Booked a trip to St. Petersburg, Florida, but are unsure where to stay? Our guide will help you discover the top places to stay in the "Sunshine City". Keep reading to see which St. Petersburg hotels and resorts feature on our list of the best hotels in St. Petersburg in 2025.
- What Makes a Place Worth Staying in St. Petersburg
- The 8 Best Places to Stay in St. Petersburg, Florida
- 1. The Don CeSar
- 2. Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
- 3. The Birchwood
- 4. The Hollander Hotel
- 5. The Hotel Zamora
- 6. The Inn on Third
- 7. Bay Palms Waterfront Resort
- 8. Holiday Inn Express
- FAQs
What Makes a Place Worth Staying in St. Petersburg
Not all hotels are created equal. If you're visiting St. Pete's, you may find it tough to narrow down where to stay, given that there are over 1,000 resorts and hotels in the area. We've factored in several key considerations to narrow down our top selections. Some of our criteria include, in no particular order—
- Proximity to main attractions - Staying close to what you want to see and do saves time and makes things much more convenient during your trip.
- Comfort and cleanliness - No matter your budget, a clean and comfortable space should be non-negotiable. Look for recent guest reviews that mention tidy rooms, comfy beds, and well-kept facilities.
- Customer service - Great service makes all the difference. Whether you're staying in a boutique hotel or a vacation rental, having responsive and helpful staff or hosts can significantly enhance your overall experience.
- Value for Money - A place is worth staying in if what you get matches what you pay. This doesn’t always mean choosing the cheapest — it means getting good amenities, service, and location for the price.
- Guest reviews - Reviews from recent guests who have stayed at these hotels and resorts are one of the best ways to get a sense of the place and everything it has to offer. We've conducted our research and scoured the internet to gather insights into what people have to say about the best hotels in St. Pete's.
The 8 Best Places to Stay in St. Petersburg, Florida
1. The Don CeSar
The hotel was temporarily closed in 2024 due to damage from Hurricanes Helen and Milton, but it reopened in March 2025. An article from Fox13 news states that the hotel took advantage of its closure to make improvements and upgrades (in addition to the hurricane repairs).
Facing the powdery, white sands of the Gulf of Mexico, this Mediterranean-style beachfront hotel features 277 redesigned rooms and 36 elegant suites. The property also offers an on-site restaurant and bar/lounge, as well as the hotel spa, Spa Oceana. Its location on St. Pete Beach makes for enjoying the sun and sand at any time, and it's a quick drive from downtown St. Petersburg.
Popular Amenities
Guest Reviews
Guest reviews invariably mention the Don CeSar’s iconic architecture, stunning Gulf views, and the fresh feel of its recently renovated rooms. The prime beachfront location and attentive, professional staff are also recurring comments among guests' reviews. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, some note that on-site dining and daily resort fees can be expensive.
2. Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
A Marriott property under the Autograph Collection Hotel brand, the Vinoy Renaissance is a waterfront resort that features classic architecture, spacious rooms, a golf course, and six restaurants. Located near downtown St. Petersburg, it’s close to the city center and other popular St. Petersburg attractions, such as the St. Pete Pier and waterfront parks.
4.5-stars hotel
$346-$609
We earn comission if you make purchase,
at no additional cost to you.
Marriott Bonvoy members can still redeem and earn points by booking at the Vinoy. If you’re visiting in November, you can easily attend the St. Pete Country Fest or the SHINE Mural Festival at nearby Vinoy Park. The resort offers a fitness center and lounges where you can unwind after a day exploring museums and the downtown nightlife.
Popular Amenities
Guest Reviews
Reviews consistently mention the rooms as spacious, the beds as comfortable, the Vinoy’s historic grandeur, and its magnificent architecture. The waterfront location is a highlight, as are the expansive pools and the convenience of being within walking distance of downtown St. Pete's. A common criticism is that on-site dining and drinks are expensive, and some feel the mandatory daily resort fee is steep, although standard.
