Florida Travel Destinations

St. Petersburg is quickly becoming one of Florida's hottest travel destinations. It's no wonder since St. Pete is a charming city/ with amazing restaurants, shops, beautiful coastal views, and phenomenal events to experience. So if you are planning your next vacation and are looking for the ideal place to stay, check out our favorite 15 best places to stay in St. Petersburg, Florida. What Type of Place to Choose Deciding between the best hotels and Airbnbs depends on the kind of adventure you want to have. St. Petersburg has plenty of great places to spend the night. However, some places provide you with accessibility to certain types of activities. So, this will fully depend on exactly what you want to do. First and foremost, we will be sharing the highlights of each option so we can first determine whether an Airbnb or hotel is best for you. Then, we will explore the various activities and neighborhoods St. Petersburg has. And lastly, we will be closing off with our pick of the 15 best hotels and Airbnbs to choose from. Related: The Best Things to Do in St. Petersburg, Florida Hotels When you stay in a hotel, you can access all the amenities and luxury services. Hotels provide everything you need, from swimming pools and fitness centers to room service and on-site laundry to make your stay comfortable. Plus, many hotels offer business centers with computers and printers so you can get work done without leaving your room. However, with all these amenities comes a price tag. Hotels can be more expensive than Airbnbs, especially if you stay in a high-end establishment. Airbnbs There are many benefits to staying in an Airbnb. Firstly, it can be the most cost-effective option. Additionally, you can often find private accommodations that are much more spacious than a hotel room. One of our favorite things about staying in an Airbnb is staying with large groups in a personal space you can enjoy. Many Airbnbs in St. Petersburg have pools, so you can also find some that have some great amenities. If you are looking for a unique and cost-effective way to travel, then Airbnb is definitely the way to go! Activities to Consider When Choosing your Stay St. Petersburg does not fall short of activities to experience. Of course, the top places to be in St. Pete are Downton St. Petersburg and St. Petersburg Beach. But, of course, there are other amazing areas, such as Pass-a-Grille Island or Treasure Island, where you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and coastal views while being close enough to St. Petersburg's most popular attractions. Some types of activities in St. Petersburg, Florida, include: Visiting the Salvador Dali MuseumGoing to a Rays game at Tropicana FieldTaking a walk or bike ride on the Pinellas TrailShopping at the Beach Drive boutiquesEating at a local seafood restaurantTaking a boat tour of the bayVisiting the Sunken GardensGoing to Fort De Soto ParkSeeing the Chihuly Collection at Morean Arts CenterSnorkeling near the beach or at Shell Key Preserve Deciding where you want to stay will depend on whether you prefer a private home or a full-service hotel. In addition, if you have access to a car or not. For example, if you have a car available, you can stay in a more secluded place and drive downtown. Or, if you don't have a car, you can stay in an area with plenty of activities within walking distance. Either way, we have highlighted the top 15 places to stay while on your next vacation. As you explore each destination we chose, you will discover the highlights and nearby attractions available to you. Related: The Best Breakfast Restaurants in St. Petersburg, Florida Best Places to Stay in St. Petersburg 1) Avalon Hotel Avalon is at the top of the best hotels in St. Petersburg, Florida. This hip boutique hotel has a unique Art Deco style and great on-site amenities. The design is beautiful, inviting, and luxurious. Avalon is also pet friendly and offers affordable prices. Avalon Hotel is in Downtown St. Pete and within walking distance to Mirror Lake, Historic Round Lake Park, St. Petersburg Museum of History, shopping, and waterfront dining. Amenities FREE WiFiFREE parkingPool, cabanas + poolside barTap Room Restaurant + bar with 21 craft beers on tapDaily specials and live entertainment on the weekendsCommon Grounds Coffee ShopPet-friendly hotel and front porch diningServing breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week Related: Best Places to Airbnb in Florida for an Amazing Vacation 2) Hollander Hotel Another great boutique hotel in St. Petersburg is Hollander Hotel. This hotel is always popping with a fun social environment with a bar and poolside dining. The Hollander boasts a spacious exterior balcony with over 130 feet of stunning outdoor space, an eclectic décor, a pool, bar & restaurant, and other amenities. In addition, Hollander