14 Top-Rated Resorts in Clearwater, FL

One of the many sought-after sun destinations gracing Florida’s Gulf coast, Clearwater is famous for its wonderful three-mile-long beach. Clearwater Beach serves as a beautiful backdrop to a variety of great accommodations. All budgets are catered to here, with popular high-end resorts right through to budget accommodations.

It’s important to note that not all resorts are beachfront. Many are actually located at the south end of the island, away from the main beach area, on Sand Key to the south, or on the Intracoastal waterway. Be sure to take a moment to look at where your property is actually located before booking, especially if you want a beachfront resort.

Many of the least expensive properties are located away from the beach, but you’re never too far away, with ample, but expensive, parking available.

Whatever your needs, you’ll find a great place to stay with our list of the best hotels and resorts in Clearwater.

1. Sandpearl Resort

Accommodation: Sandpearl Resort

The Sandpearl Resort offers visitors to Clearwater a high-degree of luxury. Set overlooking Clearwater Beach, this chic property offers many great amenities, including a fine dining and casual restaurant, a large gradual-entry swimming pool, a fitness center, and a full-service spa. Fun tours and expeditions can also be arranged by resort staff, including the chance to get in some kayaking, fishing, or dolphin spotting.

The resort is located in the quieter, and very beautiful, northern section of Clearwater Beach, closer to the private homes and smaller condo buildings. It’s less crowded here, and you’ll see fewer day trippers; however, should you wish to walk to Pier 60 for sunset, you are only 10 minutes away.

Down at the beach, guests can rent private cabanas or beach hammocks, while those arriving by boat can dock at the resort’s private marina. The resort also boasts a large meeting and conference center.

When it comes to accommodations, guests can opt for a spacious one- or two-bedroom unit complete with a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry facility, plus oversized balcony. Smaller options include well-appointed suites with double queen beds and great gulf views from their balconies, as well as a separate seating area with a pullout sofa bed. All units come with large bathrooms with big soaker tubs and stand-alone showers.

The Sandpearl Resort is moderately pet-friendly. Furry friends (dogs only — sorry, cat lovers!) up to 30 pounds are permitted in special pet rooms. A very steep additional $100 fee per night per dog, not per stay, is charged. So, if you have two dogs, it’s an extra $200 per night.

Address: 500 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater Beach, Florida

2. Opal Sands Resort

Accommodation: Opal Sands Resort

One of the newer vacation properties in Clearwater, Opal Sands Resort offers a high-degree of luxury in its spacious suites. Highlights of a stay in one of the resort’s 230 rooms includes stretching out and relaxing on your own private balcony while enjoying the lovely water views. Better still, book into one of the spacious, premium one-bedroom units.

These elegant suites come with comfortable pillow-top beds, pullout couches, dining room tables (the hotel offers in-room dining), as well as large bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers. They also feature handy mini-fridges, microwaves, and dishwashers. For those with the bank balance to support it, a stay in the two-bedroom Presidential Suite might be worth considering.

The feeling that you’re staying somewhere special extends well beyond your room. Great attention to detail and design can be seen everywhere, from the resort’s art collection, displayed throughout the property, including in its guest rooms, to its huge convention and meeting spaces.

Amenities of note include a large zero-entry heated outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, a full-service spa, plus a lovely gulf-view dining room, and a choice of three restaurants. Also available for guests are services like rentals of beach chairs, cabanas, and umbrellas.

The resort is somewhat pet-friendly. Dogs, up to 30 pounds are permitted in special pet rooms. An additional $100 per dog, per night is charged, and a maximum of two dogs are allowed per room.

The resort is located at the far southern end of Clearwater Beach.

Address: 430 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, Florida

3. Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa

As far as a prime location on Clearwater Beach, The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa can’t be beat. Smack dab in the middle of the beach and all the action, the resort offers a mix of 287 spacious guestrooms and suites. Varying in size from 400 to 1,600 square feet, these elegantly decorated and furnished units provide everything needed to ensure a carefree vacation, including fully-equipped kitchens, work desks, huge 65-inch HD TVs, and spacious balconies.