3. The Birchwood
An affordable boutique hotel in downtown St. Petersburg—that doesn't skimp out on the stylish rooms and service! The Birchwood is optimally situated on Beach Drive; the on-site restaurant, The Birch & Vine, is a scenic waterfront retreat where you can watch the passersby as you sip some fine wine. Their rooftop bar, The Birchwood Canopy, has some of the best waterfront views overlooking Tampa Bay. It's a great spot to unwind for the evening with a craft cocktail, and it is also popular among locals.
4.3-stars hotel
$216-$371
We earn comission if you make purchase,
at no additional cost to you.
The Birchwood is near famous St. Pete's attractions, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the ever-popular Sunken Gardens. Its location makes it easy to explore the Warehouse Arts District and other trendy neighborhoods.
Popular Amenities
Guest Reviews
Many guests say they're happy they chose the Birchwood because of its unbeatable downtown location on Beach Drive. The rooftop bar, The Canopy, is a highlight for hotel guests and St. Pete locals alike. A drawback cited by some is that the bar can be noisy for rooms on upper floors, which can be expected on busier nights and seasons.
4. The Hollander Hotel
The Hollander Hotel offers contemporary rooms and an on-site restaurant. Located downtown, it’s within walking distance of art galleries, shops, and the waterfront. From here, you can enjoy a stroll along the St. Pete Pier or spend time at the nearby Williams Park, a popular spot for events and local gatherings. The hotel is also close to St. Petersburg's Central Avenue’s culinary district, where you can sample dishes from popular restaurants and enjoy the lively craft beer scene.
4.7-stars hotel
We earn comission if you make purchase,
at no additional cost to you.
Popular Amenities
Guest Reviews
For those hoping to get away from the large chain hotels, The Hollander is the place for you. It's a historic hotel with character, and it has a slightly quirky vibe. Staying here offers guests an excellent value, the staff are personable and friendly, and the pool area is a vibrant social scene.
Above all, the prime downtown location, which is walkable to St. Pete's Central Avenue's restaurants, breweries, and shops, is one of the main reasons people choose The Birchwood. Something to keep in mind is that a few reviews note that the hotel can be noisy, and the poolside area can get busy and loud, especially in the evenings.
5. The Hotel Zamora
Hotel Zamora has recently reopened its doors after completing a significant 7.5 million renovation to the property, including the launch of their new flagship restaurant, Azura Coastal Kitchen and Bar. Now, the Zamora feels like walking into a sleek contemporary art gallery. The minimalist style lends a level of sophistication to the space. The rooms are equally stunning, with some of the renovations incorporating health and wellness benefits, such as premium air purification systems and vitamin-C-infused shower water.
4.5-stars hotel
$199-$358
We earn comission if you make purchase,
at no additional cost to you.
The rooftop bar has breathtaking views of the Gulf and Intracoastal, and is a buzzing, social atmosphere most nights. The Azura Coastal Kitchen offers private dining and hosts several popular events, including its monthly wine tastings, known as "The Wine Society." Each tasting features a new country or region, allowing guests to sample wines from around the world. Zamoras' short drive from Madeira Beach and other artsy neighborhoods of St. Petersburg makes it an ideally located spot for those visiting St. Pete's.
Popular Amenities
Guest Reviews
For those hoping to get away from the large chain hotels, The Hollander is the place for you. It's a historic hotel with character, and it has a slightly quirky vibe. Staying here offers guests an excellent value, the staff are personable and friendly, and the pool area is a vibrant social scene.
Above all, the prime downtown location, which is walkable to St. Pete's Central Avenue's restaurants, breweries, and shops, is one of the main reasons people choose The Birchwood. Something to keep in mind is that a few reviews note that the hotel can be noisy, and the poolside area can get busy and loud, especially in the evenings.
6. The Inn on Third
A charming historic inn located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, The Inn on Third is ranked #1 of 45 hotels in St. Petersburg. Family-owned and operated for over 19 years, the Inn features 20 uniquely appointed guest rooms and has a reputation for providing exceptional service and accommodations.
