When I think about Tampa, the first images that come to mind are endless stretches of sugar-white sand, turquoise waters that sparkle in the Florida sun, and evenings where the horizon melts into fiery shades of orange and pink. Staying near the beaches around Tampa—whether it’s Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, or Treasure Island—always feels like stepping into a tropical postcard. I’ve stayed in several resorts over the years, some glamorous and others more low-key, and I’ve come to appreciate how each property shapes the way I experience the coastline.
In this guide, I’ll share my firsthand experiences at some of the best resorts near Tampa’s beaches—places where you can not only rest your head but also feel immersed in the Gulf Coast lifestyle. I’ll talk about location, amenities, what stood out for me, what other travelers say, and the tricks I’ve learned for booking them without overspending.
1. Opal Sands Resort – Clearwater Beach
Location: 430 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
The first time I stayed at Opal Sands Resort, I remember stepping onto the balcony of my room and being stunned. Every single room here faces the Gulf of Mexico. That means when you open your curtains in the morning, you don’t just see a glimpse of water—you see the whole horizon stretched out like a painting.
Hotel Overview
Opal Sands feels sleek, modern, and airy. Its curved architecture mirrors the shoreline, and the interior design blends beachy tones of sand and sea with bold, contemporary art. The infinity pool seemed to melt into the Gulf when I swam in it, and the poolside bar made it easy to order tropical cocktails while watching dolphins swim offshore.
My Personal Experience
One afternoon, I sat at the Sea-Guini restaurant (the resort’s signature dining spot), and I ordered grouper prepared with lemon and herbs. It tasted like it had just been pulled from the ocean. With a glass of crisp white wine and the sunset in front of me, I couldn’t imagine wanting to be anywhere else.
Guest Reviews
Most travelers rave about the panoramic ocean views, the spa’s calming treatments, and the walkability to Clearwater Beach’s shops and nightlife. Families love the spacious rooms, while couples often highlight the romantic setting.
Booking & Costs
Rates usually hover around \$350–\$500 per night, depending on the season. I’ve found the best rates on Booking.com and occasionally through Hotels.com when using loyalty nights. The resort’s own website sometimes runs “Sunset Specials,” especially if you book midweek.
Tip: Book at least three months in advance for summer or holiday weekends. For more flexibility and perks (like late checkout), I’ve also used Expedia when bundling flights with hotel stays.
2. The Don CeSar – St. Pete Beach
Location: 3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
Known as the “Pink Palace,” The Don CeSar is impossible to miss. Its bright pink façade rises above St. Pete Beach like a dream from another era. Built in 1928, this resort has hosted celebrities, presidents, and writers—and stepping inside feels like entering a glamorous time capsule.
Hotel Overview
Despite its historic charm, The Don CeSar has modern luxuries: two beachfront pools, a full-service spa, elegant dining options, and direct beach access. The marble floors and chandeliers give it an old-world elegance, while the beach umbrellas and cabanas keep it playful.
My Personal Experience
When I stayed here, I spent one evening sipping a mojito at the Rowe Bar terrace while the sky turned shades of lavender and gold. Later, I walked barefoot on the beach, the hotel glowing pink behind me. I felt like I was part of a classic film.
Guest Reviews
Travelers often describe The Don CeSar as iconic. Guests love the service, the unique history, and the luxurious atmosphere. Some note that rooms can feel a little compact compared to modern resorts, but the ambiance more than compensates.
Booking & Costs
Nightly rates average \$400–\$550. I’ve booked directly through Loews Hotels (they manage the property), which occasionally offers packages that include spa credits or dining vouchers. On one trip, I saved about 15% by using Expedia when I bundled it with flights.
Tip: If you’re flexible, consider shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall). The weather is still gorgeous, but rates dip significantly.
3. Sandpearl Resort – Clearwater Beach
Location: 500 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
Sandpearl Resort is a place that combines casual luxury with family-friendly energy. Located right on Clearwater Beach, it’s the kind of resort where you see honeymooners, families with kids building sandcastles, and groups of friends laughing at the beachfront fire pits.
Hotel Overview
The resort has a lagoon-style pool, a spa that emphasizes natural and organic treatments, and one of the best beachfront restaurants in the area—Caretta on the Gulf. The lobby, with its airy spaces and floral arrangements, felt instantly welcoming when I walked in.
