I would agree with Marcy S. I used to visit Clearwater Beach as a pre-teen and teenager in the late 70's and 80's (my favorite late great aunt retired to Clearwater in 1979). I enjoyed the quiet and laid-back atmosphere then. MORE beach, LESS hotels. As a 20-something bachelor, I lived in Miami and obviously partied on Miami Beach. Earlier this summer, my wife, teenage son and I spent the weekend at the newest hotel: Wyndham Resort. I was shocked at how Clearwater Beach was trying to emulate Miami Beach, due to national/international advertising campaigns. I do not like the "new" Clearwater Beach as I am not part of the "marketing demographic" (I am a native Floridian 50 year old father and grandfather). If you a younger single person who is not a native then Clearwater Beach will be great as a less expensive alternative to Miami Beach. Plenty of places to eat, drink and party. If you want a more restful, peaceful and scenic vacation, then I would also suggest nearby Dunedin.
I don't know if you've ever been to the area? However, it's been built up with a lot of new hotels. I would have to say the construction going on within the past few years and currently? They have put a lot of large chain hotels with a wide variety of amenities. Pier 60 has turned into a little "metropolis." If you're looking for all the hustle? I would suggest a Google search on: Clearwater Beach Hotels. There are also people through HomeAway or Airbnb that might be a little more cost effective... again, depending on your needs. I have personally stayed away from the area due to construction. I would rather go a tad up to Dunedin. Again, it's about preference. Enjoy!
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