The Hotel Zamora

"Why we love it: A boutique hotel just blocks from the beach with a luxurious, Mediterranean-inspired feel The Highlights: - Spacious guestrooms with balconies overlooking the water - Complimentary kayaks and cruiser bikes to use during your stay - The creative Spanish-fusion fare at on-site restaurant, Castile The Review: Facing the Intracoastal Waterway, The Hotel Zamora is a chic, Spanish Colonial–style property just two blocks from the beach. St. Pete’s first new boutique hotel in decades, it’s proved popular thanks to its exquisite service, daily complimentary happy hour, and amenities like reserved beach chairs, kayaks, and cruiser bikes. Here, dog-friendly rooms come with Frette linens, ergonomic workspaces, and cordless VoIP telephones with voicemail, plus marble-and-tile bathrooms with walk-in spa showers or soaking tubs. Many even boast balconies overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway or Gulf of Mexico. While proximity to the beach is The Hotel Zamora’s greatest asset, the five-slip marina, whirlpool spa, and large, partially covered swimming pool surrounded by cozy furniture certainly don’t hurt. Guests can also look forward to a full-service fitness center as well as rooftop yoga classes. When hunger strikes, they can count on Castile, a sidewalk café meets seaside grill with a Mediterranean-inspired menu and an expansive terrace overlooking the ocean. For drinks, there’s the 360° Rooftop Lounge, offering house cocktails, private cabanas, and prime views of St. Pete’s epic sunsets."