Photo of Clearwater

About Clearwater

Known for its gorgeous Gulf of Mexico beaches, superb sailing and seemingly endless Florida sunshine, Clearwater is popular with families and couples looking to kick back on powder-white sands and enjoy myriad outdoor activities. Accommodation options range from intimate inns to glitzy resorts, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Clearwater are on Clearwater Beach, a beautiful island just across from the bustling marina.

Spend your days unwinding on the sand, stroll along the Beach Walk promenade, or head out on the water to sail, kayak, waterski or fish. There’s a lively buzz around Clearwater Harbor Marina, great sunset events at Pier 60 and excellent hiking, kayaking or cycling at Caladesi Island State Park, nearby. Golfers can play a round or two at world-class courses, whilst there’s also great tennis, baseball and beach volleyball for visitors of all ages.

The museums and galleries of artsy Dunedin are within easy reach, as are the many family-friendly activities available in Tampa and the historic attractions of St Petersburg. Round off days of boating with delectable seafood dinners and funky live music evenings before retreating to one of the best places to stay in Clearwater!

The Best Places to Stay in Clearwater

For Boutique Chic

  • The Belleview Inn is a glamorous Gilded Age mansion close to Clearwater, perfect for a romantic break. Expect indulgent interiors with big cosy beds and sleek bathrooms, as well as immaculate lawns, an inviting outdoor swimming pool and sleek nooks for a cocktail or two. The beach is nearby and there's a golf club right next door. Sophisticated and intimate.

For a Beach Resort

  • Opal Sands Resort offers a glitzy experience in a swish high-rise overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. With heaps of activities, luxurious rooms and suites, meeting facilities and access to beautiful Clearwater Beach, this is a top choice for families, couples or business travellers. A big, bold contemporary resort.
  • Sandpearl Resort is a classic Clearwater Beach pick for a fun, family-friendly escape. Unwind at the spa, take to the water or relax on the private beach whilst the little ones enjoy the fabulous kids club. A brilliant active holiday base for all ages.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly into Tampa International Airport, drive 30 minutes to Clearwater. Alternatively, catch a flight to St Pete-Clearwater Airport, just 20 minutes away.
  • Florida is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel between December and mid-April for the best weather — though this is also peak season. To avoid the crowds and make the most of hotel offers, time your trip for May or June, before the really hot weather sets in. Florida's hurricane season typically runs from late June until November.

STILL NOT SURE?

Best Hotels in Clearwater

  • The Karol Hotel Clearwater (Florida) 123 rooms from £138

    Local exploring  -  Explore the sights of St. Pete-Clearwater and Tampa within minutes from this super-central location
    Bar  -  Vantage Rooftop bar serves craft cocktails and sharing tapas with wonderful Tampa Bay views
    Restaurant  -  K Club Bar & Bistro serves "New American" cuisine using the best of the local coastal ingredients and flavours
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    Smart hotel near the vibrant Westshore District. Rooms are decorated in a beige and soft grey palette with pops of subtle blues and indulgent marble bathrooms. K Club Bar & Bistro offers New American cuisine & the rooftop bar is for tapas and cocktails with Tampa Bay views. A chic city escape. See More

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  • Belleview Inn Clearwater (Florida) 35 rooms from £155

    Romantic Break  -  After lazy afternoons by the pool enjoy stunning sunsets and complimentary champage before returning to sexy suites
    Golf  -  The Belleair Country Club, home to Florida's first course, neighbours the property. Private lessons can be arranged
    Total relaxation  -  Away from the crowds of the beach, this is a relaxed base to sleep late, sunbathe, swim and play golf
    Swimming Pool  -  Built in the 1900s as an Olympic-sized, Italian tiled swimming pool, this stunning constrcution has stood the test of time
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    Glamorous Gilded Age mansion transformed into a luxury boutique inn. Re-enact Great Gatsby-style days enjoying the dazzling pool, immaculate lawn, ornate property and drinking sunset cocktails. Recently remodelled rooms with spoiling bathrooms scream sleek sophistication. Beach Club access included. See More

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  • Sandpearl Resort Clearwater (Florida) 253 rooms from £251

    Beach Life  -  700 ft stunning private beach. Outward facing lay-out means days are spent staring out to sea when swimming, dining & sunbathing
    Families  -  Ideal for multi-gen holidays. Plenty of outdoor space for relaxed gatherings, kid's club, babysitting and vast activity schedule
    Romantic Break  -  Enjoy romantic sunsets over the water from sea-facing balconies, couple's spa rooms and water-front private dining
    Kids Club  -  Camp Ridley kid's club offers beach scavanger hunts, kayak tours, nature walks and popcorn movie nights
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    Traditional luxury beach resort with a private island vibe. Families and couples alike will love the immaculate white-sand beach, indulgent spa, sea-front outdoor dining, Kid's Club and resort pools. Spacious rooms offer uninterrupted ocean views. All-round crowd-pleaser with fab seaside activities. See More

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  • Opal Sands Resort Clearwater (Florida) 230 rooms from £286

    Business meetings  -  Host one-of-a-kind events over 17,000 sq ft of innovative indoor and outdoor meeting space with views over the Gulf of Mexico
    Swimming Pool  -  Be dazzled by the turquoise blue sea views from the water-facing outdoor pool and hot tub with cabanas and poolside dining
    Beach Life  -  There's direct access to white-sand Clearwater Beach where beach chairs and cabanas are available to rent
    Restaurant  -  Three restaurants on-site. Enjoy Italian cuisine at Sea Guini while beach-front Sand Bar and Pool Bar serve more relaxed fare
    Air conditioningTennisSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    Glitzy luxury resort offering Miami Beach-style experience. Chic contemporary rooms are the height of comfort; all boast spacious water-facing balconies. Spend from dawn to dusk outside with direct beach access, outdoor sea-view pool, beach-front al fresco dining and evening entertainment. See More

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