hotels and such:

There are tons of hotel options in the general area, but only a few in Dunedin itself. (So try to book early if you want to stay nearby. Which we're hoping you do.) Here are our top options: 

THE PLACE RIGHT NEXT DOOR (to the place where we're having the reception.)

(A) BEST WESTERN PLUS YACHT HARBOR INN
(Where the bride, groom and wedding party will stay.) Connected to Bon Appetit restaurant, which is where the wedding reception will be. It's right on the water and walking distance to everything downtown. A great option. Call to get our wedding discount—rooms should be about $115-$186/night. Limited rooms available. Book soon!

BOOKING INFO: Call directly to get our special wedding rate/package - which includes breakfast for two each morning at Bon Appetit. 
Call 727-733-4121 and use CODE: BA10226. 
(Mention the wedding which is under Taryl Fultz.) 

(Remember the discount code doesn't work online. But here is link in case you want more information about amenities and such.)
http://bestwesternflorida.com/hotels/best-western-plus-yacht-harbor-inn

JUST A WEE BIT FURTHER—SOME OTHER OPTIONS IN DUNEDIN.

(B) HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS
The biggest hotel in town. Walking distance to downtown restaurants and bars and about a half mile from the wedding reception. Good for those with kids.
www.hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/dunedin/ddnfl/hoteldetail

(C) BESO DEL SOL RESORT
Also in the town of Dunedin but a little further from the wedding and from downtown. (About a mile from the wedding reception.) Haven't seen these rooms but was described to us as "family friendly but with a tiki bar that can be loud at night." However, it also just changed management so "the vibe" could change by April 2012.
www.besodelsolresort.com

(D) SANDPEARL RESORT (CLEARWATER BEACH)
For those of you looking to stay where you can walk right out to the beach and want a bit more luxury, we recommend the Sandpearl in Clearwater. It is 6 miles away, but is very nice. Might also be good for people wishing to add a night to the weekend.
www.sandpearl.com/

CLEARWATER AND BEYOND—OTHER PLACES ALONG THE TAMPA COAST.

Dunedin is the most northern of the beach towns in the Tampa area. So if you want to venture further away, or stay a few more days to check out other beaches, you'd want to head south. Every few miles you enter a new town and they all have their own feel and different types of hotels/accommodations.  

So here's a little guide:
BEACHES/BEACH TOWNS (Miles listed are the distance from downtown Dunedin): Taryl says if you have the chance to stay and extra day or two and want to stay on the beach to head to Pass-a-grille or St.Pete beach. About a 40 minute drive south, but they have beautiful wide beaches, white sand and the ability to walk to a lot more things. (if you do so take Alt 19 to save time or gulf blvd if you prefer the longer scenic beach drive.)

Dunedin: (5 miles to beach from town) Honeymoon island - where we are getting married. Or venture out to Caladesi Island state park - ferry only.
Clearwater/Sand Key: (9 miles) The closest area to get hotels right on the beach but especially this time of year the traffic will be bad and the hotels will be filled with spring breakers. High rise buildings, crowded beaches, party scene.
Bellair: (10.5 miles) Fancy, private homes, so not as easily public access beaches. But worth checking them out as you drive by. (And no, apparently the Fresh Prince does not live here. Very disappointing.)
Indian rocks/Redington: (12.5 miles/16 miles) Lots of hotels/condos. Less crowded than Clearwater. Beach here is rather narrow and rocky though.
Madeira Beach: (16 miles) Where Taryl's family always goes, quieter, has the famous John's Pass boardwalk with shops and restaurants. No big hotels, so the beaches are less crowded.
Treasure Island: (19 miles) More of the locals that live near the beach live here or Madeira. Also has some hotels.
St Pete Beach: (22 miles) Really nice resorts, beautiful wide beaches, busy but not as crazy packed as Clearwater. Other than Clearwater, most nightlife around here.
Pass-a-grille:  (35 miles) Other than Dundein, the most walkable, "town like" feel along these beaches. Unlike Dunedin, it is right on the beach so it is truly a beach town. One of Taryl's favorites. Great place to take family and rent a house or stay at a bed and breakfast. The beach town with the most ability to walk to restaurants and bars as well as see the sunset from a bar.
Fort DeSoto Park: (35 miles) No hotels near here, but gorgeous state park right on the gulf of mexico and the mouth of tampa bay. If you stay in Pass-a-grille or St. Pete beach and want less people around, it is worth taking a day trip out here.

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