Best Pool Hotels in Clearwater Beach

This resort evokes memories of a classic Florida vacation. Located on resort-congested Mandalay Avenue, the Sandpearl Resort boasts plenty of activities for kids. The seasonal Camp Ridley will occupy your children ages 5 to 10 with arts and crafts projects and scavenger hunts for half-day sessions, freeing you up to sample a few spa treatments, rent a slip for sailing the Clearwater area or enjoy a leisurely lunch at the guest-praised Caretta on the Gulf. And when it's time to bed down, rooms include flat-screen TVs, minifridges, coffee makers and radios with iPod docking capabilities. Though most recent guests raved about the well-appointed rooms, they also bemoaned the tacked-on resort fee and extra charge for parking. The Sandpearl Resort sits on Caladesi Island, a barrier island off the coast of Clearwater, Florida. This property is affiliated with the Preferred LVX collection of resorts, meaning iPrefer members can earn or redeem points while staying here.

If Clearwater Beach's silvery sand and abundant sunshine don't lure you in, then perhaps the area's excellent Hyatt Regency will be the deciding factor. That's just how guests describe the four-star luxury hotel – excellent. The staff is helpful and always on hand with road directions, fresh towels or delicious poolside drinks; the rooms are clean and beautifully furnished, and the resort's location along Clearwater Beach – just 25 miles west of Tampa, Florida – is picture perfect. Vacationers also like that hotel rooms include a fully equipped kitchen, in case you like to keep a few light groceries on hand or want to do your own cooking. Accommodations also come outfitted with flat-screen TVs and private balconies. Recent lodgers also praise the hotel's rooftop pool, which affords scenic vistas of the ocean below (though some guests warn it can get noisy, especially at night). To get a good taste of Florida cuisine, make a reservation at SHOR American Seafood Grill. And if you're a member of Hyatt's loyalty program, you can use or earn points here.

Fans of the Marriott brand can't help but rave about this all-suite hotel. Every room has a postcard-worthy view at the Clearwater Beach Marriott Suites on Sand Key. About 27 miles west of Tampa, this hotel sits across the street from Clearwater Beach on quiet Sand Key. Though some recent guests found the rooms slightly outdated, many visitors were pleased with the in-room amenities, which include wet bars, flat-screen TVs and minifridges. Although the beach is within easy reach, travelers recommend the outdoor Lagoon Pool; in addition to a cascading waterfall, this waterfront oasis also features cabanas. If you're traveling with kids, consider dropping the little ones off at Lisa's Klubhouse – a day camp that plans daily kid-friendly activities so parents don't have to keep their youngsters entertained. You can then regroup for dinner at Watercolour Grill House or one of two other eateries. Marriott Bonvoy members can earn or cash in reward points here.

Think of the Sheraton Sand Key Resort as a stress detox: Sit along the gulf shores of Clearwater Beach, Florida, listening to the lapping waves, sipping on a cocktail (delivered via a beach buggy) and letting your troubles wash away. Or, hop up on the pool deck and catch some sleep in a sand-free chaise. Both activities are major pluses that come with staying here, guests say, as are the resort's on-site spa and sunshine-kissed tennis courts. Vacationers are also wowed by the friendly and helpful staff. You'll find the Sheraton Sand Key Resort on Gulf Boulevard on the city's barrier island, Sand Key (about 26 miles west of Tampa and 27 miles northwest of St. Petersburg). Another perk? There are no resort or parking fees at this waterfront Sheraton. And, because this property is affiliated with the Marriott hotel family, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and use points here.