also offers activities like yoga on-site. Like Avalon, Hollander is also in the heart of Downtown St. Pete. Hollander is a short distance from many local attractions. It is the distance to restaurants, shopping, breweries, museums, and Beach Drive's gorgeous scenery. Amenities FREE WiFiFREE parkingPool, cabanas + poolside barTap Room Restaurant + bar with 21 craft beers on tapDaily specials and live entertainment on the weekendsCommon Grounds Coffee ShopPet-friendly hotel and front porch diningServing breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week Related: 20 Amazing Things to do in Siesta Key 3) The Birchwood In contrast to Avalon and Hollander, The Birchwood offers a luxurious environment. This elegant boutique hotel has 18 rooms, a ballroom for weddings and special events, a rooftop bar, and a glamorous restaurant on site. The environment in The Birchwood is stunning! The Birchwood's most distinctive characteristics are a 12-by-24-foot birch forest mural on the south exterior wall and a fire pit in the yard. The Birchwood is located downtown, right across the street from 2nd Avenue Peer and Spa Beach. The location is perfect if you want to walk out of the hotel and walk to waterfront restaurants, the beach, museums, and one of St. Petersburg's nicest streets, Bayshore Drive. Amenities Valet ParkingRestaurant with Indoor/Outdoor DiningEvent SpaceUpscale BarWine Wall with over 600 VarietiesRooftop Restaurant & Lounge Related: What is Unique to Florida? 20 Unique Florida Attractions 4) Marriott St. Petersburg Downtown The Marriott St. Petersburg Downtown is great if you want a more traditional hotel. They offer a lavish environment with all of the amenities a larger hotel has to offer. In addition, their five-star concierge service can share the best activities to experience in the area. Marriot St. Petersburg is down the street from Avalon, so you can experience similar activities. If you want, you can even walk to the Avalon from the Marriot and enjoy the environment for an afternoon. Amenities Fitness CenterContinental breakfastFitness centerVending Machines and SnacksCoffee ShopLarge Sitting AreaComputersIndoor Swimming PoolHot TubEvent Space 5) Charming Historic Bungalow If you want to experience Downtown AND Uptown St. Pete and want a private place for you and your group to stay, this charming historic bungalow is a great choice. First and foremost, it is within walking distance of so many amazing things downtown offers. In addition, since it is on the cusp of uptown, you can also get access to everything this beautiful area has to offer. Historic uptown is one of the most centrally located historic neighborhoods in St. Pete. This house is 5 blocks from Central Avenue shopping and restaurants to Beach Drive and the downtown bay beaches. It is also a short drive to some of the world's top-rated beaches on the Gulf, including Pass-a-Grille and Ft. De Soto. This neighborhood is truly in the heart of all downtown has to offer, yet it provides a quiet retreat from the crowds. Amenities 8 Guests, 4 Bedrooms, 5 Beds, 2 BathsFull KitchenDining AreaBack PorchBeach EssentialsWiFiPet FriendlyPianoRecord PlayerBaby EssentialsBack YardBBQ Grill Related: Best Central Florida Day Trips near Orlando 6) Downtown Historic District Estate If you are looking for a luxurious private stay with a large party in the heart of downtown, then look no further than this stunning home! This stay is convenient for large groups that wish to walk around downtown and have direct access to bars, restaurants, museums, and more. In addition, while staying here, you will be just two blocks from Vinoy Park, two blocks from the Sundial Plaza, four blocks from the famous St. Pete Pier, four blocks from Central Ave, and a short 10-minute drive to Trip Advisor's #1 beach in the country - St. Pete Beach. Amenities 14 Guests, 4 Bedrooms, 9 Beds, 4 BathsFull KitchenWasher & DryerTVDedicated WorkspacePatio 7) Boho Bungalow This cute home is an amazing place for the whole family. The Boho Bungalow features a children's park on-site, a tiki bar, and a BBQ grill. Here, you can enjoy quality time with your friends and family while still being within walking distance from Downtown and Uptown St. Pete. Amenities 6 Guests, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Beds, 1.5 BathsDedicated Work SpaceHDTVWasher & DryerChildren's ParkFull KitchenBBQ GrillTikki BarBack Yard Related: 15 Best Places to Hangout in Orlando 8) Historic Peninsula Inn For a more quaint experience, the Historic Peninsula Inn has everything a hotel has to offer with a dedicated team of professionals ready to guide you on your St. Petersburg adventure. This cute Inn is affordable, comfortable, and has a full restaurant and pet-friendly accommodations. Historic Peninsula Inn is located near Gulfport Beach and within walking distance of bars and