There are some places you visit and never want to leave. For us, on a recent two week trip through Florida, the Plaza Beach Hotel was one of them. This quaint oceanfront resort can be found nestled between larger chain hotels, but it offers so much more. It offers guests a chance to feel like you've just come home, like family, like you belong there and nowhere else. With it's vibrant colors, comfortable accommodations and kitchy personal touches like the photo opp boards and tiki tables outside of the rooms, the Plaza Beach Hotel brings "old Florida" to life for guests to enjoy.

Part of the Florida Superior Small Lodging Association



Plaza Beach Hotel is a part of the Florida Superior Small Lodging Association. This association is dedicated to preserving "old Florida" and the nostalgia that used to be, before the large chain hotels and commercialized strips came along. Where personal touches were everything, and guests were so much more than another check to cash. Each member of the association, the Plaza Beach Hotel included, has to uphold the highest level of cleanliness, and must pass a 100 point random inspection each year to maintain admission in the association. Some are afraid to visit smaller hotels out fear of the uncertainty factor, but with Plaza Beach Hotel and other association members, you can book with confidence.

The Rooms


Rooms at the Plaza Beach Hotel are cozy, roomy and can sleep a big family (always a plus in my book.) With two queen beds, and a pull-out sofa, there were no arguments from the kids, and no need to book an additional room. Although, connecting rooms are available for those who need them. Another feature which I promise you will appreciate in a oceanfront resort is the tile flooring. Being so close to the beach, it is a must, and works so much better than carpeting, which would never come clean with all the sand.


A full kitchen with full-sized stove, fridge and microwave means that you can save a bundle on meals. We made meals in the room each day, and it was so convenient to just be able to come in for a quick bite from the beach.



All other room amenities that you would find in a chain hotel are included in the rooms at the Plaza Beach Hotel as well, including LCD tv's with cable, air conditioning, free wifi, ironing boards and hair dryers. Plus, first floor rooms have tiki benches located on a front patio just outside the door.

Hotel Amenities



When it comes to listing the hotel amenities at the Plaza Beach Hotel, there are almost too many to list. You can start with the small things, which are my personal favorite, like the pool and beach toys they have available for kids to use for free, the beachfront lounge chairs and hammocks, or the loads of fun activities like shuffleboard, a massive life-sized chess board, and a mini-mini golf course.







Then, you can move on the larger amenities like the large heated pool, which actually runs off of saltwater instead of chlorine, a fact that the boys and their eyes greatly appreciated. There is a beachside BBQ grill that is available for free, and internet cafe, beachfront tiki bar, and foosball table. Free coffee is offered in the room adjoining the lobby in the mornings, and a happy hour with free beer and wine takes place from 4pm-5pm each evening. On-site activities ranging from dolphin watching excursions to para-sailing can also be scheduled too.

Location


When it comes to location, the Plaza Beach Hotel has so many other beat by a mile. It is literally right on the beach. Just a few steps place your feet in cool white powder sand, and a short stroll down the sand finds you dipping your toes into the Gulf. The beachfront chairs are an incredible place to catch a front-row seat the truly inspiring sunsets that happen almost nightly, with their shades of vibrant yellows, rusty orange and glowing pinks.




The boys had a blast playing in the sand and even waded into the water a bit. Despite chillier temperatures on land, the water in the Gulf maintains a fairly warm temperature even in Winter months. There are of course neighboring attractions within a short drive of the resort, but with this much beauty and everything you need at hand, why would you want to? We took a short trip down to Fort de Soto State Park during our visit, but we were completely content to stay a the Plaza Beach Hotel the majority of our stay. Another great money-saver for your wallet!

Plan Your Stay!



If you are thinking of visiting the St. Pete Beach area, then I highly recommend that you check out the Plaza Beach Hotel. It is the perfect vacation destination, whether you are traveling as a family, snow birds, or even alone. Rates are very reasonable, but remember, Winter is the busy season for locations like this in Florida, so booking in warmer months may actually save you more. Visit the Plaza Beach Hotel website to check rates and make your reservation now!

Our accommodations were provided for the purpose of review, all opinions are our own.