A "Site" to Behold at Opal Sands & Opal Sol in Clearwater Beach, Florida

If you’re visiting Clearwater Beach, both Opal Sands and Opal Sol are fantastic choices—and the best part is, guests can enjoy the amenities of both properties by simply utilizing their glass-enclosed walkway. Both also have amazing coastal décor like roped columns, nautical color schemes, and airy palettes that create a beach-like resort experience.

Roping detail on columns in hallway and lobby

Glass walkway from Opal Sands to Opal Sol

Opal Sands (four-star, built in 2016, renovation planned for 2026–2029) boasts a prime location with direct private beach access, a large oceanfront resort pool, and every room offering a balcony overlooking the water (a huge selling point). The hotel has 230 rooms (180 standard, the rest suites), cabanas for rent, and extensive event space—including a ballroom for up to 600 guests and breakout rooms with water views. Valet parking is $40 per night, with public parking available nearby. It’s also home to Seaguini, the property’s fine dining restaurant, and Sandbar, recently ranked the number-one bar by South Florida Reporter.

Fun Adirondack chairs at their well-known Sandbar outdoor restaurant

Bedroom suite at Opal Sands

Spacious bathroom in suite room

Beachfront view at Opal Sands

Opal Sol is a newer, all-suite property with 248 rooms featuring airy coastal décor. Suites are spacious—standard suites start at 475 square feet, while one-bedroom suites span 1,200 square feet. Amenities include two smaller pools, an event lawn, a full-service spa, and multiple dining options—the swanky Mediterranean restaurant Drift, the pool bar The Current, and the breakfast restaurant Toast. The gym is very nice at this property, too. While you do have to cross the street to reach the (often crowded) public beach, the hotel offers beautiful event spaces, including an 11,000-square-foot ballroom.

Opal Sol aerial shot

Private room at Drift restaurant

Bottom line: Choose Opal Sands if you want a more traditional hotel with beach access and a large oceanfront pool that provides privacy. Choose Opal Sol if you prefer all-suite accommodations, a more contemporary vibe, and a variety of indoor event spaces. You can’t go wrong with either—together they deliver the full Clearwater Beach resort experience.

The hotels are located in the busy part of Clearwater Beach. They are near a lot of restaurants, but neither are truly "remote." There is also no private beach for either property—guests use Clearwater's public beach like everyone else, so that is a downfall. If you visit here, it's costly to park your rental car, but you can find more inexpensive parking next door in the public lot. The price point is higher than other nearby hotels, but you are paying for their service, which is outstanding.

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