You know that feeling when you pull off Gulf Boulevard and suddenly feel like you’ve stepped back into a version of Florida that actually makes sense? That's the Malibu Resort Motel in North Redington Beach. Honestly, it isn't one of those glass-and-steel monstrosities that cost five hundred bucks a night just for the "privilege" of breathing filtered AC. It’s different. It’s pink. It’s low-slung. It’s got that specific, salt-crusted charm that reminds you why people started coming to the Pinellas County coast in the first place.
Finding a place that doesn't feel like a corporate spreadsheet is getting harder every year.
Most people driving through North Redington Beach just see the luxury condos. They miss the soul of the place. The Malibu Resort Motel sits right there at 17004 Gulf Blvd, tucked between the busier hubs of Clearwater and St. Pete Beach. It’s basically a sanctuary for people who want to hear the waves without hearing their neighbor’s TV through a paper-thin hotel wall.
What Actually Sets the Malibu Resort Motel Apart?
The first thing you’ll notice is the vibe. It isn’t trying to be a Hyatt. Thank God for that.
The Malibu is a boutique-style property that leans heavily into its mid-century roots while keeping things clean and updated enough that you aren't worried about the plumbing. It’s a family-owned operation, and you can tell. There is a specific kind of pride in a place where the owners actually know which palm tree gives the best shade at 2:00 PM.
Unlike the massive resorts where you have to hike through a lobby, three elevators, and a parking garage just to touch the sand, the Malibu is built for convenience. You walk out of your room, and you're basically there.
The Layout and Room Situations
They’ve got a mix of rooms, ranging from standard doubles to full efficiencies. If you’re staying for more than a night, get the efficiency. Having a fridge and a stove is a total game-changer because, let’s be real, eating out at the tourist traps every night gets old (and expensive) fast. The rooms are surprisingly spacious. They don't have that cramped, "I'm staying in a shoe box" feel that a lot of modern beach hotels have adopted to maximize profit per square foot.
One thing you've gotta appreciate is the cleanliness.
Beach motels are notorious for that weird, damp smell. You know the one. But the staff here works overtime to keep the sand where it belongs—on the beach—and the rooms smelling like actual air. It’s simple. It’s functional. It’s comfortable.
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Location: North Redington Beach vs. The Chaos
People often ask why they should stay in North Redington instead of going up to Clearwater.
Here is the truth: Clearwater is a circus. It’s beautiful, sure, but it’s loud, crowded, and parking is a nightmare. North Redington Beach is the "Goldilocks" zone. It is residential enough to be quiet but central enough that you can drive ten minutes in either direction and hit world-class dining or a massive fishing pier.
The Malibu Resort Motel is literally steps from the Gulf of Mexico.
The beach here is wider than you’d expect. The sand is that fine, white sugar sand that the Florida Gulf coast is famous for. Because the motel is smaller, you aren't competing with three hundred other guests for a square inch of shoreline. You can actually find a spot to put your umbrella without poking someone else in the eye.
Local Spots You Can Actually Walk To
You don't need a car once you've parked at the Malibu. That's a huge plus.
- The Redington Beach Long Pier: It’s a bit of a walk, but totally doable if you want to watch the sunset or see what the local fishermen are pulling up.
- Conch Republic Grill: Just down the road. It’s a local staple. Get the smoked fish spread. Trust me.
- Sweet Sage Cafe: This is the go-to breakfast spot. It’s quirky, covered in plants, and the food is legit.
The Financial Reality of Beach Vacations
Let’s talk money for a second.
Florida is expensive. In 2026, the prices for oceanfront property are skyrocketing. The Malibu Resort Motel manages to stay relatively affordable compared to its neighbors. You aren't paying for a "resort fee" that covers a fitness center you’ll never use or a "concierge" who just hands you a printed map of the area.
You’re paying for the room and the proximity to the water.
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There is a transparency here that is refreshing. You know what you're getting. No hidden "destination charges" added to your bill at checkout. For families or solo travelers on a budget, this is one of the last few places where you can get a Gulf-front experience without needing a second mortgage.
Is There a Catch?
Look, I'm being honest here. If you need a 24-hour bellhop, a spa that smells like eucalyptus, and a pillow menu, the Malibu isn't for you.
It’s a motel.
The walls are solid, but it’s an older building. You might hear a car door in the parking lot or the muffled sound of a neighbor coming home late. If you’re looking for high-thread-count Egyptian cotton and a TV that pops out of the foot of your bed, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want a clean bed, a cold AC, and the ability to walk to the ocean in thirty seconds while wearing nothing but flip-flops, then there is no "catch."
It’s about expectations.
The Malibu provides a "Old Florida" experience. It’s nostalgia that actually functions. Some people might find the decor a bit dated, but others (like me) find it charming. It feels like the Florida of postcards from the 1970s, just with better Wi-Fi.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Stay
Timing is everything.
If you come during Spring Break, everywhere is going to be packed. If you want the true Malibu experience, try the "shoulder seasons." Late October through early December is spectacular. The humidity drops, the water is still warm enough to swim in, and the crowds at the local restaurants vanish.
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Also, talk to the staff.
Since it’s a smaller operation, the people working there actually live in the area. They know where the tide pools form and which bait shop isn't going to rip you off. That kind of local intelligence is worth more than any TripAdvisor "Top 10" list.
Packing Essentials for the Malibu
Don't overpack. You're at a beach motel.
- A good cooler: The rooms have fridges, but you’ll want a portable one for the sand.
- Polarized sunglasses: The glare off the Gulf is no joke.
- Your own beach chair: The motel usually has some, but if you’re picky about your lumbar support, bring your own.
- Patience: It’s the beach. Things move slower. Embrace it.
The Future of Places Like the Malibu
There is a lot of pressure on these smaller motels. Developers are constantly circling, looking to turn these iconic spots into high-rise condos. Staying at a place like the Malibu Resort Motel in North Redington Beach isn't just a vacation choice; it’s a vote.
It’s a vote for character over corporate uniformity.
Every time someone chooses a local motel over a massive chain, it helps preserve the actual culture of the Florida coast. We don't need more glass towers. We need more pink buildings with neon signs and friendly owners who remember your name when you come back next year.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
Stop over-planning. If you’re thinking about booking, do it directly through their website or call them. You often get better rates than the big booking engines, and the money actually stays with the property.
- Check the calendar: Aim for mid-week if you want maximum peace and quiet.
- Request a second-floor room: If you want a slightly better view of the horizon, being elevated helps, though the ground floor is undeniably better for quick beach access.
- Plan your meals: Use that efficiency kitchen for breakfast and lunch so you can splurge on a nice dinner at one of the upscale places in nearby Madeira Beach.
- Explore the neighborhood: Don't just sit on the sand behind the motel. Walk north toward Redington Shores. The landscape changes slightly, and you’ll find some cool shells near the rock jetties.
- Unplug: The Wi-Fi works, but try to ignore it. The whole point of the Malibu is to disconnect from the "always-on" world and reconnect with the sound of the tide.
This isn't a place for people who want to be seen. It’s a place for people who want to see the Gulf, feel the salt on their skin, and remember what it’s like to actually relax. Pack a light bag, leave the stress at home, and just show up. The Malibu will handle the rest.