Clearwater Beach is a top holiday choice for many people, not just from within the USA but also from many other parts of the world, especially Asia and Europe. Florida in general is a major attraction because of its climate, its scenery and the large range of activities that are possible there, and Clearwater is consistently rated one of the top Florida beaches. Located along the Gulf of Mexico along Florida’s west central coast, it is only about 30 minutes from Tampa International Airport, so it is convenient to get to, without being close enough to become overcrowded.
Clearwater consists of the mainland part of the city of Clearwater, plus Clearwater Beach Island across Clearwater Harbor. The most visited area is at the south end of the island, near Pier 60, the fishing pier and entertainment complex which is at the center of most of the action at the resort. This is the area where many of the Clearwater Beach vacation rentals are situated. The north end of the island is much more residential in character, but there are a good number of condo and cottage rentals here as well.
If you have a vast amount of money to spend, you can find some incredibly luxurious Clearwater Beach house rentals in this area. One beach front villa, in an exclusive gated community, has six bedrooms and six bathrooms, with views of the Gulf from every room, plus access to the villa’s private dock, infinity pool and jacuzzi. This is on offer for a mere $8,500 per week at peak periods, with a minimum stay of one month. Another luxury waterfront villa has sleeping accommodation for 14 guests on three floors, with pool and hot tub, for up to $7,289 per week at peak times.
For those looking for a more affordable holiday, there are plenty of clearwater beach rentals at much less exorbitant prices, but still offering some very attractive accommodation. One waterfront house with three bedrooms and two bathrooms is listed at weekly rates ranging from $595 to $1095 – excellent value as it has a private beach, a pool and a boat. Another beach house at the north end of the island, listed at weekly rates from $2,200 to $3,100, has five bedrooms and three bathrooms, and is advertised as being only 34 steps from the beach. There is another property right on the beach, that offers four units each sleeping four to six people. There is a kitchen and courtyard area and each unit is available at $785 per week. It is possible for a group of families to book the whole property at reduced rates, which would add up to a very good value vacation.
There is also a large selection of very appealing Clearwater Beach condo rentals available at reasonable prices. One example is a penthouse condo with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, which boasts an extra large balcony with panoramic views directly over the beach. The block has a heated pool with whirlpool and spa, and this condo is available for $975 to $1,995 per week. Another beach front rental condo, also with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, is disability accessible and has an elevator. It includes a luxury entertainment center with large televisions and DVD players, and is stocked with a variety of play facilities for the children. This costs $1,875 to $2,475 per week.
There are, of course, plenty of hotels in the area, from small “mom and pop” enterprises to large luxury establishments. However, for a family vacation, rental properties seem to offer much better value – more space, more freedom, and the ability to come and go as you choose. Two or more families can share a property for even better value for money, and at many rentals you can take your pets along too. There is such a wide variety of accommodation styles at Clearwater Beach, that there is something to suit every taste and every budget. If the St. Pete’s / Largo area isn’t of your liking there are plenty of other options in Florida to suit your taste, everyone knows of Disneyland but you can also look at the Perdido Key near Pensacola, Key West, Naples and of course Miami Beach and the Everglades, the options are endless when it comes to exploring Florida.