choice of hotel

Question

Deciding between The Residence Inn in clearwater beach or the AC hotel. Which hotel do you recommend?

Answer

Good question. It depends a lot on what you're looking for in your Clearwater Beach stay — home-like comfort vs. more design-driven, boutique vibes. Here’s a detailed comparison between the two, and when one might be a better pick than the other.

Residence Inn Clearwater Beach

Pros:

Suites with full kitchens — every room has a full kitchen with stovetop, fridge/freezer, cookware — ideal if you want to prepare your own meals or have more space.
Spacious, home-style feel — the suite layout gives a living/dining area, so it’s very comfortable for relaxing, especially for mid-range stays.
Outdoor pool and fitness room — good for relaxing or staying active.
Complimentary breakfast — helps save on dining, especially for morning meals.
Pet-friendly — useful if you're traveling with a pet.
Quiet but close to beach — it's very near Clearwater Beach (walking distance), so you can enjoy the beach without staying right on a noisy strip.

Cons:

No rooftop bar — a bit more utilitarian, focused on longer stays, not nightlife.
Parking and beach logistics — depending on your visit, getting to the beach or parking might require a short walk.

AC Hotel Clearwater Beach

Pros:

Very modern and chic — European-inspired design, sleek rooms with wood-look flooring, minimalist feel.
Rooftop pool & bar — great for sunset views, relaxing cocktails, and a stylish atmosphere.
AC Lounge & restaurant — tapas-style small plates, craft beers, wine, and a social, elegant vibe.
AC Kitchen breakfast — European-style continental breakfast (cheeses, croissants, meats) rather than a typical American buffet.
Excellent location — just a block from Clearwater Beach and Pier 60, making it really easy to walk to major beach attractions.
Fitness center, convenience store, and modern amenities — good mix of style and utility.

Cons:

No full kitchen — rooms have a mini-fridge but not a full dining kitchen, which makes it less ideal for long stays if cooking is a priority.
Parking is paid and via valet — $38/day, which adds up.
Breakfast is not free (buffet or similar surcharge) — something to factor into your budget.

Which One to Choose Based on What You Want:

Go with the Residence Inn if your priority is: space, staying longer, cooking for yourself, and having a homey feel. It’s particularly strong for family stays or a relaxing “home base” near the beach.
Choose the AC Hotel if you’re after: style, design, rooftop bar vibes, being very close to beach attractions, and enjoying social evenings. It’s a great pick for a shorter stay or a “getaway” feel.

Recommendation: Given your criteria of a mid-range hotel and desire for some relaxing space, if you plan to cook or eat some meals “at home,” the Residence Inn is likely the better value and more practical. But, if you want a more boutique, modern hotel experience with evening ambience and are okay dining out, the AC Hotel offers a very chic beach-centric getaway.

choice of hotel

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