It is no secret that Clearwater Beach has been rated number one beach in America many times, for many great reasons. I mean, seriously, have you been to any Clearwater Beach hotels yet? Have you walked on the soft white sand that seems to never burn your feet or your bum? Our absolute favorite part about this paradise, aside from amazing water and great food, is the incredible Clearwater Beach Hotels that call this place home.
To make your trip super easy, we mapped out our favorite Clearwater Beach Hotels to celebrate your Sunday Funday! I would personally say Sunday is Clearwater Beach’s busiest time, as the locals and tourists come together to celebrate our favorite day! Here in sunny Florida, we love a good Sunday Funday filled with sun, water, and a great ambiance.
This list is in no particular order. Each Clearwater Beach hotel or resort on this list has its own amazing features to make your Sunday Funday perfect. It is a local’s favorite to hotel/bar hop and experiences a bit of them all, if possible!
The Hilton
The Hilton is probably the first hotel that you will spot as you come over the bridge from the mainland to Clearwater Beach. It is the very first tall building on your right-hand side as you enter the round-about leading to the beach. Get off on Mandalay Drive and BAM, you are greeted by The Hilton.
Everyone loves the Hilton. Here are a few reasons why: The lobby and bar area and beautiful and chic without losing the awesome Clearwater Beach vibe. The rooms are clean and upgraded. Surprisingly, it is very affordable to stay at the Hilton, which is exactly centrally located. Being right next to all of the action on Pier 60, this location can’t be beat. You also never have to worry about the stresses of parking on the beach because the Hilton owns their own huge parking lot. Trust me, this is a big deal.
Fun fact: I used to be a bartender and server at the Hilton, when I first moved to Florida! I no longer live in Clearwater, but it was a fun experience. I fell in love with working on the beach! Another fun fact: The tiki bar behind the Hilton on Clearwater Beach is the only tiki bar on Clearwater Beach that can sell alcohol actually on the beach. You can sit at your private cabanas along the water and enjoy a refreshing cocktail. Too comfortable to walk to the bar for a refill? No problem at all! The Hilton has a bar cart, exactly like you would see on a golf course, that they sell alcohol and small snacks out of! It doesn’t get much better than that! You can enjoy this tiki bar on the beach whether you are staying as a guest or not! After a drink or 10, don’t forget to walk right next door to Pier 60 for their nightly sunset celebration. There is always fun entertainment and great vendors on the pier.
The Wyndham Grand
Whoa! The Wyndham Grand on Clearwater Beach is just breathtaking. This two-year, $175 Million project was a huge success by local Tampa Bay entrepreneurs and philanthropists. We are grateful for this amazing structure, which opened to the public in early 2017.
Spoiler alert: Need a ballroom for an event? The Wyndham has the biggest ballroom on Clearwater Beach. THIS is where you want to be for a formal celebration. Do you need something a bit smaller? There is plenty of meeting space on the third floor ranging from about 400 square feet to over 2,000 square feet. The Wyndham is set up a bit differently than most other hotels. It is made of two towers, connected by two presidential suites, both clocking in at over 3,000 square feet. Talk about luxury.
Take your love for food to a new high, with Ocean Hai – Clearwater Beach’s asian fusion restaurant open for breakfast at 7 a.m, lunch at 11 a.m, and dinner from 5:30p.m-10p.m. The restaurant is closed between 2 and 5:30 to prepare for dinner, so plan your meals accordingly. One thing that is for sure at the Wyndham, is their service is unmatched. I have been there many times, served by quite a few staff members and I can’t think of one flaw we had. Halle, by far, has given us the best service and personality we have experienced in our many years of eating out around the world. As a long time server and bartender, I tend to accidentally nit pick at service flaws, as I have been very highly trained. Apparently, so is the staff at Ocean Hai in the Wyndham. If you are a service snob like I am, you will not be disappointed by their attention to detail. This truly makes all the difference. You can sit inside, or outside on the shaded patio with stunning views of the ocean. Be sure to ask for Halle as your server when you go experience Ocean Hai.
In addition to Ocean Hai, you can enjoy food and drinks at the pool bar & grille, lobby bar, and of course room service!
Residence Inn SpringHill Suites by Marriott
The Residence Inn SpringHill Suites is another new hotel, opening in 2017. This is a new concept that most people aren’t used to, but I think that makes this all the better. Instead of one hotel, you essentially get two! With the Residence Inn on one side, and Springhill Suites on the other side. The two hotels share a pool, lobby, and restaurant.
