Last Updated on March 20, 2024

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Are you looking for places to stay in Clearwater, Florida?  If so, this post is for you!  Find the perfect hotel or vacation rental to make your trip incredible.

No matter your budget or preferences, this post has a top lodging option for you, from luxury resorts to highly rated budget inns, vacation rentals, and more.

First, we’ll look at the best places to stay in Clearwater Beach, then at accommodations across the causeway in the city of Clearwater. 

Finally, we’ll check out hotels in nearby Dunedin and Indian Shores.

Jump to the area you’d like to learn about the most or read on for more details and hotel recommendations on each one.

Let’s dive in!

 

Best Places To Stay In Clearwater Beach, Florida

 

One of the best areas to stay is Clearwater Beach, a barrier reef jam-packed with attractions, restaurants, and activity options.  Clearwater Beach is a three-mile-long white sand beach that has been voted one of the number one beaches in the USA multiple times.

 

Additional attractions on this island include the famous Pier 60, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and innumerable great restaurants.  It’s the perfect spot to stay if you like being right in the middle of the action.

 

Read on to discover the best places to stay in Clearwater Beach.

 

Photo Credit Expedia

1. Sandpearl Resort, A Luxury Hotel

 

The Sandpearl Resort is a 4-star resort right on Clearwater Beach.

 

Boasting elegant guest rooms, a full-service spa, a lagoon-style outdoor pool, a bar, a restaurant, a fitness center, and daily children’s programs, this resort is a prime spot to spend your vacation.

 

As it that weren’t great enough, you can also use their free bicycles, beach volleyball court, or book tours (such as parasailing adventures).  

 

If you’re looking to book a sunset cruise or dolphin tour in Clearwater Beach, go here!

 

Order room service while you enjoy the resort’s fabulous amenities including a flat-screen TV, minibar, luxury bathrobes, and views of the city, the Gulf of Mexico, or Mandalay Bay.

 

Free wifi, an ATM, and disabled accessible facilities are also available on the property.

 

Guests loved the hammocks, fire pits, pool area, and beach access.

 

Book a King Room, Queen Room, Two-Queen Room, or One-Bedroom Suite, and get ready to enjoy Clearwater Beach to the fullest. 

 

 

 

Photo Credit Marriott

2. AC Hotel by Marriott, A Mid-Range Hotel

 

Another prime Clearwater Beach lodging option is the AC Hotel by Marriott.  This fabulous mid-range hotel features a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

 

The rooms also have great amenities including air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable, a safety deposit box, a private bathroom, a tea/coffee maker, and a seating area.  Some units also include balconies.

 

Room options include a King Room with a Sofa Bed, a King Room with Partial Water Views, and a Double Queen Room.

 

Enjoy the free wifi, 24-hour front desk, the shared lounge, and the business center as additional perks.

 

If you stay at this hotel, you’ll also have easy access to nearby attractions such as Pier 60 and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

 

Guests loved the immaculate facilities, elegant modern vibe, and excellent service.

 

This hotel is a favorite among couples.

 

 

 

Photo Credit Expedia 

3. Pelican Pointe Hotel, A Budget Hotel

 

If you’re looking for a budget hotel on Clearwater Beach, look no further than the Pelican Pointe Hotel.  This all-suite condominium-style hotel is only a 3-minute walk from the beach and an 11-minute walk from Pier 60.

 

On-site amenities include free parking, free wifi, a swimming pool, laundry facilities, and an ATM.

 

The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, dining area, and kitchenette with a refrigerator, a microwave, and a coffee/tea maker.

 

Family rooms are available.

 

At the Pelican Pointe Hotel, you can call in room service every day to give your unit a refresh, which is an extra bonus if you have kids.

 

Enjoy quick access by car to the Clearwater Beach Marina, Sand Key Park, and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

 

Guests loved the excellent staff, mini-kitchen, and great location at this hotel.  Restaurants and bars are within easy walking distance as well.

 

 

 

Best Places to Stay in Clearwater, Florida

 

If you enjoy staying in a more urban environment or want to escape the hustle and bustle, the town of Clearwater offers a variety of great lodging options.

 

Read on to discover our top picks.

 

Photo Credit Expedia 

4. Belleview Inn, A Luxury Hotel

 

The Belleview Inn is an incredible 4-star boutique hotel in Belleair.  This historic property is gorgeous, quiet, and secluded.  Enjoy the balcony, the garden, the hot tub, the pool, and the fitness center.

