For Valentine’s Day weekend I booked a 2-room suite at The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites in Clearwater Beach. When I told Laura, she replied, “Holiday Inn?” I knew what she was thinking. She was thinking of the motel-like locations.

Luckily, the Holiday Inn on Gulfview Blvd. is more along the lines of a resort hotel. We arrived Friday evening just as the sun was setting. I captured some shots from the 4th floor balcony just in time.

Sunset on Clearwater Beach Florida

The Sun Kisses the Gulf of Mexico

In addition to a great view of the Gulf of Mexico, we also could easily be pool voyeurs.

Pool at the Holiday Inn Clearwater Beach FL

No tropical beach resort experience would be complete without a Tiki Bar.

Tiki Bar

Some more sunset as the “Little Toot” sails by …

The Little Toot Sails Past Sunset on Clearwater Beach

Suns Sinks into the Ocean on Clearwater Beach

The Original Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise is fun for both children and adults. You can see the “Pirate’s Ransom” sailing by Clearwater Beach day and night, firing their cannons at the beach as dolphins jump from the water.

The "Pirate's Ransom" sails along the Clearwater Beach shoreline

The daytime cruises depart at 10 am, 12 noon and 2 pm. Champagne Evening / Sunset Cruises are scheduled as well.  Times vary depending on the season.  More information is available at: http://captainmemo.com/

After we unpacked, we headed downstairs to Jimmy’s Fish House and Iguana Bar right on the water where you can see and hear the water lap up on the shore as well as see all different types of birds swoop down and glide through the air close to the water looking for their dinner. Obtaining our dinner was much easier.

My Lovely Valentine

Here’s Laura. I rarely ever call her by her name though. I think she inherits a new pet name from me every day, but I am not allowed to talk about that if I want to live.

The food at Jimmy’s Fish House and Iguana Bar was absolutely superb. We started with the Trio Sampler - a sampling of grouper nuggets, coconut shrimp and fish spread. Even though that was already quite an appetizer, I couldn’t resist the Buffalo Gater Bites. Then we ordered our entrees of fresh Grouper and Mahimahi. The fish was fresh, flavorful and fulfilling. As a matter of fact, the portions were huge. You can get any of the fresh fish grilled, jerked, or pan seared with any of the specialty sauces; Caribbean BBQ, Citrus Hollandaise, Mango Salsa, Garlic Cream Sauce or Lemon Butter.

Both Worlds Performs at Jimmy's at the Holiday Inn

We enjoyed entertainment from the duo Both Worlds from 7 - 11 pm. These guys are extremely talented playing all types of pop, rock and tropical caribbean favorites like the obligatory Jimmy Buffet. They switch off on several different instruments and vocals and put a good funky beat on everything they play.

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Clearwater Beach
521 S Gulfview Boulevard
Clearwater Beach, Florida 33767
Local: (727) 447-6461 - Toll Free: (800) 770-6461
http://www.clearwaterbeachholidayinn.com/

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