Clearwater is frequently named one of the best beaches in America - here are 9 of the best hotels to enjoy its white sands and calm waters

Shephard's Beach Resort

While it has similar amenities to all of the other Clearwater Beach hotels — private beach access, an expansive pool, well-appointed guest rooms — Shephard's Beach Resort has an advantage that appeals to music lovers. An entertainment epicenter, the resort hosts live bands during the day on the outdoor Tiki Stage, and on weekend nights, DJs perform at the two-level Wave nightclub. 

Accommodations range from studio rooms to two-bedroom suites with balconies boasting views of the Gulf of Mexico, the resort's 7,000-square-foot pool terrace, or the quaint beach town. Each room features King- or Queen-size beds with teal-upholstered headboards that are flush with lime green accent walls. In-room amenities include kitchenettes with a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker; high-top tables and chairs; and bathrooms with walk-in showers and Paya bath products. 

You can find COVID-19 policies here.

The Karol Hotel

This Marriott Tribute Portfolio property is situated along Tampa Bay between Clearwater and St. Petersburg. The Karol Hotel opened in February 2020, and while it isn't close to the beach, the property is a quintessential Florida property — the hotel was named for the co-owner Karol Kelly Bullard, who was crowned Miss Florida in 1965. 

Just a 12-minute drive from the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), the AAA Four-Diamond property has 123 guest rooms and suites that feature sky-blue accent chairs and carpet featuring feather motifs, white marble bathrooms, and luxury bedding and robes. On-site dining options include the K Club Bar & Bistro, which serves new American cuisine, and the Vantage Rooftop Bar, which is on the 12th floor directly overlooking the bay.

You can find COVID-19 policies here.

Hotel Cabana

On the quiet, northern end of Clearwater Beach is the oldest hotel property on the island. Hotel Cabana was originally built in the 1940s as the Coca Cabana motel. The two-story property received a major facelift in 2017 in order to totally renovate the guest rooms and suites. Updated accommodations include kitchenettes, Queen- or King-size beds, statement ceiling fans, framed photo prints, and coastal-colored accent pillows.

Adjacent to the hotel is an option for guests who are seeking an extended stay at one of the vacation rental properties, which include full-size kitchens, parking, and larger rooms that allow for more occupancy.  

Outside of the hotel, well-manicured tropical plants complement the building's Key West-style facade, which frames the courtyard pool where hotel and vacation rental guests can enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee in the morning. Or, visitors can take a quick walk to the beach, which is just one block away. 

You can find COVID-19 policies here.

The Belleview Inn

This historic hotel was built in the late 1890s by Henry Plant, a developer whose legacy was for linking central and west Florida with his railway. The hotel, which is set on a bluff in Belleair that overlooks Clearwater Bay, was restored from 2016 to 2018; the project took two years to complete in order for the construction team to salvage the original wood, bricks, doors, knobs, windows, glass, columns, and more. 

The Belleview is a part of the Opal Collection, a curation of luxury properties. At check-in, you'll notice an ode to the original building in an oversized painting by artist Christopher Stills that hangs in the lobby. In each of the 35 guest rooms and suites, the hotel meshes Victorian architecture with modern amenities, like mini-fridges, coffee makers, plush bedding, and breakfast baskets filled with freshly baked danishes delivered to your door each morning.

Golfers can enjoy two courses designed by Donald Ross in the early 1900s, while those who prefer lounging by the pool can do so with a drink in hand. While Maisie's (a quaint marketplace named after Henry Plant's wife), offers artisanal cheese boards and smoothies, guests can head over to the Belleair Country Club to dine in The Main Room, which overlooks the green.    

You can find COVID-19 policies here.

Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa

You can't miss the Hyatt Regency Clearwater, thanks to its towering pink facade. While the exterior's bold color makes a statement, the interior accommodations are calm and neutral. The residential-like hotel includes 287 oversized rooms (256 of which are suites) with kitchenettes to full-size kitchens, partial to waterfront views of the Gulf, private balconies, double-vanity bathroom sinks, and laundry access on each floor. 

The best way to spend a day at the Hyatt is playing games like yard pong and corn hole on the expansive eight-floor pool deck, where you can book a private cabana that comes with a secluded veranda and food and beverage service.

