Find me a wicked awesome place to stay at St. Petes Beach, FL
November 27, 2006 5:53 PM Subscribe
Inexpensive, cool place to stay at Saint Petes Beach, Florida?
I will be going to Saint Petes Beach in Florida for a wedding at New Years. The wedding will be at Don CeSar Hotel which is $300+ a night, more than I want to spend for accommodation. Do you know any cool, inexpensive, private, quiet, roomy, clean, friendly, nice place to stay near the Don CeSar? Hotels, Inns, B&B, cottages, houses, condos ... what to share a super-duper places you've stayed?
I'm actually not that fussy about where I stay, but I'm a bit adverse to staying at big anonymous hotels, nor do I have to be on the beach. Walking distance to the big pink Don CeSar is probably one of the most important things for me as I don't want to rent a car and want to be able to stagger back to my digs after the wedding. ;)
I'm actually not that fussy about where I stay, but I'm a bit adverse to staying at big anonymous hotels, nor do I have to be on the beach. Walking distance to the big pink Don CeSar is probably one of the most important things for me as I don't want to rent a car and want to be able to stagger back to my digs after the wedding. ;)
St. Pete Beach is more the accurate term....but start here http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g34606-Saint_Pete_Beach_Florida-Hotels.html and that will be your best bet. Lots of small places along Gulf. Blvd. too -- access to pretty much all the beach is not hotel restricted either.
posted by skepticallypleased at 6:19 PM on November 27, 2006
posted by skepticallypleased at 6:19 PM on November 27, 2006
I grew up in St. Pete. There's not much within walking distance of the Don, just because the Don is pretty big, and if I remember, it butts up against a park on one side. (Then again it's been 5 years since I've been back, so all sorts of new things could be there by now.
Gulf Blvd is your best bet for finding stuff nearby. Keep in mind that beach blocks are long ass blocks though, so if something is 8 blocks away as address suggests, it's likely to be a couple of miles. If you go about 3 miles away you hit the Best Western price point hotels.
That said, taxis are plentiful. :)
Here is the google link of all the hotels in the same zip code as the Don.
posted by dejah420 at 6:43 PM on November 27, 2006
Gulf Blvd is your best bet for finding stuff nearby. Keep in mind that beach blocks are long ass blocks though, so if something is 8 blocks away as address suggests, it's likely to be a couple of miles. If you go about 3 miles away you hit the Best Western price point hotels.
That said, taxis are plentiful. :)
Here is the google link of all the hotels in the same zip code as the Don.
posted by dejah420 at 6:43 PM on November 27, 2006
I second the Alden. It may not be "super-duper", but it's more than adequate. You can walk the beach to/from the Don Cesar. Also the Sandpiper next door to the Alden is decent.
posted by yqxnflld at 6:57 PM on November 27, 2006
posted by yqxnflld at 6:57 PM on November 27, 2006
Why not stay in a family-owned amenity motel? These are the cute pastel-coloured hotels built in the 50s and 60s that have a swimming pool in the middle of the complex, with a two-storey horseshoe motel all around. Think Melrose Place for an example.
My aunt and uncle owned a series of those during the 70s until the 90s. They made a nice living with these businesses, and have retired in style as a result. They would buy, renovate, resell; then buy, renovate, sell; etc...
One of their properties was very close to the Don hotel. Not an expensive place but with lots of character - and you find that you get to know your neighbors a little better because people tend to stay a little longer than clients of a regular hotel.
Nevertheless, these motels do take clients on a weekend basis. I have no names to suggest for these motels, I only encourage you to look past the big brands and give a little family motel a chance - you might have an even lovelier stay as a result.
No financial interest, only lovely memories of spending winter weeks in Florida when I was a little girl
posted by seawallrunner at 7:39 PM on November 27, 2006
My aunt and uncle owned a series of those during the 70s until the 90s. They made a nice living with these businesses, and have retired in style as a result. They would buy, renovate, resell; then buy, renovate, sell; etc...
One of their properties was very close to the Don hotel. Not an expensive place but with lots of character - and you find that you get to know your neighbors a little better because people tend to stay a little longer than clients of a regular hotel.
Nevertheless, these motels do take clients on a weekend basis. I have no names to suggest for these motels, I only encourage you to look past the big brands and give a little family motel a chance - you might have an even lovelier stay as a result.
No financial interest, only lovely memories of spending winter weeks in Florida when I was a little girl
posted by seawallrunner at 7:39 PM on November 27, 2006
Best answer: Depending on how much you're looking to spend, there are some great B&Bs a few miles from the Don, like Pasa Tiempo (which is just gorgeous, and about 2.5 miles from there) and Island's End (a little more "rustic" and "Florida like" but also very nice, and about two miles from the Don).
I live in St. Pete! Let me know if you have any other questions (email is in the profile).
posted by mewithoutyou at 8:48 AM on November 28, 2006
I live in St. Pete! Let me know if you have any other questions (email is in the profile).
posted by mewithoutyou at 8:48 AM on November 28, 2006
Response by poster: Seawallrunner:
Yeah somewhere quite/different would be neat. Problem with a lot of the smaller places is finding reviews for them.
