more time to research.

I've ready a bunch of reviews about the shells in the beach of Sand Key where the Sheraton is at. Although the reviews for the Sheraton were glowing, the beach is an important factor of where we stay.

Has anyone ever been/seen/know of the Clearwater Beach Hotel @ 500 Mandalay Avenue? I tried to do a search on reviews of this hotel but to no avail. :(

The Clearwater Hotel would be wonderful for a romantic dinner, but it is an older hotel.
I live in Tampa Bay (Madeira Beach) and have stayed at Clearwater Beach for different corporate functions. For R & R, I'd stay at the Sheraton on Sand Key. Another spot would be the Adams Mark Hotel (Panama Jacks?). Both are right on the Gulf.

The Best Western could be noisy on the weekend because it is on the main strip of Clearwater Beach. Sheppards has a great buffet for the weekend and definately great for a drink and dancing. They play island music usually on Sunday afternoons for sure. I'd skip Ybor. If you want excellent spanish cuisine, go for he Columbia in Sand Key. There is a trolly that takes you along the beach route. Another great romantic place to eat is the Wine Cellar (accross from the beach) at Redditon Beach.

A word about Pier 60, there are "0" nice restaurants to dine. There is an issue with the roundabout that happens to be right where the Pier 60 is located. You can't pay me to go there right now until they fix the stupid thing.

If you decide to stay at the Sheraton, you will like it. Take the trolley and see Clearwater Beach, go on the Pirate Ship on Clearwater Marina, you will love it! Fun, Fun, Fun, really, I will not spoil it for you by saying too much. Also in Sand Key Park, walking distance from the Sheraton, is a lovely spot of beach, if you walk all the way to the right, there's a rocky hill. From here you can see the pirate ship go by on its cruises. Also you can hear the music from Sheppards accross the water. Do Not stay at Sheppards or the BW Sea Wake. The beach is not nice at all.

Enjoy!

ginita - thank you so much for your helpful input!

We're booked for the Sheraton - although we will be without a view and balcony, for $100/night, I figure better than having noise!

Just incase it rains, I put Great Explorations, Museum of Science and Industry, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Beach Gameland Family Amusement Center, and the Show Queen as possible places to go to. Are there any other places to recommend? How's the food on the Show Queen? (Worth the trip?)

The following places, I found on the boards as being good spots to dine at:

Frenchy's on Pointsettia and Columbia Restaurant (probably the spot we'll dine at for my birthday). I've read that Shephard's is a great spot for brunch - are there any other spots? We love a good breakfast - especially if they're cheap eats! lol

I've also read that their Tiki Bar is great as well as the one at Adams Mark. Does anyone here have any first-hand experience for this time of year?

Would anyone know what it would cost to rent Jet Ski's or go parasailing?

How are the restaurants at the Sheraton? Particulary for breakfast and dinner?

Thank you all SO MUCH for your help!

I just bid $50 for a 3* hotel on St. Pete Beach and we are booked at the Tradewinds Sandpiper and Suites for 3 nights at $50 night in late October.