Courtyard by Marriott Clearwater Beach sits right on Clearwater Bay, a modern hotel that opened in 2021 with its own 50-slip marina and a boardwalk at its base. Rooms and suites carry the brand's current look, with kings, double queens, and suites with separate living areas, and many open onto balconies overlooking the boats. Days revolve around the outdoor pool deck, and evenings climb to the VUE 360 Rooftop Bar, where the sun sets over the Gulf. Downstairs, The Bistro handles breakfast and dinner, Flipside Pizza pairs fresh pies with arcade games, and The Market stays open around the clock.

The island setting does the rest. Clearwater Beach's famous white sand is a short walk across the island, and Pier 60 hosts its nightly Sunsets festival with street performers and craft vendors. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium sits just across the bay, while day trips reach the untouched shores of Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island State Parks. Tampa International Airport is about 35 minutes away, and St. Pete-Clearwater is closer still.