SeaWallRunner & MeWithoutYou:
I've been browsing Tripadvisor for the past few weeks and I think I'm just confusing myself! I set my hopes on Island Ends at the end of Passe-a-Grill Way, it looked almost ideal but of course it's booked up!
Dejah420:
The Google Local/Maps link turned up bunch of smaller hotels/motels that I hadn't discovered, thanks! I figured I'd be walking, catching taxis, or using the local shuttle bus service.
repoman & skepticallypleased:
Reviews of the Alden at Tripadvisor seem mixed? What are your personal experiences?
I'm going to poke Tripadvisor & use my Google-fu some more and maybe have some questions about some places later! Thanks all for the advise.
posted by zaphod at 8:27 PM on November 28, 2006
Yeah somewhere quite/different would be neat. Problem with a lot of the smaller places is finding reviews for them.
SeaWallRunner & MeWithoutYou:
I've been browsing Tripadvisor for the past few weeks and I think I'm just confusing myself! I set my hopes on Island Ends at the end of Passe-a-Grill Way, it looked almost ideal but of course it's booked up!
Dejah420:
The Google Local/Maps link turned up bunch of smaller hotels/motels that I hadn't discovered, thanks! I figured I'd be walking, catching taxis, or using the local shuttle bus service.
repoman & skepticallypleased:
Reviews of the Alden at Tripadvisor seem mixed? What are your personal experiences?
I'm going to poke Tripadvisor & use my Google-fu some more and maybe have some questions about some places later! Thanks all for the advise.
posted by zaphod at 8:27 PM on November 28, 2006
There is a reliable and fun Beach Trolley that runs all along the west side from the south tip of St Pete Beach all the way up to Clearwater. You could stay anywhere along its line and easily get to and from the Don CeSar.
posted by lorimer at 3:37 PM on November 29, 2006
posted by lorimer at 3:37 PM on November 29, 2006
Response by poster: Pasa Tiempo looks almost ideal and the reviews are good. But, their reservation policy says:
From December 28 through April 30, a seven-night minimum stay is required.
And I'll only be there 3 nights!
posted by zaphod at 7:59 PM on November 30, 2006
From December 28 through April 30, a seven-night minimum stay is required.
And I'll only be there 3 nights!
posted by zaphod at 7:59 PM on November 30, 2006
Response by poster: Bugger! The Alden is booked up too ...
posted by zaphod at 9:34 AM on December 2, 2006
posted by zaphod at 9:34 AM on December 2, 2006
Response by poster: I e-mailed the Alden and they have 2 rooms left! Sounds like New Years must be a busy time of year there. So I guess I'm going to take this, as any other places I've tried are either full or don't reply.
I don't plan to rent a car, but anyone think I should? Are taxis plentiful if I want to get up-and-down Petes Beach late at night?
One of the things I want to do is go see the Dali Museum.
Thanks for the advise.
posted by zaphod at 9:42 AM on December 3, 2006
I don't plan to rent a car, but anyone think I should? Are taxis plentiful if I want to get up-and-down Petes Beach late at night?
One of the things I want to do is go see the Dali Museum.
Thanks for the advise.
posted by zaphod at 9:42 AM on December 3, 2006
It's about an 11 mile drive from the Alden to the Dali.
Taxi rates are about $2 a mile. Bats Taxi estimates $32 one-way.
The Dali will be open half-days on New Year's Eve and Day. When were you thinking of going?
posted by ?! at 9:37 PM on December 3, 2006
Taxi rates are about $2 a mile. Bats Taxi estimates $32 one-way.
The Dali will be open half-days on New Year's Eve and Day. When were you thinking of going?
posted by ?! at 9:37 PM on December 3, 2006
Response by poster: I get to St. Petes on Friday afternoon, around 3pm, the wedding I'll be attending is on Sat. So I'm hoping I'll be fit to go on Sun (after celebrating the wedding).
$32! Mething I'll bus it in at least one direction, unless I can get someone else to split the cab-fare with me! I made sure to put Bats Taxi into my mobile.
Nice username ?!, thanks for the help.
posted by zaphod at 8:11 PM on December 4, 2006
$32! Mething I'll bus it in at least one direction, unless I can get someone else to split the cab-fare with me! I made sure to put Bats Taxi into my mobile.
Nice username ?!, thanks for the help.
posted by zaphod at 8:11 PM on December 4, 2006
zaphod: Be aware the buses are a bit small town. Not always handy, especially on weekends.
If you like Dali at all...make an effort to get there. It's a small museum, but you can see a few of his large works.
If you like, email me. I'll try to answer any other questions you might have. I can at least give someone a call to get an answer for you.
posted by ?! at 8:42 PM on December 4, 2006
If you like Dali at all...make an effort to get there. It's a small museum, but you can see a few of his large works.
