If you are planning a trip to Florida, one of the areas that do not get the notoriety as it should is the West Coast of Florida and sandy shores of Clearwater. The Sheraton Sand Key Resort not only delivers a piece of relaxation that Florida is known for, but they also deliver a true resort experience that is unbeatable anywhere in Clearwater.
Once you arrive at the hotel you will find more than ample parking in front of the hotel and a very attentive bell staff that is eager to help you check in and get to your room sooner than later. Everyone made us feel as we were right at home. They certainly give five star service at two star prices. While the hotel is not cheap in comparison to some of the other lower rate properties, its price reflects what you receive in the overall experience.
What all travelers will really like is the Gulf view rooms. The balcony access on the higher floors offers an amazing view of Clearwater you can see for miles. Inside of the room you will find bright vivid colors lining the walls and the beds…. And of course being the Sheraton people will like the most is their Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed with a custom-designed, extra-thick, plush-top mattress dressed with three sheets, fleece blankets, plump duvet, and five goose down/feather pillows. They want to make sure a good night sleep is part of what you experience when you check in. The hardest part, getting out of the bed in the morning to hit the beach, as these beds are sure to make you fall hard and not get up easy.
Their bathrooms provide massaging showerheads and after stepping out of the shower refreshed step through the sliding-glass doors open to furnished balconies with water or street views.
If you came for the beach, then this is your place. Just step off the back patio behind the pool and endless amounts of white sandy beach and the Gulf of Mexico await you.
After you have staked out your area on the beach, you can pay for an umbrella and a couple plush lounge chairs ($35 or so), and we would have been happier not to have to pay, but laying in the sand on a towel just does not compare to a lounger to come back to after a quick swim. This is about equal to what some resorts charge in a daily fee for use of their pool and facilities, so your own chair for all day and umbrella is great to chill with friends and pass time. Be careful with these chairs as the Florida sun and the crashing waves will put you to sleep quickly.
The pool area is beautiful with a full service bar and patio style dining area that played relaxing calypso music the afternoon we wert there. There is a small children’s playground and wading pool. The hotel loans out floats and noodles for the kids and well… the adults you have to fend for yourself, but a dip in the pool is a great way to end a great day at the beach.
What our staff thought was extremely cool was that the Sand Key permits dogs up to 40 pounds, with no deposit or fee charged. Guests must sign a waiver at check-in. The Sheraton provides Sweet Sleeper dog beds, food, water bowls, and temporary I.D. tags with hotel contact information. So give Fido a day at the beach, he will love it as much as you will.
The Sheraton Sand Key Resort is walking distance to a few low-key restaurants and shops. Nestled in between a big condo complex and a state park, you will see that this is more like owning a time share then staying at a hotel.
We highly suggest checking out the Nautical-themed bar, Mainstay Tavern. Located on the first level around the corner from the front desk and right next to the elevators… great way not to miss it. They have a pool table, dartboard, and multiple large-screen TVs. Live entertainment is every Tuesday through Saturday. Mainstay Tavern offers a wide variety of sandwiches, burgers, and a full dinner menu. More than 20 brands of vodka line their shelves and a detailed list of wines by the glass is also available. Open from early afternoon to late evening.
For those businesses that would like to schedule a meeting with a trip to the beach, well this is your place. Vast space in Clearwater is found right at the Sand Key resort. Boasting meeting and event space that totals a whopping 24,600 square feet along with a business center that provides high-speed Internet access, printing, and other services, how could you not treat your staff to pure bliss?
If you are looking for a the perfect place that is a different place in Florida for your next vacation or business meeting, then try the Sand Key Resort, because no one in Clearwater brings the beach to you and gives you all the amenities as the Sheraton does.
For more information on making a reservation at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, visit their website at www.sheratonsandkey.com
