Last Updated on March 31, 2024
Planning your trip and wondering where to stay in St Petersburg FL?
When planning a trip to St Petersburg, it’s important to choose the right location. Downtown Saint Petersburg is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a vibrant cultural scene.
If you’re more interested in a beach vacation, the best areas to stay are near the shore. St Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, and North Redington Beach all offer beautiful beaches and plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports.
And of course, no trip to St Petersburg would be complete without spending some time in the downtown area.
With its many shops, restaurants, and attractions, Downtown Saint Petersburg is the perfect place to explore everything that the city has to offer.
Best for Adult-Only: Shoreline Island Resort
Best for families: Plaza Beach Hotel – Beachfront Resort
Best beachfront: Treasure Island Beach Resort
Best downtown hotel: Hollander Hotel St. Petersburg
Best Areas To Stay In St Petersburg FL
St Petersburg is home to a variety of art galleries, museums, and performance venues, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy as well. Let’s take a look at the best areas to stay in St Petersburg.
St Pete Beach
St Petersburg’s west coast is home to a popular St Pete beach. Here, you’ll have easy access to St Pete beach, a great place for recreational water sports, boating, and beach bars.
The area is well-known for its beautiful sunsets and its clear waters. Visitors can also find a variety of shops, restaurants, and beach bars in the area.
Additionally, you’re less than 10 miles from downtown St Petersburg if you want to experience the lively city’s culture and museums.
Things To Do In St Pete Beach
- Rent Kayaks to explore nearby sandbars and islands
- Visit St Pete Beach
- Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge
Our pick for where to stay in St Pete Beach: Plaza Beach Hotel – Beachfront Resort
Treasure Island
Treasure Island FL is the perfect beach destination for families wanting to kick back and play on the beaches.
It’s located on the gulf, offering beautiful white sand with waters for perfect swimming and playing.
Treasure Island is conveniently located between two beautiful beach towns – St Pete Beach and Madeira Beach – giving beach lovers plenty of easy, beach hopping options.
In addition, there are a variety of restaurants and shops nearby, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunny Florida weather.
Things To Do On Treasure Island
- Dolphin Snorkel or sightseeing cruise
- Fishing charter
- Relax at Treasure Island Beach
Our pick for where to stay on Treasure Island: Treasure Island Beach Resort
Madeira Beach
If you’re looking for a convenient place to stay during your trip to Clearwater Beach or St. Petersburg, look no further than Madeira Beach.
John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk in Maderia is home to tons of shops and restaurants, making it the perfect place to spend a day or two exploring.
Plus, from here you’re almost equidistant from both Clearwater Beach and Downtown St. Petersburg, so you can easily visit both destinations during your stay, making Madeira a perfect place to base yourself during your trip.
Things To Do In Madeira Beach
- Mini Golf
- John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk
- Take a ride on a floating tiki bar
Our pick for where to stay on Madeira Beach: Shoreline Island Resort (Adult Only!)
North Redington Beach
North Redington Beach is a great option for people looking to relax off the touristy path. This residential area in St Petersburg offers solitude with few crowds, more rentals than resorts, and a beautiful beach with calm waters.
Things To Do In North Redington Beach
- Watch the sunset at Indian Shores Beach
- Visit the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary
- Spend the day at Turtle Crawl Point in War Veterans Memorial Park
- Charter a fishing boat and hit the open seas!
Our pick for where to stay in North Redington Beach: DoubleTree Beach Resort by Hilton
St Petersburg Downtown
Downtown St Petersburg is a lively area with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops to keep you entertained.
The St Petersburg pier is a great place to take a walk, and there are many museums in the area that are perfect for people of all ages – couples, and families alike.
You’re also a short drive to Tampa, or just over an hour away from Disney World! Whether you’re looking for a night out on the town or a day of exploring, Downtown St Petersburg has something for everyone.