In the evening, order Latin-inspired and locally sourced dishes from Tropico rooftop bar and cantina, followed by a five-minute walk to Pier 60 where street performers provide nightly entertainment as the sun is setting. 

You can find COVID-19 policies here.

Sheraton Sand Key Resort

The Sheraton Sand Key Resort is south of Clearwater Beach, just across the inlet, where it's surrounded by a 95-acre nature preserve for a totally serene stay. The property itself claims 13 acres of private beach with 390 guest rooms and suites. Inside each accommodation, King- or Queen-sized beds are dressed in white linens and set flush against jewel-toned. Each room has its own private balcony or patio, a coffee maker, mini-fridge, and sumptuous bathrobes.

Guests can take a dip in the oceanfront pool, work out at the fitness center, practice their serve on the tennis courts, play a game of volleyball on the sand, and dine at five different restaurants and bars on-site, including the casual Caribbean- and Southwestern-inspired Rusty's Bistro.

You can find COVID-19 policies here.

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

One of the newer properties to line the shore on Clearwater Beach, this AAA Four-Diamond hotel boasts 343 guest rooms with beachfront or marina views, balconies or terraces in most of the rooms, plush pillow-top BeWell bedding, coffee makers, floor-to-ceiling waterfront views, coastal decor, and even bunk beds in some rooms in order to best accommodate families. 

Other on-site amenities include the 6,000-square-foot Pallavi Spa; the pool where refreshing cocktails can be ordered from Dock's Pool Bar & Grille; and the chic Asian-fusion restaurant Ocean Hai. 

You can find COVID-19 policies here.

Opal Sands

There are no bad views at Opal Sands, where 230 Gulf-facing guest rooms and suites each boast floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies. The modern, coastal interiors incorporate shades of blue that are contrasted by dark wood floors. In-room amenities include a mini-fridge, coffee station, full closet, spa-like bathroom, ocean-inspired artwork, and pillow-topped King- and Queen-size beds. 

The AAA Four-Diamond hotel is just steps from the beach, but guests can also lay by the zero-entry pool, unwind at the full-service spa, or rent bikes in order to explore the island. Refuel from the day at one of three restaurants or lounges, like the award-winning Sea-Guini, where an Italian-inspired menu features fresh seafood.  

You can find COVID-19 policies here.

Sandpearl Resort

This Opal Collection hotel was the first Silver LEED-certified resort in the state, with 253 guest rooms and suites designed with energy efficiency in mind. City-facing to Gulf-facing accommodations are designed with warm-colored walls and soft coastal decor, and are outfitted with mini-fridges, coffee makers, and plush robes. Oversized suites also come with full kitchens, dining rooms, and balconies. 

A lagoon-style pool is set in front of the hotel's 700-foot-long stretch of private beach, where beach chairs and umbrellas are perfectly placed during the day, and at night a fire pit is lit for toasting marshmallows. Sip cocktails while listening to live entertainment at Tate Island Grill, or dine at Clearwater's only AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, Caretta, where seasonally inspired dishes pair with organic wines. 

You can find COVID-19 policies here.

When is the best time to visit Clearwater?

The most optimal weather in Clearwater is during October through May, when the humidity is low. But, if you want to book when prices are cheaper, you can visit in the off-season from June through August. These months are usually discounted by hotels because it is Florida's rainy season. 

Where should I stay in Clearwater?

To stay steps away from white-sand beaches that span the Gulf shore, you'll want to book one of the many resorts that line Clearwater Beach. However, if you don't mind crossing the Clearwater Memorial Causeway to get to the barrier island, or if the beach isn't on your agenda, you could opt for a more inland hotel with lower nightly rates and waived resort fees.  

What is Clearwater near?

Located on the central-west coast along the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach is just a 30-minute drive north of St. Pete Beach, which is the barrier island to St. Petersburg. The two destinations share the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE).

St. Petersburg and Clearwater are also just across the bay from Tampa, the third-largest city in Florida.

Is it safe to stay in a hotel?

The CDC has deemed domestic travel safe for anyone who is fully vaccinated, and hotels are considered a safe option when booking accommodations, according to experts.

Many hotels have amplified their cleaning programs with additional steps and procedures. They've also made their sanitation efforts more transparent and accessible to guests so that they can stay with confidence.  

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