Quality Hotel Clearwater Beach Resort

Quality Hotel on the Beach is a five-story property in an older peach-colored building with an on-site IHOP restaurant that’s open 24 hours a day. Designed to maximize ocean views and the outdoor Florida lifestyle, the hotel has a beachfront pool, tropical tiki bar with live entertainment, and striking views of Sand Key Park and Clearwater Pass. The tiki bar is a popular local gathering spot on the weekends, and can get noisy.

The lobby has a sitting area with outdated-looking furniture, free coffee, tourist brochures, and a check-in desk that sits in front of a green wall decorated with aerial photography of Clearwater Beach. Room decor is basic, and some rooms are showing age since the 2008 renovation. The best rooms have full beachfront views and balconies.

Quality Hotel on the Beach sits on a small public beach that can get crowded on the weekends, as local residents often bring their boats and park near the shore. The public beach and Pier 60, which is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shopping, is located just less than a mile away (possible walking distance for some guests), or is about a five-minute drive (although parking can be tricky). There is a trolley that stops near the hotel and offers offers transportation for a modest fee. There’s also a pirate cruise nearby that’s popular with families.

Some rooms have balconies with tables and chairs that overlook the beach. Rooms were updated in 2008, but have begun to show wear and tear -- some have stains on the carpet, aging furniture, and could use a paint job. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers, but some have loud air-conditioning systems. There are ice machines on every floor, and there’s a laundry facility near the pool hallway. Guests hoping for some peace and quiet should ask for rooms away from the pool area.

There’s a happening nightlife scene on the weekends, and sometimes a cover charge to get in to the restaurant entertainment area. While many Choice brand hotels offer free breakfast, this property does not -- it does have an on-site IHOP (International House of Pancakes) that is open 24-hours a day. On the weekends, the pool deck, tiki bar with live music, and small beach attracts a large crowd. The crowds tend to thin out on weekdays. Self-parking and beach chairs are available for fees. Wi-Fi is free, and guest laundry facilities are available.