A Perfect Family Getaway at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach

This past weekend, I decided to take a quick family getaway with my four kids, ages ranging from eight to their early teens. Anyone with a big age spread knows how tricky it can be to find a place where everyone has fun, but the Wyndham managed to strike that balance perfectly. 

We’ve been to Clearwater many times over the years, and while we love the area, one thing has always been a hassle: parking. That’s why staying at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach felt like such a game-changer. The location is perfect, everything is within walking distance. From the moment we pulled up to the valet, everything was seamless. The staff made sure we had everything we needed from the car, brought it all up to our room, and made the start of our vacation stress-free.

Walking into the lobby, I immediately noticed the luxury feel—huge ceilings, beautiful décor, and a sweeping view of the pool. Check-in was quick and easy thanks to the checkin email they sent the day before, and we were greeted with a sangria for me and strawberry lemonade for the kids. It set the tone for how hospitable and welcoming the entire stay would be. The eSKPades bar was the perfect spot to relax, and I loved how spacious and comfortable all the common areas were.

We stayed in a king bedroom suite, and I have to say, it was absolutely breathtaking. The suite included a kitchenette, dining area, living room, and an additional bedroom. My kids’ jaws literally dropped when we opened the door. Floor-to-ceiling windows gave us a panoramic view of Clearwater Beach, the pier, and even the pool from the master bedroom. Every evening we watched the sunset from the porch, and every morning I had coffee with the ocean as my backdrop. It was the kind of room you don’t want to leave.

One of the best surprises came on Friday night when friends called to check in. I told them about the beautiful, luxury hotel and its perfect walkable location. They decided on the spot to make a road trip and met us the next day. To me, that says everything you need to know about this place.

Poolside Fun and Beach Bliss

Of course, my kids were most excited about the pool and activities—and Wyndham didn’t disappoint. At first, I wondered if a resort this luxurious would really have much for the kids to do beyond swimming in the pool, but I was pleasantly surprised. There were daily activities like limbo contests, shell painting, and even complimentary snow cones. We also loved the BOTE Lounge, with its comfortable inflatable paddleboard-style seating and fun extras like corn hole. If you’re traveling with kids or a group I highly recommend booking the lounge. It gave us a shady home base for bouncing between the beach and the pool all day. We enjoyed piña coladas (for the adults) and nachos (a hit with everyone) while the kids made new friends in the pool. To top it off, there was even a Ben & Jerry’s pop-up right by the pool, which made for the perfect mid-afternoon treat.

Beach access couldn’t have been easier—the hotel is right across the street, with complimentary chairs and umbrellas waiting for us. We didn’t have to drag a ton of gear, just the kids’ toys. We played volleyball, spotted dolphins, and soaked in those famous Clearwater sunsets. Between the pool, the beach, and the activities, there was never a moment of “I’m bored,” which any parent knows is a big win.

 

Dining at Ocean Hai

Dining at the resort was just as impressive. We had dinner at Ocean Hai, where we sat outside and watched the sunset while enjoying beautifully prepared dishes. The menu was a perfect mix of Asian-inspired flavors and classic favorites, which made it easy to please everyone in my group. They even had a dedicated kids’ menu, so if you’re traveling with picky eaters, don’t worry—they have you covered.

The highlight for me was the salmon entrée—a stunning plate glazed with gochujang fig and topped with basil-coriander oil. I was pleasantly surprised at how the tang of the pickled strawberries paired with the rich, flaky salmon. The carrot-ginger purée tied everything together in a way that felt creative yet perfectly balanced.

We also ordered the California roll, which delivered that classic creamy-crunchy bite with fresh avocado, cucumber, and crab. It was the kind of simple but satisfying sushi that immediately transports you to the coast.

For the kids, the crab rangoon was the clear winner—they devoured them before I could even get a taste. Crispy on the outside with a rich, creamy filling, they were gone in minutes. The shrimp potstickers were another hit, with their teriyaki glaze, sesame crunch, and tender filling.

Not everyone in our group is a seafood lover, so it was a relief to see some other options on the menu as well. The Mongolian strip steak was perfectly cooked, flavorful, and hearty—a great option for those who want something different.

What really elevated the experience, though, was the service. Olivia, the manager, was so sweet and welcoming, and our server Kaya was attentive, polite, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. Their warmth turned what could have just been a nice dinner into a memory we’ll talk about long after the trip.

A Family Friendly Destination 

At the end of the day, what made the Wyndham Grand Clearwater stand out was how it balanced luxury for the parents with fun for the kids. The robes and slippers in the room, the attentive staff, and the peaceful sunsets gave me moments to relax, while the poolside games, snow cones, and new friends kept my kids entertained and happy. It was the stress-free beach trip I didn’t know I needed.

If you’re planning a trip to Clearwater Beach, take it from me: this is by far the best place on the beach to go. Book Ocean Hai at sunset, reserve a cabana if you’ve got kids, and get ready to enjoy the beach without the usual headaches. We’ll definitely be back.