St. Pete Beach and Clearwater Beach have national chain hotels and motels of every name and description. You can also use the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Convention & Visitors Bureau's free reservations service (tel. 800/345-6710) to book rooms at most of them. The St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce lists a wide range of hotels, motels, condominiums, and other accommodations in its annual visitor guide, and also publishes a brochure listing members of its Superior Small Lodgings program.
As is the case throughout Florida, there are more short- and long-term rental condominiums than hotel rooms here. Many of them are in high-rise buildings right on the beach. Among local rental agents, JC Resort Management, 17200 Gulf Blvd., North Redington Beach, FL 33708 (tel. 800/535-7776 or 727/397-0441; fax 727/397-8894; www.jcresort.com), has many from which to choose.
To many people's dismay, the longtime beachfront favorite Clearwater Beach Hotel was torn down in May 2005 to make way for the Sandpearl Resort, 470 Mandalay Ave. (tel. 800/572-1882 or 727/466-6785; www.sandpearl.com), a hyperluxurious 253-unit hotel with an oversize oceanfront pool, luxury spa, and more. Completion was expected in the summer of 2007.
Cheap Bunks for the Young at Heart -- The young -- and young at heart -- can find an inexpensive bed at Clearwater Beach International Hostel, 606 Bay Esplanade (tel./fax 727/443-1211; www.clearwaterbeachhostel.com), a short walk from the busy beach area. There's a pool, kitchen, TV lounge with videos, canoes and other water toys to borrow, and bicycles to rent. The hostel's 33 dorm beds rent for $15 a night, while four private rooms range from $32 to $85. MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted. Reservations are strongly advised.
