1st time visit place to stay and seafood restrurants

Question

I am looking for a place to stay in the $300 catagory and not necessary for a beach front hotel. Perhps a smaller scale hotel too. I am seeing the Winter Dolpin it is at the end of the beach, or am I better with a larger hotel Hyatt etc? It is a short 2 night stay also going to the Marine Aquarium. Would also like a few fish restraurants too. thanks

Answer

For a first-time visit to Clearwater with a budget around $300 per night, you have options between smaller boutique-style hotels and larger chain hotels. The Winter Dolphin Inn is a smaller property located at the quieter end of Clearwater Beach, which can be appealing if you want a more relaxed stay without the busier crowds. It has clean, comfortable rooms and easy access to the beach, though it lacks some of the amenities offered by larger resorts.

On the other hand, larger hotels like the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa or the Wyndham Grand offer more amenities, including pools, on-site dining, and more luxurious common areas. They are more centrally located along the beach, which can be convenient if you want to walk to shops, attractions, or restaurants, but they tend to be more expensive and busier.

For your short 2-night stay, either option works depending on whether you prioritize a quieter, smaller-scale experience or a full-service resort with amenities.

Smaller hotels: Winter Dolphin Inn, Pelican Pointe Hotel & Resort, or Clearwater Beach Hotel—usually quieter and less expensive, simple but comfortable.
Larger hotels: Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, Sandpearl Resort—more amenities, central locations, pool access, and beach views.

Since you’ll be visiting the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, both options are feasible, as the aquarium is only a short drive or Uber ride from the beach.

For seafood restaurants near Clearwater Beach, here are some popular options:

Frenchy's Rockaway Grill – casual beachfront dining with fresh seafood and good views.
Crabby's Dockside – waterfront restaurant near the marina, known for oysters and fish dishes.
Sea-Guini – upscale Italian-inspired seafood at the Sandpearl Resort.
Shor American Seafood Grill – located at Opal Sands Resort, excellent for dinner with a focus on local fish.
Pier 60 area food trucks and casual options – quick bites and local seafood specialties.

For a short stay, it can be convenient to pick a hotel closer to the central Clearwater Beach area if you want to walk to multiple restaurants and enjoy the nightlife, but the Winter Dolphin Inn is fine if you want a quieter base and don’t mind driving or Ubering a few minutes to the main area.