40 Devon Dr, Clearwater, Florida, United States | (888) 240-8239
Located on a private stretch of waterfront with 10 boat slips and a pier
Within walking distance of the beach
Standard rooms have microwaves, and there are many family-friendly room types
The courtyard, with a heated pool and shuffleboard courts, overlooks the water
Barbecue grills, picnic tables, and bicycles are available for guests' use
Freebies include parking, Wi-Fi, and continental breakfast on the weekends
Property is clean and well-maintained
Office isn't open 24-hours
Rooms and bathrooms could use renovations
No on-site fitness center or full restaurant
The Sea Captain Resort on the Bay is a clean, 12-room budget hotel that's reminiscent of a fishing lodge. Located on the water, the property has its own private fishing pier, pool, and boat dock. While the local newspaper has reported the City Council's approval of a plan to replace the Sea Captain with an 85-room boutique hotel, for now this budget-friendly hotel, which mostly attracts families, remains open for business. Rooms are basic with dated decor, but all include microwaves and mini-fridges.
Scene
Nautical-themed budget hotel on the water
The Sea Captain Resort on the Bay was built in the early 1950s by a local fisherman. The small hotel has a 340-foot sea wall with a fishing pier and room for 10 boats to dock. It’s located within walking distance of Clearwater Beach, Pier 60, and tons of restaurants.The exterior of the two-story property exudes a ‘50s architectural style with nautical design elements, such as knotted ropes that drape the side of the building and blue awnings. Inside the lobby, there’s a candy dish and a traditional-style bell that sits on the desk for guests to ring upon arrival. Coffee and fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice is served daily in the lobby, and there’s a free continental breakfast on the weekends.The grounds are manicured and well-kept with barbecue grills and tables situated in a grassy area that surrounds the pool deck. Set up like a motel-style property, covered hallways are open to the outside and lead to individual rooms. While there are no private balconies, there are sets of chairs that flank each doorway. Overall, it features few amenities but attracts budget-minded couples and families who don't mind a little wear and tear for low rates.
Location
Located within walking distance of entertainment, shopping, dining, and the beach
The Sea Screamer boat tours are less than a block away, and Clearwater Beach is just a few blocks west, on the other side of the island. Pier 60, a great place to watch the sunset, is within a few short blocks. Frenchy’s Saltwater Cafe, a favorite local hangout that's famous for its seafood fare, is about a 10-minute walk.
Rooms
Rooms look somewhat tired and are in need of updates.
The rooms -- with Florida kitschy-style prints, green carpet, and patterned wallpaper -- need an update. Standard Guestrooms have mini-fridges and microwaves, while Efficiency Guestrooms and Guestroom Suites have kitchenettes (the suites also have pull-out sleeper sofas in the living area). Appliances are dated but functional. Bathrooms -- with old yellow tiles and dated faucets -- could also use renovations.
Features
The on-site boat dock and fishing pier make it easy for travelers to get out on the water.
The property has a fishing pier and boat slips as well as a heated pool. There’s a shuffleboard court that overlooks the water, and bicycles are available at no charge. Guests can also use picnic tables and barbecue grills, which are by the pool. Freebies include parking, Wi-Fi, and continental breakfast on the weekends, which comes with fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice. However, the hotel lacks amenities such as a full-service restaurant and a fitness center.