Things To Do In Downtown St Petersburg
- Visit the St. Pete Pier
- Celebrate art at The Salvador Dalí museum
- Drive a little over an hour to get to Orlando!
Our pick for where to stay in St Petersburg Downtown: Hollander Hotel St. Petersburg
What Is The Best Area In St Petersburg FL?
When looking for where to stay in St Petersburg, it really depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation.
If you want a beach vacation with your toes in the sand, Madeira Beach or St Pete Beach will be the best areas for you to stay in.
If you want a lively culture and nightlife, Downtown St Petersburg is the better option.
Where to Stay In St Petersburg FL On The Beach
Photo Credit Expedia
1. Bellwether Beach Resort
Area: St Pete Beach
Rating: 7.5 | Good
This newly renovated hotel attracts visitors from all over with its heated pool, free private parking, and beach chairs.
Guests flock to their on-site dining right in the sand and panoramic rooftop bar and lounge for incredible sunset views.
In the evenings, you can enjoy live music every day while you sip frozen cocktails and snack on coconut shrimp.
Photo Credit- Random Hartz
2.The Don CeSar
Area: St Pete Beach
Rating: 8.0 | Very good
Sit back and relax on your own private beach at the newly renovated Don CeSar.
The on-site spa has a variety of choices for facials, massages, mani-pedis, and even hair services to give you a full day of pampering on vacation.
The Don CeSar gives you options from private patios to beach suites and heated pools to fireside lounges.
Grab your watersport rentals directly from the hotel – choose from kayaks, paddleboards, and beach equipment, or opt for some of their free options.
The variety of amenities available at The Don CeSar allows you to have a stress-free beach vacation right on St. Pete Beach.
Photo Credit Expedia
3. Treasure Island Beach Resort
Area: Treasure Island
Rating: 9.2 Wonderful
Treasure Island Beach Resort is located just a few minutes from John’s Pass Village and Boardwalk, making it an excellent option if you’re looking to explore the area.
They offer rooms and suites with fully equipped kitchens and family room options available.
Spend your morning in the fitness center and kick back in the hot tub after a long day at the beach or in the beachfront pool.
The BRGR KITCHEN + BAR is located conveniently on the property for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a cocktail hour.
Photo Credit Expedia
4. Shoreline Island Resort
Area: Madeira Beach
Rating: 9.1 | Wonderful
Shoreline Island resort is an Adult-Only 21+ beach resort in Madeira Beach.
The property has everything you need right on Madeira Beach. Shoreline offers free Wi-Fi, private balcony options, kitchens, and kitchenettes.
Amenities include a BBQ pit, heated pool, shuffleboard courts, and a fitness center.
Photo Credit Expedia
5. Cambria Hotel St. Petersburg- Madeira Beach Marina
Area: Madeira Beach
Rating: 8.8 | Excellent
Experience some of the best views in Madeira Beach from the rooftop pool and lounge at the Cambria Hotel in St Petersburg. Rent a cabana and grab a drink at the hotel’s “Embers Bar & Grill”.
Or, take advantage of the concierge service by booking some of the hotels’ partner tours – paddle boarding and kayak rentals, jet skis, tiki-boat sunset cruises, and more.
The hotel rooms come with a kitchenette and private balcony options. Each room is equipped with a Bluetooth mirror in the bathroom, free high-speed WiFi, microwaves, and coffee makers.
Additional amenities include daily entertainment, a full-service restaurant and bar, a heated infinity pool, a poolside bar, and a fitness center.
Photo Credit Expedia
6. Double Tree Beach Resort By Hilton Hotel Tampa Bay- North Redington Beach
Area: North Redington Beach
Rating: 8.5 | Very good
The Doubletree Beach Resort by Hilton Hotel Tampa Bay – North Redington Beach is a beautiful place to stay for a vacation.
The rooms are spacious and clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The resort is located right on the beach, so it’s easy to spend a day relaxing in the sun.
