5250 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, Florida, United States | 727-360-1811
Located on a beautiful beach, a quick drive to shopping and dining
Fresh, modern rooms with microwaves and mini-fridges, some with spectacular views
Three on-site restaurants, including a revolving space on the 12th floor
Outdoor pool overlooking the beach
Fitness and business centers
Coin-operated laundry room
Free Wi-Fi, parking, and 24/7 coffee and tea in the lobby
Extensive events space
Breakfast not included with room rates
Elevators can be slow
Pool is a bit small, and chairs are tightly spaced
The 156-room mid-range Grand Plaza Beachfront Resort Hotel & Conference Center is right on the Gulf of Mexico, a five-minute drive from the shops along Corey Avenue in St. Pete's Beach. Rooms are modern and fresh, with microwaves and mini-fridges, and some have spectacular views of the bay or gulf. The revolving restaurant on the top floor is popular with both guests and locals, and the expansive events space draws both social events and business gatherings. There is also a pool and fitness center, as well as a beachfront bar. Families may want to check out the Guy Harvey Outpost. It's similarly priced but offers more activities for children.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Casual beachfront hotel with with classy, iconic touches
The hotel is situated in an iconic white cylindrical building that stands 12 stories tall on the beach. Guests drive through a long parking lot out front to arrive, and there is also parking in an underground garage. The large lobby is bright and appropriately beachy, with white walls and white upholstered seating. The beige marble floor is accented with black marble inlay, and large potted palms add a tropical touch. A glossy black baby grand piano stands beside the concierge desk and provides entertainment in the evening, adding a touch of class to the space. There are three casual dining spots in the hotel, including Spinners, the revolving rooftop restaurant that's popular with locals and tourists alike, and Bongo's, a lively beachfront bar and grill. The hotel attracts families and couples, and is a popular place for weddings and other social events as well as business gatherings.
Location
Located on the beach, close to shops and dining
The hotel is situated on the beach near many other hotels, residential properties. Corey Avenue, the main drag in St. Pete's Beach that's lined with several other retail, drinking, and dining destinations, is a five-minute drive from the hotel. It's about a 25-minute drive from St. Petersburg and its attractions, including the Salvador Dali Museum and Museum of Fine Arts. Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, and Fort de Soto Park also are about 20 minutes away by car. Tampa attractions, including Adventure Island, Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and Lowry Park Zoo, are 45 minutes to an hour's drive away, and Tampa International Airport will take about 40 minutes to reach. St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport is a 35-minute drive from the hotel.
Rooms
Fresh, modern rooms with mini-fridges and microwaves, some with spectacular views
Rooms are modern and fresh, with beige tile floors, contemporary dark wood furnishings, white bed coverings with trendy steel blue bed runners and throws, and a soft blue accent wall with neutral-toned floral artwork. They have a sharp, homey look and are a step above many hotels in the area in terms of style. Amenities in all rooms include air-conditioning and ceiling fans, a small furnished balcony or terrace, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, microwaves, free Wi-Fi, 32-inch TVs with HBO, and DVD/CD players. Bathrooms are small but modern, with cheery yellow walls and trendy square or above-counter sinks. Unfortunately, the Florida humidity has taken its toll, and some tiled shower/tub combo show signs of mildew and rust. Views are of the bay, city, or beach, and can be spectacular, especially from higher floors. Elevators can be slow during busier times at the hotel.
Features
Three restaurants, beach and outdoor pool, plus fitness and business centers
Spinners Rooftop Revolving Bistro and Lounge on the 12th floor is a popular place to dine. The restaurant slowly revolves 360 degrees, taking about an hour and half to complete one rotation. American cuisine is served for lunch and dinner, including seafood, steaks, chicken, and pasta. Breakfast is offered in the sunny Palm Room and Restaurant, and guests can choose the buffet or order off the menu. It is not included with room rates. Bongos Beachside Bistro is a casual, relaxed spot for light fare and drinks by the beach, and it hosts live entertainment some nights. The rooftop Level 11 Rooftop Artisan Bistro Bar is a lovely place for drinks, small plates, and watching the sunset. The outdoor pool is heated and overlooks the beach. Palm trees and tropical vegetation surround it, and there are padded lounge chairs and a couple of umbrellas for relaxing poolside. There is also seating on the wide and sandy beach. The spacious fitness center has cardio and weight-training machines and a flat-screen TV. A business desk in the lobby has two computers and printers for guests to use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The on-site laundry room provides coin-operated machines, snack vending machines, and a table for folding. The hotel is popular for weddings and other events, and it's no wonder: The Presidential Ballroom has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beach, and views are gorgeous. The Downstairs Room also has large windows and opens onto a waterfront patio. Altogether, the hotel has 8,000 square feet of events space. Wedding venues include the beach and both indoor and outdoor spaces overlooking the water.
