Elena Mallia 
Hop on everyone and let’s start this guide on where to stay in St. Petersburg, FL!
I’ve done all the research and I’m more than ready to update you on the best areas and hotels here! You’ll find options for all interests and budgets!
In short, Treasure Island is the best place to stay in St. Petersburg, as that’s where you’ll find some of the greatest attractions, beaches and accommodations, but fear not, if that’s not your favorite spot you’ll find 4 more areas below.
I recommend booking your hotels here in advance! As with most cities in the Sunshine State, this place gets packed with tourists and all the good accommodations sell out fast!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Are you in a hurry to book your accommodation? Then check this list with the best hotels in Saint Petersburg, Florida:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Treasure Island – where to stay for the first time
- 2. St. Pete Beach – best area in St. Petersburg, Fl for luxury
- 3. Downtown – where to stay in Saint Petersburg for culture
- 4. North Redington Beach – best area for families
- 5. Madeira Beach & John’s Pass Village – for nightlife
- FAQs about hotels in St. Petersburg
- Final thoughts on where to stay in St. Petersburg
Check out this map that will help you visualize all the best places to stay in St. Petersburg, Florida:
- Treasure Island: for first-timers
- St. Pete Beach: for luxury
- Downtown St. Petersburg: for culture
- North Redington Beach: for families
- Madeira Beach: for nightlife
1. Treasure Island – where to stay for the first time
Welcome to St. Petersburg in Florida! Not to be confused with the famous St. Petersburg in Russia!
If this is your first time traveling here, Treasure Island is the best area to stay since it offers beachy spots and plenty of fun attractions.
This area will offer you a little bit of everything: super long white sand beaches, exciting watersports and boat tours, and an incredible choice of oceanfront restaurants and bars!
Right in this area you’ll actually find the “world’s longest waterfront bar” called Crabby’s On The Pass (map), so make sure you check it out!
Enjoy your days here by chilling on Treasure Island Beach (map) and Sunset Beach Place Beach (map) and swimming all day long!
If you’re on Treasure Island on a Sunday you can join the drum circle (map) festivities which are super fun! Lots of people gather around to dance and listen to drum music, right on the beach! It’s such a blast!
There’s never a dull moment here!
NOTE: You can rent a car to get around St. Petersburg, or drive your own, just bear in mind that it might be difficult to find parking in places like the beach where the parking lots are always crowded. If you’re looking for other ways to get around St. Petersburg, that doesn’t include driving or public transport you can try renting a bike! You can check out Coast Bike Share and you’ll easily find convenient bike hubs around the city.
A stunning beachfront resort that offers easy beach access, an incredible rooftop pool from which you can see the best sunsets, and amazing rooms! What’s more, you can choose from a range of elegant and spacious suites… Some of them even feature a hot tub and private terrace!
Other accommodation options in Treasure Island
Set within walking distance from the beach this hotel offers an amazing outdoor pool
A great budget hotel that offers an outdoor pool, family rooms and free parking
Perfect for 4 guests, this condo comes with a shared outdoor pool and beach access
Things to do in Treasure Island
- Enjoy a drink at Crabby’s On The Pass bar
- Relax all day on the sandy shores on Sunset Beach Pavilions beach
- Eat some seafood with ocean views at Caddy’s Treasure Island (map)
- Engage in some cool watersports like jet skiing or diving
- Go on a romantic sunset sailing boat trip
2. St. Pete Beach – best area in St. Petersburg, Fl for luxury
St. Pete Beach town, located south of Treasure Island (only a 5 minute drive) is the best place to stay St. Petersburg, Florida for those who want to lay on the sandy shores all day long.
In fact, the town is home to award-winning beaches, like the stunning Pass-a-Grille Beach (map), as well as unique boutiques and galleries, seafood restaurants, and countless luxury hotels!
You’re going to love the white sugary sands of the beaches in this area and want to spend all day long chilling under the sun!
Luckily, St. Pete Beach is lively from day to the late hours of the night, which sounds perfect for those of you who want a taste of the town’s nightlife.
Here you’ll find countless spots where you can have a chill happy hour with sunset views or tiki bars to grab a cocktail when the sun goes down!
Jimmy B’s Beach Bar (map) and Bongos Beach Bar and Grille (map) are some great spots to start the night!
Although beaches and water sports take the front stage in this area, you’ll also find some small attractions that you should check out like Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, where you can learn more about the local history.
