The biggest industry in St. Petersburg, Florida is tourism, and for good reason.  With wonderful weather and some of the best Florida beaches, it is no wonder that visitors love to come here.  St Petersburg also has an outstanding arts culture and fun recreational facilities that also help to attract those looking for a great Florida vacation.  As such, there are a number of high quality hotels in St Petersburg Florida, and beach-goers will find plenty of options for St Petersburg beach hotels that will keep them close to the sand and water.

The two oldest running hotels in St Petersburg Florida are the Pier Hotel, built in 1921, and the Heritage Hotel, built in 1926.  The Pier Hotel was renovated with care in 2001, and in 2002 won the St. Petersburg Preservation Society’s Restoration of the Year Award.  As you step inside the lobby, you notice the wonderful archways, and the overall European decor.  You can’t help but realize that this place was built in an era where great attention was paid to detail.  With its downtown location, you are close to the vibrance of the city and its wonderful nightlife.  Guests can relax in-between their daily activities in the lounge or on the veranda, and every evening there is a Manager’s Reception to help you unwind.  The complimentary breakfast buffet will help you start your days, and the wonderfully appointed rooms help you relax after seeing all the sights.  The Heritage Hotel is also a welcome retreat.  Located downtown as well, it is a historical boutique hotel with all the amenities of a resort.  It is one of the finest St Petersburg FL hotels, and you know it as soon as you enter the elegant lobby and set eyes on an overall gem from the past.  The furnishings are exquisite, and the detail of the decor makes for quite an impression every time you return to your room.  The Heritage is a great venue for weddings in Florida, and also serves as a remarkable venue for receptions, reunions, and business meetings.

Those looking to be nearer to the area beaches will find an outstanding array of St Petersburg beach hotels.  The Tradewinds Island Grand Resort Hotel is set on 18 lush acres and has 4 pools, 9 restaurants, 600 guestrooms and suites, and features children’s programs, spa treatments and fitness equipment.  The Tradewinds also has a sister resort at the Sand Piper Beach Resort.  The Sand Piper is a bit more removed on St. Petersburg Isle and further from the sounds of wave runners, yet offers easy access to the water sports, spas and action of its bigger sister.  The rooms are spacious and most look out to the Gulf and the wonderful sunsets. 

There are other great options for St Petersburg beach hotels, such as the Thunderbird Beach Resort Hotel, and the Don Cesar Beach Resort.  The Thunderbird is popular with families and features an oversized heated pool, a hot tub, a Tiki Bar, Karim’s Bistro, and the Tapas Martini Bar.  Most of its 64 rooms have views out to the Gulf and the beautiful landscaping of this courtyard style hotel.  The Don Cesar is a pink, Spanish-style resort mansion, and is also a great choice for families, featuring nightly pizza parties, and daily excursions for kids 4-12.  There are on-site spa amenities, and music by the pool to help you really feel like you’re on vacation.  You can choose from whitewashed rooms, to penthouse suites and small condos.  Those looking for a budget option for St Petersburg FL hotels on the beach might consider the St.Petersburg Beach Travelodge. 

Accommodations feature “Sleepy Bear Dens” for kids, and adults will enjoy the modest, yet comfortable guestrooms, most with double beds and water views.  You’ll find an outdoor pool here with a poolside bar, and dining options include a seafood restaurant, and a beachside snack bar.

St Petersburg FL hotels offer something for everyone, and there are plenty of options for those looking for budget or for luxury.  With Tampa just across the bay, and Clearwater Beach just to the north, it makes for a great overall hotel scene.  The best part is that hotels in St Petersburg Florida have you close to so many great area attractions.