The Hotel Zamora

The Hotel Zamora is a Mediterranean-inspired boutique hotel set on the water, with its own marina and urban sophistication. The Zamora has the elegantly luxe feel of a yacht club, without the beachy colors and nautical accents. Instead, the architecture is reminiscent of a whitewashed Spanish villa, with balconies, terraces, and archways opening onto views of the Gulf of Mexico. After an arduous day of hardcore beach-going, guests can relax with cocktails on the rooftop, which is lined with comfortable, brown wicker couches from which to watch the sun go down. Jazz plays in the lobby, and the hotel’s artwork is decidedly adult; one guest described the photographs as a cross between 19-century classical Spain and mid-20th century bordello (including some partial nudes that may not be appropriate for children). Castile, the Zamora’s open-air restaurant, is a combination of rustic and elegant, with exposed ceiling beams and wood floors playing off of bright orange and blue leather furniture. The restaurant has a classy vibe and an interesting menu that's far better than the label “hotel restaurant” implies -- guests may end up spending more time enjoying daily happy hour or late-night drinks at the Castile, as some have noted that the rooftop bar may be closed inexplicably. 

The Hotel Zamora is in the resort town of St. Pete Beach, on the barrier island of Long Key, along Florida’s west coast. There is a beautiful, white sand beach just across the street, though the cross-walk is about a quarter-mile away, so getting there can be tricky. Business travelers will find the hotel conveniently located near the interstate and about 15 minutes' drive from downtown St. Petersburg. Nearby tourist attractions include the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, just five minutes' drive; the Clearwater Marine Aquarium is about 45 minutes away. There are a Publix supermarket about a half-mile away, and plenty of restaurants and shops within walking distance. Tampa International Airport is a 30-minute drive from the hotel.

Rooms at The Hotel Zamora are spacious and comfortable, with an upscale Mediterranean feel. Decor includes cream-colored leather and dark-wood furniture, bright orange textiles, and cushy, beige carpeting or wood floors. Bathrooms are gorgeous and modern, with gray stone floors, and stone-tiled walk-in shower stalls; some rooms have luxe, freestanding soaking tubs. Upper-level rooms with balconies and water views may be worth the extra cost; rooms at the back of the hotel are considerably quieter. Standard amenities include pillowtop mattresses, flat-screen TVs with cable, in-room safes, iPod docks, coffeemakers, and two bottles of water per room, per day. Connecting rooms are available. Many guests complain that walls are thin, and that housekeeping is insufficient -- some guests end up having to grab towels from the pool area. 

The Kimpton Hotel offers a hot tub and lovely pool on a terrace overlooking the bay. The pool is partially covered, and the poolside bar is filled with comfortable, dark-wicker couches and armchairs with bright orange and yellow cushions. The sun-deck is lined with orange-cushioned sun-beds for basking in the tropical rays, and relaxing during the lengthy happy hour. The Zamora’s restaurant, Castile, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner on a peaceful terrace or in the laid-back (but not ultra-casual) dining room; the menu is a mash-up of Mexican, Spanish, and Mediterranean cuisine. The 24-hour fitness center has cardio and weight machines, but no natural light. There is a seven-slip marina on the property. Parking is valet-only and included in the resort fee. The various meeting and event spaces include a ballroom for up to 80 guests, intimate private dining room, and the rooftop space.