Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa

The opening of Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa marked a newera of sophistication for Clearwater Beach, Florida. Rising from a prime strip of land between the Gulf of Mexico and Intracoastal Waterway, the beachfront property debuted February 1, 2010, as the crown jewel of Beach Walk, the city's new $30-million, half-mile promenade lined with upscale dining, shopping, entertainment, and views of what USA Today and Condé Nast Traveler call the best city beach on the gulf.

Along with 250 suites—all with fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and more—the hotel features 12,500 square feet of indoor meeting space, including the 4,000-square-foot Aqualea Grand Ballroom. Venues for outdoor events range from generous covered space on the beachfront Promenade to the eighth-floor Vista Terrace pool deck, the Sky Terrace atop the sixteenth floor, and eight private terraces with adjoining suites—all overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.

Attendees between catered events enjoy dining at Shor, an American grill featuring fresh local seafood and a show kitchen, and Swim, offering pan-Latin dishes by the pool—surrounded by 20 air-conditioned cabanas complete with TVs, bathrooms, and wet bars. Rivaled only by the eighth- and sixteenth-floor pool terraces, Sandava Spa, Hyatt StayFit Gym, and Hyatt programs for children, the beach outside offers everything from a kids' concierge to chaise lounges, umbrellas, towels, and “beach to-go” food service in the year-round gulf coast sun.