11 Top-Rated Hotels in St. Petersburg, FL
Famous for its pristine sandy beaches and seemingly endless sunshine - the latter responsible for its reputation as Florida's "Sunshine City" - St. Petersburg is a great place to spend a vacation. Although home to some of the best-known (and oldest) luxury hotels in the country, St. Pete offers plenty of variety when it comes to housing vacationers, and boasts a wide range of reputable hotels, budget motels, and fun family resorts to suit any budget.
Whether you're wanting a family-run resort overlooking St. Petersburg Beach or the popular beaches of nearby Clearwater - or even something in the entertainment hub of the bustling downtown district - St. Pete's numerous top hotels and resorts offer everything needed to ensure a fun vacation or weekend break for everyone.
Whatever your budget, to help you find the very best place to stay in "Sunshine City," be sure to use our handy guide to the top hotels in St. Petersburg, Florida.
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Best Luxury Hotels in St. Petersburg
1. The Don CeSar
Accommodation: The Don CeSar
Although one of many fancy hotels in St. Petersburg, the luxurious Don CeSar certainly stands out. Built in 1928 and often referred to by locals (and those in the know) simply as the "pink hotel" or, even more apt, the "pink palace," this iconic structure overlooking St. Pete Beach has long been a favorite, not just for celebrities and the rich and famous, but for those able to splurge on the occasional indulgent vacation.
The amenities are, as you'd expect, world-class, and include not one, but two heated outdoor swimming pools. Staff are always on hand to cater to pretty much your every whim. There's also a popular spa, with 16 individual treatment rooms, whirlpool baths, and steam rooms, which offers numerous soothing pampering packages. Spa Oceana also includes romantic couples' massages and a variety of beauty treatments.
Other notable features of this luxury 5-star establishment include a business center with ample meeting and function space, and a fully-equipped and modern fitness center. The resort also has its own private beach and can arrange rentals of everything from private cabanas to Jet Skis.
Another good reason to stay on the grounds of this fine old hotel is its high-quality accommodations. With some 277 units to choose from, there's something suitable for every need, from cozy units with king beds and large bathtubs for two to spacious suites big enough to sleep a family of four or more.
A great choice for those wanting the additional space are the junior suites. Boasting bright décor and quality furnishings, these units also feature additional living space with comfy chairs and a desk. A number of pet-friendly units can also be booked, but be sure to check availability.
Feel like really splurging on your Florida vacation? An even larger penthouse unit is also available. Spread over two floors, it comes with three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a kitchen and dining area, separate living room, plus an over-sized balcony with incredible views over the Gulf of Mexico.
Address: 3400 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, Florida
2. The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
Accommodation: The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
The luxury 4-star Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club is another posh hotel to stay at for a great Florida beach vacation. This attractive palatial Renaissance hotel group destination offers plenty to do on-site, with quality amenities that include two large outdoor swimming pools (both heated) and a games room. For sports and fitness enthusiasts, there are tennis courts, a golf course, plus a gym that offers a variety of free fitness classes.
Also available for guests to enjoy are great dining experiences at its no less than five restaurants (including outdoor and in-room options), a hairdresser, and a full-service day spa that offers treatments such as massages and body wraps. Those wanting to rent a boat for the duration of their stay (or who want to bring their own) will want to make use of the hotel's full-service marina.
Here on business? Then the Vinoy also offers plenty of meeting space and function rooms (there are 22 all told), and is a popular wedding and honeymoon destination, too.
The rooms are also quite grand at the Vinoy hotel, boasting high-end furnishings and bright, chic décor, along with spacious bathrooms, widescreen TVs, and roomy private balconies. In addition to configurations consisting of king or queen beds, a number of much larger multi-bedroom suites are available, which feature pullout couches and a second bathroom, ensuring there's plenty of space for additional guests.
Address: 501 5th Ave NE, St. Petersburg, Florida
3. Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park
Accommodation: Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park
A great choice for a luxury stay on the Gulf of Mexico, the 4-star Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park is as popular for its proximity to the beach as it is for its high-quality accommodations. The rooms here are definitely above average in terms of quality and cleanliness, with standard features of these bright, spacious units including mini-fridges, coffee makers, HDTVs, as well as deluxe mattresses and bedding. Also, most come with roomy bathrooms featuring walk-in showers and separate bathtubs.
A number of larger units are available for those traveling with friends or family. The nicest are the elegant two-room suites. These spacious units come with separate bedrooms and living spaces, a dining table, plus plenty of comfortable seating. If available, be sure to request a beach view from your balcony.
