11360 Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, Florida, United States | (618) 248-8274
Set on a wide stretch of white sandy beach on Treasure Island
One- and Two-Bedroom Suites have full kitchens and a washer/dryer
Some units have beach views
Heated pool with plenty of lounge chairs
Shuffleboard courts, ping-pong, and hammocks
Cheery tropical murals painted throughout property
Picnic area with BBQ grill
Free in-room Wi-Fi
Free covered parking
Farther walk to the beach than at some of the other hotels
No restaurant or breakfast service
Some of the lower floors have palm trees obstructing the gulf views
No business or fitness centers
No pets allowed
Bold design could feel garish to some
A bright Art Deco theme and a laundry list of activities set this beachfront condo-style hotel apart from neighboring properties. It's located right on the beach on Treasure Island, but it takes about five to ten minutes to actually walk to the beach, due to the location of the access point. All 40 units are suite-style, with either one or two bedrooms, and come with full kitchens, a washer and dryer, and a balcony that overlooks the gulf -- though their bold design isn't for everyone. Shuffleboard, ping-pong, and a heated pool are some of the many features here, but there's no restaurant or fitness center. Travelers looking for those amenities should check out Sunset Vistas Beachfront Suites, which has similar rates.
Scene
Colorful beachy style inside and out
The South Beach Condo/Hotel's Art Deco design and orange, teal, and lavender facade set it apart from the neighboring boxy beach hotels. A parking lot buffers the hotel from the busy street, while painted dolphin statues and a large treasure chest mural on the driveway greet guests entering the building. The lobby is small, with lavender walls, bright and kitschy beach decor, and pamphlets about local tours and activities. A cheery color scheme continues through the teal open-air hallways. The hotel caters to families and couples on vacation; business travelers don't tend to stay here. Because the building is set back from the water, you can't hear the sound of the waves. Instead there's a nice gulf breeze and lots of silence. And a beach trail runs behind the building, which is popular among runners and cyclists.
Location
On the beach, but a short walk to the sand
Not to be confused with the other South Beach in Florida, this hotel is on Treasure Island, a gulf-side barrier island about 30 minutes from Tampa. The property is set on the beach and has good water views, but it takes five to ten minutes to walk to the public beach access point. There's a grocery store about two minutes away by car (or a 15 minute walk). This is a busy vacation area; it's full of other hotels, motels, and a mix of chain and local restaurants, many of which are within a ten minute walk of the hotel.
Rooms
Suites with full kitchens and views of the gulf
All 40 of the hotel's suites have water views and private balconies that look out on the gulf. Rooms are painted in with tropical hues, including coral, sky, and sand-colored walls. Tile floors help make the units feel a bit more upscale, and the furniture is bold -- a mix of leather, glass-top tables, and geometric print upholstery -- that could feel kitschy or loud to some. Guests can choose between One Bedroom Suites, which have one bath and a sleeper sofa, or Two Bedroom Suites, which have two baths, a pull-out couch, and can sleep up to six people. Kitchens in all units are prepared for longer stays, with microwaves, toasters, ovens, dishwashers, coffee makers, and utensils. There are also large flat-screen TVs, a washer and dryer, and free Wi-Fi in each unit. Rooms on the fourth floor and above have the best views, and are a little quieter.
Features
Plenty of activities, from swimming to shuffleboard to ping-pong
From the street it looks a bit like a standard motel, but the South Beach Condo/Hotel is packed with amenities that most budget beach hotels don't offer. Behind the hotel are two shuffleboard courts (a Florida staple), a sandy horseshoe pit, and a patio area with tables and a charcoal BBQ. Across a swath of lawn, a few hammocks are strung between palms. A rectangular heated swimming pool sits off to one side of the property, fenced in and surrounded by orange and teal lounge chairs. Next to the pool, a mural of dolphins is painted on the hotel wall. Inside, off the covered garage, is a ping-pong table room with a vending machine. Guests heading to the beach can use loaner chairs and umbrellas. One parking space is available for each unit, and many of the spaces are covered, which can help keep cars cool on hot Florida afternoons.