Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Named the top beach in America by Trip Advisor in 2009, Fort DeSoto Park consists of over 1,000 acres of tropical land spread between five interconnected islands. Visitors to the area can be assured many choices when it comes to accommodations. Ranging from the peaceful to the luxurious, area hotels offer more than simply a place to stay.
Dolphin Beach Resort offers traditional hotel accommodations with tropical flair. All guest rooms are equipped with climate control, free movie channels, and microwaves/mini fridges (particularly helpful for guests looking to save money on food costs). Beyond the guest rooms, there is an on-site bar and two restaurants for guests looking to drink and eat without traveling far. Additionally, a large swimming pool and sun deck, 400 feet of beach area accessible from the hotel by walking, and close proximity to nearby water sports and parasailing is meant to ensure that Dolphin Beach guests always have something to do.
Dolphin Beach Resort
4900 Gulf Boulevard
St Pete Beach, FL 33706-2480
727-360-7011
dolphinbeach.com
Located directly on the white sand beaches of St. Pete, the Grand Plaza hotel actively works to make a stay comfortable for business and pleasure travelers alike. As the "tallest and closest hotel to the Gulf of Mexico," according to the Grand Plaza website, guest rooms feature views that some guests consider to be particularly beautiful. Hotel amenities include free wireless internet and a private balcony in every guest room. Three restaurants on site offer atmospheres ranging from upscale and classy to casual and fun.
Grand Plaza Beachfront Resort & Conference Center
5250 Gulf Boulevard
St Pete Beach, FL 33706
727-360-1811
grandplazaflorida.com/index.html
Guests looking for a more private stay near Ft. DeSoto might find it at Island's End. Offering private cottages and one three-bedroom house available for weekly rentals, Island's End actively works to make guests feel secluded and at ease. Cottage amenities include wireless Internet, a connected fishing dock, and fully-stocked kitchens and barbecues. A complimentary light breakfast buffet is served three times a week. For guests looking to get away from the crowds of the traditional hotel experience, Island's End might be worth a closer look.
Island's End
1 Pass a Grille Way
St Pete Beach, FL 33706-4326
727-360-5023
www.islandsend.com
This upscale hotel and resort offers many amenities not found at other hotels in the area. Besides hotel standards, additional offerings include an outdoor pool and hot tub, an on-site fitness area, and miles of sandy beaches with hotel-sponsored volleyball every day. Beyond this, the hotel also features Camp Cesar, meant to keep kids aged 5 to 10 entertained with games, nature programs, etiquette classes and more. For adults, the Beach Club and Spa offers facials, wraps, and massages from trained professionals. An upscale restaurant is also available on site.
Don CeSar Beach Resort
3400 Gulf Boulevard
St Pete Beach, FL 33706-4015
727-360-1881
fivestaralliance.com/luxury-hotels