Inn on the Beach

Pass-A-Grille's Inn on the Beach started out life in the 1920s as a two-bedroom beachfront home, but has operated as an inn since the 1950s. A few expansions have been made over the years, though the property remains small and intimate. In 2014, a New York real estate developer purchased the property and gave it a contemporary beach house makeover that rings fresh and breezy. This bright-white, two-story stucco building has vibrant blue awnings and a wide balcony that stretches across the entire second floor. It still looks very much like a well-kept residence, which may be why several guests feel this 12-room hotel feels like a home-away-from-home. If you're looking for a lobby, forget it. There's no interior public space here. Instead, there's a central courtyard with high swaying palms and communal seating. For many years, guests have taken it upon themselves to start the tradition of decorating rocks at the base of the palms (and even call to check on them after storms). 

Inn on the Beach has a privileged location directly across the street from Pass-A-Grille Beach, a quiet and more laid-back beach community in the southern outskirts of bustling St. Pete Beach. This immediate area is mostly residential and popular with guests who are looking for a peaceful and relaxed vacation spot. However, the hotel is still within easy walking distance of restaurants, bars, shops, and some galleries. The line of meter-fed public parking across the street is watched like a hawk by meter maids unless you have a permit. Boat trips leave from Merry Pier which is a four-minute bus or 12-minute walk away. 

Thanks to 2016 renovations, the 12 rooms at Inn on the Beach feel fresh and casually stylish. Details like light-wood furniture, bamboo wicker furniture with thick white cushions, woven baskets, and even some glossy papier-mache stingray light fixtures tie together to create a contemporary, beachy look. Old floors were replaced with cooling tile floors that masterfully mimic reclaimed wood or add a sandy color palette. Wide balconies are outfitted with sturdy polywood table sets and Adirondack chairs with foot rests. In typical boutique style, all rooms here are individually decorated (and named). 

On the whole, studio rooms are small but functional and bright, with floating wood shelves and kitchenette bars with vintage-style SMEG mini-fridges, toaster ovens, kettles, and single induction burner. Though it is the smallest, the Gulf Stream, one of the original rooms in the 1920s house, is the most popular studio thanks to its huge balcony that faces the beach. Queen studios, like the Juneberry, feel small since they lack outdoor space, while the biggest room is the Magnolia king suite. Like most of the suites, this unit has a separate living room and bedroom area, though its full kitchen sports a full-sized stove and refrigerator. Upgrades from studios to suites snag coffeemakers, waffle robes, dishwashers, and microwaves. All kitchens and kitchenettes are stocked with tons of plates and glasses, plus salt and pepper. Rooms are also stocked with free welcome bottled water, beach towels, and a personal cooler for the beach (cooler packs can be procured downstairs). 

This property also has four apartment-style rooms and cottages available. 

There may not be much public space here, but that doesn't stop the Inn on the Beach from stocking up on convenient freebies. The sunny and shady central courtyard functions as the hotel's main social and service hub and is outfitted with a pair of picnic tables covered with two umbrellas for shade, a handful of tall palms, and a few tables and chairs. During office hours, guests can serve themselves free coffee and tea (and sometimes snacks like cookies) from a small bar area. This is also where a basket of Sharpies hangs out, which travelers can use to decorate rocks under the palms. During the weekends, a free continental breakfast is served in the courtyard. Other courtyard features include a decent-sized gas grill and grab-and-go beach umbrellas and folding chairs. 

Wi-Fi and parking are free. There are a limited number of on-site spots, and permits are given out for the overflow.