Staff was good, room space good but, as other reviews have stated, place is dated. Decor not matching and TVs are older tube-type lacking vibrant color. Kitchenette serves purpose but short on dishes and had no utility knife. Many reviews list this as kid friendly so I must not know what that means. While a basketball was available at the desk, I expected some buckets and shovels for the beach, etc. Bar across street kept us awake. First time to this area and it appeared the Alden was like most of the hotels along here. You go for the beach.

We stayed at the Alden Beach Resort 11/8/12-11/13/12, and have stayed there several times before. The price is great, for a hotel with a beachfront room (the Lanai), kitchenette, and small living room. Our balcony looked right on to the Gulf of Mexico, which was beautiful. And the pool water still is very warm (as I remembered before), which was so nice. The room was clean, and housekeeping did a great job cleaning up after us every day. But, I don't think the rooms have been renovated since the last time I stayed there, which was 8-10 years ago. The room had a dingy kind of smell, also. The bed was comfortable, but the bed cover looked very old, and I worried about bugs. The kitchen appliances were very outdated, but they worked well. And, the overall decor-from the carpeting to the curtains could use some updating. As there were 3 of us, I had the luxury of sleeping on the pull-out bed. I know these beds generally are not very comfortable, but the springs on this one were bulging and pitting throughout the entire mattress. Needless to say, I didn't sleep well most of the nights. There are no restaurants on site, but they do have a nice beach bar with great drinks and entertainment. You can go to resorts next door or across the street for meals (Skidders is great). You do have the convenience, though of having the kitchen, as well as gas barbeques outside. The resort also didn't provide a business center, which even on vacation, is convenient to have. So, I honestly have to rate this resort a 3/5. I gave it a 3 based on price and that it was a gulf front room, with excellent views. I would stay here again, but that would be a while, and I hope it has some renovations then. When they update the rooms and beds, and add a business center, this hotel will be given a 5/5.

I do like the Alden Beach hotel. Okay it is one of those old Florida hotels, but that is the charm. There is not much for children to do here other than the pool or shuffle board and the beach. There is a tennis court above the parking garage. The rooms are big and mine usually has a small kitchenette. The air conditioner is a little loud, but in the heat of summer it is worth having it on. The bathrooms are clean but very small. I have had the ocean front room and the pool side rooms. As long as you are not on the bottom floor the pool side rooms are nice. You can sit outside your room with a little roof over head and mostly shady. They deliver the local paper outside your door. My wife and I enjoy the small bar that faces the beach. It is a nice place to lounge and sip a few all day. If you want, there are rental cabanas on the beach which are not a bad seat for the money. The pure white sand of the beach will bake you fast and the wife and I found the cabana a great place to take refuge. The hotel is conveniently located to traveling to Clearwater or St. Petersburg. The hotel does not have a restaurant, but there are a few places to eat within walking distance. The lobby is small but I have always found the counter people to be very helpful. The hotel has a small store, but it closes early and opens late. So travel out the door and to the left of the hotel about a block and a half and there is a convenience store nearby. Yes there are fancier places on the beach, but if you like quaint and friendly, this is a good place to try.

The Alden Beach Resort proved to be a very good choice for our 5 night stay in Florida. We had a poolside King Suite on the corner 2nd floor, that was all we had hoped it would be, Clean, nice sized, well furnished, and comfortable. The small kitchen was adequate and supplied with the necessary utensils, sink, microwave, toaster, and coffee maker. A/C was great as was the always hot water and plenty of towels which is unusual for most stays today! 2 very nice pools and 2 hot tubs. Walk right out to very nice beach area just behind Gulf view tower. Great staff that was very accomodating and friendly. Located close to many eateries and shops. Only complaint - no free wifi- very expensive at $10/day. Overall, though, just a great place to stay and would recommend you give it a try.