Bayview Plaza Waterfront Resort

The Bayview Plaza Waterfront Resort is one of three hotels in a group that has been family owned since 1988. Sister properties are Plaza Beach Hotel - Beachfront Resort and Bay Palms Waterfront Resort - Hotel & Marina. The three hotels share all amenities. The Bayview Plaza is situated in a two-story motel-like beige building with a Spanish-style roof. The parking lot surrounds the front of the hotel, which is an older property that has been updated. The atmosphere is family-friendly and is especially nice out back by the bay, where guests can grill, picnic, play chess, or enjoy the water view. Multiple docks and Tiki huts allow guests to hang out on the water and by the outdoor pool. The minimum age for guests without parents is 25. 

The Bayview Plaza Waterfront Resort is located on Boca Ciega Bay on St. Pete Beach just across the street from the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. It's located on the main road, and the area surrounding is typical of the St. Pete Beach area, with resorts, condos, hotels, shops, and restaurants all around. The Dolphin Village shopping center with grocery and drug stores, shops, and dining is a short walk from the hotel. The location also is not far from the interstate and is less than a mile from the causeway that brings you to the beaches. Other area destinations include:

• 15-minute drive to Chihuly Collection, Dali Museum, Florida Holocaust Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg 
• 15-minute drive to Fort de Soto Park and Tropicana Field to see the Tampa Bay Rays
• 30-minute drive to Tampa International Airport and St. Pete Clearwater International Airport
• 40-minute drive to the Florida Aquarium
• 50-minute drive to Busch Gardens, Lowry Park Zoo, and Adventure Island
• Less than an hour to Caladesi and Honeymoon Island state parks
• Less than two hours to Disney World and other Orlando theme parks 

Although all rooms are called suites, they are efficiency-style units that are on the small side, but all are well-maintained and clean. Rooms include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and full kitchens with microwaves, refrigerators, electric ranges, coffeemakers, toasters, and supplies for cooking and dining. Homey decor is mostly neutral, with beige tile flooring, beige walls, and medium-toned wood furnishings. Blue ceilings, tropical artwork, tropical bed toppers on white sheets, and floral upholstery covers add a bit of color -- the look is essentially tropical cottage. Most rooms have beautiful bay views that are especially nice from the balconies and rooms like the Penthouse Suite have extra space to spread out, including a generous seating area and a dining table. Tan tile bathrooms are compact, with little counter space, and toiletries are provided in eco-friendly large bottles. Most bathrooms are shower-only, and the shower is tiny.

The small outdoor pool overlooks the bay and is a nice place to cool off, though the pool deck is too narrow for lounge chairs. Small cafe tables and chairs give guests somewhere to sit by the pool, however. Lounge chairs and palapas are available on the docks. A grill and tools are provided for guests who want to cook out, and there's a hammock, table and chairs, and a large chess set nearby.There's a picnic table under a palapa that provides another spot for dining alfresco. A small dog playground is fenced, but the surface is hard with no grass. A coin-operated laundry room has books for guests to borrow. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and one parking space is included with each room. The hotel can arrange excursions and various water sports are available and a small fitness room with free weights is available as well.