The resort's amenities are of an equally impressive standard. These consist of a large infinity-edge swimming pool, surrounded by a spacious terrace with plenty of seating, along with a great restaurant overlooking the water and offering al fresco and in-room dining options. Other amenities worth mentioning include a business center and meeting space, a day spa, fitness center, laundry facilities, and a small store.
Address: 950 Lake Carillon Drive, St. Petersburg, Florida
4. Treasure Island Beach Resort
Accommodation: Treasure Island Beach Resort
Regarded as one of St. Pete's top luxury boutique hotels-and certainly one of the most pleasing to look at-the 77-room Treasure Island Beach Resort is particularly well suited to couples on the look-out for a romantic getaway. The outdoor amenities are well-worth mentioning, as no doubt this will be where you'll want to spend much of your time.
Highlights of a stay at this 4-star property include access to a large heated swimming pool overlooking the beach and water. Not only is this a great place to hang out for its very large sunbathing area, but also for its excellent poolside waitstaff. Guests also have direct access to the beach itself and can rent umbrellas and sun lounges if required. Also available to guests are a well-equipped fitness center and a casual restaurant offering al fresco dining on its beachside terrace.
A great deal of attention has obviously been paid to the rooms of this prime beachfront hotel, too. The largest of these bright, tropically themed affairs feature custom furniture, huge floor-to-ceiling windows, along with handy kitchenettes, separate living and sleeping areas (one- or two-bedroom variants are available), pullout couches, and large ocean-view balconies.
Address: 10800 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, Florida
5. The Hotel Zamora
Accommodation: The Hotel Zamora
One of the newest additions to St. Pete's impressive inventory of high-end hotels, the elegant 4-star Hotel Zamora is another boutique hotel that's well worth taking a look at when researching the top luxury hotels in Florida.
Boasting great views over the beach and onto the water, it's certainly a pleasant place to linger outdoors. This is especially true if you're relaxing on the terrace around the large heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool and hot tub; there's not only plenty of sun lounges and umbrellas here, but an attentive staff on hand to fill your drink and food orders.
Other amenities worthy of note include the hotel's marina and a fitness center offering a variety of classes and programs. A great concierge service is also available, as well as valet parking.
After all the fun around the pool and on the beach, you'll enjoy relaxing in your comfortable suite. Exquisitely decorated and furnished, these bright, spacious units come with king beds and large bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers, plus balconies. If available, be sure to request a room with a gulf view for spectacular sunset vistas.
For those wanting additional space, consider opting for one of the even larger two-bedroom suites. Suitable for families or groups of up to eight people, these premier units also feature an additional bathroom, entrance foyer, plus a large balcony. Some pet-friendly units are available on a first-come, first served basis.
Address: 3701 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, Florida
6. Opal Sands Resort
Accommodation: Opal Sands Resort
Just a short drive from St. Petersburg is the resort area of Clearwater Beach, popular for its pure white sand, warm Gulf waters, and for its many quality places to stay. One of the best of these is the luxurious 4-star Opal Sands Resort.
This high-end beachfront resort offers guests no end of on-site fun, from its gradual-entry outdoor swimming pool and its large terrace and hot tub to its three restaurants and day spa. Those wanting to hang at the beach are well catered to, and the resort will provide sun lounges, umbrellas, and private cabanas for a fee.
Of its 230 rooms and suites, one of the most sought-after unit types are the spacious one-bedroom suites. Bright and colorfully decorated, these chic suites come with high-end bedding, sofa beds, separate dining room areas, over-sized bathrooms, along with wet bars featuring dishwashers, mini-fridges, and microwaves.
Kitchenettes and pull-out couches are also available in some units, so be sure to ask - they're especially handy for those traveling with kids. If available, be sure to book into one of the units boasting a Gulf view.
Address: 430 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, Florida
Best Beach Hotels in St. Petersburg
1. TradeWinds Island Grand Resort
Accommodation: TradeWinds Island Grand Resort
Leading the way in quality beachfront hotels for families, the 4-star TradeWinds Island Grand Resort is well worth adding to your list of places to stay in St. Pete Beach. A definite plus is the fact the resort is set on 20 acres of beachfront property, ensuring there's plenty of space to spread out. And with such a wide, long stretch of beach to hang out on, you never feel as though you're lost in the crowd. In addition to offering guests the use of comfortable beach loungers and umbrellas, a number of luxurious private cabanas are also available for rent.
And for beachfront fun? The kids will love the waterslides and other fun activities, including beach volleyball, and will be thrilled when mom and dad splash out and rent a jet ski or kayak on which they can explore the shoreline.
