Pelican Pointe Hotel and Resort

From the main road, which runs right in front of the hotel, Pelican Pointe looks like a cheery motel. It's an older building with a fresh face. Each of the four levels is painted a bright, tropical hue -- think sunny yellow or key lime green -- and comblike white railings fan around the facade. The lobby, like the rest of the hotel, is straightforward. Orange walls and large glass windows keep the check-in area bright, while the chairs, ATM, coffee station, and TV are practical and a bit reminiscent of a rental car facility. It's no-frills, but far from sterile; there are hat tips to the hotel's Florida setting throughout, such as signs promising "no shoes, no shirt, no problem." Aside from the pool area, public common space is limited. The value-oriented base is popular among families or groups looking for an alternative to pricier beachfront properties. 

The roadside condo motel is right in the heart of Clearwater Beach, across the causeway from mainland Clearwater. It's across from the beach, with a public access point about a five-minute walk away. There are a handful of restaurants within a few minutes' walk of the hotel, such as an IHOP or Crabby's Beachwalk Bar & Grill, but with parking lots and other motels and hotels in the immediate vicinity, the neighborhood lacks personality. It's about a 40-minute drive to Tampa and the Tampa International Airport.

What the hotel lacks in public lounge space, it makes up for in room size. The spacious condo units are well-suited for groups. Studios start at 345 square feet, while Standard Rooms measure 365 and Double Suites are 380. All rooms come with a small kitchen area with a mini-fridge, sink, coffeemaker, microwave, and plates and cutlery. There's a tropical vibe throughout the rooms, with coral, sand and water-colored walls and floral bedding. Flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi are available in every room. Bathrooms have basic amenities, large wall-size mirrors and a lot of counter space. Hand-pumped soap, shampoo and conditioner dispensers are mounted on the wall near the sink and in the shower. All units come with a futon in a separate sitting area; non-studio rooms also have small outdoor balconies. The best views of the Gulf of Mexico are on the fourth floor, but oceanfront buildings block the view in many rooms, including some that claim to be ocean view.

Amenities are in short supply at Pelican Pointe, but most of the basics are covered. The hotel wraps around a small heated pool that's open year-round. It's separated from the parking lot by a white iron fence and some small palm trees. Pool toys are available, too. There's no on-site restaurant or cafe, but three vending machines carry soda and snacks near the pool. Two coin-operated laundry machines are also available for guest use, and parking is free. Those looking for a more full-service treatment should stay at the slightly more expensive Hilton Clearwater Beach.