I must say I pretty much agree with the review written by "pickyguy" so I'll try not to repeat the same things.

We had 2 rooms on the 8th floor facing the pier and beach (south), this view is called "parkview". Even here it could be a tad bit noisy with the doors open. The view was wonderful however and we really enjoyed using our balconies. Our rooms were very clean and fresh, flat screen tv, fridge, safe, easy chair and robes. Housekeeping was very attentive and friendly.

We had the same experiences as others with the elevators but the hotel was not too busy until our last day so not much of an issue.

Did not eat in Reflections or use the bar Coasters. However we did use the pool bar/grill several days. The prices are a bit high but pretty much what we have experienced at other resorts so didn't hold us back. The pool area was really nice. Beach towels provided free of charge. For those with kids, don't run to buy beach toys until you check the freebie bin by the beach rental counter (folks donate their toys).

A word about the staff, every person we dealt with was friendly and helpful. They are well trained and really seem to want to make your stay a good experience.

The Clearwater Beach area is undergoing a lot of change with the beachwalk construction project and apparent turn over of businesses (there were many empty store fronts). There are good restaurants in the area so hopefully they can get the retail shops in better shape which would make the area nicer.

Good, reasonably priced breakfasts at Marina Restaurant and Island Way Cafe very close by.

We stayed at the Hilton Clearwater Beach one night, pre cruise.

The pool, beach and public areas of the hotel are wonderful. The room was on the small side, but very chic. I would give the hotel a much higher rating if our room had not been so noisy.

We were given a harbor view room, which faces the street.

The noise from the street traffic was loud until well after 1:00 am. Every time I dozed off a motorcycle or loud car would go by and wake me up.

We arrived from the snowy north and immediately opened the balcony door to enjoy the fresh air. The afternoon noise was so loud we soon closed the balcony and turned on the air to drown out some of the noise.

If you stay here make sure you get a room facing south or west. I believe your experience will be totally different depending on the location of your room.

Good points:

* It's right on a beautiful, white sand beach.
* All is clean and new. Many well decorated areas in hotel.
* Two outdoor pools and a hot tub.
* Bar service around the pools and near the beach.
* Very friendly and helpful staff.
* The hotel restaurant was pretty good.
* Rooms are nicely decorated and clean.
* Near many restaurants and other attractions.
* The public park next door is very nice for kids.
* Modern 32" HD LCD TV.
* Free guest parking (parking is limited in this area).

Bad points:

* The wireless internet service can be very slow (slower than dial up) and this is plainly unacceptable to a hotel that caters to so many business conferences. Very frustrating at times. The iBahn internet system often has major traffic backups!

* The bathroom door doesn't lock by design - so consider this when traveling with sensitive souls such as teen agers!

* The shower can often turn 5 degrees hotter or colder, so you must constantly fiddle with it.

* There are only 3 elevators in the main hotel tower. When we were here for 4 days, only 2 elevators were working. One day all of the lights in the elevators went completely dark! It seems that there are maintenance issues that are not being met.

* If you get a room with a balcony on the North side of the building, you may enjoy a view of many air conditioners that are also very loud. That is, unless you are deaf and blind, you will not enjoy the balcony. If enjoy sitting outside on the balcony looking at the Gulf then I would suggest that you get a room on the South side.

Overall, if you're staying here with the kids for a few days, they should enjoy it.

nice renovated hotel-- staff was very friendly-- great location-- if you like to party try Cooter's a great bar right by the hotel. Would stay at again.