Tampa/St. Pete/Sarasota area advice
 

Spur-of-the-moment trip to relax in the sun next month, for couple whose kids will be leaving for college soon. Flying to Orlando and then driving to the west coast for several days.

We can't afford a big splurge but don't have to go super cheap. We'll want to do a small amount of sightseeing but generally just relax before going back to Orlando to play a bit.

Advice on where to stay, please? Say, no more than $175 a night, and preferably closer to $125.

The Holiday Inn Indian Rocks is in the price range. Across the street from a fine beach. Good, reasonable restaurants in walking distance. Half the rooms have decks on a pleasant canal. Indian Rocks is not crowded. If you prefer the big beach, big crowds Clearwater has several places that will fit your budget as well.

penel523, check out this place we're getting ready to stay, for the first time: www.gulfsideresorts.com on Indian Rocks Beach.

Trip Advisor has nothing but RAVES about it, the location is great ... and there's so much you can do, from that location ... go to Tarpon Springs (wonderful Greek food) and Caladesi Island for the day, go into St. Petersburg to visit the Pier, go into Tampa to the Florida Aquarium, etc., or you can just chill out with the pool and the wonderful Gulf beach. It will run you about $150 night if you stay a week, $199 per night for less time. I'll do a report when I get back.

What about trying VRBO to find a condo? There aren't a ton of reasonably priced nice hotels from St Pete to Clearwater (at least that I have found). Maybe you can find a condo for that price. The only hitch is that sometimes they want a weeks stay, but I would contact anyways because they may rent for a few days if last minute or not booked.

Anyways..just another avenue.

Take a look at the Dolphin Beach Resort on St Pete Beach. I think it is will within your price range. You can actually get a room with direct access to the beach (not available in the typical hi-rise hotels).