Grand Plaza Hotel Beachfront Resort and Conference Center, St Pete Beach

This was the worst experience I've had at a hotel. It wasn't as nice as their website shows (our room was tiny and felt like a closet). Upon check out, I noticed a charge for $420 that should not have been there. When we asked them to correct it, they said they did. I checked my account to discover that not only did they charge me $420, but their "correction" was a second charge of $420! When I asked them to fix this, they said they couldn't do anything other than call my bank to let them know it was an error. Of course, it's already been pushed through so it's been almost a week and those 2 charges are STILL on my account. This has meant that other bills have bounced, and I don't have access to my account while I wait for these charges to go away. When I asked them what they would be doing to make up for the MAJOR inconvenience that THEIR two errors have caused me, they said there's nothing they would do. The man even explained to me, "Ma'am, this is how room reservations work. They pre-authorize first." I explained to HIM that I know how reservations work. However, I should NEVER be charged for things I did not use or expenses I am not responsible for, and I should certainly NEVER be charged TWICE for it. When I booked the room, I was assured that I would ONLY be charged a $50 hold fee. I even asked about pre-authorization for entire room charge, and was promised that would not be an issue since we had certificates. I have never in my life been out nearly $1000 for a mistake someone else made (TWICE) -- and I am now having to pay fees to try and prevent any further charges to my account. This has been the worst customer service I've ever encountered. Save yourself the trouble for a hotel that is actually nice inside, with people who know how to press the right button on their computers.

We have made multiple trips to St.Pete Beach over the last 2 years and will be returning again and again. LOVE IT. The Grand Plaza Hotel was the first and will be the only hotel we will stay in when we return. The atomosphere is pleasant,quaint and comfortable. Even though there was two weddings being conducted that weekend; we didn't have to ask twice for service. The concierge was very gracious and helpful to us in finding great acitivites as a couple and a family of 6. The rooms are spacious with a great view of either the bay or beach/ocean. Loved the room so much that we ask to be placed in the same one each time without hesitation. The hotel may be an older version but very nicely kept with a Key West atmosphere and is within walking distance to a vast assortment of restaurants (The Sloppy Pelican is outstanding), shops and grocery store for those who like to save a dollar on food costs. The breakfast bar is great and very reasonable; Spinners restaurant is fabulous with excellent rotating view of St.Pete Beach. Had made the mistake of trying the Trade Winds Sandpiper resort two doors down and was thoroughly disgusted with their rooms and service. Promptly cancelled our reservation and was graciously accomodated at the Grand Plaza. Bongo's Bar is great for drinks and appetizers, although it does seem to be always busy, never a long wait for service; surrounded by courteous staff and great live music. Will never go anywhere else!!!!

We loved The Grand Plaza, and sorry to read some unpleasant reviews. Our room was Ocean View with Balcony and excellent. We went for fun and were very laid back, it IS a Hotel, not a $1000 a nite beach rental, so we felt like the Room, Bathroom and esp the Bed were all clean & comfy. Parking excellent, Bongos Resturant Great, Spinners Resturant was awesome!!! With all services we were treated exceptionally well, staff very kind & considerate. We watched a Beach Wedding our first night there. the Ocean View & Beach BREATH TAKING. If there is anything we could give a lower score on, it would be the Bongos Resturant was loud late up into the night and our was just above it. IT Does say Music/Drinks till 1:00am, So when we go back we are going to try and get on the other side, ppl were having fun and enjoying. Oh We'll Be Back.

My husband and I wanted to get away for a nice weekend. The staff at the hotel were too busy taking care of the two weddings booked there---we had to ask three times for more pillows. The bathroom was very small and falling apart. The ceiling fan clanked. Not enough towels and cups in the room.The sheets were dingy and ripped and the bed was very uncomfortable. When I opened my door to the hallway a mop handle fell on me--the janitor rest it up against my door. There was no entertainment.,as advertised. The only good thing was the view of the ocean wich we could have seen better if we got the higher floor we requested. For $330.00 a nite the accomodations were terrilbe. On a scale of 1-10 I would give it a 2 and would not recommend this hotel to anyone.

We paid $175 per night for our room. The only nice thing I have to say about this hotel is the view was amazing and the hotel staff was very friendly. However, we woke up every morning and had to call the front desk for coffee. The beach bar (which is the main reason we stayed here) was not open for the first two days/nights. Our last night here, the bar did open; but was only open until 6pm. Our balcony door would not stayed closed, so it was open at all times. The door frame in the bathroom was all broken and fractured. The room is very small. There is very little room in the bathroom to get ready in the mornings. This is not what I expected, especially for the price we paid.

Just had a long weekend with a friend and it was WONDERFUL! Rooms are a little smaller than they appear but who's in the room long anyway! Bar next door was great, people were very friendly! Bed was comfortable, room was clean and I will certainly make this a yearly stop! Sunset can not be beat! Not the most expensive place, but nice enough and a great deal for the price!

I have stayed at the Grand Plaza on several occasions over the last few years. Returning to the same location says something about the hotel. It's not the classiest (most expensive) hotel on the strip, but it does have all the necessities to make your stay pleasant. Some of the hotels on the strip, don’t mention it up front, but charge a parking fee. The Grand Plaza has ample parking and at least up to my last visit in August, 2009, parking was free. The top floor restaurant revolves slowly giving a great view of the entire coast and city, while you enjoy a dinner. I’m sure that it’s an attraction in the area. If there is a drawback, it would be the less expensive rooms lack space. The structure of the hotel is round, so it was a challenge creating enough rooms and spacious rooms… I understand the suites are larger, but never stayed in one. If you have a family of 4, you won’t fit comfortably in the Bay City View Rooms and there’s no other place to watch TV then from the single queen bed. From the sofa bed you can't view TV. If you’re a couple it works perfectly. If you’re down there for some golf with a buddy, 1 queen size bed just doesn’t work, so one of you will have to pull out the sofa bed. Last, no matter what age, if you love the ocean and beach like I do, you’ll enjoy and appreciate the location. Take long walks and swim till you’re soggy, that’s what it’s all about when you visit the west coast of Florida. Beautiful!!

Renovated rooms? Not to our standard, contacted orbitz and nothing they could do. Beach was beautiful! Plenty to do and see nearby. Rooms were 2 star at most, AC unit dripped out onto "private balcony" causing a hazard. Would go back just not here!!!

The rooms are a bit smaller than what appears in the picture, but they are neat and clean. Ocean views at sunset can not be beat. Michelle at the front desk is the "Best", very accomodating and pleasant, book through her. We will be frequent visitors.

Because the hotel is mostly vertical, it's literally steps from the beach. Everything is about the beach -- the pool is awesome and you can walk right out on the beach -- a little shade, but mostly sunny spots. One of the restaurants has outdoor seating by the pool/beach, this was one of our favorites. Spinners is at the top of the hotel and revolves around the city/beach view. Takes about 1 1/2 hours, and dinner was timed perfectly. Rooms were very nice, but we were hardly ever in them.