Dolphin Sands Clearwater Beach, an Ascend Collection Hotel

We finished our two weeks in Florida with three nights at Clearwater, Feb. 24-27th, 2026, and it was a lovely end to the trip. The weather was sunny and warm, and we had a partial ocean view from the balcony. The room had plenty of space, and the roll away desk, which doubled as an extra table, was useful for our luggage. The pool was heated to 80*, and there was a private beach with live music. Shelling was good and the sunsets were beautiful. The hospitality was too notch. Mariah was friendly and helpful at check in, and Jace in the parking garage was just as helpful, with good recommendations. Beach Birds Bar served great drinks, and Candace gave great service despite a very busy Thursday crowd. Rum Runners, indeed, she was running around. Check out Cabanas for breakfast or lunch, the food was good and reasonably priced, with generous portions. We shared every meal. Thanks, Dolphin Sands!

We were sad to leave this small, relaxed beach place. If you want a huge resort, I’d look elsewhere, but Dolphin Sands was exactly our kind of stay. We started with a beachfront upgrade, and the staff were fantastic, from the front desk and management to the bartenders and servers. The restaurant food was delicious and fairly priced. Being steps from both the beach and pool was a big plus. My second floor oceanfront room had a beautiful sunset view. My friend’s poolside room had some ants, which can be hard to control, but the front desk moved her quickly to another poolside room. I highly recommend it.

We could walk to the beach and so many nearby restaurants, and even spotted dolphins from shore. The location at Dolphin Sands was hard to beat. Our partial ocean view room was spotless and comfortable, though on the small side, with not much room for luggage or clothes. The heated pool was great, and we spent time beside it every day. The big downside was construction next door. It was extremely loud and started at 8am every morning, weekends included, so sleeping in wasn’t possible. Ashley, China, and Krista at the bar were fantastic, and the front desk staff were friendly and welcoming too. We had an amazing vacation and will definitely return.

We were able to check in early, and Michaela at the front desk was friendly and helpful every morning we saw her. The doorman greeted us, joked with us, and helped with parking in the garage next door. It costs $25 a night, but we could come and go as we pleased. There were beach chairs available, and the hotel is right on the beach, though it was unusually cold during our four night stay last week, the coldest in about 50 years or something like that, haha. Our balcony looked over the marina, with the ocean also in view and the sunset right in front of us. We even saw dolphins from there. The hotel has a restaurant and indoor bar plus a cool outdoor bar. There’s a pool, which I believe is heated, but no hot tub; we didn’t swim. The location is pretty good, within walking distance of restaurants, other hotels, and a public beach spot. The beach in front of the hotel feels more private.