4.7-stars hotel
$97-$160
We earn comission if you make purchase,
at no additional cost to you.
The Inn's proximity to the numerous attractions in St. Pete is what compels many to book here. It's a 25-minute walk to The Dali Museum (which is home to the world's most extensive Dali collection outside of Spain). Even closer is the Chihuly Collection, which houses famous glass art by the legendary glass artist Dale Chihuly. The St. Pete Pier is a 10-minute walk away, offering family-friendly green spaces to relax, numerous dining options, and shops to explore.
Popular Amenities
Guest Reviews
Reviews of The Inn on Third are overwhelmingly positive, with several comments highlighting the friendly and welcoming staff that genuinely care about the quality of their guests' stays. The rooms are clean and comfortable, although a few note that they are small. The inn's quaint charm and 'old Florida' atmosphere, along with its top-notch location, can be attributed mainly to its popularity.
7. Bay Palms Waterfront Resort
Bay Palms Waterfront Resort is a family-run waterfront resort hotel on Gulf Blvd. in St. Pete's. Situated directly on the Boca Ciega Bay, the resort has a distinctly Floridian vibe, and owns "one of the largest privately owned fishing piers in St Petersburg at 1,500 square feet" (from TripAdvisor).
4-stars hotel
$125-$338
We earn comission if you make purchase,
at no additional cost to you.
The resort underwent recent renovations this year and features 15 spacious suites, some of which include separate living spaces and a kitchenette. The proximity to the beach (only 200 feet!) and affordable price point make it a top choice for places to stay in St. Pete's.
Popular Amenities
Guest Reviews
One guest review describes the Bay Palms as "aimed for family relaxation with a variety of activities and a fun artist-inspired beach theme". Guests note that the rooms are clean, comfortable, and beautifully decorated. Other recurring comments include the exceptional service by the hotel staff.
8. Holiday Inn Express
To conclude the list of popular hotels in the area, the Holiday Inn Express is a well-established name that provides consistency and affordability to its guests. The Holiday Inn is in the heart of downtown Petersburg, near the popular attractions listed above (i.e., the Dali Museum, Chihuly Collection, St. Pete's Pier).
4.5-stars hotel
$335-$700
We earn comission if you make purchase,
at no additional cost to you.
The hotel offers all the standard amenities, a complimentary breakfast, and spacious rooms designed for both business and leisure travelers. Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, the Holiday Inn Express is a dependable place to book during your visit.
Popular Amenities
Guest Reviews
Reviews consistently highlight the hotel's cleanliness, comfortable rooms, and unbeatable downtown location. Guests appreciate the value, especially with the complimentary breakfast, and find it to be a reliable and convenient base for exploring the city. The primary feedback is that while it is excellent for its category, it lacks the unique character or resort-style amenities of boutique or luxury hotels in the area.
FAQs
The best times to visit are outside peak seasons, from late fall to early spring (November through April). The weather won't be as humid, and it'll be more comfortable for outdoor activities (i.e., beach days and other outdoor activities).
In downtown and nearby neighborhoods, yes. The city is walkable, and there are free trolleys, as well as bike and scooter rentals. If you're staying near the beach or plan to explore outside the city, having a car is helpful.
Downtown is a solid base for first visits. It's near museums, parks, and restaurants. From there, it’s a short drive to the beach, arts districts, and nearby areas.
That depends on your plans. If you're after art, dining, and local culture, staying downtown makes sense. If you prefer quiet mornings and easy beach access, a spot near the coast is a better option. Some travelers even split their stay between both.
In general, yes—especially in well-lit and active areas like the downtown waterfront. But like any city, it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid unfamiliar, quiet areas late at night.
Absolutely. St. Petersburg offers numerous family-friendly attractions, including the Great Explorations Children’s Museum, Sunken Gardens with its flamingos and tropical plants, the interactive St. Pete Pier, and various waterfront parks that are perfect for both kids and adults.
