The Beachcomber St. Pete Beach | Florida

The Beachcomber Florida Beach Resort Hotel is a two-story budget property on St. Pete Beach that draws families and groups of friends looking for a good time. The front exterior is rather nondescript -- except for the extremely crowded parking lot -- but the rear exterior is another story: tropical landscaping, cozy sundecks, pools and fountains, and views of the white-sand beach abound. Jimmy B's Bar is a fun gathering place for locals and tourists, and offers great views and live music. The lobby is decorated plainly with brown leather sofas and could use an update, but is rather large, with 20-foot ceilings. Free coffee and tourist brochures are available near the check-in desk.

The Beachcomber Florida Beach Resort Hotel is located in the heart of St. Pete Beach and occupies a lovely stretch of white-sand beach, with a number of water sport activities available on-site. The 18-hole Twin Brooks Golf course is just six miles from the hotel, and there are a number of dining options within walking distance. Travelers looking for something a little different can explore Fort DeSoto, a pristine, public beach park on a scenic island 10 miles from the hotel; a car is necessary for the trip.

Rooms have simple furniture and a blue, white, and silver color scheme -- with some generic but pleasant enough, nature-inspired wall art. All standard rooms have flat-screen TVs, microwaves, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. In addition to the appliances found in the standard rooms, suites have four-burner stoves, utensils, and sinks. Bathrooms have modern fixtures and shower/tub combos, but are tiny and have little counter space.

Players Sports Bar, a full-service bar, serves typical pub food like burgers, buffalo wings, and salads, and has a number of flat-screen and wide-screen TVs -- all tuned to sporting events. Jimmy B’s Beach Bar is a friendly place to have a drink and listen to live music (usually two bands perform daily). Set on the beach and open late, Jimmy B's has both covered bar seating and an expansive deck with plenty of plastic chairs and tables, and clusters of cushioned wicker seats. The on-site restaurant serves lunch and dinner

There are two outdoor pools -- one is on the small side while the other is closer to being a lap pool, with chaise lounge chairs and beach views. There are a number of water sports available right behind the hotel, including windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking, and snorkeling. The hotel does not have a fitness center.