Review: Sandpearl Resort
Photos
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Amenities
Rooms
Why book?
Stay here for family-friendly ease and laid-back luxury on a renowned white sand beach. The Sandpearl levels up a typical Florida beach vacation with newly renovated rooms, friendly staff, and thoughtful amenities for both grown-ups and kids.
Set the scene
The Sandpearl is a class act among Clearwater’s beach town kitsch. A strip of surf shops, creameries, and dive-y beach bars lead you to the Sandpearl’s beautifully appointed entrance and lobby where you’ll be greeted with an elaborate sand sculpture on display and a glass of bubbly if you’re lucky. Make your way to the elevators past comfortable seating with cutesy accents like an antique chess table and a self-playing Steinway. Settle into one of the recently renovated rooms then head to the pool where families mix with couples of all ages. Past the pool is the pièce de résistance: the beach. Clearwater’s storied powder-white sand could quite possibly be the finest your toes have ever felt. Head down to the water, plop in a hammock, or grab a chair around the fire pit right on that dreamy sand.
The backstory
Once the personal home of a man named E.T. Roux, the Clearwater Beach Hotel opened in 1920 on the property where Sandpearl sits today. After a few changed hands it’s now owned and operated by luxury hotel brand, Opal Collection. A fuller history of the property is shared with guests through a timestamped photo exhibit in the lobby. Some feel-good stories stand out: it was the first hotel to use female bellhops, and a 1977 tagline “No Hurry, No Worry” still feels in sync with the property. Also still in play is “bottled heat” service—a century-old tradition offering guests bourbon to stay warm when the temperature—rarely—dips below freezing.
The rooms
The recently renovated rooms are clean and comfortable with simple, stylish design. You’ll find tasteful nods to coastal aesthetics like natural fabrics and beach-inspired artwork. A Talavera tile wall in the bathroom adds a trendy touch and a spacious tub is good for a soak. If an ocean-view balcony is on your beach vacay must-have list, check that box as almost all the rooms have one. In addition to the standard rooms and junior suites, a handful of one- and two-bedroom suites on property can offer you more space, a kitchen, and a wall between kids and grown-ups.
Food and drink
Caretta on the Gulf is the the standout (and singular) upscale restaurant on property. Have fun with the raw bar offerings including a seafood plateau, sashimi samplers, and an array of sushi rolls. As for turf, you’ll find the usual suspects and some surprises like a veal tomahawk chop and a rack of elk. The restaurant transforms for a Sunday brunch buffet featuring standard (and really tasty) breakfast fare accompanied by a few plus-ups like a raw bar and a Venetian hour-style smattering of sweets. For poolside lunch or a more casual dinner, Tate Island Grill gives part tiki, part dive, part sports bar with solid food options including super fresh grouper you can have on a salads, in a sandwich, atop a protein bowl, or as a good ol’ fashioned entrée. The generous list of signature and frozen cocktails plus a few local brews makes for memorable drink-in-hand moments. Last but not least, Starbucks coffee, a few baked goods like extra large, extra delicious donuts, and light bites are available in the lobby’s grab-and-go spot.
The spa
The Tranquil Spa at Sandpearl could easily become the highlight of your stay especially if you need a break from the family-friendliness at the pool. Massages, facials, and plenty of other treatments are just the beginning. You’ll feel like you’re in a totally different venue lounging in the cozy hot tub room with a glass of champagne and fresh cucumbers over your eyes. Rinse the family vacay stress away, physically and spiritually, in the steam room and showers and ask for an add-on of CBD oil during your massage. It may not be on the menu, but it certainly delivers some added zen.
The neighborhood/area
There is no shortage of stuff to do in Clearwater with the family. Just bop down Mandalay Ave to Pier 60 for the full beach town vibe. Surf shops, ice cream parlors, beach bars, and souvenir traps dot the walkable route and could convince even world travelers that this kind of beachtown kitsch deserves a pin on the map. At Pier 60, handicrafts, live performers, and fabulous sunsets seal the deal on Clearwater’s “quintessential beach town” designation. But if you’re looking to round out your trip with a more cultured experience make your way to neighboring St. Petersburg for a visit to the Dalí Museum, or performing arts venues from the traditional St. Pete Opera to more avant garde Floridian Social’s craft cocktails and unique programming.
The service
Attentive and friendly staff dot the property, ready to help guests from their respective posts. A few convos with the concierge (including pre-arrival via email for ease!) will get you where you need to be transportation-wise and also get reservations set up should you need them. Poolside servers and some especially great cabana servers were super attentive, with food and drinks delivered speedily as a result.
For families
This resort is perfect for families without feeling too kid-centric like some others on the beach. Guest suites with separate living space, room service, outdoor dining, and an easily navigable pool footprint set you and the kids up for success on property. Subtle touches like a zero-entry pool, ice cream and s’mores, and a visit from Ridley the Turtle (the resort’s mascot) will probably prevent a few extra meltdowns. Finally—and in my opinion, most importantly—there is a Kids’ Club available for ages five to 10 to get a bit of beach, pool, spa, or nap time to yourself. Off site, plenty of kid-friendly activities are within walking or a short drive’s distance. For animal lovers, make time for a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. It's home to rescued sea animals and endangered species, some of whom were featured in the the heartfelt kids’ movie Dolphin Tale, so keep your eyes peeled for the featured animals and trainers still working there. If Hollywood sea mammals aren’t your thing, you can find plenty of other family-friendly experiences throughout Clearwater and St. Pete.
Eco effort
Well thought out environmental adaptations and undertakings make the Sandpearl’s eco-friendliness stand out. So much so that the resort was granted Florida’s first Silver LEED status for a hotel by the U.S. Green Building Council. If you want to know how they got such an important designation, request a tour led by the hotel’s Green Team to learn about tactics like geo-thermal heating, green barrel roof tiles, soap recycling programs, and more efforts often overlooked from the guest perspective.
Accessibility
The resort is equipped to accommodate mobility and accessibility needs throughout the property including in guest rooms and suites, pool ramps and lifts, fitness centers, restaurants, and beach access wheelchairs are available upon request.
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