Where To Stay in Clearwater Beach – Residents Review
Last Updated October 12, 2025
If you are looking for the best place to stay in Clearwater Beach, Florida, you have found our residents’ review of Clearwater Beach hotels. We have lived in Clearwater Beach for almost 40 years. We have been in just about every one of them at one time on another.
In addition, when friends and relatives are trying to determine where to stay in Clearwater Beach, their first phone calls are to us for the latest information. These updates after each stay keep our list up to date.
We have to stay up to date on the best places to stay in Clearwater Beach as the beach changes – even updates for the hotels in Clearwater Beach opening in 2025.
We will give you our assessment and facts like:
- Price range
- Amenities
- Views
- Our thoughts from visits.
In this article....
Wide pure white sand beaches is what Clearwater Beach is known for.
Clearwater Beach has been one of the country’s best loved and highest rated for many years. When you check all of the internet sources or reviews, you will find Clearwater Beach stands out as one of the top five beach destinations.
The key reasons Clearwater is highly rated include some of the purest white sand you can find, the many activities on the island, great restaurants and, of course, sunny weather for your enjoyment.
Recommended Places to Stay on Clearwater Beach
We have chosen the hotels on Clearwater Beach that we believe will make your vacation, weekend getaway or family holiday memorable. Each recommendation is based on our years of roaming Clearwater Beach with our family and friends.
The Hyatt Regency
The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach is centrally located just a few steps from the main beach. Your family can walk just a few steps from the hotel and be on the sand.
The hotel has been a center piece of the beach for over 14 years. Families love the Hyatt for its proximity to the beach, rooftop pool and kids programs during season.
The Hyatt was the beginning of a renovation of many hotels on Clearwater Beach. Followed by names like Wynham, Marriot, Hilton and Opal, they all have contributed to the beauty and quality of the beach.
We think Hyatt Regency is a great accommodation with clean rooms, several restaurants and one of the largest surf shops on the Beach next door.
You can check prices for rooms at the Hyatt here and expect variations based on seasonal demand.
The Sandpearl Resort
If you want luxury and a private beach, the Sandpearl Resort is your choice. Located just a couple blocks north of the main beach, the Sandpearl is known for Gulf of Mexico views, poolside charm and well appointed rooms.
The beach in front of the Sandpearl is privately owned, but connected to the rest of the 3-mile long beach.
You can leave the hotel directly onto the beach or the large pool. Attendants will set up chairs and umbrellas at the location of your choice.
One of the features of the Sandpearl is Caretta on the Gulf restaurant known as one of the best restaurants in Clearwater Beach.
We love Sandpearl’s patio bar on the beach with a creative selection of fruity tropical refreshments. You can check room and suite rates, but finding a better resort in Clearwater Beach is difficult.
Hilton Clearwater Beach
For a slightly more budget-friendly option for a resort on Clearwater Beach, the Hilton Resort & Spa and the north end of the main beach is an option.
The Hilton also has a private beach connected to the hotel. In addition, they have beach games set up for guests just steps away from the hotel. One of our favorite things on the beach is the famous Tommy’s Tiki.
The Hilton has been a mainstay on Clearwater Beach for over 40 years, although the brand has changed a couple of times. You won’t find a hotel any more convenient than the Hilton for accessing the Clearwater Marina, shops, and the main beach adjacent to the Hilton’s private Beach.
Families enjoy the convenience, beach access and shopping along the street in front of the Hilton. Room rates at the Hilton are seasonally slightly less than Sandpearl and Hyatt.
The Sheraton Sand Key Resort
The Sheraton Sand Key is a special place in the hearts of Clearwater Beach residents. It has been around longer than all the hotels above.
Even through numerous renovations, The Sheraton continues to be the place to stay if you want to be on a less crowded beach, yet be near all the activities of Clearwater Beach.
The hotel is just over a small bridge on South Beach, and it sits on an expansive, uncluttered beach with no other resorts nearby.
