A just-completed $15 million renovation freshened up this classic beach resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida, situated amid a long string of Old Florida properties about 28 miles from Tampa International Airport. Fronting on a broad expanse of sand rated No. 1 Beach in the Nation by TripAdvisor reviewers in 2012, Sirata Beach Resort capitalizes on its prime location with a new coastal casual design.

Renovations touched most aspects of the 13-acre resort including pools; restaurants; a Beachwalk path; pet-friendly features; and artwork, especially two murals by local artist Derek Donnelly in bright blue, yellow and green in Sirata’s signature Gulf Coast theme.

Sirata’s 382 guestrooms and suites span 10 categories. A whimsical “PLAY MORE” is stenciled above the two queen-sized beds in the executive suite where I stayed, with more art in pleasing beach scenes hanging on the walls. Simply furnished, it has a kitchenette, small balcony overlooking the beach, sitting area and a basic bath with tub and shower and a separate sink with a vanity area. All guestrooms feature Smart TVs with access to Netflix and Amazon Prime as well as WiFi, though the connection in my suite functioned sporadically. TripAdvisor reviewers rated Sirata the No. 1 best value of 57 properties in St. Pete Beach. Rates range $136–435 depending on season, plus a $40 daily resort fee.

Harry’s Beach Bar, the oldest beach bar on St. Pete Beach, dates from 1983 and is named for Harry Nicklaus, one of the resort’s original owners. It’s been ranked among Florida’s best beach bars by floridabeachbar.com for several years. A chalkboard at the entrance reads: “Your hardest decision: frozen or on the rocks.” Harry’s refreshed menu includes tropical cocktails like Harry’s Hurricane and the Harry Navel as well as local craft beers. Renovations created more open bar space next to the north pool with hanging chairs around a fire pit. Harry’s is known for its chicken wings and Avocado Mango Tango Burger. The Waffle Fry Poutine and Grouper Fish and Chips were my favorites.

Rum Runners Bar & Grille, the resort’s most recent renovation project, opened next to the south pool and has a new, expanded patio area fronting the beach, Adirondack chairs and fire pit. The resort fee includes a Sunset Salute shot of rum each evening. My dinner choice of Blackened Florida Grouper Tacos didn’t disappoint. For indoor dining, Compass Grille serves chef-inspired contemporary fare such as Grilled Berkshire Pork Chop and Pan Seared Diver Sea Scallops. Compass and Rum Runners also serve breakfast and lunch.

Renovations featured new private cabanas and beachfront lanais and the Sprouts Kid’s Splash Zone water play area in a sea turtle theme brings to mind the endangered sea turtles sometimes nesting on the beach. Children can use the Sprouts Kids Club game room, a playground and daily activities such as crafts and games.

Pets are welcomed by name on a chalkboard and attend activities with their owners, such as Yappy Hour. A new set of pet amenities includes a goodie bag with food and water bowls, a pet mat, a waste bag holder and a guide to local pet-friendly restaurants and beaches. The resort pet fee is $50 nightly, plus a $100 refundable deposit; a percentage is donated to Pet Pal Animal Shelter.

The white-sand beach, with water sports, cabanas and lounge chairs, is the focus of recreation at Sirata Beach Resort, but the property also has bicycles for rent, a fitness center, a game room and daily activities such as bingo, trivia contests, table tennis and corn hole tournaments. Boats from Suncoast Watersports land on the beach to take guests on excursions. Our tour looked for dolphins before we headed to Shell Island to gather sand dollars.

The resort offers 30,000 square feet of function space for meetings, weddings and other events. Its conference center accommodates 10 to 500 guests.

Sirata Beach Resort

5300 Gulf Blvd.
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
sirata.com
tel 855 344 5999