Spikeit

My family will be in Tampa for a volleyball tournament the beginning of April. We are going down a few days early and would like to stay on the beach in Clearwater area. My daughter is 16. Considering Shephard's Beach Resort. Anyone stayed there? Any other recommendations?

KathyK

I haven't stayed there but I am also looking for a hotel in Clearwater and called Shepard's and was warned by the clerk that they are an "entertainment hotel" with music playing all day and night. Apparently it is quite the party scene, with bikini contests, etc. Turns out a friend of mine stayed there a few years ago and said it was a nightmare, no way to escape the constant noise and partying. I am also interested in suggestions, for a family of 5, with 3 teenagers, for mid April, on the beach.

Tandoori_Girl

I love the Clearwater Beach Hotel -- although it has a low-budget separate 1960s building off-site that I'd steer clear of. You'll find a medley of accomodations in this historic hotel, from suites to rooms. Google for the web site.

This is separated from the really wild and heavily populated part -- but it's just a short walk down the beach to there for 16-year-olds who might want to venture into the excitement, leaving mom and dad to soak up some quieter time at CBHotel.

Tandoori_Girl

Here it is:

www.clearwaterbeachhotel.com

I think you'd find this a nice compromise for location. The teens can walk down to the action, which is just around the corner. But this is not in that rowdy section. This is a really terrific spot and the prices are really competitive for what you're getting. If you have to low-budget it, ask about their off-site apartments. They aren't much but the location is good.

jon

Here's another warning for Shepard's. Steer clear of it with children. It's very "adult" oriented.

Clearwater Beach Hotel is a nice location. On the other side of the causeway is Sheraton Sand Key. Defenitely away from the action, but right on the beach.

Spikeit

Thank you very much for the warning about Shepherd's Beach Hotel. I am checking out your other suggestions. So glad I found this website.

gmoney

I would recommend the Adams Mark hotel on Clearwater Beach. We have stayed there many times and loved it. The location is great and it has the best pool deck, and is very family oriented. Everything said about Shepards is true (Nice place to visit but would not want to live there), It is a great place to party! Adams Mark is one or two buildings away from Shepards so you could easily visit if you want. Clearwater Beach Hotel is nice to but it is a bit farther away from everything. Adams Mark is walkable to just about anywhere you would want to go on CB. Hope this helps..

Convivial

Tandoori, what part of the Tampa area do you reside in? Your advice seems right on the mark and quite useful. I take it you are familiar with Sunset Beach. Groovey place!.

Tandoori_Girl

I like Sunset Beach. It's difficult to find beaches in this area where there are no high-rises. SB has only a few. I have a little rental house on SB -- it's always always booked (which leaves me high and dry in my Tampa home where I work).

If you're interested in Sunset and TI, this article might interest you:

http://www.sptimes.com/2004/01/11/Ne...condo_in.shtml

I'm afraid we might be seeing the end of 1950s TI if the developers get their way -- unless these guys have some plans to save the old historic structures.

Ditto for Adams Mark, Spikeit. Probably more what the kids would like. More activity.