This option is budget-friendly and regularly hosts conventions, big weddings and sales meetings.
If you want to visit Pier 60 and the main beach, there is a trolley that will take you there every 30 minutes. A fun little 5-minute ride!
The Other Hotels & Resorts on Clearwater Beach
While the above are recommendations for Clearwater Beach accommodations, there are another 35 or 40 hotels. Here are a few more we like:
- The Opal Sands Resort – at the south end of the main beach. Known for the best tiki bar on the beach and one of the resorts with excellent views and great food.
- Wyndham Grand Resort – Across the street from the main beach. Good choice with kids.
- The Edge Hotel – Budget friendly choice with a rooftop bar, views of Clearwater Pass and all the amenities.
- Shepard’s Resort – Good for young couples who like a party atmosphere. Entertainment with several bars next to the Edge on the Pass.
Final Thoughts on Clearwater Beach Places to Stay
If you are looking for the best hotels on Clearwater Beach, the ones we have recommended above are the ones that give you the best access to the beach and activities.
Are there more hotels in Clearwater Beach? Yes, there are at least three dozen more. Plus, there are VRBO’s on Clearwater Beach for more options.
We recommend you consider your family’s needs, your planned activities and your budget when choosing the best area to stay in Clearwater Beach. See you on the beach!!
FAQS About Clearwater Beach Hotels
What’s the best area to stay in Clearwater Beach?
First-timers usually like the central beach near Pier 60 for walkability to restaurants, shops, and sunsets; Sand Key is quieter with a wide, less-crowded beach just over the bridge.
Is Clearwater Beach walkable?
Yes—around Pier 60 and the Marina everything is easily walkable (beach, dining, nightlife). North Beach is quieter; Sand Key typically requires short drives or rideshare.
Where should families stay in Clearwater Beach?
Families tend to pick resort areas close to Pier 60 and the Marina for beach access and activities; Sand Key’s larger beachfront resorts are great for space and calmer vibes.
What’s the difference between Clearwater Beach and Sand Key?
Clearwater Beach (main strand) is lively and central to dining and Pier 60 events; Sand Key is adjacent, quieter, and known for its broad, less-crowded beach and resort feel.
Where should couples stay for a romantic getaway?
Choose a gulf-front resort near Pier 60 for sunset walks and dining, or opt for Sand Key for a quieter beach and spa-style resort experience.
Do I need a car in Clearwater Beach?
Not necessarily if you stick to the main beach—most spots are walkable. A car (or rideshare) helps for Sand Key, Dunedin, or day trips up/down the coast.
What is the best time of year to visit Clearwater Beach?
Late winter and early spring offer great weather; summer has deals but heat and pop-up storms. Shoulder seasons balance price, crowds, and beach days.
Which hotels are closest to Pier 60?
Several major beachfront resorts cluster within a short walk of Pier 60 and the Marina, making sunsets and activities easy without a car.
Is Clearwater Beach good for a quiet stay?
Yes—book Sand Key or the north end of Clearwater Beach for fewer crowds, wider sands, and a calmer atmosphere while remaining minutes from central attractions.
Is Clearwater Beach safe for visitors?
Yes—use common beach sense (watch surf flags, hydrate, safeguard valuables). The area is popular with families and couples and patrolled during peak times.
11) Clearwater Beach or St. Pete Beach—where should I stay?
For walkable nights around Pier 60 and a lively scene, pick Clearwater Beach; for a longer, spread-out strand with pockets of calm, many travelers compare St. Pete Beach. (Choose based on vibe and day-trip plans.)
Is Sand Key a good alternative to staying on the main beach?
Absolutely—many locals recommend Sand Key for its serenity and expansive sands, with quick access over the bridge to Pier 60 dining and activities.
More About Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach Visitors Guide – Unwind in Paradise
Last Updated April 18, 2026 Clearwater Beach delivers powder-soft sand, calm Gulf water, a walkable marina-to-pier strip, and nightly sunset vibes. As Tampa Bay locals,
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