The resort also boasts a total of five outdoor heated swimming pools, some with waterslides, and one of which is dedicated as adults-only. There's plenty of great dining experiences to enjoy, too, along with a fitness center (check out the yoga classes) and a full-service spa.
The rooms feature classy décor and furnishings, with quality features such as microwaves, mini-fridges, coffee makers, and toasters taking care of snack and breakfast needs (a real lifesaver for those traveling with tweens and teens). A number of larger suites suitable for families are also available and come with extra-large bathrooms, along with separate living areas with pullout couches. (Editor's Note: If bringing a pet or requiring an ocean view, be sure to make your request known when booking.)
Address: 5500 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, Florida
2. Plaza Beach Hotel - Beachfront Resort
Accommodation: Plaza Beach Hotel - Beachfront Resort
One of only a few family-owned and operated resorts in St. Pete's to top the lists of the best hotels in St. Petersburg, the top-rated Plaza Beach Hotel offers an intimate beachfront experience that's perfect for couples. Featuring just 39 exquisitely decorated and furnished rooms, guests are spoiled with the additional space provided, each complete with a modern kitchenette, separate seating area, and a choice of upper level balcony or ground-floor terrace.
The amenities available for guests to enjoy consist of an outdoor heated swimming pool, mini-golf, a games room plus library, a fitness center, grocery store, and casual restaurant. As a guest, you also gain direct access to a private beach, where you'll find plenty of places to sunbathe and relax, including in your very own hammock or private cabana.
Beach activities available include volleyball, plus the use of paddleboards and kayaks. A great perk is also having access to a number of larger neighboring resorts.
Address: 4506 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, Florida
3. Sheraton Sand Key Resort
Accommodation: Sheraton Sand Key Resort
Located a short distance from St. Petersburg, in the resort area of Clearwater Beach, the 4-star Sheraton Sand Key Resort offers ocean views and a huge stretch of private beach. It's not difficult to lose track of the time on this pristine beach, whether you're simply soaking up the sun or lounging in your private cabana.
Time for a little action? Head for a swim in the warm Gulf water, or rent a kayak or Jet Ski and explore the area. Active sports enthusiasts are also well catered to. The resort offers guests complimentary tennis on its floodlit courses, or a vigorous workout in its state-of-the-art fitness center. Other notable amenities include a choice of swimming pools to enjoy, a hot tub, and poolside café.
When it comes time to bed down for the night in your Gulf-facing room (well worth the additional cost), go whole hog and book one of the larger Club Rooms. These spacious suites come with the standard features of HDTVs, coffee makers, and desks, but with the benefit of more space to stretch out in, as well as access to a private lounge well-stocked with goodies and snacks.
Address: 1160 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater Beach, Florida
4. Sandpearl Resort
Accommodation: Sandpearl Resort
Another great Clearwater beachfront accommodation to consider, the luxurious 4-star Sandpearl Resort offers a variety of great package deals for families and couples alike. The rooms here are extremely spacious, especially the larger one- and two-bedroom units.
Perfect for those traveling with friends or family, these bright and well-decorated suites come with well-equipped kitchens, separate sitting areas with pullout couches, large bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers, as well as laundry facilities. While all units come with balconies, be sure to book a Gulf-facing unit.
Topping the list of amenities is the resort's large heated outdoor swimming pool, designed with a gradual-entry for those who prefer to wade into the water, and great for kids. There's also a restaurant on-site offering a variety of dining experiences (including in-room and private dining options).
Other amenities of note include a well-equipped fitness center, a full-service spa, plus meeting and function space. Guests can also enjoy renting their very own private cabana down at the beach, as well as participating in activities such as boating, Jet Skiing, and fishing. The resort even has its own marina facilities for those bringing their own watercraft.
Address: 500 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater Beach, Florida
Best Cheap Hotels & Motels in St. Petersburg
1. Mardi Gras Motel
Accommodation: Mardi Gras Motel
Those seeking a great budget stay near St. Petersburg should take a good look at the Mardi Gras Motel. Located close to the beaches of Treasure Island, this family-run motel is a cut above the average brand name equivalent on so many levels. Not only are its rooms clean and well-maintained, they include as standard features well-equipped, full kitchens (a stove, fridge, sink, and microwave included), along with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi.
The amenities are equally well looked after. Highlights include a good-sized heated outdoor swimming pool, a barbecue, laundry facilities, and maid service. A shuttle bus service is also available to get you to the beach (and back), and you're within an easy walk of the Treasure Island boardwalk and entertainment district, as well as shopping and dining opportunities.
Address: 11965 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, Florida