The largest units also come with a separate private bedroom, full-size appliances, and guaranteed gulf views from their large balconies.

As you’d expect from a Hyatt resort, the amenities are also world-class. Highlights include a large gulf-facing heated swimming pool with private cabana rentals (featuring climate control, HD TV, plus food and beverage service); casual and fine dining options, including the popular SHOR restaurant; a massive 32,500-square-feet of convention space; a large fitness center; and a spa offering massages and beauty treatments.

The resort also offers a great deal of fun for kids, too. Among the most popular amenities are a kids’ camp centered around its own swimming pool. The resort can also handle the booking and arrangements of off-site adventures, such as deep-sea fishing, cruises, Jet Ski rentals, snorkeling, and dolphin-watching cruises.

No pets are permitted at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort.

Address: 301 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater, Florida

4. Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

Accommodation: Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

The Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach resort is the next-door neighbor to the Hyatt Regency and occupies prime direct beachfront real estate. A big brand name that’s popular for those seeking a beach vacation on the Florida Panhandle, the resort boasts a number of great amenities that are sure to keep everyone busy.

Highlights include a large, heated outdoor swimming pool (plus hot tub); a well-equipped fitness center; a full-service spa; meeting and convention space; a business center; beach access (including beach chairs and umbrellas); plus restaurants.

Located nearby is a handy marina for those wanting to bring their own boat, or for guests who are interested in rentals. The famous Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach is a pleasant five-minute stroll along the beach. Parking is via the resort’s valet service only.

The resort, recently built in 2017, consists of 343 guest rooms, all with great views over the nearby beach, Intracoastal Waterway, or marina. A popular choice for couples is the spacious king rooms, featuring large HD TVs, mini-fridges, and balconies. A larger version comes with a pullout couch and can sleep up to four guests comfortably.

Pets are not permitted at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach.

Address: 100 Coronado Drive, Clearwater, Florida

5. Sheraton Sand Key Resort

Accommodation: Sheraton Sand Key Resort

A highlight of a stay at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort is the chance to hang out on the resort’s expansive 13-acre private beach. Here, you can spend the day relaxing on comfortable lounge chairs or in a rental cabana, or take time wandering and exploring the surrounding area.

There are many other things to do here, too, including enjoying a game of tennis or pickleball on one of the three floodlit courses, working out in the fitness center, or even (heaven forbid) catching up with a little work in the well-equipped business center.

Another plus is the large heated beachfront swimming pool (the kids have their own), with its comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas and poolside café, along with the large, 12-person hot tub. On-site dining is also available.

The resort offers 174 traditional hotel-style rooms with a choice of king or two queen beds, spacious patios or balconies, seating areas with HD TVs, work desks, coffee makers, plus free bottled water. If you can swing it, go for one of the 40 slightly larger Club Rooms. These luxury rooms also allow access to the private Club Lounge, with free breakfasts, hors d’oeuvres, and beverages. Guest parking is available at no charge, as are electric car charging facilities.

Address: 1160 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater Beach, Florida

6. Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key

Accommodation: Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key

The recently renovated Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key is a great choice for those looking for a family sun vacation on Florida’s Panhandle.

At the hotel, you’ll be treated to a comfortable stay in your choice of water-view suites boasting exquisite marble bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers, and handy mini-fridges and microwaves. A popular choice, the water-view one-bedroom suites come with large balconies, pullout couches, and comfortable seating areas with HD TVs. On-site amenities include a large fitness center (plus a jogging trail), a full-service day spa, a hair salon, and a variety of great dining options, including al fresco.

This resort is set on the inland side of Sand Key, not on the Gulf of Mexico, and does not have a beach. If you want to head to the beach, make the two-mile trek to Clearwater Beach, or better yet, head to Sand Key Park, located across the street from the hotel. This large park has a good sand beach and chair rentals and is rarely crowded. However, most people tend to just stay at the resort for its amazing amenities.