Hilton Garden Inn St. Pete Beach, FL
Chill by the outdoor pool of this amazing beachfront hotel that has everything you need for your stay including 2 restaurants, a bar and sun terrace where you can enjoy your morning coffee. Their rooms are pretty spacious and some come with a balcony that overlooks the ocean!
Other accommodation options in St. Pete Beach
A super nice hotel that comes with an outdoor swimming pool, ocean views rooms and a hot tub
The perfect place near the beach that offers 2 swimming pool, free bikes and family rooms
Perfect for 4 people this condo comes with a private balcony, a kitchen and a shared pool
The Don CeSar – here’s another amazing hotel which is also known as the Pink Hotel! This is one of the best historic hotels in the city and it boasts a pool, a spa and other luxurious facilities.
Things to do in St. Pete Beach
- Grab some food and enjoy a sunset picnic on St. Pete Beach
- Relax and soak up some sun at Pass-a-Grille Beach
- Head out on a beautiful dolphin-watching cruise from St. Pete Beach
- Spend some time playing sports or relaxing at Egan Park (map)
- Have a drink with live music at Jimmy B’s Beach Bar
- Play mini golf at the Polynesian Putter golf course (map)
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
3. Downtown – where to stay in Saint Petersburg for culture
Downtown Saint Petersburg, also known as Saint Petersburg city center, is the real heart of the city, perfect for art and culture lovers!
In fact, St. Petersburg’s city center is named “One of the Best Street Art Cities in the World,” thanks to its colorful graffiti and creative vibe.
While here you can immerse yourself in all the art and culture by exploring the inspiring Waterfront Arts District! This area is home to many art galleries and museums, including the famous Dali Museum plus some fine eateries and some shopping malls.
Its location is a little further from the ocean compared to the other neighborhoods. But it’s perfect if you want to stay on a budget, as there are a wider range of affordable hotels!
NOTE: For those wondering how to get to the beach without a car, you can use the SunRunner – Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), which offers a train-like transit line that connects Downtown St. Pete to St. Pete Beach. The journey can take around 45 min. Check this website for more info and download the Transit app to check real-time schedules.
Alternatively, you could also go by Uber or Lyft.
And for those of you who want to get around Downtown easily, you can use the Central Avenue Trolley, for free, which runs from St. Pete Pier (map) to Grand Central Station (map).
Some other places that you should check out while here are the Chihuly Collection art gallery, The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art and definitely attend the Saturday Market (map) if you’re around on that weekend!
Hyatt Place St. Petersburg/Downtown
Set within walking distance of all the best local attractions in Downtown St. Petersburg, this hotel comes with some amazing rooms with modern furnishings and city views! You’ll also get an outdoor pool where you can chill when you’re not in the mood to go to the beach and an on-site restaurant.
Other accommodation options in Downtown Saint Petersburg
Offering a convenient location this hotel comes with family rooms and an outdoor pool
Grab some drinks from the poolside bar or chill in the heated outdoor pool of this hotel
Relax in the jacuzzi tub or lounge on the balcony of this vintage apartment that has a kitchen
Things to do in Downtown St. Petersburg
- Try the best Cuban sandwiches in Florida at Bodega (map)
- Visit the amazing and inspiring Salvador Dali Museum
- Eat yummy food at St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market
- Experience the city’s art history at the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
- Check out the super interesting Museum of Fine Arts
- Have an amazing deep sea fishing experience with Reel Coquina Fishing
4. North Redington Beach – best area for families
North Redington Beach is a small beach town located a 10 min drive away from Treasure Island, that offers a super relaxing and friendly vibe, with long beaches perfect for a family vacation!
You’re going to love this place if you’re traveling with kids, as you can enjoy your beachy holiday without being overwhelmed by tourist crowds!
Who’s ready to swim, fish, and just chill in complete peacefulness? I’m sure the answer is, everyone!
Gulf Boulevard (map) is the main avenue that passes through the city and the place where you’ll find most of the restaurants and cafes! You can start your mornings with some coffee or tea for the little ones at the Sweet Sage Cafe (map).
Afterwards you can hit the beach and spend a fun day there!
DoubleTree Beach Resort by Hilton
Directly-located on the beach, this fab hotel will offer you an unforgettable stay! In the morning you can enjoy your cup of coffee or tea on the terrace that overlooks the ocean and then enjoy a breakfast at the on-site restaurant. You’ll also find an outdoor pool on-site and some of their rooms come with a balcony.
