Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what caught me off guard about the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach? It’s actually got some serious style for a chain hotel. I mean, when you pull up to 100 Coronado Drive, you’re basically at the sweet spot of Clearwater Beach – close enough to walk everywhere but far enough from the spring break chaos that happens closer to Pier 60.

The lobby feels more like a boutique property than your typical Wyndham, honestly. There’s this coastal-modern thing going on that doesn’t scream “beach hotel” in an obvious way, which I appreciated. Check-in was smooth (they’ve got the whole mobile key thing figured out), and the staff actually seems to know the area well. When I asked about dinner spots, the front desk guy steered me toward Columbia Restaurant on Sand Key instead of the usual tourist traps – that’s the kind of local insight you don’t always get at chain properties.

The rooms are where this place really delivers, though. I stayed in one of the gulf-view suites and honestly, the balcony situation is fantastic. You’re high enough to see over the beachfront buildings but not so high that you feel disconnected from what’s happening below. The beds are legitimately comfortable (I’m picky about this), and there’s enough space to actually unpack if you’re staying more than a weekend. What I loved – and this is such a small thing – is that the bathroom has a window, so you’re not getting ready in some windowless cave like at so many beach hotels. The whole place feels airy, which matters when you’re tracking in sand and dealing with Florida humidity.

The pool deck is where you’ll probably spend your non-beach time, and it’s got this relaxed vibe that’s way more grown-up than some of the party scenes you’ll find at other Clearwater Beach hotels. The infinity pool overlooks the gulf, and there are enough loungers that you’re not doing the 6 AM towel dash. Food and drink service is solid – not cheap, but the portions are decent and you’re paying for the location anyway.

Here’s the thing about staying here versus some of the other options on the beach: you’re a quick walk to all the action, but you can also escape it. Clearwater Beach gets absolutely packed during peak season (basically October through April), and having a home base that feels calm makes a huge difference. The parking situation is way better than most places too – they’ve got valet and self-park options, which sounds minor until you’re circling the block looking for a spot after a day at Caladesi Island.

I’ll be honest, it’s not the cheapest option on the strip, but for a 4-star property with this kind of service and location, it’s actually pretty reasonable. The 9.0 rating makes sense when you add it all up – great staff, solid rooms, perfect location, and they’ve clearly put thought into the guest experience. If you’re looking for something that feels more sophisticated than the typical beach resort but still puts you right in the heart of Clearwater Beach, this is probably your spot.