5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, Florida, United States | (888) 905-8267
Located on 20 acres of beachfront property on St. Pete Beach
Sleek, modern rooms include kitchenettes
Numerous pool options including an adults-only pool
Lots of unique activities, such as paddle boats, bungee trampolines, and poolside movies
Cabana lounge chairs can be reserved online the night before (a con for some)
Multiple dining options on-site, including a family-friendly seafood spot and a romantic Italian restaurant
Fresh, island-inspired decor throughout
Some rooms are pet friendly, and pet walkers and sitters are available (for a fee)
Resort is very spread out, so getting around takes a while
Multiple complaints of annoying timeshare pitches
Can get crowded and noisy during major holidays and Spring Break
Nightly resort fee
A sprawling, 584-room resort located directly on St. Pete Beach, TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort has put effort into its grounds and interior, from the palm tree-lined lobby and warmly decorated rooms to the impressive outdoor pond with fountain and covered walkways. The hotel sits on 20 acres of beachfront property and offers a number of water sports, including a giant slide, as well as several dining and entertainment options that are great for families with kids. This upscale resort even packs a bit of a value, as all modern rooms include kitchenettes, but a pesky resort fee is a major downside.
Scene
Large and family-friendly, upscale resort hotel with a tropical vibe
TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort is one of the largest hotels in St. Pete Beach. The lobby is airy and spacious, with beautiful wooden shutters that allow natural light to brighten the room. Palm trees and other tropical decor give the lobby an island vibe, and there are multiple desks for concierge, transportation, and business travelers. Outside, the property is equally impressive: paddle boats circle a lazy river surrounding the resort, passing the various restaurants and amenities, including Flying Bridge -- where tropical drinks are served on the sand. At the beach, there are hammocks and cabanas for lounging, as well as a multitude of outdoor water activities great for kids and adults alike (included in the resort fee). The resort mostly attracts families, but couples can also be found -- particularly in the romantic Italian restaurant.
Location
Located directly on an expansive stretch of white-sand beach near resorts and restaurants
Situated in the heart of St. Pete Beach, the resort is on a strip of white sand on Gulf Boulevard, along with a number of other hotels and resorts -- including its smaller sister property, the Guy Harvey Outpost, which is just a five-minute walk away (and guests here have complete access to it). The Island Grand itself, a 20-acre resort, includes a gorgeous stretch of white-sand beach. While there are several restaurants at the resort, alternative dining options are located within walking distance, less than two blocks from the hotel, including Snapper's Sea Grill and Silas Steakhouse.
Rooms
Rooms have island-theme decor and kitchenettes.
The resort offers more than a dozen different room types, from a 300-square-foot space to a penthouse suite with views of the water. Rooms are decorated in British West Indies plantation-style, with citrus tones, floral patterns, and dark wood. Beds have handsome, wood poster headboards, and all rooms have convenient kitchenettes -- complete with refrigerators, microwaves, toasters, coffeemakers, and dishware. Pet-friendly rooms are available, along with a room service menu for pets. Each room has a high-definition, flat-screen TV, and all guests have access to Wi-Fi and cable with premium channels.
Features
Several restaurants and bars, live music, and unique activities
The resort is immense and filled with options; a plan of attack can prevent feeling overwhelmed upon arrival. There are tennis courts, five heated swimming pools, and two whirlpools -- including an adults-only pool, and options for families. At the beach, private cabanas are included in the resort fee, but “front-row” seating requires an extra fee. Unique water-centric activities abound: There's a 60-foot blow-up slide on the beach, and the 15,750-square-foot Splash Island Water Park floats in the ocean. Plus, there are jetpacks, paddle boards, and wave runners -- among other water sports -- included in the resort fee. The fitness center is adjacent to the Body Works Salon & Spa, which offers skin care treatments and massages. Throughout the property, there are 10 dining options, including an Italian grill, a casual sports pub, Salty’s Poolside Beach Bar, and the Sand Bar, with nightly live music. The resort also has a number of boutiques with beach necessities and designer island clothing.