If you like, email me. I'll try to answer any other questions you might have. I can at least give someone a call to get an answer for you.
posted by ?! at 8:42 PM on December 4, 2006
Response by poster: Am I mad to think I can walk up and down Gulf Boulevard? Looking at the area with Google Earth I'm not sure if there is even a footpath/sidewalk? Maybe I should get an hotel closer or just splurge and stay at the Don CeSar, where the wedding is, or rent a car. Problem with a car, is I know that at least one night I'll have drunk too much to drive ...
>Be aware the buses are a bit small town.
I kinda figured the buses are small town, I am going to car country! Hmmm, now you got me thinking that over New Years the buses mightn't be too frequent.
Get so used in Boston to being to walk, subway, or bus to things and not needing a car.
>I'll try to answer any other questions you might have.
?! thanks for the offer I may take you up on it.
posted by zaphod at 4:58 PM on December 5, 2006
>Be aware the buses are a bit small town.
I kinda figured the buses are small town, I am going to car country! Hmmm, now you got me thinking that over New Years the buses mightn't be too frequent.
Get so used in Boston to being to walk, subway, or bus to things and not needing a car.
>I'll try to answer any other questions you might have.
?! thanks for the offer I may take you up on it.
posted by zaphod at 4:58 PM on December 5, 2006
You can definitely walk up and down Gulf Blvd -- its name makes it sound bigger than it is, but it's really not traffic-heavy. The area feels very peaceful and safe (during my short time there, I walked most nights by myself [small framed female] just for pleasure, along Gulf Blvd down to its southern end in Pass-a-Grille). I was there in December and it was not cold or unpleasant even in the middle of the night.
posted by lorimer at 8:02 PM on December 5, 2006
posted by lorimer at 8:02 PM on December 5, 2006
Yeah, stay away from driving even a bit tipsy. They put more than the normal extra police on the road every holiday.
You won't have any problem walking Gulf Blvd. Most of it won't be on the sidewalk, but the store and home lots give you plenty of leeway to walk off the road.
posted by ?! at 7:18 AM on December 7, 2006
You won't have any problem walking Gulf Blvd. Most of it won't be on the sidewalk, but the store and home lots give you plenty of leeway to walk off the road.
posted by ?! at 7:18 AM on December 7, 2006
Response by poster: No fear of me drinking & driving! I just figured that my time at St. Pete's that I'd spend so little time driving a car that taxis would be cheaper.
Be there next Friday, looking forward to seeing a wee bit of Florida.
posted by zaphod at 11:20 AM on December 23, 2006
Be there next Friday, looking forward to seeing a wee bit of Florida.
posted by zaphod at 11:20 AM on December 23, 2006
zaphod: I hope you're safe and sound in town. The weather's great everyone.
posted by ?! at 1:24 PM on December 29, 2006
posted by ?! at 1:24 PM on December 29, 2006
Response by poster: Had a decent time. The Alden Hotel was fairly nice, had decent big room with a wee kitchen, nice big bed. Fairly family oriented.
The beach was nice, big and wide and clean. The wedding at the Don Cesar (fancy place) went well. The weather was feckin' great and the family were in great form.
Only complaint was the sidewalks on the main drag are flippin' tiny, when your walking up and down the main drag, tis definitely a place where a car is needed. Good job I had Bats Taxi's number programmed into my mobile phone.
We actually found it hard to find somewhere nice (and reasonable) to eat/drink. I usually do a bunch of research before I go travelling to find places to go out to. But, silly me didn't on this trip, so not finding good place is probably my fault! All in all was a good weekend and the Dali Museum was worth seeing.
?! didn't bring my laptop as I was trying to minimise the weight so wasn't able to reply to your post till now. Much thanks for your and everyone else's advise. Let me know if your ever going to Boston and I'll see what pointers I can give you.
Damn, I miss walking on the beach at the end of the day!
posted by zaphod at 5:52 PM on January 5, 2007
The beach was nice, big and wide and clean. The wedding at the Don Cesar (fancy place) went well. The weather was feckin' great and the family were in great form.
Only complaint was the sidewalks on the main drag are flippin' tiny, when your walking up and down the main drag, tis definitely a place where a car is needed. Good job I had Bats Taxi's number programmed into my mobile phone.
We actually found it hard to find somewhere nice (and reasonable) to eat/drink. I usually do a bunch of research before I go travelling to find places to go out to. But, silly me didn't on this trip, so not finding good place is probably my fault! All in all was a good weekend and the Dali Museum was worth seeing.
?! didn't bring my laptop as I was trying to minimise the weight so wasn't able to reply to your post till now. Much thanks for your and everyone else's advise. Let me know if your ever going to Boston and I'll see what pointers I can give you.
Damn, I miss walking on the beach at the end of the day!
posted by zaphod at 5:52 PM on January 5, 2007
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by repoman at 6:17 PM on November 27, 2006