These include the resort’s swimming pool, a big draw, especially for those traveling with kids thanks to its spectacular 35-foot waterfall and the special pool just for children. Looking for a bit of alone adult time? Utilize the babysitting service, or check the youngsters into the kids’ club, which offers a variety of fun programs.

You’ll also find a variety of adventure opportunities and experiences to enjoy, including rentals of Jet Skis and kayaks.

Address: 1201 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater Beach, Florida

7. Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach

Accommodation: Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach

The Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater Beach resort is another new accommodation option to have sprung up in recent years. It’s a great location for those wanting to spend time exploring the area, whether it be dining, shopping, or taking in some entertainment. The resort is not located on the main Clearwater Beach. Count on a 20-minute walk to Pier 60; 10 minutes if you just want to find a patch of sand at the south end of the beach.

Guest amenities include on-site restaurants, a large outdoor heated swimming pool (complete with waterfall and pool cabana rentals), a fitness center, outdoor terraces, and meeting spaces overlooking the beach, plus a convenience store. Free breakfasts are included in your stay.

All rooms are freshly decorated and clean and come with such standard features as HD TVs, seating and work areas, microwaves and mini-fridges, as well as good-sized balconies. Some of the large two-room suites come with pullout couches. A number of accessible units for those with mobility challenges are also available.

Address: 635 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, Florida

8. Shephard’s Beach Resort

Accommodation: Shephard’s Beach Resort

Shephard’s Beach Resort offers plenty of great reasons to consider this beachside property for your Clearwater vacation. Affordable accommodation options include a choice of double queen or single king rooms with microwaves and mini-fridges, along with comfortable seating and tables. All rooms also come with good-sized balconies, free Wi-Fi, large-screen TVs, and coffee makers.

If more space is needed, check out the two-bedroom units. These spacious suites come with a queen and a king bedroom (each with an en-suite), along with a pull-out couch in the living area. Other notable features include the two large balconies with gulf views, a well-equipped kitchen with modern appliances, plus three TVs.

On-site amenities include a restaurant that also offers alfresco dining on the resort’s large beachfront patio. Other amenities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, a good-sized fitness center, laundry facilities, plus rental services for bikes, Jet Skis, kayaks, and other fun toys.

Address: 619 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, Florida

9. Residence Inn Clearwater Beach

Accommodation: Residence Inn Clearwater Beach

Brand new to the accommodation scene in Clearwater Beach is the Residence Inn. It’s ideal for those who don’t require a beachfront location but still want to be just a few steps from the sand. The hotel occupies a prime location behind the Hyatt Regency, mere steps to the best area of Clearwater Beach.

Rooms, many with balconies offer stunning views out over the Intracoastal waterway. The Residence Inn Clearwater Beach is ideal for families and those who like to do a bit of self catering. All rooms come with full kitchens and dining areas. The hotel has a restaurant, and the rate includes breakfast.

The pool and deck look out over the water, and an extensive selection of loungers and tables with umbrellas are available.

The Residence Inn Clearwater Beach is one of the best places to stay if you are traveling with a pet. Although a $125 fee is charged for up to two pets, the fee is per stay, and not per night.

Address: 309 Coronado Drive, Clearwater Beach, Florida

10. Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Clearwater Beach

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Clearwater Beach

One of the most popular mid-range resort offerings in Clearwater, the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Clearwater Beach offers guests plenty of reasons to check in here.

Located within easy walking distance of the main beach area and close to the best places to visit for shopping, dining, and entertainment, this bright and clean 3-star resort features a good on-site restaurant in the popular Jimmy’s Fish House, along with nightly entertainment from local musicians (in-room dining and room service are also available).

Other amenities of note include a well-equipped fitness center and workout room, conference facilities and a business center, plus a heated outdoor swimming pool.

