If you’ve been scrolling through rental listings in the St. Pete Beach area, you’ve definitely seen it. The Palms of Treasure Island sits right on Gulf Boulevard, that iconic stretch of Florida pavement where the smell of salt air competes with the scent of overpriced sunblock. It isn’t some sprawling, 500-room mega-resort where you get lost looking for the ice machine. Honestly, it’s more of a boutique condo-hotel hybrid. It’s the kind of place people choose when they’re tired of cramped hotel rooms but aren't quite ready to commit to a secluded Airbnb that might have a "no AC" policy hidden in the fine print.
Location matters. You're basically right across the street from the Gulf of Mexico. You can’t just walk out the back door and have your toes in the sand immediately—there is a road to cross—but for the price point and the square footage, most people find that a fair trade.
Why The Palms of Treasure Island Is Different From a Standard Hotel
Most Florida vacations follow a predictable script. You check into a room that’s basically a bed and a TV, pay $30 for a "resort fee," and eat every meal at a restaurant because you don't even have a microwave. That isn't the case here.
The units at The Palms of Treasure Island are technically condos. This means you’re getting a full kitchen. We’re talking a real fridge, a stove, and enough counter space to actually chop a vegetable. If you’re traveling with kids who eat their weight in chicken nuggets, or if you just don't want to spend $100 on breakfast every morning at a local cafe, this is a massive win. The floor plans are usually two-bedroom, two-bathroom setups. Privacy exists here. You can put the kids to bed in one room and actually stay awake in the living room without sitting in the dark whispering.
It feels more like a home. Or at least, a very well-maintained vacation home.
The View: Intracoastal vs. Gulf
Here is something people often mess up. This building is situated on the Intracoastal Waterway. The pool deck? It overlooks the bay, not the ocean.
💡 You might also like: USA Map Major Cities: What Most People Get Wrong
Now, don't let that discourage you. Watching the sunrise over the Intracoastal is arguably better than the sunset if you’re an early riser. You’ll see dolphins hunting in the calm water and yachts that cost more than my entire life's earnings cruising by. However, if your heart is set on a "Gulf Front" balcony where you can hear the waves crashing 20 feet away, you need to manage your expectations. You are looking at the bay. The beach is a two-minute walk across the street. It’s a very easy walk, thanks to the pedestrian crossing signals, but it’s a distinction that matters when you're paying a premium.
Let’s Talk About the Pool and Amenities
The pool area is the heart of the property. It’s heated, which is a non-negotiable in Florida between November and March. Even when the air is a crisp 65 degrees, the water stays inviting.
There is a large hot tub right next to the pool. It’s a social hub. You’ll meet people from Michigan, Ohio, and Canada, all bonding over the fact that they aren't currently shoveling snow. The deck space is decent, but like any Florida property, the "prime" lounge chairs get claimed early. If you want a spot in the sun, get down there by 10:00 AM.
- The Dock: There is a private dock on the Intracoastal side. It’s a great spot for fishing or just standing with a coffee while the sun comes up.
- Parking: It’s gated. In Treasure Island, parking is a nightmare. Having a secure spot included with your stay is a luxury you won’t appreciate until you see people circling the public lots for 45 minutes on a Saturday afternoon.
- The BBQ Area: They have grills. This sounds minor until you realize how great it is to grill some local grouper while the kids splash in the pool five feet away.
The Reality of the Neighborhood
Treasure Island has a specific vibe. It’s not as "party-heavy" as Clearwater Beach to the north, and it’s a bit more laid back than St. Pete Beach to the south. It’s the middle ground.
Directly across from the Palms, you have access to a very wide beach. The sand here is legendary—white, soft, and full of shells. If you walk south for about ten minutes, you hit Sloppy Joe’s, which is a staple for a reason. Great burgers, loud live music, and a view of the sunset that justifies the wait for a table.
📖 Related: US States I Have Been To: Why Your Travel Map Is Probably Lying To You
If you head north, you’re close to John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk. It’s touristy, sure. There are shops selling hermit crabs and t-shirts that say "I Got Crabs in Florida." But it’s also where you go for deep-sea fishing charters, jet ski rentals, and the "Pirate Ship" cruise that kids lose their minds over.
Is It Quiet?
Usually. But remember, Gulf Boulevard is a main artery. If your unit faces the street, you’re going to hear some traffic. It’s not Manhattan-level noise, but it’s not a silent forest either. The building is concrete construction, which helps significantly with soundproofing between units. You won't hear your neighbor's TV, but you might hear a Harley-Davidson revving its engine at the stoplight outside.
What Most People Get Wrong About Booking
Because these are individually owned condos managed by different companies (or via VRBO/Airbnb), the decor varies. The Palms of Treasure Island doesn't have a "standardized" look inside.
One unit might have sleek, modern gray flooring and stainless steel appliances. The one next door might still have 1990s wicker furniture and floral bedspreads that look like they belonged to someone's great-aunt. Always, always look at the specific photos for the unit number you are booking. Don't just trust the "stock" photos of the building exterior.
Also, check the cleaning fees. Since these are larger units, the cleaning fees can be higher than a standard hotel room. If you’re only staying for one night, the math might not work in your favor. But for a week? It’s almost always a better value than two separate hotel rooms.
👉 See also: UNESCO World Heritage Places: What Most People Get Wrong About These Landmarks
Practical Advice for Your Stay
If you’re planning a trip, there are a few things that will make your life easier. First, hit the Publix grocery store on Treasure Island Causeway as soon as you arrive. Stock up on snacks and drinks. The Palms doesn't have an on-site restaurant (though plenty are within walking distance), so having a stocked fridge is key.
Second, bring or buy your own beach chairs. Some units provide them in the closet, but they can be hit or miss. There are rental stands on the beach, but they charge $30–$50 a day. Buying a cheap chair at the local surf shop pays for itself in two days.
Third, use the "Suncoast Beach Trolley." It stops right near the building. For a few bucks, you can ride it all the way from Clearwater down to Pass-a-Grille. It saves you from having to drive and find parking in other beach towns, which, as mentioned, is an absolute nightmare.
The Verdict on The Palms of Treasure Island
Is it a five-star luxury resort with a 24-hour concierge and a spa? No.
Is it a spacious, clean, well-located home base for a family or a couple who wants more than a cramped box to sleep in? Absolutely. The combination of the Intracoastal views, the full kitchens, and the proximity to the sand makes it one of the most practical choices on the island. You get the space of a condo with the amenities of a resort, situated in a spot where you can walk to half a dozen bars and restaurants without ever touching your car keys.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the specific unit availability on major booking platforms and compare the "All-in" price including taxes and cleaning fees. Before finalizing, verify the floor level of your unit; higher floors (4th and 5th) generally offer much better views of the water and less street noise. If you are traveling with a boat or trailer, call the management office ahead of time, as parking for oversized vehicles is strictly regulated and often requires off-site arrangements.