We spent hours driving to Clearwater, when we arrived there were drivers waiting incessantly to take someone's parking spot, holding up traffic behind them until they claim that spot. The beach was extremely crowded, not at all restful, there was no swimming allowed due to strong currents and red tide. Red tide causes infections in beach goers that get water in their eyes, ears, nose and throat. It is caused by a lack of movement in the Gulf of Mexico. We ate dinner at Crabby Bill's near the beach. This is a casual dining place, but is expensive. We spent $125 on four people in our group. Not enough staff, overcrowded, but very popular. Parking in hotel parking lot next door. We spent a total of 1.5 hours getting to the beach, only 1 hour actually on the beach and out of four people, I was the only one to get into the water! Dinner was interminable for me, but my friends seemed to enjoy themselves. Drove to Tampa Mariott Airport hotel from Crabby Bill's and fell into bed after a shower. This hotel was AMAZING! This is a MUST STAY! Staff was great and helpful, beds were clean and comfortable with memory foam mattresses, pool and hot tub. Restaurant in lobby and accessible to airport shopping and restaurant. TWO Starbucks, one is 24 hours! This airport is my all time favorite!
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