Each of the resort’s 189 spacious guest rooms comes in family-friendly “Kids Suites” and one-bedroom variations. In addition to their comfortable beds and quality bedding, units come with kitchen areas with granite countertops, mini-fridges, and spacious private balconies. Also included are large-screen HD TVs and free Wi-Fi.

Address: 521 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater, Florida

11. Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa

Accommodation: Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa

The recently renovated Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa is spread across 10 acres of beautiful coastal real estate in the center of Clearwater Beach. Ideally located right near Pier 60 – all the best areas of Clearwater Beach are within easy walking distance.

In addition to featuring a number of excellent restaurants, the resort boasts more than 35,000 square feet of function and meeting space, two heated outdoor swimming pools, direct beach access (cabana and beach chair rentals available), and plenty of decks and terraces on which to lounge about or sunbathe.

There’s also a full-service spa, shoe-shine service, laundry and dry-cleaning services, plus a snack shop. Those looking to explore the surrounding area can rent a bike or Jet Ski. For the kids, the resort puts on a variety of organized activities, and there’s also a playground.

Rooms come in single-king or double-queen versions. Whatever your preference, you’ll get great views from your balcony. The rooms also feature a desk, mini-fridge, black-out curtains, and an HD TV. Larger groups can order connecting rooms.

Address: 400 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater Beach, Florida

12. Hotel Cabana Clearwater Beach

Accommodation: Hotel Cabana Clearwater Beach

One of the oldest accommodations in Clearwater Beach, Hotel Cabana was built in 1947 and continues to offer holidaymakers unique stays on one of the top beaches in the US. It’s a relatively intimate boutique-style property that offers tastefully decorated rooms at reasonable rates.

Popular choices include the cozy “petite rooms,” perfect for couples planning on spending more time exploring the area and relaxing outdoors than they’ll spend indoors. These rooms come with queen beds, mini-fridges, and TVs. A step-up for those with kids is the “queen + bunk suites.” Highlights are a second bathroom and two TVs. Larger still are the one-bedroom cabana units, which come with compact kitchenettes.

An important part of any stay here is the beach. Given the hotel’s location in the north end of Clearwater Beach, there’s a tendency for the beaches to be a little less busy, too, which is a plus. The hotel has a good-sized heated swimming pool and sun deck and provides free lounge seating, tables, and umbrellas. Count on a five-minute walk to the beach from the hotel.

Address: 669 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater, Florida

13. Barefoot Bay Resort & Marina

Accommodation: Barefoot Bay Resort & Marina

Another great option for those on a budget and who are seeking a good, top-rated getaway in Clearwater Beach, the colorful Barefoot Bay Resort & Marina has much to recommend it. On-site amenities include a good-sized heated outdoor swimming pool, barbecue usage, a marina, plus boat and Jet Ski rentals. The hotel is located on the inland side of Clearwater Beach and does not have its own beach; a five-minute walk will have you at the main beach area by Pier 60.

A variety of room sizes are available. A popular option for families of up to six is the spacious two-bedroom apartment unit (one bedroom with a queen, one with two twin beds). Other benefits include a separate living room with a huge 60-inch TV and pullout couch, and a well-equipped kitchen complete with full fridge. Other options are the standard-sized hotel rooms with a choice of one or two queen beds, kitchenettes, and breakfast tables.

Address: 401 East Shore Drive, Clearwater Beach, Florida

14. Palm Pavilion Inn

Accommodation: Palm Pavilion Inn

Fans of Art Deco architecture will want to check into the Palm Pavilion Inn. Located just steps from the sand, this small property has only 30 rooms, consisting of regular hotel rooms, one-bedroom suites, and efficiency rooms. All rooms have balconies that either face the ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway.

A small heated pool is located on the property, and one of the major highlights of a stay here is the rooftop patio. Up here, you’ll be treated to the best sunsets and sunrises that Clearwater Beach has to offer.

On the property is the Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill, one of the most popular restaurants in the area serving up fresh seafood and other tasty beach treats. The patio here is packed most days with sun worshippers from across the USA.

Map of Resorts in Clearwater, FL