St. Petersburg or St. Pete is a beautiful city in Florida's Pinellas County. It is more referred to as a favorite vacation destination for European and North American vacationers. It is also noted for its political importance as a battleground for US Presidential politics. Its nickname, St. Pete, was officially made after a unanimous vote by the locals last 1994. This is primarily because of its close proximity to St. Pete Beach.

According to the 2007 census, the population of St. Petersburg has reached a total of 249,079, making it the Florida's fourth largest city. Hence, it is also considered as Tampa Bay Area's second largest, with an estimated 4 million residents along the core.

The location of St. Petersburg is along a peninsula in-between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. It is connected to several cities, bridges, causeways and skyways. Apart from this, it is referred to as ?The Sunshine City? because of its average sunshine climate about 360 days in a year. This made St. Petersburg a well-loved retirement and tourist destination, not only for those in the US but those from the cooler Northern climates. However, as time passes, more of its visitors are from the younger generation.

Here are some of the best hotels in St. Petersburg:

Ponce De Leon Hotel

Ponce De Leon hotel is centrally located along the charming downtown waterfront and within a short distance to several St. Petersburg attractions like waterfront parks, museums, art galleries and cinemas, theaters as well as The Pier and Spa Beach. Its address is 95 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

This family owned hotel features a European and Mediterranean style in all of its 6 stories. It was built in the year 1922 during the time of the ?Land Boom? in Florida. In fact, it is regarded by locals as the ?downtown gem?, showcasing coffee shops, nightclubs and even one of the most renowned restaurants in Florida, Ceviche.

Ponce De Leon Hotel has a total of 79 guest rooms that are equipped with refrigerators, microwaves, wireless Internet access, Cable TVs, mini bars and daily newspaper deliveries. Guests are also guaranteed with wake up services, ice machines, 24hr front desk services and coin laundry machines with iron boards. The hotel also has a business center, garage parking areas and lockers.

Grayl's Hotel

Grayl's hotel is ideally located at 340 Beach Drive North East St. Petersburg, FL 33701. You can call them at 727-896-1080 or at 1-888-508-4448, toll free. It is historically Mission style inspired, dating back to a 1922 built building that offers elegant Central Florida lodging accommodations.

The hotel has a private courtyard, showcasing stunning views of the St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay coastline. Its Prohibition Club situated by the lobby has 2 cocktail lounges, 2 covered outdoor verandas and a Gatsby Pizza Parlor. Their deluxe ?waterfront? suites are suitable for both leisure and business travelers.

Guests are provided with wireless Internet access, lobby printers, 24 hour coffee, laundry facilities and 2 liquor lounges. Each room is also guaranteed with Cable TVs, butler pantries or kitchenettes and daily newspapers among others. You will definitely have a relaxing time at this hotel.

Pier Hotel

Pier Hotel is ideally located at 253 2nd Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Its location is right in the heart of the premier waterfront district of downtown Florida. It is near the St. Petersburg Pier and various local museums.

Guests of this hotel are guaranteed with complimentary high speed Internet access, local calls and Cable TVs. They also offer King Beds, Double rooms, Suites ad VIP rooms. Each room is also equipped with refrigerators, wet bars and microwave ovens. Meeting facilities are also available, along with relaxing verandas, lush gardens and executive board rooms.