Other accommodation in North Redington Beach
Feel at home in this motel that has cozy rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and free parking
Something more affordable that has a swimming pool and family rooms with a kitchen
Cozy studio in a quiet area that offers a kitchen, a pool, and a backyard
Things to do in North Redington Beach
- Grab a coffee at Sweet Sage Cafe
- Enjoy a yummy meal at The Conch Republic Grill (map)
- Check out the stores on Gulf Boulevard
- Spend a fun day with the kids at North Redington Beach
5. Madeira Beach & John’s Pass Village – for nightlife
Located a short 10-minute drive North of Treasure Island, Madeira Beach offers the perfect combination between lively nightlife and a chill beach vibe.
For this reason, it attracts many young visitors from nearby Florida towns, like Tampa or Orlando.
And once here you won’t wonder why: Madeira Beach (locally known as Mad Beach) is home to countless bars and restaurants, most of them concentrated in the super popular 1,100-foot John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk (map)
The Boardwalk is perfect for spending a chill evening strolling around, browsing the beautiful shops, and eating a yummy dinner in one of the many restaurants. The Boardwalk Grill (map) is a fab place for dinner!
You could even spot some dolphins, if you’re lucky!
When the sun goes down, get ready to hit the cool clubs of the area.
Bamboo Beach Bar (map) and Mad Pub (map) are some great places to start the night and then, just go on a bar crawl from there!
Offering a perfect location on a private beach area, this boutique hotel has everything you need for your holiday! Their suites are super spacious and they come with a kitchen and some even have a furnished balcony where you can admire the ocean views.
Other accommodation options in Madeira Beach
Catch a sunset on the rooftop pool of this hotel that has a hot tub, and bar
A nice budget options that offers access to a shared pool, a restaurant and free parking
Such a great condo that comes with a shared pool and a kitchen
Things to do in Madeira Beach
- Check out the shops, bars, and restaurants of John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk
- Enjoy a picnic at Archibald Beach Park (map)
- Buy some of the freshest seafood at the Seafood Market (map)
- Grab some pre-party cocktails at Bamboo Beach Bar
- Enjoy a great night out at the Mad Pub
- Go on an evening cruise
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$400 |
| 💵 Mid-range: | US$250 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$180 |
| 📍 Best area: | Treasure Island |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Fusion Resort Suites |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Silver Sands |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Sea Jay Motel and Marina |
FAQs about hotels in St. Petersburg
📍 Which is the best area to stay in, St. Petersburg, Fl?
Treasure Island is one of the top areas to stay in St. Petersburg, Fl for your first time, as that’s where you’ll find the main attractions and some of the best hotels like Fusion Resort Suites and Silver Sands.
🏖️ Which is the best area where to stay on the beach in St. Petersburg, Fl?
The best place to stay for a beach holiday in St. Petersburg is St. Pete Beach where you can chill on the sandy shores and try lots of water sports.
👪 Which is the best area where to stay in St. Petersburg, Fl for families?
The best area to stay in St. Petersburg, Fl for families is North Redington Beach, which is super tranquil and peaceful and not crowded with tourists.
💵 Where to stay in St. Petersburg, Fl on a budget?
The best area to stay in St. Petersburg, Fl on a budget is the cultural hub Downtown, where you’ll find a wider range of affordable hotels like Hollander Hotel – Downtown.
🚶♀️ Is St. Petersburg, FL a walkable city?
Each area in the city is pretty walkable however you will need a car, or to use public transport if you want to get to the beach or travel between neighborhoods.
🔝 What is the safest neighborhood in St. Petersburg?
Historic Old Northeast and Downtown are some of the safest areas in St. Petersburg.
🤔 How far is Downtown St. Petersburg from the beach?
Downtown is located 20 min away from St. Petersburg beach by car and 40 min by public transport.
Final thoughts on where to stay in St. Petersburg
Ready to start your adventures in the Sunshine State?
I hope that this post on where to stay in St. Petersburg. FL helped you decide which area and hotel to pick!
I’d recommend booking your hotels in advance, if you want to get your hands on the best deals! Especially for those hotels on the beach as this is a super popular holiday destination for beach lovers.
If you’re still not sure, which one to pick, check out these 2 top-rated hotels which are my personal favorites:
- Treasure Island Beach Resort – a stunning place on the beach with an outdoor pool
- Silver Sands – this hotel boasts a pool and free parking
If you’ve any other questions about St. Petersburg, you can drop them in the section below and I’ll make sure to answer them!
Have a great holiday!
Elena
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