I love the idea of having two concepts in one hotel. You can experience two completely different vibes depending on where you choose to be, and these personalities come together so perfectly in the shared areas. I am a bit obsessed.
The rooms in the Springhill Suites are beautiful, sleek studios. If you need a bit more room, the Residence Inn side of the hotel holds studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites.
My least favorite thing about being on vacation, or even being home, is grocery shopping! I hate restoring a refrigerator and I hate grocery stores. No need to worry about this hassle and waste of time while visiting Clearwater Beach if you are a Residence Inn Spring Hill Suites guest. They offer free grocery delivery, so you can spend more time soaking up the sun. Did I mention it is free? Save some money. Spend more time playing. Does it get any better?
More people need to know about the amazing dining at the Residence Inn Springhill Suites. Besides the amazing FREE BREAKFAST (which I always get excited about at any hotel), the service at the restaurant on property is amazing every single time. You can tell they pride themselves in making their guests happy. We appreciate that extra effort so much.
Opal Sands Resort
The Opal Sands is one of the most aesthetically pleasing hotels and resorts that we have ever visited. They have really put great thought into the design, artwork, and concept. It is PERFECT for Clearwater Beach. As you come up the escalator to the lobby, you are surrounded by a sea of art leading you to the oceanfront view of the Gulf Of Mexico. This place is pretty mind-blowing.
Of course, we are immediately drawn to the beach zero-entry front pool. With the full poolside bar and a private hot tub for guests, you will feel extra relaxed on this amazing resort. Between the palm trees, the fountains, and the All the worries of life just wash away. Next check out Sea-guinea, one of the resort’s restaurants. It has a fantastic menu which is enjoyable for anybody. Of course, fresh seafood stands out among the food selection.
Every room in the Opal Sands Resort is a Gulf view room. No matter what you book at this beautiful resort, you will be able to walk out on your balcony and have the best view of the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, met by white sand right below you. I see dolphins almost every time I go to Clearwater beach, so I am sure in the early mornings you will always have the perfect dolphin-watching view. Luckily for all of us, they love to put on a show!
Sandpearl Resort
One thing is for sure: the Sandpearl Resort has been killing the luxury resort game on Clearwater Beach for a long time. There is a huge reason that they have been absolutely adored by tourists and locals alike since the structure was rebuilt in 2007. They have been throwing the best weddings and proving amazing service since day one. The pride in their work is felt throughout your stay at the Sandpearl.
I have known a few people that have worked at the Sandpearl Resort on Clearwater Beach, and they have all vouched for how amazing this resort is. The weddings are absolutely second to none. Just when you think getting married on “the world’s best beach” can’t get any better, the Sandpearl works magic to blow your mind.
My favorite thing in the world just might be a really good full-service spa. The Sandpearl Spa is … perfect. That very well may have been the best massage I have ever had, which makes the facial that much better. I also have a deep love for their Sunday brunch, which I wish I could make it to every Sunday! It is remarkable. If you didn’t know, me and Travis are the biggest brunch lovers. Make a reservation for Sunday brunch during your stay at any of these Clearwater Beach hotels. You can enjoy the Sandpearl Spa whether you are staying at the Sandpearl Resort or not. Locals are welcome to come to get pampered as well.
Edge Hotel
I thought they were kidding when they said it is hard to leave the Edge Hotel to explore the rest of Clearwater, but they were not lying! This is not a drill! The Edge hotel is absolutely amazing! I now know exactly why they were rated #7 hotel in the world by Trip advisor in 2018. I have fallen in love with living life on the edge, at The Edge. I can now officially appreciate why it is one of the best luxury Clearwater Beach hotels.
Let’s talk dining. First of all, my hat goes off to the employees at the Edge. I really appreciate great service, and everything about the Edge is top of the line. The wait staff and kitchen staff do an absolutely incredible job at creating a “wow factor” with every dining experience. From the staff’s awesome personalities, attention to detail, and great tasting food. We are thoroughly impressed. There is also a whole complimentary breakfast buffet every morning. It is impossible not to get started on the right foot with this pampering. I love free breakfast, especially when the quality is not compromised, as it almost always is.
Everyone can agree that there is nothing like a good rooftop bar. Jimmy’s On The Edge is nothing short of spectacular. They have all of your favorite bar food such as wings and burgers, and a big projector to watch your favorite games! Although I love sports, I find myself lost in the ambiance of the calm sea and beautiful sunsets. For once, I am not even worried about sports or anything else.
