With a beachfront that is just 2 miles long, and the beachfront properties mostly used for residential purposes, Madeira Beach, Florida, is a tough place to find a star-rated hotel. However, Madeira Beach's proximity to St. Petersburg, Florida, gives you a few options for upscale accommodations along this stretch of Florida's west coast.
Perhaps the closest thing to a luxury hotel that exists in Madeira is the Madeira Bay Resort. With luxury spa services and its own marina to accommodate guests, the hotel is more upscale than other hotels along the Madeira strip. Keep in mind that the view from the hotel is not of Madeira Beach, but of the inland waterway that the hotel sits on. Your view of the beach will have to come with a short walk up the boardwalk. Choose from standard king-size rooms, or suites with full kitchens, granite counter tops, separate sitting rooms, private patios, and washers and dryers. The hotel also features a fitness center, heated pool and fishing boat rental on site. One-bedroom suites run about $109 in the 2010 low summer season, and about $169 during the high season from December to April.
Madeira Bay Resort Marina & Spa
13235 Gulf Blvd.
Madeira Beach, FL 33708
727-342-7800
madeirabayresort.com
For true luxury and star or diamond ratings, you'll have to go a bit farther down the beach. One of the most luxurious hotels in the St. Petersburg area is the Don CeSar, just a few minutes from Madeira on St. Pete Beach. The 4-Diamond hotel features all rooms with luxury bedding, complimentary all-natural toiletries and bathrobes, and 24-hour room service. The hotel's suites offer separate living and sleeping areas, wet bars, and views of the white sands and the Gulf of Mexico. Guests also enjoy the hotel's luxury spa, well-appointed restaurants, two seaside pools and daily exercise classes. Low-end rates in 2010 are about $219 for a standard room.
Don CeSar Beach Resort
3400 Gulf Blvd.
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
727-360-1881
loewshotels.com
The elegant Vinoy Renaissance is a star attraction in the St. Petersburg area. The hotel has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is considered the only true luxury hotel on the west coast of Florida. On top of top high-end accommodations that include luxury bedding and private balconies, guests can also enjoy the 18-hole golf course, 12 tennis courts, heated pools and spa. An award-winning restaurant serving American food, along with several other upscale restaurants are on site to tempt your palate. A "hotel navigator" is employed on-site to help guests discover the local favorite restaurants and tourist sights. Standard rooms run about $189 in 2010, though many guest packages are available, including a golf package for $224 for standard room and a daily round of golf.
Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
501 Fifth Ave. N.E.
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-894-1000
marriott.com
