Bon Aire Resort

The Bon-Aire Resort Motel is a cheery throwback to 1950s Florida. Arranged like a classic motel, it has landscaped courtyards, two heated pools, the requisite palm trees, charming turquoise-striped awnings, and a spectacular mid-century neon sign. The motel is friendly and festive, with a loyal cadre of repeat guests -- some who've been returning for over 30 years, and who make next year’s reservation before checkout. The crowd is predominately older couples, with a smattering of young families with small children, but the noise level is low and the vibe relaxed. The motel's beachfront restaurant, Sand Bar Bill’s, is the quintessential Florida beach bar, with great views from its tiki-style bar and stone patio dotted with wicker furnishings and striped umbrellas; the enterprising local seagulls will steal fries right off the tables if diners don’t look out. On Sunday afternoons, the motel offers steel drum music, which can be enjoyed while watching the waves roll in and sipping margaritas. 

The Bon-Aire Resort Motel sits on a white sand beach at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico in St. Petersburg. The location is convenient for tourists (and even for business travelers), easily accessible from the interstate and about a 10- to 15-minute drive from downtown St. Pete. There are hotels on either side of the property, with a Walgreen’s and Publix supermarket just across the street, and a number of shops and restaurants within an easy walk. Tampa International Airport is about a half-hour drive. 

Rooms at the Bon-Aire Resort Motel come in various configurations of simple hotel rooms, efficiencies, and one-bedroom apartments with side views of the Gulf of Mexico. Most rooms don’t have ocean views, but the ocean is just steps from the rooms. Decor is cheerful and beach-y, in shades of turquoise and white, with tile floors and ocean-themed prints on the walls. Some bathrooms are updated, with granite countertops and beautifully tiled walk-in shower stalls; some have older shower/tub combos. Kitchens in Efficiency units are not super-modern, but have stoves, refrigerators, microwaves, cookware, dishes, and utensils; Semi-Efficiency units with mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers are also on offer. Standard amenities include large flat-screen TVs with cable and movie channels, and free Wi-Fi. 

The Bon-Aire Resort Motel has two heated pools, peacefully located in the motel courtyards. The motel has a covered beachside patio, where guests can lounge and watch the waves crash on the pristine, white sand beach. There are barbecue grills for guest use around the property, a set of old school shuffleboard courts, and beach volleyball nets. Sand Bar Bill’s tiki bar is a casual, local hotspot serving beach food -- including great burgers -- and cocktails outdoors on the patio. Guest laundry facilities are available on-site.