 

The building itself is timeless and elegant but also feels welcoming and charming.

 

Guests loved the spacious rooms, classy ambiance, and fabulous picnic basket breakfasts complete with warm croissants, apples, and orange juice.

 

The Belleview Inn also has an agreement with a beachfront resort, giving guests the option of heading to a private beach for some time to enjoy the sand and surf.

 

Couples are especially fond of this hotel. It’s perfect for a tranquil romantic getaway.

 

 

Photo Credit Expedia

5. Residence Inn, A Mid-Range Hotel

 

Another great lodging option in downtown Clearwater is the Residence Inn.  This mid-range hotel is within easy access to the beach and the city center.

 

On-site amenities include a 24-hour front desk, a gym, a business center, a swimming pool, free parking, a complimentary breakfast, an ATM, and facilities for disabled guests.  Non-smoking and family rooms are available.

 

The air-conditioned rooms feature kitchen facilities with a dishwasher, private kitchen, dining area, and flat-screen TV, all for excellent value.

 

Unit options include a king studio with a sofa bed, a one-bedroom suite with a sofa bed, and a two-bedroom suite.

 

Guests loved the location, soundproofed rooms, good security, hot breakfast, and friendly staff.

 

This hotel is great for couples and families alike.

 

 

 

Photo Credit Expedia

6. Tropical Inn & Suites, A Budget Hotel

 

The Tropical Inn & Suites is an excellent Clearwater budget hotel.  Located in downtown, this hotel features a garden, outdoor pool, free private parking, and free wifi.

 

The colorful rooms are air-conditioned and include great amenities, such as a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and desk.  Certain rooms also include a kitchenette with a stovetop, microwave, and refrigerator.

 

Choose between the Queen Room with two queen beds, the Deluxe King Room with one king bed, or the Family Room, with two double beds.

 

Guests enjoyed the clean tropical ambiance and great facilities.

 

 

 

Best Places to Stay in Clearwater, Florida- Nearby Beaches

 

Amazing beaches abound in Clearwater Florida, whether you opt to stay in close proximity to Clearwater Beach itself, or a little further afield, it’s bound to be a great choice.

 

There are excellent loading options near Caladesi Island State Park, North Reddington Beach, and Old Tampa Bay.

 

Read on to learn more about the best places to stay at additional beaches near Clearwater Florida.

 

Photo Credit Carter Vacation Rentals

 7. Intercoastal Beach Suite, A Luxury Vacation Rental

 

The Intercoastal Beach Suite is a fabulous holiday home with great amenities.  You’ll have the whole place to yourself, including two bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen complete with a coffee maker and dishwater, a bathroom, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a barbecue, and a swimming pool.

 

Free parking and wifi are included in the price.

 

This vacation rental can sleep up to four guests in its one extra-large double bed and two single beds.

 

Enjoy the beautiful balcony with deck chairs in this location right off Old Tampa Bay.  You’ll have views of the intercostal waterway while you sit and sip lemonade.

 

The beach is only a one-minute walk from the property and there is fishing nearby.  Clearwater Beach is a mere 25-minute drive away.

 

The St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport is only 5 kilometers away.

 

Guests loved the beauty, comfort, and tranquility of this rental.  It has everything you need to have an amazing stay.

 

 

Located near Caladesi Island State Park, The Pink Flamingo is a luxury vacation rental in Dunedin

 

8. Pink Flamingo Dunedin, A Luxury Vacation Rental

 

The Pink Flamingo is a luxury vacation rental in Dunedin.  This bright modern beach house is decorated in white tones and pops of color.

 

Besides offering great amenities and a fabulous tropical vibe, the Pink Flamingo is excellently located close to Caladesi Island State Park (Pictured Above).

 

Caladesi Island State Park is a 385-acre barrier island just off of Dunedin.  Enjoy birdwatching along the Osprey Trail, kayak along the mangrove trails, or hang out on four miles of pristine white sand.

 

Honeymoon Island is also within close proximity. It is home to plenty of wildlife, a nature center, and activities such as swimming, hiking, biking, and kayaking.

 

The Pink Flamingo is a two-bedroom home with one large double bed in each room. Additional amenities include air-conditioning, a balcony, an equipped kitchen with a microwave and dishwasher, a washing machine, and one bathroom stocked with towels.

