Sirata Beach Resort

Although it may look from the outside just like any other large hotel along St. Pete Beach, the Sirata Beach Resort is a little bit nicer than most of its direct competitors in the area. Extensive, 15-million-dollar renovations carried out in 2017-18 gave the property a fresh, contemporary feel both indoors and outdoors. Adirondack chairs in bright colors dot restaurants, gardens, and even some balconies, while big white umbrellas and mature trees provide shade throughout. Simple patio furniture with orange, yellow, and blue accents lend the grounds a pleasant, casual vibe. The indoors are unassuming but cheerful, in particular the lobby, which features plain off-white tiles, a basic front desk with blue back lighting, and curved couches in teal hues. This simple look carries through much of the hotel, which is made up of several buildings spread along the shore.

There's a lot to keep guests occupied here, giving the hotel a lively vibe that can sometimes border on noisy. Multiple restaurants and bars include Harry’s Beach Bar and Rum Runners, two popular gathering spots for locals and visitors alike. There's a distinct family-friendly atmosphere here, but guests also include business travelers here to attend events and conferences, as well as couples and groups of friends.

Sirata Beach Resort sits directly on St. Pete Beach, along busy Gulf Boulevard, a thoroughfare lined with large hotels, restaurants, and beach shops toward the southern end of town. Plenty of seafood restaurants are within a five-minute walk of the hotel, while Corey Avenue, a popular strip of funky shops and restaurants, is about 20 minutes away on foot (or five minutes by car). Fort Desoto Park is a 15-minute drive away, as are Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and downtown St. Petersburg. St. Pete-Clearwater Airport is a 30-minute drive from the hotel, while Tampa International Airport takes 35 minutes to reach by car.

The 382 rooms at Sirata Beach Resort were fully renovated in 2017-18 and feel fresh and contemporary. Wood-like floors combine blue accents on walls, chocolate-brown headboards with playful messages, and rattan furniture with yellow pillows to create casual, beachy spaces. Beige curtains and bed skirts are offset with clean-lined dark-wood entertainment centers and work desks, while large color photos of beach scenes are cute touches. Rooms come in different sizes and configurations, ranging from Traditional Rooms with two queen beds and beach views, to spacious suites outfitted with living and dining areas. All rooms have balconies, about 75 percent of them offering beach views.

Standard amenities include mini-fridges, smart TVs, coffeemakers, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Studios and Suites have basic kitchenettes with microwaves and sinks -- but no stovetops. A few suites have bunk beds. Bathrooms feature walk-in vanity areas with backlit mirrors, plus tan-colored tiles and shower/tub combos. Walk-in showers are available in some units.

Some guests have complained about spotty housekeeping.

Sirata Beach Resort sits on a beautiful stretch of St. Pete’s white sandy beach offering many loungers and a fire pit with weekly bonfires. The Sirata also features three beachfront pools with plenty of lounge chairs and a few cabanas (for a fee), plus a splash zone for kids. Food and drink service are available poolside. There is some entertainment during the day, including trivia games, poolside activities, yoga, frisbee competitions, and beach volleyball -- all available free of charge. Kids are welcome to join in these activities, but they also have their own designated spaces, including a game room with air hockey, foosball, and video games.

The Sirata is known among locals for its popular beach bar, which offers beautiful sunset views, a full cocktail menu, tasty bar food, and live music a few times per week. Compass Grille is the hotel’s main restaurant, serving up international cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a spacious dining room with ample bar seating and several TV screens. The other dining option on-site is Rum Runners, a casual bar and restaurant also located by the beach.

The hotel is home to 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, suitable for corporate meetings or weddings. There's also a small gym with a variety of cardio and weight machines. The daily resort fee covers a variety of nice perks, including sunset drinks, two beach loungers per room (umbrellas are an extra fee), one outdoor parking spot per room, and discounts at the water-sports kiosk.