I stupidly made the mistake of travelling to the beach without reservations with my boyfriend. We figured somewhere would have vacancy. After searching the ideal, nice, fancy hotels at the beach- they were all booked- we traveled a few streets back to the smaller motels. We pulled into the Gem Tower after reading the "Vacancy" sign, and at this point I was desperate. We walked into the office and was greeted by a woman, we asked if she had a room, she said yes how many. We said 2. She told us it was a basic room, we said that's fine. I asked how much she said $89. (Like I said I was desperate, so I said okay). She acted a little surprised we agreed to that rate. And once we got into the room we found out why. We looked online at their website and realized we were paying DOUBLE what the normal rate is during this time period (because we walked in). Online of course it says those rates are for advanced reservations. I expected to pay a little more than normal because we walked in, on a Saturday night on a weekend in mid-summer, but double is a little unfair. With takes and everything I paid $115!!! (In addition to that, they also hold a $20 refundable key deposit). And check out is at 10AM!! It stormed that night and the storm made the cable go in and out during the storm. The room is VERY small. Pretty clean but very old and worn, needs some TLC. Only soap is provided in the bathroom and one towel per person. No hairdryer, no iron. There was a small fridge but it didn't work. There was WIFI though (free). The pool was small but refreshing and clean. The sheets seemed clean and bed was average (not best/not worst). And we luckily were able to get an extra hour to check out (11am) for free. For $45 it would have been a bargain! For even $65 I would have been alright with that, but $89 plus taxes etc... for a $115 total just was outrageous! All in all... make advance reservations to get the rate that the room is actually worth!!!

this place was O.K. I stayed there for 2 nights and it was ok, the room itself was old and it smelled like cigarrets even tho it is a non-smoking hotel. the service was just what you spect from a family owned motel, nothing out if the ordinary, but again it is a motel. the big plus of this place is that the beach is literally 2 minute walk from your room. this place has a lot of potential is just a little run down.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Gem Tower Motel. I was there this past weekend for a three day diving vacation on a budget and the Gem Tower was the best priced location I could find. When I arrived, looking at it compared to some of the surrounding resort buildings, I was a little skeptical at it's appearance. However, the room was comfortable and clean and I had no issues while I was there. My only complaint was that the shower pressure could have been a little better. The owner, Mrs. Tas, was very nice and accomadating. The location was perfect; a block from the beach and right in the middle of all the attractions. I will be staying there again when I return. If you're just looking for a clean place to sleep at night while being close to all the fun, and have a budget to consider, this is the place to stay.

Jarrod
Springfield, MO

p.s. The beach is awesome!

I've stayed at the Gem Tower a few times. The Gem Tower is a quaint motel with vintage Florida charm. The owners run the hotel and are extremely friendly and hospitable. The rooms are very clean and comfortable and the location can not be beat, steps from the beach. There is something to be said for good old fashioned customer service and an eclectic feeling of what Clearwater used to be before it became so commercialized. I would stay here again and recommend it to my friends, any day.