restaurants. Amenities Vacation GuidesBreakfastPet-Friendly Suits 9) Waterfront Luxury Home Comfort and luxury are possible with this beautiful home. This stay is suitable for a large group or family that is interested in enjoying the St. Petersburg weather in convenience and style. The Waterfront Luxury Home is 2 minutes from Treasure Island and is in a great location if you plan on renting a boat and having a car to explore the rest of St. Pete. Amenities 7 Guests, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Beds, 2 BathsPrivate PoolWaterfrontBBQ GrillPet FriendlyDedicated Work SpaceOutdoor ShowerFull KitchenExercise Equipment Related: Best Beaches in Siesta Key, Florida You’ll Love to Visit Best Places to Stay in St. Pete Beach There are also some luxury hotels located in St. Pete Beach. So if you want easy access to the beach and views of the Gulf of Mexico, consider finding a place to stay here! 10) Pink Palace Don Cesar Hotel Don Cesar Hotel presents a luxurious Pink Palace directly on the beach. This hotel is elegant and luxurious and offers huge rooms and tons of amenities. The Pink Palace has lots of activities to do, even on property! Pink Palace is directly on the beach. So you can experience the St. Petersburg beaches for as long as you stay. Amenities Outdoor heated pool & jacuzziFull Don CeSar resort access & charging privilegesPremium Plus WiFi (included in resort fee)Direct beach accessKayak & paddle board rentalsSandDollar Bar and PavilionChildren's beach play areaBeach chair, umbrella & cabana rentalsFireside lounge areasSpaEvent Space Related: What to Pack in Your Beach Bag: Top 15 Beach Essentials 11) Island Beach Cottage If you are looking to go on a romantic getaway, this beach cottage is a perfect choice. It's private, cute, and directly in front of the sand. This spectacular beach cottage is located on the Island of Pass-a-Grille and is within walking distance of restaurants and a yummy ice cream shop. While staying here, you can enjoy the two bikes and beach chairs that are included in your stay. Amenities 4 Guests, 1 Bedroom, 2 Beds, 1 BathOcean ViewFull KitchenDedicated Work SpaceFree ParkingHDTVBeach AccessBikesBeach Essentials Related: Top 19 Romantic Getaways in Florida for Couples 12) The Saint Hotel Looking to experience all of the benefits of staying in a hotel while on the beach? The Saint Hotel is an amazing option for anyone wanting to experience the benefits of hotel services with a beautiful Gulf view. This hip all-suite hotel is near the beach and offers an outdoor pool with a restaurant/bar. Amenities All guest bathrooms offer bathrobes, hairdryers, and complimentary amenities.The studios provide a spacious living environment with kitchenettes,The suites include a separate bedroom with a kitchenette, lounge, and dining areas open onto a poolside veranda.PoolRestaurantBar Related: 20 Fun Things To Do in Cocoa Beach, Florida 13) Hilton Garden Inn St. Pete This beautiful hotel is nestled along with the soft white sands of St. Pete Beach and just steps from the clear waters of the Gulf Coast. While enjoying the beach, you can also drive 20 minutes to Downtown St. Pete. In addition, you can experience their beachfront bar and grill, which is open all day. Amenities Free ParkingBeach AccessOn-Site RestaurantOutdoor PoolFitness CenterPet FriendlyMeeting Rooms 14) Stunning Private Oasis This fully remodeled home is available for anyone looking for a private stay near the beach. Not only can you enjoy the refreshing outdoor swimming pool in the Florida sun and beautiful home, but you can also get around by renting the golf cart available for guests. If you are staying here, you can relax inside a screened porch, or lay out in the sun. You can also cook in the outdoor BBQ Tikki. The Stunning Private Oasis is around the corner from Marry Pier and accessible for boat rentals. Amenities 6 Guests, 3 Bedrooms, 3 Beds, 3 BathsBeach AccessFull KitchenFree ParkingPrivate PoolScreened PorchWasher & DryerHDTVBeach EssentialsOutdoor BBQ 15) Fiesta Siesta Apartment This Airbnb stay is a great choice for a secluded romantic getaway. The Fiesta Siesta Apartment is within a short walking distance from St. Pete Beach, bars, craft brewery, Historic Corey Ave, restaurants, and Upham Beach. In addition, they also offer beach cruiser bicycles you can ride around. Amenities 4 Guests, 1 Bedroom, 1 Bed, 1 BathBicyclesBeach AccessFree ParkingHDTVFull Kitchen Related: Top 20 Breweries in the Tampa Bay Area Bottom Line No matter what your preference is, there is a perfect place for you to stay in St. Petersburg. With so many options available, we are confident that you will find the great place to stay that fits both your needs and budget. We hope that you take advantage of our list of best places to stay in St. Petersburg, Florida, and enjoy everything that this wonderful city has to offer!