Beso Del Sol Resort

The first thing you'll see upon arriving at the Beso Del Sol Resort is a large Renaissance-style fountain set amid well-groomed shrubbery. The sense of majesty is short-lived, however, as the rest of the Beso Del Sol looks slightly aging, with a laid-back, beach-bum vibe. The large beige buildings with peach trimmings are built in a zigzag so that every room can have a balcony. The lobby is small and quaint, with paintings of tropical plants and two high-backed wicker chairs across from the reception desk. Most of the action occurs at back of the hotel, where there is the sprawling patio of the Marker 8 Tiki Bar and two pools. The Marker 8, with sunset views of St. Joseph Sound, 40 free docking spaces for boats (it also does boat take-out food and drink), and live music on weekends, is a lively spot for hotel guests and locals alike. The two pools are separated by fringed tiki umbrellas and tables and chairs: one is open to any restaurant patron and the other is heated and open to resort guests only. With affordable bar fair, an assortment of drinks, and impressive views, Marker 8 is a low-key place to spend an evening.

The Beso Del Sol Resort is located right on the shores of the St. Joseph Sound, in Dunedin, Florida. Dunedin is known for its proximity to the top-rated beaches of the Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands, as well as for the Pinellas Trail -- a 39-mile walking and biking trail that cuts through the center of town -- and for the spring training grounds of the Toronto Blue Jays. The Beso Del Sol is conveniently located in for all of these attractions; downtown Dunedin is about a mile away and has a number of popular eateries and shops. Guests can walk or borrow a bike from the hotel and explore the Pinellas Trail just outside the grounds. The Florida Auto Exchange Stadium, where the Blue Jays play, is slightly south of downtown and is a 30-minute walk or five-minute drive. 

The Beso Del Sol Resort offers a range of spacious, all-suites accommodations, which include Studios as well as one- and two-bedroom options. The larger rooms have separate living rooms and dining rooms, and all have either kitchenettes or full kitchens. Decorated to fit the resort's relaxed mood, suites have wicker furniture (including a dining table for at least two), upholstered reading chairs, and plant-themed artwork alongside several live plants. While it may feel a little dated and show some wear and tear, the furniture is comfortable and in generally good condition. Bathrooms are a little small, but are clean and have granite countertops, walk-in showers, and Bath and Body Works toiletries. Studios have fully equipped kitchenettes with coffeemakers and plenty of dishware, while larger suites have full kitchens. All suites have a private balcony with either water or garden views. While the water views are the most scenic, noise does carry from the bar on the patio. 

With its large and lively Marker 8 Tiki Bar that overlooks the water, the Beso Del Sol sets the pace for a relaxed, fun-loving hotel. The restaurant shares a waterfront deck with two pools (one for hotel guests only), a hot tub, and a game room with foosball and ping-pong tables. Bicycles are available to borrow (for three hours at a time), and the city's Jolly Trolley stops right outside the hotel and can take you to Clearwater Beach or Tarpon Springs for a small fee. The hotel also has free Wi-Fi and a small business center, and gives guests free passes to a nearby gym.