We stayed here from July 9-12, for a relaxing birthday weekend. The hotel was busy, lots of conferences, a wedding and class reunion. The pool is indeed too small, we spent our time on the beach. The chairs and umbrellas do cost $25 a day but it's money well spent. Also, even though the hotel is on the beach, it's quite a hike to actually get down to the water. There is a snack cart that drives up and down the beach so you can get food and some mixed drinks. If you're in the mood for a frozen drink, it's best to hang out at the pool bar. The sports bar in the hotel was pretty busy every night we were there, it was nice enough for a late night drink. The rooms are fine, bathrooms are small and the bathtub could use some updating.
The true stand out here was the customer service. Some of the best we've ever had. Our bath tub drain was clogged, but it was fixed within 5 minutes and we were given free breakfast the next morning for the inconvenience. The next night we were surprised with chocolate covered strawberries. The front desk was very helpful and super friendly. We would definitely stay again.

We really enjoyed our stay here. It was a toss up between the Sheraton and the Marriott but I'm pleased that we chose the Sheraton. Sand key is a nice area too. The beach in front was picture postcard. We couldn't have asked for a better beach hotel. It's easy to walk over to the restaurants and shops on the other side and to catch the yellow bus that takes you to Clearwater. The downside to this hotel was the pool. It was far too small for the hotel. I'm not a big pool user but it was always so busy and the rules said no more than 32 I believe, in there at one time. Loads of pool chairs available though. I would recommend that they take away two tennis courts and add another pool there - worth the investment. We had breakfast in Rusty's which was a great buffet - no complaints - very nice. The other downside was the conference centre - it sort of overpowers the hotel when it's in full flow, both the car park, the pool and the lobby. Whilst we stayed, there were three or four events on and they were all walking around with bright green bags, droves of them. I go away to forget work and conferences and I felt that the conference area should be separated better from the tourists. After all we want some escapism from all that. That part would affect my decision to stay here again I'm afraid.
However, I must end this by saying that the staff were very friendly and I really did appreciate the chocolate covered strawberries when we arrived - a nice thought.

I like to do a beach vacation in my own neck of the woods each year, so I'm very familar with the hotels in the Tampa Bay area. The Sheraton Sandkey is my favorite hotel. The staff is friendly and efficient and you will not find a larger area of empty beach front. I go there to relax and walk on the beach. It is definitely worth upgrading to gulf view room.
And if you have an opportunity, check out Columbia's restaurant which is across the street and a short walk to the right from the hotel.

I traveled for a conference that was hosted at the hotel (and brought my husband along). The entire staff was very very friendly and overly helpful with everything. The concierge desk is always staffed and there are multiple other staff members availablein the lobby. One even got on my cell phone to give directions to a lost friend trying to find the hotel! I felt that everyone at the hotel went out of their way to be helpful. The location on the beach is very nice as well. As a person who likes to do a little more than just the beach...there wasn't much else around the hotel to do. There are a couple of places to eat right in the hotel, but public transportation in this area is just "ok'...I would rec having a car.