My cheap beach getaway is to walk about 150 feet down our street to one of the nicest beaches in Florida. I know you can't do that, but you could find reasonably priced small motels in St Pete Beach. You might have to get here to do it, but one you might try has a website, normally not indicative of a low cost: www.innonthebeach.com.

My cheap beach getaway is Mexico from Seattle... but it sounds like I'm on the wrong coast here!

I spent a lot of time researching St. Pete Beach, T.I. Clearwater, etc, with much help from my firends here. I dont think you'll find anything you would want to stay in for 50/night in March. You should plan on @100/night for basic accomodations. The last week of March is a big vacation week for schools still. Also many colleges with large education departments will schedule their vacations to coincide with the public school vacations where their student teachers teach. If budget is on your mind, wait til mid april when the rates, crowds, and probably airline rates as well, will drop.

I just got airfare on Delta- Indy to Tampa for $135 for the last weekend in April. New Orlans was upwards of $500, Miami was about $300, and Orlando was about $250-270 so I am doing the happy dance. Now to figure out where to stay...

We stayed at the SeaSide Inn in Bradenton Beach in Oct. for 125 a night. King bed, private patio right on the beach. It is higher this time of year but a queen room on the first floor is now 130 a night. It is right on the beach. We really enjoyed it there. They bring coffee and a paper delivered to your patio every morning. It was the best bargain in the area. There is a great breakfast and lunch place with veranda seating further south on the same side of the road as the SeaSide.
Hope this helps.
Louise