hibiscushouse, do you work for the chamber at Indian Rocks? Every post you make seems to be oblivious to the posters needs and totally focused on pushing rentals at IRB. Someone asks for a small mom & pop and you steer them to apartment rentals. Someone asks for something with a nice pool while her husband is in Tampa and you suggest Sand Key. Have you made that drive from Sand Key to Tampa? Wouldn't you agree it's just about the worst drive possible? And do you really think its' good advice for her husband to be in that traffic either from SAnd Key or from IRB? And of course the cost is way over what she is willing or able to pay. Do you even read the posters question, or any of the comments from others? I'm curious because you don't seem to do anything but suggest Indian Rocks Beach. Which is about the most horrendous drive in the world, the drive from Tampa to IRB, so awful that I would personally never consider staying at IRB for that reason alone.

Boy am I floored. That was incredibly rude of you T.G. I'm totally surprised by your comments.
No! I don't work for the chamber. I live in Indian Rocks. I grew up in Clearwater. I have 42 years of experience about this area. And I merely put my input in when someone asks about this particular small bit of an area, b/c it's what I know. It's no more sinister than that. I know Clearwater well, I know Indian Rocks and Indian Shores well. I don't pertain to know the rest of the surrounding area as well, so that is why I don't comment on the areas outside of these much. DUH!
If YOU reread her original post, you will see she has written:
"This hotel doesn't have to actually be in Tampa; it just needs to be close enough so he can drive to Tampa for his meetings. I would prefer the beach, but that's not an absolute."
Hmmmmm, "prefer the beach", "doesn't have to be in Tampa"..... Did I not read that post correctly? There ya go.
A lot of people don't even know the Gulf Beaches exist as the towns are so small. A lot of people don't know there are places to stay other than the bigger cities of Tampa, St. Pete or Clearwater. I know this for a fact.
About the Raddison/Marriott on Sand Key (I thought I only pushed Indian Rocks Beach properties down people's throats T.G?) I was merely talking about an alternative that was "not in Tampa" and "on the beach" and stated that it was just a thought, but added that when I checked their web site, I was surprised that the price was still $300 per night (which I knew was too pricy for her.) I was just surprised that it was so expensive for bay side.
What else did you, scathingly, accuse me of?
"Someone asks for a small mom & pop and you steer them to apartment rentals."
When did I do this T.G.?
And your opinion about the drive from Tampa to IRB is fine for you. I know many people don't feel the same way. Bottom line.
My input on this forum is to, simply, help when I can. I don't appreciate your attempt to try to taint that reason with whatever chip you have on your shoulder about my posts. It makes you look petty and small.
Samsaf, I apologize if the information was not relevant to your travel question. I thought I was merely helping by offering some additional information about the area. If I was out of line, then I'm sorry, as it wasn't my intention.

Ulmerton Road? You like Ulmerton Road? What do you like about it? The scenic beauty of the strip malls? The horrendous traffic? I like IRB but the drive there is awful.

Sorry. I just wanted to know if you worked for the Chamber. I guess you don't.

Thank you, hisbiscushouse and Tandoori Girl, OO, birder, and everyone else for your help. Will let you know what we decide.

hibiscushouse, thanks for sharing the information about the Holiday Inn at IRB. I will check it out for my next stay in the area.