There are also plenty of activities to keep guests entertained, including a fitness center and an outdoor pool.
It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a memorable vacation!
Photo Credit- Expedia
7. Hollander Hotel St. Petersburg/ Downtown
Area: St Petersburg Downtown
Rating: 9.0 | Wonderful
Looking for a luxurious, yet affordable, place to stay in Downtown St. Petersburg? Look no further than Hollander Hotel!
This boutique hotel is within walking distance of the shops on Beach Drive and offers a range of amenities to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Take advantage of the free rides to nearby museums and attractions, or enjoy a meal at one of the on-site restaurants. And, best of all, the Hollander is pet-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friend along for the fun!
You can also book at the sister property, the Avalon Hotel, where Hollander Hotel’s amenities are included.
Hotels In St Petersburg For Families
If you’re looking for where to stay in St. Petersburg with your family, you can’t go wrong with these family-friendly hotels.
Depending on your family’s interests, you can spend your time splashing around in the ocean, visiting museums and shops downtown, or even taking a day trip to Disney World, which is just over an hour’s drive away!
There are plenty of activities around town to keep kids entertained, so you’ll never have to worry about them getting bored.
Photo Credit- Expedia
8. Plaza Beach Hotel- Beachfront Resort
Area: St Pete Beach
Rating 8.7 | Excellent
This family-owned hotel prides itself on providing you with an authentic Florida experience.
Fill your day with free on-site mini-golf, foosball, human-size games, shuffleboard, and a private fishing pier for guest use.
All these activities make the Plaza Beach Hotel a great option for families looking to fill the days near the beach.
The hotel has rooms that sleep up to six with free cribs and sleeper sofas for the whole family.
Photo Credit- Expedia
9. Barefoot Beach Club
Area: Madeira Beach
Rating 8.7 | Excellent
The Barefoot Beach Club is the perfect place to stay for a relaxing vacation in Madeira Beach.
They offer scooter rentals so you can easily get around, as well as beach loungers and umbrellas for the private beach area.
You have plenty of guest rooms to choose from with different views or 2 beds and a sofa bed, and a kitchenette.
It’s also conveniently located, within walking distance of the Johns Pass Village boardwalk. There’s no better place to stay in Madeira Beach!
Photo Credit- Expedia
10. The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
Area: Downtown St Petersburg
Rating: 7.8 | Good
The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club is the perfect destination for a family vacation.
Located near historic St. Petersburg, the Marriott-owned resort offers a variety of activities and amenities to keep everyone entertained.
Guests can enjoy air-conditioned rooms with work desks, as well as a kids club, tennis courts, and water sports. There is also a pool and daily fitness classes.
For those looking to explore the area, the resort is just a short drive from some of the best attractions in the city like The Dali Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and St. Pete Pier.
Photo Credit- Expedia
11. Crystal Bay Hotel
Area: La Vista, Boca Ciega Bay
Rating: 8.8 | Excellent
The Crystal Bay Hotel has a storied history dating back to 1912. Over the years, it has undergone several transformations and is now home to the bed and breakfast that it is today.
Overlooking Boca Ciega Bay, the hotel offers stunning views of the water, as well as a complimentary hot breakfast every morning and on-site pool and spa services.
There’s room for up to four guests in the 60 uniquely decorated hotel rooms, and they come complete with all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay, including minifridges, toiletries, and WI-Fi.
Photo Credit- Expedia
12. St. Pete Beach Suites
Area: St Pete Beach
Rating: 8.9 Excellent
St. Pete Beach Suites is the perfect place to stay for a family beach vacation. The hotel is just a few steps from the sand, and there are two year-round swimming pools if you need a break from swimming in the ocean.
The hotel also offers family-friendly outdoor play equipment and board games and puzzles to fill rainy days.
Plus, free private parking is included in your reservation, so you don’t have to worry about finding a spot for your beach days.
