There's nothing wrong with booking a stay at one of the Clearwater hotels, but if you want more in the way of privacy and space when it comes to lodging, you can always make a vacation rental your local base. The Clearwater vacation rentals are plentiful, and they range from lovely condos to larger single family homes. Some villas and cottages figure among the choices as well. Because of their popularity, the Clearwater vacation rentals can go fast, so it's a good idea to book in advance when possible. It's especially important to book ahead when you have a specific property in mind. Don't fret if your first choice is taken, however. You're bound to find more than one vacation rental in Clearwater that suits your fancy.

As one might imagine, the Clearwater Beach vacation rentals are what many visitors have in mind. You'll be within walking distance of one of the country's most renowned beaches when you rent a condo in Clearwater Beach, and you'll also be close to many restaurants and Pier 60. You'll also be relatively close to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is a local attraction you won't want to miss. Not all of the Clearwater Beach vacation rentals line the beach, and you can often save on rates when you stay on the east side of the barrier island. A home rental on the Intracoastal Waterway isn't exactly a bad way to go. It might even have a dock if you're thinking of bringing your boat down. If you don't have a boat, Clearwater cruises of all kinds are easy to arrange, among the most popular of which are the dolphin and pirate cruises.

The Clearwater Beach vacation rentals will have you closer to the sand than the mainland rentals will, but that doesn't mean that they are the only ones worth checking out. Booking one of the mainland Clearwater vacation rentals is always an option if you don't have to be on the beach. Some of the mainland rentals front the Intracoastal Waterway, while others sit right on the shores of the beautiful Tampa Bay. When you just have to be close to the beach, but you also want to remove yourself a little from the lively atmosphere of Clearwater Beach, the Belleair Beach vacation rentals are also worth keeping in mind. You can get to Clearwater in no time from Belleair Beach, and the more relaxed setting can be ideal for some. You can also look for Clearwater vacation rentals that are found in a residential community if you want to enjoy a relatively relaxed setting. Island Estates is one such community, and it offers both condo and home rentals.

Clearwater Map

While a one-bedroom condo can be ideal for couples who are enjoying romantic getaways, families are bound to need more space. Some of the condo rentals in the Clearwater area feature multiple bedrooms, not to mention multiple baths, which is good news for those who want added space. You can always secure a home rental as well if you want multiple bedrooms. When you book a single-family home as your vacation rental in Clearwater, it is likely that you will be staying on the mainland or on the eastern side of Clearwater Beach, as the beach is lined with condos, hotels, restaurants, and businesses. That's just fine by most, however, as the home rentals are usually overflowing with extra amenities, such as private swimming pools, large decks, and big screen televisions. You don't have to book a home rental to enjoy a bunch of good amenities, however. Both homes and condos figure among the beach rentals in the area, so it is possible to secure a beachfront home if you have your heart set on one.

Whether you book a condo, a cottage, or a larger home, your vacation rental in Clearwater is likely to feature a fully equipped kitchen, clean linens, ample furnishings, cable TV, a DVD player, a CD player, internet access, and a private balcony or patio. Since you'll likely have to rent a car or bring your own along for the trip when staying at one of the Clearwater vacation rentals, it's good to know that pretty much all of them offer free parking. There's a lot to like about the vacation rentals in Clearwater Beach, and since the rates at many are competitive with the area hotels, they are always worth considering. Almost every vacation rental in Clearwater offers more space and privacy than your standard hotel room. As a side note, other nearby communities like Indian Rocks Beach and Madeira Beach also boast vacation rentals if you're looking to escape to the Clearwater area.