The infinity pool on the roof, looking over Clearwater Beach is untouchable. There is no better view than this one. I often see the amazing pool when we are out on the boat. A glass wall replaces the side of the pool so you can see clearly out into the sea from many stories above. From the sea below, you can look up and see people swimming on The Edge. It is the coolest experience … and slightly terrifying.
Dreamview Beachfront Hotel and Resort
The moment you arrive at the Dreamview Resort, you are just completely engulfed in relaxing luxury.
The private cabanas on the private beach and poolside are absolutely perfect for some fun in the sun. Isn’t that what Clearwater Beach is all about? The answer is yes! The Dreamview also has one of the most unique locations of the Clearwater Beach hotels. Because of its southwestern facing direction, you can enjoy the sunset every night and the sunrise every morning from the exact same spot. Did someone tell them that I have an obsession with both sunrises and sunsets? This is my heaven.
Have you ever had drink service on the beach? Most resorts do not offer this luxury, but Dreamview surely does. While sitting under your complimentary cabana on your private beach, you can have a cocktail delivered to you without lifting a toe. I hate walking all the way back to the hotel for a refill. This is perfect! Also, be sure to stop by the tiki hut for a snack while hanging in the sun! It can be easy to forget to eat when you are having all of this fun! We absolutely love to eat at Sam’s Bistro on the beach. If you like to eat in bed like Travis and I do, then you will love ordering room service from the Dreamview Hotel. This was one of the best room service selections we have seen in any of the Clearwater Beach Hotels.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa
I always love staying with the Hyatt, but the Hyatt Regency on Clearwater beach is my favorite so far. Not only is it a hotel, but a full beachfront resort and it couldn’t be more perfect. With its newly renovated suites, the Hyatt Regency offers the largest rooms on Clearwater beach.
Full-service beachside spa? Count me in! This is easily my favorite thing to do, anytime, is to get pampered in a spa. What is better than a massage, a nice facial, and a great ambiance? Pretty much nothing. If I could live at the Hyatt Regency Spa, I certainly would. The poolside cabanas are perfect for hanging out with your favorite cocktail, or maybe some water (stay hydrated).
You can’t forget to check out the stunning high-rise bar for sunset! Swim Bar and Grill, located on the 8th floor of the Hyatt, has an amazing ambiance to go with your fresh sea-to-table meal. I am a sucker for a good sunset, and with this view you have no choice but to be in bliss. The bar and restaurant are open to the public, but you must be a hotel guest to enjoy a dip in the pool.
Sheraton Sand Key Resort
Too many people are unaware of the Sheraton Sand Key Resort because of it’s location. For those of you that are not familiar with Clearwater Beach, there is a small bridge on the North end of Clearwater Beach that leads over to Sand Key. Of course, this is still the same beach but Sand Key is a bit more reserved and private. Put it this way – Clearwater Beach is a tourist galore, but Sand Key Beach is where the locals and snowbirds can hang out without the extra hustle and bustle of vacationers.
Right over Sand Key Bridge lies the amazing Sheraton Sand Key Resort. The beachfront pool and rentable cabanas are calling my name. The Sheraton Sand Key Resort has 13 acres of private beach for you to enjoy, again, without all of the extra commotions. That is why I absolutely had to include this Resort. It really is its own private oasis on one of the most beautiful beaches.
Now lets get down to my favorite part: The restaurants. The Sheraton Sand Key Resort has five restaurants on property to choose from! There is no shortage of food and drink choices here. Rusty’s Bistro has great food as well as an extensive wine list. With over 80 wines by the glass and the bottle, there is something to pair with every food item. The Mainstay Tavern is an awesome sports bar for laid-back sports fans looking for a cold beer and juicy burgers. The Island Grille is fast, fresh, and has something for everyone! If you are anything like Travis and me, your favorite spots will be Slo Joe’s Poolside Turtle Bar as well as the Poolside cafe. It is so hard to get us out of a good pool, especially by a beach, especially with a good drink. These restaurant options offer quickly made food and some shade when you need it.
If anyone comes to Clearwater Beach Florida, you are surely in for a treat. Do yourself a favor by staying at one of these astounding resorts to fully enjoy the luxuries that Clearwater has in Florida. If you don’t already have Clearwater Beach on your list, what are you waiting for? These Clearwater Beach Hotels will surely set the bar for your next getaway.
If you are into beer as much as we are, there is an amazing craft beer scene in the neighboring town of Dunedin, Florida. Be sure to go check out the best breweries around while you’re in town. Trust us, your beer loving heart will thank us!