And if you want to explore beyond the beach, you can rent bikes or play mini golf for an additional charge.
Whether you’re looking to relax or stay active, St. Pete Beach Suites has everything you need for a perfect vacation.
Photo Credit- Expedia
13. Hyatt Place St. Petersburg/ Downtown
Area: Downtown St Petersburg
Rating: 8.7 Excellent
Experience everything St Petersburg has to offer at the Hyatt Place downtown. Room options go up to two queen beds and a sofa bed where you’ll have a flat-screen TV, blackout curtains, and an option for a crib pack-n-play.
There’s a breakfast bar, market, and dining opportunities on-site. You are also within a mile of the Aquarium, parks, and Spa beach.
Take advantage of the free WiFi, fitness center, private bathrooms, and living areas.
Is It Better To Stay In Tampa Or St Petersburg?
When deciding whether to visit Tampa or St Petersburg, it really depends on what kind of vacation you are looking for.
If you are looking for a larger city with more to do, then Tampa is the better choice.
There is a great sports scene, as well as plenty of entertainment and nightlife options. Families will also find lots to keep them busy, with a wide variety of itinerary options available.
However, if you are looking for a more cultural and historic vacation, then St Petersburg is the place to be.
The downtown area is lively and vibrant, and there are plenty of museums and art galleries to explore.
Plus, St Petersburg is located closer to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, so if you are looking to spend time at the beach, this is the place to be!
Is It Better To Stay In Clearwater Or St. Pete Beach?
When deciding between St Pete Beach and Clearwater, it is important to consider what kind of vacation you are hoping to have.
If you are looking for a mix of beach days and access to downtown areas for shopping, dining, and nightlife, St Pete Beach is a perfect choice.
You will be close to St Petersburg downtown as well as Tampa, offering a wide variety of activities.
Clearwater, on the other hand, is a smaller town that is focused solely on the beach. If you want a vacation that is all about sun and sand with few distractions, Clearwater is the better choice.
Whichever you choose, you are sure to enjoy your time in Florida’s sun and surf!
Is St Petersburg A Walkable City?
Saint Petersburg’s downtown is a vibrant and walkable community with plenty to see and do.
Restaurants, bars, and shops line the streets, and the beautiful St. Pete Pier is just a short walk away.
However, while you can easily explore downtown on foot, Saint Petersburg’s beaches are not as accessible. So, while it is walkable, a car will still come in handy.
Where To Stay In St Petersburg FL: Best Areas And Hotels For Every Vacationer- In Summary
St Petersburg is a vibrant and welcoming city located on Florida’s Gulf Coast. With its year-round sunny weather and miles of sandy beaches, St Petersburg is a popular vacation destination for families and beach lovers alike.
Downtown St Petersburg is a lively area with plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions to keep visitors entertained.
For those looking for a more relaxed vacation, there are several hotels located along the beachfront where guests can enjoy stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Best for Adult-Only: Shoreline Island Resort
Best for families: Plaza Beach Hotel – Beachfront Resort
Best beachfront: Treasure Island Beach Resort
Best downtown hotel: Hollander Hotel St. Petersburg
Families will find that St Petersburg has plenty to offer, from kid-friendly museums to exciting activities and parks.
No matter what type of vacation you’re looking for, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay in St Petersburg FL!
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Booking a last-minute trip to St Petersburg?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Tours in St Petersburg
Evening Yacht Cruise (With Optional Dinner In St Petersburg)
St Petersburg Speedboat Adventure (Top Rated Speedboat Sightseeing Tour)
St Petersburg Jungle Prada Site History Tour (Small Group History & Onsite Museum Tour)
Dolphin Cruise With Snorkeling To Shell Key – (2-Hour Small Group Tour)
Clear Kayak Tour Of Shell Key Preserve And Tampa Bay Area – (Best Rated Kayak Tour)
Looking To Get Around In St Petersburg?
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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