HElp, please--especially Tandoori Girl.

We have been to Treasure Island a few times in the summer and enjoy it. Laid back, nice beach is exactly what my family wants.

We want to go for 1 or 2 nights the first week of April--HIGH season! Much more expensive and we are on a strict budget.

This is what we want-- basic, clean accomodations with a heated pool. We don't need to be on the beach side,since we probably won't spend all day at the beach--probably a few hours then off to the pool (the water is too cold for me in APril!)

There are tons of little mom & pops around there. What are some recomendations? I saw an add for Ebb Tide or Cheri-Lyn--they were quite reasonable--anyone familiar with them or others? I know that these type motels are small, 50's motels and that is fine. We basically just want a nice sunny pool and a bed.

Thanks!!

Anyone? Suggestions, please.
Thanks

Help, please?

I would help but I don't know Treasure Island very well! Sorry!

We loved the Sea Chest Motel - theseachest.com. Our room was super clean and the owners were very friendly.

plmrod, I live on Treasure Island. Unfortunately, because of that, I never stay in a motel there! But the Ebb-Tide and the Cheri Lyn and the Sea Chest are all similar and near one another, north of the causeway leading to the mainland (which is closed for 6 months by the way). AJColorado is a long time poster here, I'd go with his(her) recommendation.

Sorry I couldn't be more help. Now for dining and attractions...I'm your gal!

Hi, plmrod. Sorry to have been out of touch. I've had to work!

Gosh, a heated pool. Hmmmm. I just don't know any places with heated pools but I'm sure they're out there. I will try to give you some recs and you will have to find out if the pool is heated. That Sea Chest is cool, I'd stay there, esp. because you got a rec from colorado. How about Island Inn? Has it gotten pricey? The Sands is what you're looking for, not as nice as the Sea Chest but an old standby. Don't think it has a web site. The Jefferson and the Malloy are always booked so they are probably decent.

Thanks to all!!

I am confused--what is the causeway that is closed? Many times when we come in , we come up the road from Clearwater Beach (put on a little Bob Marley and get into beach mode..) Is that road affected?
We are looking at the first week in APril--I know that is high season. Do you all think it is possible to get something for 75 or less a night?
Is the Sands jsut called that? Also any ideas for website for the JEfferson or Malloy?
I have contacted quite a few places--all say no availability, but I wonder if they are saying that since it's just a one night reservation? We have been in the area for SPring break (ours) before and have always managed to find something....

I am not picky as to the area--if you know of some other hidden treasures up and down the coast, please let me know!!!!
thanks to all

The Sands of Treasure Island:
http://www.surfandsands.com/

The Jefferson Motel:
http://www.jeffersonmotel.com/

The causeway I described is the east/west road that goes from Treasure Island to St. Pete (becomes Central Avenue in St. Pete). The barrier islands all run north/south, and you will still be able to travel all the way from CWBeach to TI (I like the image of the Marley music and the sunny ride down Gulf Boulevard!).

Although I don't know for sure, I agree that hoteliers would be reluctant to release a room for just one night ahead of time, but would be more than willing if you just drove in. Especially if that night was a weekday...

That's what I am thinking--that if we show up, for one night on a Tues or Wednesday, we might have a chance--better than not having a paying guest!
So, my plan of attack is to have a list of "possibles" to try out.
Keep the suggestions coming!

How about good places to eat? We enjoy most all types of food, don't wan't to break the bank and are more comfortable with casual than anything else--seafood, a cold brew and I am HAPPY!!

plmrod, there's a whole thread running on this board for St. Pete food. Check it out.

We loved Island Inn Beach Resort 9980 Gulf Boulevard TI 727 367 1926 or 1800 241 9980. Every unit is individually owned and ours was wonderful! a fully equipped kitchen, queen bed, balcony, and bath, close to the water and reasonable in price. Don't know if the pool was heated.

Caddy's is a fun, funky beach bar/restaurant with good, very inexpensive food.

http://gulfcoastflorida.com/caddys/

Unfortunately, seafood isn't big on their menu. A grouper sandwich is all you'll find. But it's a good grouper sandwich.

I stayed at the Island Inn based on cd's recommendation. It was a nice place, but I checked out their website and there's no way you'll get room for $75.00 the first week of April. And their pool is COLD! Definitely not heated.

I walked around the Jefferson. Although I can't tell you about the rooms, the outside was very well maintained. One of the nicest looking places on the beach in my estimation. But being beachfront and the 1st week of April, I'm guessing their prices will be higher than what you are looking for. Check it out...you never know!

Come to think of it, because I was on a tight budget, I considered a few places away from the beach and TandooriGirl gave me some good info. I'll dig up the post and top it for you. Gonna do it right now.......

thanks! Beign beachfront isn't a priority this trip--chances are we will spend more time at the pool anyway if DD has her way (the water in April is a little too chilly for me, but I am a wimp...)

Looking forward to more info! thanks again

I topped two posts for you, but here are the URL's anyhow:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34589524

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...1&tid=34588319

I definitely recommend the "Page Terrace" in Treasure Island. We've stayed there a few times and have never been disappointed- on the beach, clean and very reasonable rates, I do recommend a reservation though. It's easy to find the info if you Google it.

We always stay at the Seaview in Madeira beach. It's a condo right on the beach with a heated pool. It's 2 min from Treasure Island (if that). I think it's about 1,000 for 6 nights. Not too bad at all for all that space and a nice pool.