Live Like a Tourist at Home
by Ryan Walsh & Christy Robinson-Costello
Get ready for a stylish staycation.
Proudly overlooking the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico is the newest hotel in Greater Tampa Bay –– the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa. This luxury lodging sits at the tail-end of Clearwater Beach, adjacent to the Sand Key Bridge.
A sleek, modern design catches the eye immediately, as large open spaces facilitate an air of breeziness and relaxation.
The hotel had its grand opening celebration on May 1, 2023. Hundreds in attendance listened raptly to Marriott International Chairman of the Board David Marriott and owner Dr. Kiran Patel as they provided opening remarks.
The project spent seven years in development at a cost of over $200 million. COVID-19 was, in part, responsible for some of the delay –– but the wait is proving to have been worth it.
GTB locals can now experience the prestige and luxury of an international resort in the comfort of their own backyard. Each of the 192 rooms at the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach boasts a private balcony with views of the water. The hotel amenities also include a luxuriously, intimate spa; a 24-hour fitness center, including two peloton bikes; bicycle rentals for resort guests, a kid’s club, a rooftop pool, and 3 restaurants, including upscale Mediterranean dining and a rooftop bar/restaurant experience.
That is just the start.
Dining
The JW Marriott Clearwater Beach is home to three distinct restaurants: The Deep End, Latitude 28 and Eskape–Beach Bar and Grille. Open to the public, these eateries provide local residents with an exotic, resort feel.
Eskape is a classic American beachside restaurant offering lunch and mid-day meal options, either on sand or out on the terrace where the boats drive by and the air smells like sea salt. For lunch, select the blackened grouper, mahi-mahi tacos or burgers for some of their elevated classics –– familiar and refined.
The Deep End is an energetic rooftop spot with unique menus for lunch and dinner. Next to the rooftop pool, the restaurant offers panoramic views of the Gulf and Intercoastal. It has a large bar with big screen TVs, perfect for catching a game or enjoying a happy hour cocktail. Delicious samplings such as tuna tacos, yuca fries and salmon bowls can be enjoyed inside or even poolside. The Deep End also has a seafood tower stocked with juicy lobster tail, two types of seafood tartar, crab claws, oysters and jumbo shrimp. The perfect mix of Florida seafood and Nikkei cuisine.
Latitude 28, the hotel’s signature restaurant, has a modern, eccentric vibe, featuring a menu rich with Mediterranean classics. Start with a smoked burrata salad, delicious tapenade and muhammara shareable spreads served with homemade warm pita and crudités. Experience their unique, decadent flavors with the lamb chops topped with pea puree and apricot glaze or the flaky, whole branzino served with a saffron risotto and black garlic sauce. Perfectly complemented by a large wine selection, considerate of all budgets, Latitude 28 is the spot for a romantic date night or an energetic start to the evening with friends. Snag a table next to the linen draped, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the palm trees and Gulf of Mexico. For breakfast, sip a cup of coffee and enjoy their breakfast buffet that includes made to order omelets, charcuterie, fresh baked pastries, fresh fruit and much more.
Spa
This is the definition of rest and relaxation. The spa is intimate and cozy, designed with the same elegant coastal motif found throughout the rest of the resort. The aromas of sea salt, sandalwood and essential oils permeate the spa’s lounge room, steam room and sauna. Massage treatments are offered among the usual services, and the technicians are attentive and experienced. A perfect place to recharge for busy GTB professionals, or for a classic girls-day outing, there is no better place for guests to put their feet up and scrub their worries away.
Conference Rooms/Event Spaces
The hotel is replete with conference rooms and event spaces for any event imaginable –– 18,546 square feet of space, to be exact. Two expansive ballrooms, perfect for wedding receptions or corporate gatherings, bear the names of the owner’s family members. Private conference rooms are bedecked with comfortable seating, high-tech devices and, of course, views of the Gulf. Not to mention, the endless possibilities on the sand- the ideal wedding ceremony or celebration venue.
Outro
More than a fantastic vacation spot, the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach can be home. Snowbird in style in their one- to three-bedroom residence-style suites and have access to all of the resort’s great amenities.
Whether from GTB or beyond, time spent at the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort is well worth it.
