4506 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, Florida, United States | (727) 241-5756
Located directly on the Gulf of Mexico in St. Pete Beach
Activities include a swimming pool, mini-golf, and a giant chess set
Free daily happy hour with wine and beer by the beach
Freebies include beach cabanas, Wi-Fi, and parking
Rooms have kitchenettes with microwaves and refrigerators
Family-friendly atmosphere
Next to shopping center with dining and retail options
Free fishing at nearby pier
Loud A/C units
Rooms are not soundproof
Pool is small and can get crowded
Somewhat cramped rooms, and bathrooms with little counter space
Deposit required to reserve a room
The Plaza Beach Hotel Beachfront Resort is a 39-room family-owned and -operated mid-range hotel located on St. Pete Beach. Situated in a popular resort area, the hotel caters to vacationing friends and families with kids -- there's a heated pool, free mini-golf, and a free daily happy hour at the beach bar. Rooms haven't much style, and bathrooms feel somewhat cramped, but there are well-equipped kitchenettes. There is no on-site fitness center or spa. Rates are on par with similarly-rated hotels in the area, but guests wanting a bigger resort could try TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, located down the beach.
Scene
Family-friendly, Florida kitsch on the beach
The Plaza Beach Hotel is a two-story property that's part of a collection of three St. Pete Beach hotels. It has a casual, family-oriented setup: rooms open to outdoor areas with parking spots. The lobby and grounds emphasize Florida kitsch -- photos of frolicking families and plastic marlins adorn the walls -- and each evening there’s a free, lively happy hour (wine and beer) at the beachfront bar with gorgeous sunset views. Free coffee is offered in the lobby in the morning, and tiki-hut-style covered tables and BBQ grills are available for guest use. The hotel has a state Green Lodging seal for conservation efforts -- expect recycling bins.
Location
On the beach, within walking distance of restaurants
The Plaza Beach Hotel is located off somewhat busy Gulf Boulevard in the heart of St. Pete Beach, a family-friendly area filled with hotels, resorts, and places to eat and be entertained. The hotel sits directly on the beach -- water sport equipment, like paddle boards and aqua-bikes, are available for use. There are numerous restaurants, shops, and a grocery store within walking distance of the hotel. Facilities offering open water activities -- like deep sea fishing, parasailing, jet-skiing, and sunset cruses -- are located within walking distance of the hotel.
Rooms
Kitchenettes, cramped bathrooms, tired decor
Rooms are not overly stylish, and the emphasis is on convenience: simple tiled floors for easy cleanup, and kitchenettes with sinks, full refrigerators, microwaves, cutlery, and two-burner stoves. Furnishings and decor are a little drab, with pastel wall art, leather recliner chairs, and floral patterned touches. Bathrooms are clean and somewhat cramped, with shower/tub combos. Rooms don’t have balconies, but there are chairs out on the shared walkway.
Features
Many beachfront activities, including mini-golf
The hotel sits on an expansive white-sand beach dotted with palm trees, brightly colored adirondack chairs, and a few hammocks. There’s a nightly happy hour with free wine and beer at the beach bar -- a nice opportunity to socialize with other guests. The hotel has a (free) four-hole mini-golf course, plus a shuffleboard court, giant chess set, and a number of other on-site activities suited to friends and families. The pool overlooks the beach, and can get crowded during the busy seasons.