 

Clearwater Beach is only 5.2 kilometers from the property.

 

This vacation home sleeps up to four people and allows pets.

 

 

 

Photo Credit LaCasa Vacations

The Ocean View Luxury Condo is a luxury vacation rental just off North Reddington Beach.  Clearwater Beach is a 25-minute drive north.

 

9. Ocean View Luxury Condo, A Luxury Vacation Rental

 

The Ocean View Luxury Condo is a luxury vacation rental just off North Redington Beach.  Clearwater Beach is a 25-minute drive north.

 

This two-bedroom rental boasts a modern spacious vibe and great amenities.  Enjoy the satellite flat-screen TV,  the BBQ facilities, a swimming pool, a patio, free private parking, a huge balcony, and free wifi.

 

The Ocean View Luxury Condo can sleep up to eight people between its two bedrooms and the living room.  It comes equipped with one extra large double bed and two large double beds. It also has two bathrooms.

 

This lodging option includes access to free bikes and a casino.

 

Guests liked how close this rental was to grocery stores and great restaurants, the beautiful ocean nearby, and the refreshing swimming pool.

 

Although the view from the balcony is not spectacular, it’s a nice place to chill with an icy beverage.

 

 

 

Which Part Of Clearwater, Florida Is Best To Stay?

Clearwater is an awesome Florida beach destination.  This casual town is all about sunshine, sand, luscious salt water, and laid-back vibes.  But before you pick a hotel at random, put some thought into what area you’d like to stay in the most.

 

If you prefer to combine an urban ambiance with easy access to the waterfront, downtown Clearwater is an excellent option.  Head to the beach during the day, and then spend your evenings enjoying the shops, restaurants, and entertainment options in the city center.

 

There are also wonderful lodging options at nearby beaches, including Dunedin, North Reddington, and Old Tampa Bay.  These will put you in tranquil settings with easy access not only to Clearwater Beach but to other top-rated beaches such as Caladesi Island State Park.

 

If you love having easy access to the shore, staying right on the Clearwater Beach barrier Island may be your best bet.  That way you can head to the sand any time you wish.  Take a sunrise stroll, go for a dip when the heat kicks up, and watch the sunset while you dine at a waterfront restaurant.

 

Now that’s what I call living it up!

Editor’s Picks

Place To Stay On A Budget money-mouth

√ Pelican Pointe Hotel

Best Place To Indulge yell

√  Belleview Inn

 

Best Value cool

√  Sandpearl Resort

 

The Wrap Up: Best Places to Stay in Clearwater, Florida

 

As you can see, there are many fabulous places to stay in Clearwater, Florida, whether you want to be right on a barrier island, off the tranquil waters of Old Tampa Bay, or just across from Caladesi Island State Park.

 

Choose the best lodging option for your preferences, whether that’s a luxurious private villa, a hotel offering a picnic breakfast of warm croissants, a tropically decorated budget hotel in downtown Clearwater, or a resort with children’s programs.

 

So what are you waiting for?  Choose your dream hotel from this handy list and book your stay today.

 

The sand, sun, and emerald waters of Clearwater Beach are waiting!

 

 

Additional Clearwater Beach Travel Blogs 

Me on a recent trip to Jimmy Hula's in Clearwater Beach

Me on a recent trip to Clearwater Beach having lunch at Jimmy Hula’s, a block from the beach.

Booking a last-minute trip to Clearwater?  

If so, we have you covered.  Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!

Top Tours in Clearwater Florida

Little Toot Dolphin Adventure (Clearwater’s Beach Best Dolphin Tour)

Clearwater Dolphin-Watching Tour (Affordable Dolphin Tour Option)

Sunset Cruise From Clearwater (Relaxing Sunset Cruise from Clearwater)

Clearwater Encounters With Dolphins Tour (Fantastic Boat Ride & Dolphins Tour)

Clearwater Evening Yacht Cruise (Evening Cruise With Optional Dining)

 Looking To Get Around In Clearwater Florida

Check out rental car rates here! 🚗

 

 

Travel Resources

 

Book Your Next Trip!  For Accommodations and short-term rentals, I recommend Booking.com as they are the best in the business when it comes to rates and places to stay.

To Book Activities- For activities, I suggest booking with Viator, they have thousands of 5-star activities to choose from!

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