Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa

The Hilton Clearwater Beach is an upper-middle-range chain hotel that caters to a wide range of traveler types, from vacationing couples and families with children, to destination wedding groups, to corporate travelers in town for on-site conferences. The hotel occupies a plain white rectangle of a building that's on the older side, and the hotel underwent renovations in 2016 and into 2017, updating the rooms, lobby, restaurant, and pool area. Despite these efforts, some guests may still find elements look a tad dated, though overall interiors are certainly much improved. Like many Hilton properties, the hotel uses a card system -- upon arrival, guests will get cards for beach towels, breakfast, and free signature drinks, and the daily resort fee is clearly outlined. 

The Hilton Clearwater Beach is located on the main beach road, right next to the town's main traffic circle that connects to the inland-bound Causeway Boulevard. The hotel is across the street from a Subway, a Hooters, and a coffee shop, and there's a Walgreens a couple of blocks away. The whole area is filled with a mix of independent and chain shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as other hotels. Pier 60 Park is right next door to the hotel and the Clearwater Beach Visitor Information Center, located inside the park, takes about four minutes to reach on foot. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium can be reached in about five minutes by car or 20 minutes by foot, while it's an eight-minute drive to Caladesi Island State Park. Tampa International Airport is the nearest major airport and takes about 35 minutes to reach by car.

The hotel offers a wide variety of rooms and suites, mostly differentiated by their views and beds (one king-size and two double bed options are available). Big open-plan Junior Suites and slightly smaller Palm Suites with separate living rooms and sofa beds are also available, as is a huge Royal Suite with a whirlpool hot tub, adjoining area, and a wet bar. Rooms have views of the gulf, park, harbor, or of the interior of the hotel, while all the suites have private balconies that look out on Clearwater Beach.

Decor is consistent across room types, and includes neutral patterned carpet, wood furnishings, and off-white and pale blue walls without much in terms of artwork beyond a few simple framed art prints. Bathrooms have a mix of wood, ceramic, and marble fittings, with Hilton's standard Peter Thomas Roth toiletries, and most have shower/tub combos. All rooms and suites come with black-out curtains, flat-screen TVs with premium cable, safes, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and mini-fridges. Accessible rooms are also available. Rooms were renovated in 2016, but some issues still linger, such as thin walls. Cribs can be provided upon request. 

The Hilton Clearwater has a huge range of amenities aimed at both business travelers and tourists. The beach is the main draw for many guests, with lots of shaded sunbeds and lounge chairs spread out over powdery white sand (fees apply), plus a giant chessboard and jet skiing. There are also two pools with lounge chairs, renovated after our visit; the smaller pool also has a few cabanas. The fitness center is decent, with Precor-brand treadmills, bikes, and stair steppers plus a rack of free weights. The hotel also has a spa -- Hibiscus -- offering everything from massages and facials to nail services and spray tans. There's also a gift shop selling all sorts of random kitschy souvenirs along with snacks and practical items, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and beach wear.

The Hilton Clearwater Beach also offers a good selection of dining and drinking options, including Starbucks, a beachfront bar -- Tommy's Tiki -- for guests who want to order drinks straight to their lounge chairs, and the pool-facing Sand Bar & Grill. Coasters Lounge offers casual bites such as burgers and calamari, while Carambola -- the all-day restaurant -- has a huge menu of offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Spotted Donkey Cantina serves Mexican fare with Southwestern influences in a stylish dining room with adjacent terrace seating. Room service is also available, but it's not 24/7.

Business facilities include a business center in the lobby along with 21 meeting and event rooms, including a Grand Ballroom four up to 1,200 people. Wedding services are also available, and there's even a dedicated wedding area right on the beach. Family-friendly amenities include children's activities, kids' menus, and a playground, and high chairs, cribs, and playpens can be arranged through the front desk. Other on-site features include the option of coin-operated laundry facilities or valet laundry and dry-cleaning services, luggage storage, a shoe-shine stand, and valet and self parking (both for a fee). Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel free of charge, though there is a fee for high-speed options. Pets are not allowed.