Why book?
For approachable, contemporary luxury on one of America's most celebrated beaches, with all-suite accommodations, Gulf-facing views from every room, and a design that feels comfortable for multi-generational families while still appealing to couples.
Set the scene
A highlight of Florida's Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach has long been a favorite for families thanks to its exceptionally wide stretch of white sand, calm cerulean water, and easy access to dining and activities. It's the kind of beachfront where, once you settle in, you feel little urge to leave. But while the beach itself has earned decades of accolades, many surrounding hotels feel frozen in Florida circa 1985. Opal Sol breaks that pattern entirely.
Though clearly designed with families in mind, the atmosphere never tips juvenile. There's an easy beachside sophistication here that makes everyone feel comfortable, from seasoned travelers to relatives who dislike places that feel precious or overly curated. Even the choice of room keys reflects that flexibility—guests can opt for slim elastic wristbands or traditional key cards.
The rooms
Opal Sol is an all-suite property with 248 accommodations housed within a white-washed, glass-framed 15-story structure. The outward-facing design means every suite has a Gulf-view balcony, and the higher the floor, the more dramatic the sunset, which often feels painterly in its intensity.
Entry-level studio suites are generously sized, followed by one-bedroom layouts, some with private hot tubs, outdoor showers, and two full bathrooms. Multi-bedroom configurations cater to families and groups. What truly sets the property apart is the connector system, which allows many suites to be combined. It's an ideal solution for travelers who want the amenities of a resort with the space and flexibility of a condo rental.
Design throughout is restrained and beach-forward. Blond wood furniture, framed televisions, and soft neutral tones keep the focus on the water outside. A philodendron frond motif repeats in paneling, tilework, and place settings, reinforcing a sense of place in the subtropics.
Food and drink
Between Opal Sol and its connected sister property, there are 10 dining and drinking venues, many of them local go-tos. At Sol, the standout is Drift, open for lunch and dinner, with interiors inspired by sailing and exploration. The menu combines Mediterranean and American influences, and the whipped feta with hot honey and toasted pine nuts is reason enough to book a table.
Breakfast is served at Toast, the hotel's morning-only restaurant, where Gulf views accompany a menu headlined by its namesake offerings, from well-executed avocado versions on grilled sourdough to sweeter combinations like the Strawberry Almond toast. For quicker mornings, Beach Market Café offers barista-made Illy coffee and grab-and-go options. New venues along the promenade, including Lolita's Coastal Cocina, an ice cream parlor, and a second Beach Market Café location, are expected to open by late March 2026.
The neighborhood/area
The hotel sits at the start of Clearwater Beach's Beach Walk promenade, ideal for walking or biking. Pier 60 is an easy stroll away and hosts nightly sunset celebrations with street performers and lively people-watching. From the suites, views stretch north along the beach, where powdery sand, calm water, and abundant birdlife create scenes that work just as well for early cocktails as they do for kids with buckets.
Worth it?
Yes—for large suite size, flexibility, and modernity, Opal Sol is a wonderful option, complete with warm, attentive, and genuinely helpful service.
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