Best Luxury Hotels in Clearwater Beach, Florida

Sandpearl Resort is a 253-room luxury hotel sitting on a 700-foot stretch of pristine beach. Some of its rooms offer spectacular panoramas of the Gulf of Mexico, and all units come with upscale furnishings, Old Florida decor, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and Keurig coffeemakers. One- and two-bedroom suites are available, too; these have full kitchens, washer/dryers, and separate living rooms with sleeper sofas. Sandpearl has some of the best features in the area -- its food and drink selections alone include an upscale seafood restaurant, a casual poolside grill, and a coffee shop, while leisure amenities include a spa, yoga classes, and a large beachside pool.

Designed to maximize beach and sunset views, the 17-story Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa towers like a pink sandcastle near the Gulf of Mexico's tranquil waters. The 287-room is actually located across the street from the white-sand beach (whereas Sandpearl is directly on it), but Hyatt offsets this drawback with great amenities like a luxury spa, an eighth-floor pool deck, and an excellent seafood restaurant. Rooms have lovely decor, upscale furnishings, full kitchens, and private balconies.

The upscale Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key is located on Clearwater Bay, and offers wonderful waterfront views from its 220 suites. Sand Key Park Beach is a 10-minute walk away, and the hotel also provides free beach shuttle service. Homey suites have separate living areas and balconies overlooking the bay. The family-friendly hotel features a kids' club, water-sports rentals, and a year-round outdoor pool, as well as a full-service spa and 24-hour fitness center. Dining options include a steakhouse, bar, poolside bar, and cafe -- all with lovely bay views. Travelers who'd rather stay on the gulf rather than bay side will prefer Sandpearl or Hyatt.