Edge Hotel

The Edge Hotel in Clearwater Beach is a high-rise property that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico, though the hotel itself is not directly on the beach. Instead, it faces a highly developed section of the Gulf of Mexico, giving guests views of both the water and other high-rise buildings. Outside, the hotel is painted a salmon pink. Inside, the color palette takes on earthier tones with a heavy focus on dark browns along with accents of green and beige. Decor in the public spaces feels more stylish than in the cookie-cutter rooms, though it all falls along the lines of your generic hotel furniture and feel. Still, the Edge Hotel remains a popular choice for its convenient location, contemporary and clean spaces, and views from the pool and rooftop. Though there are no kid-friendly features per se, but the hotel still draws its fair share of families, likely due to the Family Suites which can sleep up to eight. This is a good choice for travelers looking for a reliable property where they can have fun at the bar without bringing the party home. 

The Edge Hotel has a convenient and walkable location in Clearwater Beach, right off the main drag of South Gulfview Boulevard. The beach itself is just a three-minute walk from the hotel, and there are a handful of hotels and several restaurants and shops within the immediate area. Pier 60 Park is just a 15-minute north, while Clearwater Marine Aquarium is seven minutes by car. St. Petersburg-Clearwater Airport is a 25-minute drive away, though it's a fairly small operation. Tampa International Airport also services the area and is only 35 minutes away by car. 

The 155 guest rooms are contemporary, albeit with a cookie-cutter design. Expect carpeted floors with a modern wavy pattern, dark wood laminate furniture, and standard, framed photographs of beach scenes hanging on the walls. A yellow-and-blue color scheme plays out through the patterned bed runners, carpet pattern, and the muted yellow or light-blue accent walls in each room. All rooms come standard with conveniences like microwaves and mini-fridges, plus Keurig coffee machines, 47-inch smart TVs, and individually controlled AC units. Guests can also expect free Wi-Fi (covered by the daily amenities fee) and free local calls. Upgrades to a suite add a separate living room with a pullout sofa bed and workspace, plus nearly twice the space (but still just one bathroom). Bathrooms have walk-in showers, stucco walls, and separate vanity areas. Toiletries are provided.

All rooms except city-view rooms have a personal balcony or outdoor space, usually furnished with a couple of plastic chairs. King Gulf Front Suites are the largest rooms, though only sleep up to four with a sofa bed and king bed. Family Suites can sleep up to eight thanks to two queen beds in the main bedroom, a smaller children’s room with bunk beds, and a queen sofa bed in the living room. 

ADA rooms are available on request. 

Since this hotel is not located directly on the beach, its 17,000-square-foot tiled pool deck is a popular daytime spot for guests. Here, you’ll find several teal-cushioned sunbeds, a central Tiki Bar slinging drinks, and two pools. The main pool shapes up to be your standard rectangular pool (with ADA chair access), while the smaller pool has a unique 27-foot glass-walled infinity pool design that faces straight out to view of the Gulf of Mexico. (It's important to note that the hotel does not work with any beach vendors for access or discounts to beach chairs or sunbeds.)

The hotel boasts a fairly average restaurant, and all rates include continental breakfast buffets with fruit, oatmeal, yogurt, pastries, and coffee. The restaurant, Jimmy’s on the Edge, is a lively rooftop spot serving up casual beach fare like salads, tacos, and sandwiches with great Gulf views. There’s also a full bar and popular happy hour with deals on drinks and food during the week. 

A spacious 24-hour gym has cork floors, a limited number of Precor machines, and free weights, yoga mats, and kettle bells for a decent workout. Other hotel features include a small gift shop with convenience items and souvenirs, 950 square feet of event space, and free parking. Some guests aren’t wild about the daily amenities fee ($29 during our visit), which includes parking, property-wide Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, and acess to the gym.