My Personal Experience
I’ll never forget the night I joined a group of strangers around one of the resort’s fire pits. We roasted marshmallows, shared stories about our travels, and watched the stars shimmer above the Gulf. It reminded me how hotels can become communities, even if only for a night.
Guest Reviews
Many guests highlight the exceptional staff service and the prime location on Clearwater Beach. Families praise the kid-friendly activities, while couples enjoy the romantic sunset views from private balconies.
Booking & Costs
Rooms range between \$300–\$450 per night. I’ve often seen promotions on Hotels.com and Priceline, particularly when booking last minute. The Sandpearl website sometimes has packages that include breakfast or spa discounts.
Tip: Join the resort’s newsletter—exclusive offers and flash sales are sometimes emailed to subscribers.
4. TradeWinds Island Grand Resort – St. Pete Beach
Location: 5500 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706
If you’re traveling with kids or looking for non-stop activities, TradeWinds Island Grand Resort is unmatched. It’s less about quiet luxury and more about vibrant, family-friendly fun.
Hotel Overview
This resort has nearly everything on property: five pools, 14 restaurants and bars, mini-golf, paddleboarding, and even a giant inflatable water slide right on the beach. It’s practically a theme park and hotel combined.
My Personal Experience
During my stay, I couldn’t resist trying the water slide. As an adult, I expected to feel out of place, but instead, I ended up laughing like a kid again. Later, I grabbed pizza from one of the casual eateries and ate it by the pool as kids splashed around nearby.
Guest Reviews
Families consistently rave about the endless activities for children and teenagers. Some travelers mention that the resort can feel crowded, but most agree it’s an excellent value for the amenities provided.
Booking & Costs
Rates average \$250–\$400 per night. I found a great package through Expedia that included daily breakfast and a rental car. The resort’s own site sometimes has deals like “Stay Three Nights, Get the Fourth Free.”
Tip: For families, look for package deals that include the activity wristbands. Buying them separately can add up quickly.
5. Treasure Island Beach Resort – Treasure Island
Location: 10800 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706
For a quieter alternative, Treasure Island Beach Resort offers boutique-style luxury. The vibe is calmer than Clearwater or St. Pete, perfect for travelers who want to avoid the bustle but still enjoy white-sand beaches.
Hotel Overview
The resort features all-suite accommodations with kitchenettes, making it ideal for longer stays. The beachfront pool, fitness center, and friendly staff create a welcoming environment.
My Personal Experience
I spent mornings making coffee in my suite’s kitchen and sipping it on the balcony while watching pelicans skim the waves. Evenings were spent walking along the uncrowded shoreline, where seashells glistened like gems in the fading sunlight.
Guest Reviews
Guests often describe this property as peaceful and intimate. Couples appreciate the quiet, while families like the larger suites that provide flexibility. Some reviews mention limited dining options, but with kitchens in every suite, that’s easy to work around.
Booking & Costs
Nightly rates typically fall between \$250–\$350. I found the best prices on Booking.com, especially for longer stays. Discounts are sometimes offered for stays of five nights or more.
Tip: Use grocery delivery apps to stock your suite’s kitchen and save money on dining out.
Booking Platforms I Rely On
When planning these trips, I’ve leaned heavily on booking platforms that consistently offer strong deals and flexible cancellation:
- Booking.com – Best for wide selection and easy cancellation.
- Hotels.com – The loyalty program (“collect 10 nights, get one free”) adds up quickly.
- Expedia – Great for bundling flights, hotels, and even rental cars.
- Priceline – Useful for last-minute discounts, especially through “Express Deals.”
Every time I stay at a beach resort near Tampa, I feel like I’m rediscovering the Gulf Coast. Each property—whether it’s the modern luxury of Opal Sands, the historic charm of The Don CeSar, or the playful spirit of TradeWinds—offers a different window into Tampa’s beach culture.
From sunset walks to cocktails by the pool, from the roar of kids racing down a water slide to the quiet serenity of Treasure Island, these resorts remind me why the Tampa Bay area remains one of my favorite destinations.
For anyone planning their trip, my advice is simple: book early, know what kind of experience you want (romantic, family-friendly, or quiet retreat), and don’t be afraid to use booking platforms to secure the best deals. The Gulf of Mexico will take care of the rest.
