The Best Room At... JW Marriott Clearwater Beach
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It should come as no surprise that Clearwater Beach, Florida feels like a vacation destination out of a movie. After all, the charming, laid-back town, which sits on the Gulf of Mexico just a short drive from Tampa, has played just that in films including Ocean’s Eleven. It makes sense, considering Clearwater’s long stretches of sand, unparalleled views, and vibrant pier culture (visit around sunset for locally made crafts, live music, and excellent people watching)—but it isn’t only Hollywood that’s come calling. The island has become a popular destination for multi-generational family vacations and friends’ getaways, and with the opening of the JW Marriott Clearwater Best Resort & Spa in May of 2023, it finally has a home for luxury travelers as well.
The airy, modern property sets the mood for visitors immediately upon arrival. The lobby has large windows that look out onto a private beach—one of the only non-public stretches in the area—and nearly everywhere you look, there’s a reminder that you’re there to relax. The ground-floor restaurant, Latitude 28, and its neighboring bar both look out over the water, and up at the rooftop swimming pool, guests can reserve cabanas or pop into the Deep End for craft cocktails, inventive bites, and Gulf views. (The only place that I don’t recall reminding me that I was at the beach was the spa, which was relaxing enough for that to be just fine.)
Here, Jennifer Sacks, the property’s director of sales and marketing, shares the details of her own favorite room and tips on how best to enjoy what Clearwater Beach has to offer.
What do you consider to be the best room at the property and why?
We've got a lot of good rooms here, but I would say the best is our three-bedroom residence. It's not necessarily just a room, it's a destination. It has three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, a beautifully appointed living room, a dining room, a kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances; all the comforts of home inside a full resort experience. There also happen to be breathtaking views from the balcony, which runs the length of the entire suite.
How much does it cost per night?
It varies based on the season, but about $1,500 per night—and that includes some discounts at the spa, the pool, and the kids’ club.
How would you describe the guests and the vibe at the hotel?
We have a little something for everybody, which is a great thing because our guests are dynamic and unique, and they’re coming to a JW Marriott because they want a luxury hotel that’s also unique. We welcome families, girls’ trips, couples on their honeymoons or celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary… Everyone here seems to be celebrating some kind of milestone, and we love that they choose to do that with us. We try to delight our guests while they’re here and help make memories for them. We’re also a go-to destination for the locals in Clearwater Beach; everbody wants to try out the new hotel, so we welcome a lot of our neighbors as well as guests who’ve traveled to be with us.
When you walk into the lobby, your shoulders drop and you're like, ah, I'm on vacation. So, whether you’re looking out to the water, enjoying one of the restaurants, or taking in the lobby bar at night, the property sets to stage for you to relax.
What feeling about Clearwater Beach to you hope to give to guests?
When you walk out of our doors to be on the beach, or when you're looking out your guest room window and you're seeing the palm trees, we're in Clearwater Beach, but you could have been transported to any island. You don't need to take your passport, though—you've landed right on Clearwater Beach, which allows you a little bit of destination travel without leaving the country. We offer that kind of impact that an international trip has; it’s a vacation in paradise.
What’s a local attraction that you always recommend?
I’m recommending a sunset cruise! There’s a schooner that can take almost any size group out on the water, and as soon as you leave the marina, the temperature changes—the breeze comes in—and you’re seeing dolphins swimming up next the boat as the sun starts to drop. If I could go out every single night on our of those cruises, I would! Now, if someone asks me for someplace to go on land, I’d suggest the Bait House, which serves fresh fish as you’re sitting right on the water. It’s really unique, quintessentially local, and you might not find it unless someone pointed it out.
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