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CalifChick -> RE: Calibirthday 2010 (5/18/2010 12:31:47 AM)
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I have spent more time than I thought possible reading hotel reviews, comparing costs, checking checking and rechecking. For those of you who were in Ft. Myers Beach last year, you will remember the constant music and noise, and how peaceful it was when the music turned off (10 pm?). There is a trolley that runs up and down the island, daypasses are $4. There is also a free taxi service that operates on tips only.
If we go to St. Pete Beach, it sounds like it will be similar. I think if we go there, the Grand Plaza Beachfront Resort will be our best bet. They have a 24-hour front desk (alot of places there do not). They do not have extra resort fees (some places charge $25/day), so there is no charge for parking, beach towels, poolside chairs, wifi.
The cabanas on the private beach (umbrella with two lounge chairs and chair pads) are run by an independent company and they charge $20 per day per cabana. If there is a sunset beach wedding planned, they will roust you out of the cabanas early (you don't have to leave the beach, just the cabanas). Several reviewers mentioned going across the street to the CVS, the Walgreens, the Publix, and/or the Family Dollar, and purchasing your own chairs and possibly umbrella if you are going to be there more than a day.
Most rooms except the penthouse have private balconies (some motels there have an outside shared walkway and call it a "balcony" or "patio). Some connecting rooms are available. Rooms have a regular bed (varies in size), and a double-size murphy bed which folds down from the wall. They have daily linen service (not common) and daily housekeeping.
Checkin is not until 4 pm and checkout is 11 am. The floors are tile (including common hallways) which means echoes and the common hallways are not air conditioned. Since the hotel is round, some of the rooms are weirdly shaped.
Reviews on the pool are that it is small for a 12-story hotel. The depth starts at 4 feet, which is deep for a hotel pool. There was some mention on reviews that the pool is shaded for a large part of the day by the hotel. But heckaroonie, we're going there for the BEACH!
Rates seem to vary widely throughout several travel sites. Perhaps someone local (**cough** KneelforAnne **cough** Greedy) can call the hotel and see what rate they are offering during that time (arrival 7/22 and depart 7/26, two persons per room, with the possibility for up to two more per room).
If we're looking for a quieter experience then we can look at beaches a little further north, such as Clearwater Beach, Treasure Island or North Redington Beach. Let me know what y'all think. Oh, and all the hotels/motels on St. Pete Beach are pretty old and some of the rooms can be small. I looked at renting condos, and some very nice ones can be had for a comparable rate, except that you have to pay $50 to $100 for cleaning (there is no housekeeping service), plus parking, plus other fees, plus plus plus.
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