In part one of this series, we looked at ways one may travel from Philadelphia to Phillies Spring Training to Clearwater, Florida. Part today will look at options for where to stay when attending Spring Training. This decision is not as easy as it may seem.
Two choices: beach or ballpark
The Phillies train and play in the area commonly known as "Clearwater Central", the heart of Clearwater City. Clearwater Beach is not immediately near the ballpark. There is a drive of seven miles, which can take 20-25 minutes on a good day; much longer in traffic.
So, Phillies fans must decide if they wish to stay on the beach and make the drive into town for Spring Training games, or on the converse, whether they wish to stay within the vicinity of the ballpark and drive to the trips for the beach. There are pros and cons with each.
Staying near the ballpark
There are several hotels in the direct vicinity of Bright House Field. The closest walk to the ballpark would be the La Quinta Hotel, located across Drew Street and behind the Tilted Kilt restaurant. There is also a Super 8 may be equally as close in the other direction, but requires a walk around the block, since pedestrians are not allowed on the highway. In the direction south of the ballpark are several hotels on route 19.
LaQuinta Inn and Suites Clearwater Central
I have stayed at the La Quinta three separate years. I like the convenience to the ballpark. It is not as low-priced as the Super 8, but reasonably priced for a good value. One plus for some: pets are allowed. One negative: if you have allergies, let them know and they can try to put you in a non-pet room. The free breakfast is decent.
Magnuson Hotel (Formerly Travelodge)
The Magnuson just replaced the Travelodge this fall. The Magnuson is located next door to the LaQuinta on the north side and next to Lenny's Restaurant on the south. Best part of this hotel is the free shuttle to Clearwater Beach. You would have to follow according to their schedule, so keep an eye out.
Hampton Inn Clearwater-Central
While I have not stayed at the Hampton Inn personally, I know people who have and they have drawn rave reviews. People are very happy with the breakfast and the pool. Keep in mind that this is a traditional motel, Hampton Inn put their touch on rather than an indoor hotel. Thus, you will access your room from the outside.
Knights Inn Clearwater (Formerly America's Best Inn and Suites)
The Knights Inn just converted over from America's Best Inn and Suites, so I have little information to share. The location is south of Lenny's restaurant, with a Hertz car dealership and an abandoned gentleman's club separating the two. The Knights Inn borders the Holiday Inn to the north side. The nightly rates are under $100 for standard rooms.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Clearwater Central
This hotel is right on the corner of Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Route 19, on the side of Bright House Field. The location is convenient to restaurants and stores, and does represent a decent-enough walk to the ballpark. If you do not mind walking (which is not so bad on a sunny, 70 degree day), the hotel comes with the predictability of staying in a Holiday Inn Express. I frequently stay at Holiday Inn Express hotels during my travels and am usually pleased.
Clarion Inn and Suites
This is a nice hotel. The front building is an indoor hotel, with the former outdoor motel around the back, with a pool area in the middle. I have stayed here too, and enjoyed my stay. The rates are not the lowest, but are reasonable. The downside? You have a little bit more walking; Route 19 is a divided highway (with some elevated lanes under construction in the middle), and you can only cross in particular spots. On the plus side, the hotel is closer to Gulf to Bay Boulevard restaurants.
Super 8 Clearwater
I stayed here once. It was by far the cheapest option to stay near the ballpark in Clearwater. We had roaches in our room and had to change rooms. I had paid extra to get a refrigerator, and put a case of beer into it. The beer was not moved into the new room like they said they would. I hope they enjoyed it. The free internet did not really work, either. Last year they were advertising new beds in every room, so maybe you would enjoy this hotel this year.
The advantage to staying near the ballpark is that convenience first and foremost. The Tiki Bar in left field is a popular location; it stays open as much as two hours after the game has concluded. Thus, since we all know drinking and driving do not mix, you could safely return to your hotel (but please drink responsibly and be careful walking).
Another consideration is that travel to the ballpark may be more difficult than travel to the beach. Phillies Spring Training games can draw traffic from those staying at the beach, which adds to traffic congestion. Getting back to the beach, often during rush hour, may also be difficult. To visit the beach, you can drive at your convenience, at hours where traffic is not an issue.
The hotels near the stadium also are significantly cheaper than those on the water.
Staying near the beach
Staying near the beach can be a lot of fun. There are many smaller motels and hotels within walking distance to the beach. Here are some of the big-name ones.
Quality Inn Clearwater Beach
This hotel is much more affordable than many of the other hotels on the stretch of hotels on Clearwater Beach. The reviews given to the hotel are also excellent.
Sandpearl Resort
This is a beautiful resort right on the beach. It is, however, pretty pricy to stay. A look for mid-week rooms during Spring Training would usually run from $494.00 for one person, one room, to over $600. They boast fine dining an their zero-entry pool.
Hilton Clearwater Beach
The Hilton on Clearwater beach boasts rates from $189.00 per night. However, a search for a mid-week Phillies Spring Training room for one adult and one night is no less than $349.00.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa
This is one of the most beautiful structures on the beach. The hotel includes fine dining, and from the beach you can see the rooftop bar. While I have never been in that rooftop bar, it sure looks like a good time. A mid-week stay during Spring Training will set you back $629.00 for a deluxe queen for one night; a two-queen suite is priced at $1619.00.
Shepard's Beach Resort
This resort is known for their nightlife. The outdoor bar and music continue well into the night at Wave Night Club. The problem is, the music continues well into the night. The resort recently razed their former old-motel structure for a brand new hotel with greater occupancy. Google lists the average stay at $217 a night.
Holiday Inn Clearwater Beach
Again, predictability is the best thing about Holiday Inn locations. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and updated.
Wyndham Garden Clearwater Beach
This is on the lower end of the main strip of Clearwater Beach. A standard queen in the middle of the week during Spring Training will cost you $299.00 a night for a queen. Searching today, just one room remained.
Magnuson Hotel
This is also on the beach, and one of the lower-priced options. The average rates are $195 a night according to Google, but if you are looking for a hotel this year, you will be out of luck: the rooms may be sold out. My searches for weekday rentals netted no available rooms.
The rest:
There are many individual motels throughout the beach area, within a few blocks' walking distance, too many to list.
How about both?
If you are spending a week in Clearwater, consider staying at the beach for a few days and then staying a few days near the ballpark. Granted, you will have to pack up and move your stuff, but then you may get the best of both worlds.
Other locations
There are other places you could stay in the general vicinity, with a commute to the ballpark for games.
Safety Harbor Resort and Spa is a popular destination due east of Clearwater, overlooking the bay. The downtown area in Safety Harbor has many bars and restaurants within walking distance of the resort.
St. Petersburg has several attractions, including the Dali Museum.
Tampa (the city) also has many hotels and attractions such as the Cigar City brewery and tasting room.
