Tampa experts....need resort help, please!

[firstcruiserDB]

We'll be sailing out of Tampa in June. I've begun my research for a great oceanside resort for two days prior to our cruise. We'll be fllying into St. Pete/Clearwater airport and will rent a car.

 

Please tell us a great place to stay that will help get our vacation started! We'd love the beach, a great pool area, and some great restaurants.

 

Any good ideas out there??

 

Thanks!!:D

[FlaGrl4Evr]

Tampa Bay is my hometown and I visit and cruise out of Tpa as often as possible. Our favorite beachside resort is the Alden All Suites Resort on St.Pete Beach. We love it because all of the rooms are suites and having the separate kitchen, dining and living room area is very nice. There is a Publix grocery store near the hotel so we usually go over there on day 1 and stock up on breakfast and lunch items so we do not have to waste precious beach time going to restaurants. The hotel has 2 pools, tennis courts, gym, game room, beach bar and a nice roof top patio grill area with jacuzzi and tables and chairs. You can grill steaks, burgers etc.... on their grills and enjoy it while watching the sunset. Out near the beach is a beach bar, and rental hut for clam shell loungers and beach toys. They also have beach volleyball and this is where you can get the supplies for that. Here is their hotel link to check rates. We have stayed there several times and I can tell you the mgt is great, the rooms are very clean and they are very customer oriented. http://www.aldenbeachresort.com/

 

There are several restaruants within walking distance. Amoung our favorites are The Compass Grille.--- Great steaks, seafood, and appitizers. You can sit in the bar area for a more c sual atmosph ere.http://www.sirata.com/media/docs/CompassGrilleMenus/compass_grille_lunch_dinner.pdf

 

Silas Dents Steakhouse.-- Great steaks and seafood in an old-Florida atmosphere. The restaurant is on the water and has some nice views.http://www.silasdentsteakhouse.com/

 

For Italian it is Gigis -- A family owned restaurant that makes their own sauce, sausage and dough. You can eat there or have it delivered to the hotel. http://www.gigisitalianrestaurant.com/

 

There are plenty more restaurants around the area but these are the 3 that have always been consistantly good and convenient.

 

 

If you want to see the sights, do not miss Ft.Desoto Park. It is just a few minutes drive from the hotel and offers some beautiful beaches, great shelling, fishing, canoe and kayak rentals, picnic area and of course the Fort. The fort is a self guided tour and is free. There is a small snack bar ice cream shop and gift shop there for convenience.http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm

 

 

The Pier in downtown St.Pete is a great way to spend a few hours. We love to go there and watch the sunset and eat at the top in Cha-Cha Coconuts grille. The best frozen drinks and Nachos in town.http://www.stpetepier.com/ The Salvaldor Dali museum is also located in this area.

 

Just a few miles away is the John's Pass Boardwalk. An area of shops and restaurants on the water. This is also where you can go on the afternoon or evening Pirate Boat, Dolphin Watch excursions, and Sightseeing cruises.http://johnspass.com/

(There is also a Dolphin Watch tour that leaves from behind one of the hotels next to the Alden.)

 

 

I hope this helps a little. Cari :)

[firstcruiserDB]

Would love some more suggestions! Getting ready to make some reservations.

 

Can you help??

 

Thanks!

[Bookish Angel]

On Siesta Key near THE absolute best beach in Florida, in my opinion.

 

I am a Florida native and have traveled a fair bit. For me, NOTHING beats Siesta Key and Sarasota is a well-heeled, artsy town with lots to do.

[Oviedo32765]

Look into the Don CeSar Beach Hotel in St Pete.

[BlueHerons]

On Siesta Key near THE absolute best beach in Florida, in my opinion.

 

I am a Florida native and have traveled a fair bit. For me, NOTHING beats Siesta Key and Sarasota is a well-heeled, artsy town with lots to do.

 

I agree. I've been to many of the beaches in the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda and I've never been to a beach as gorgeous as Siesta Key.

 

The sand is 99% quartz and it is like baby powder. It also never gets hot. Siesta was voted the #1 Beach In America by Dr. Beach.

[firstcruiserDB]

The area and beach looks fabulous!

 

Can you recommend a great place to stay for a couple of days?