gulf coast advice

I am off to florida next year and i was looking at the possibility of going to clearwater for a few days can anyone give me advice on whether you can book hotels near the beach or do you have to try and rent a villa and also is it a good place for a few days

I would think a hotel for a few days, there are few along the beach, I stayed at the Sheraton Sand Key just over the toll bridge on a vast part of the beach and it was lovely![msnsmile2]

is it an ok place for 2 kids for few days one will be 16 and 1 will be 7 advice is very helpful

Gerry67,
I would have a look at the links above for a Gulf property before dismissing the idea. There is at least one in Clearwater, 50 yards from the beach and a load more 10 to 15 minutes drive as you go further south.
andrew

cheers andrew but would you be able to book for a few days or would you have to stay a week

There are plenty of villas and condos on the Gulf coast areas that accept bookings of less than a week - any of them would be a million times more preferable to sharing a hotel room with 2 kids!!!

Different areas have different rules, so best to check with the owner{s} of the villas you fancy. It is however a myth that you can only rent Gulf villas for a minimum of a week.
I would say the big plus for yourself would be the space and the kids not being relatively cramped in a hotel room with you or even a room on their own.
Its not Orlando but there are loads of places to visit on the Gulf aswell as the stunning beaches plus of course Busch Gardens and the water park next door.
andrew

Definately check out the link above for a villa on the Gulf Coast, it is a much better option than a hotel, for comfort and convenience. There are some really fantastic properties over there and you certainly won't regret it.[msnsmile2]

We went to the Gulf coast a couple of weeks ago, only for a few nights, and boy I wish I had booked a villa, and there was only the 2 of us. We will definately be going back, it was so beautiful there, but we will do what we should have done this time, and book a villa [msnwink]

There is loads of stuff to do on the Gulf, your biggest problem will be getting it all done in only a few days. There is Busch Gardens and Adventure Island (water park) in Tampa, and they would really need a day at each. Then there are airboat rides, State parks, and of course the glorious beaches.... [msnsmile2]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by gerry67
is it an ok place for 2 kids for few days one will be 16 and 1 will be 7 advice is very helpful
[/quote]

Clearwater Beach is very nice for all ages, you can walk around the cafes and bars in the evening and beach is bliss[msnwink]

I would always try villa rental, a lot of owners will rent for less than one week and if you do an enquiry you will see what is available. Just think of all that extra space for your family, so much better. Give it a go.

We stayed in a hotel on the gulf coast with our 2 boys last year. NEVER AGAIN. It was a lovely hotel but nothing compared to the facilities and comfort of a villa. We were forever telling our boys to be quiet and they're good boys. I would always try to get a villa or condo in future.
We have stayed in villas on the gulf coast in the past and some do accept stays of just a few nights.

thank you all very much for your advice i have booked a villa in rotunda west for i week i hope this is a nice area anyone any thoughts.

Fantastic area although I could be called biased [msnsmile2]
Your profile mentions Golf once or twice ([msnwink]) so:

http://www.rotondagolf.com/

Also:

http://www.shop-for-homes.com/ourtown.html

http://www.babcockwilderness.com

http://www.usrg.com/script/bycuisine...wood&STATE=FL+

might be of interest,
andrew

Great choice Gerrarde, you will enjoy your time at the Gulf so much more staying in a villa. We will NEVER stay in a hotel again.

The area is fantastic and the kids will love it, have a great time [msnsmile2]

thanks for all the info andrew i thought my printer was going to break down only kidding[msnsmile2]fantastic info.can you tell me if there is a shopping mall within distance as my wants to shop while i play lots of golf [msncool][msncool]sorry didnt mean to make you jealous[msnmad]

Port Charlotte Mall about 15 minutes drive away and the Ellenton Prime Outlet 40 minutes up the I75 north.
andrew

We love the Mall at Port Charlotte. It is really convenient if you are staying in Rotonda:)We usually stop in the Ellenton Mall on our way to/from the Gulf as it has some specialist shops which are great (especially a shoe shop for large sizes;))

Stayed at Rotonda many times and it a lovely area, beautiful quiet beaches all very close. While you in this part of Florida try to visit Sanibel & Captiva, which if my memory serves me right, takes about an hour from Englewood. It really is worth a day trip.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by gerry67
thank you all very much for your advice i have booked a villa in rotunda west for i week i hope this is a nice area anyone any thoughts.
[/quote]

Thanks Gerry - I am sure you will not be dissappointed. Once discovered people keep returning to this beautiful part of Florida.