We stayed in a 2 room suite, excellent view of the gulf. The check in process was painless - with the exception of them giving me keys to a room already occupied - this was quickly taken care of. Nice decor, comfortable beds - clean. It's reasonable and nice. Close walking to other beach bars, restaurants etc. I would recommend this hotel.

we just returned from here and we went with worry about what we would really find...we were so pleased..we took grandughter and friend...we had a suite in the lanai bldg. and although it is not really big it was nicely furnished and very clean...we faced the ocean and the pool and hot tub were very clean and nice...the white sand was great...the staff were so friendly..we highly recommend ALDEN to anyone..there was an excellent restaurant across the street and the girls loved bongos just a few steps away...it was a nice mixture of ages as well...no loud noises..slept with the patio doors open..could hear the ocean....go and enjoy..

We stayed 5 days in Jan '05. Two adults two small children. As long as you know that this is St. Pete Beach and it's a beach hotel, you will enjoy it. For 140 a night you could probably get a room at a Hyatt. This hotel is 35 for the room and 105 for the location.
It was clean, great location, friendly, affordable restaurants close by, kitchen to keep things for a meal or two daily. Plenty of room for 4 people. Everyone staying there seemed to be happy.
We stayed right next door last year at Tradewinds or Sandpiper and it was disgustingly dirty. If you don't need a living room/kitchen stay at Dolphin Beach .69 miles down the way. Don Cesar did not look worth $340/night.
For a much nicer, cleaner, newer location...choose Sheratin Sand Key 15-20 miles up the way near Clearwater. It was the same cost but much newer. Everything in St. Pete Beach is very old.
If you need to watch local ball games, college sports etc., Ferg's Sports Bar carries them all.

We spent 4 days at the Alden (Jan. 20-24, 05) and had a great time! The rooms were all clean and very updated. We choose the Caymen room because it had a gulf view with a balcony. The balcony has two chairs and a lounge. The Alden has two hot tubs and two pools which are very nice. One of the hot tub decks has gas grills. The beach is very nice at this location. Try Caddys for lunch or dinner it is right on the beach. We had a great lunch at the Mangrove Grill also.