Hollander Hotel - Downtown St. Petersburg

The hotel offers a unique and memorable experience, distinguished by its historic charm and a lively pool area that serves as a central hub for relaxation and socializing. This vibrant atmosphere, combined with its prime location, makes it an excellent choice for sightseers eager to explore the city's attractions and social travelers looking for an engaging environment. Couples can enjoy a romantic getaway with convenient access to downtown, while pet owners will appreciate the welcoming policy for their companions, making it easy to travel with pets. Guests consistently highlight the exceptional service from the attentive staff and the high quality of the on-site dining options, which contribute significantly to a comfortable and enjoyable stay. To maximize your visit, consider taking advantage of the complimentary shuttle service for easy access to nearby points of interest, and be prepared for a bustling, energetic ambiance, particularly around the popular pool area.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently praise the hotel's diverse range of facilities that enhance their stay. The pool area is a major highlight, described as large, heated, and a vibrant social space, complete with a dedicated pool bar and comfortable cabanas for lounging. Many appreciate the convenience of free Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring connectivity. The hotel also offers a newly added gym for fitness enthusiasts and a spa providing services like facials, massages, and hair treatments, adding a touch of luxury and wellness. The common areas, including a cozy lobby with a fireplace and an inviting front porch, are well-received for their unique, eclectic decor and comfortable seating, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, guests value the provision of free bottled water at the front desk, a thoughtful touch. Many rooms are equipped with a microwave and refrigerator, adding to guest convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives positive feedback for its cleanliness and the overall comfort of its accommodations. Most guests find their rooms to be well-maintained and tidy, contributing to a pleasant stay. The beds are frequently praised for being exceptionally comfortable, often described as soft and conducive to a restful night's sleep, though some guests found them to be too firm. While many appreciate the presence of in-room amenities such as a TV, microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker, the bathrooms are consistently noted as being quite small or tiny, with limited counter space. Feedback on noise levels is mixed; some rooms are quiet, while others experience disturbances from hallway noise, footsteps from above, or the hotel's lively pool party music, which typically ends at a reasonable hour. The air conditioning units are generally effective, though a few guests reported them to be loud or not functioning optimally.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options are a significant draw, with guests consistently commending the food quality and variety. The main restaurant, often referred to as the Tap Room, receives high praise for its delicious offerings across breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is particularly popular, described as excellent and satisfying, with à la carte options. The pool bar also serves a range of tasty food, making it convenient for guests enjoying the outdoor area. Many guests highlight specific dishes like mussels, chicken wings, and burgers, noting the overall high standard of the cuisine. The hotel also features a delightful coffee shop and bakery in the lobby, offering fresh pastries and desserts that are a hit with visitors. The atmosphere in the dining areas is frequently described as lively and inviting, attracting both hotel guests and locals, especially during popular happy hour times.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous downtown attractions in St. Petersburg. Visitors appreciate being able to explore the St. Pete Pier, Beach Drive, various museums, the arts district, and a wide array of restaurants and shops without needing a car. For destinations slightly further afield, the hotel offers a convenient shuttle service within a ten-block radius, and the free Looper trolley stop is located directly across the street, providing excellent public transit access. While the hotel offers free parking, guests note that spaces can be limited and cramped, particularly during busy periods or when popular pool parties are underway, which can make finding a spot challenging. Despite this, the overall accessibility and proximity to key points of interest are highly valued by guests.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff and service consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, standing out as a highlight of the guest experience. Guests frequently describe the team as exceptionally friendly, helpful, attentive, and accommodating, creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes visitors feel like family. The check-in process is often noted as quick and easy, setting a positive tone from arrival. Staff members are praised for going above and beyond to assist with requests, provide local recommendations, and ensure guest comfort. Whether it's the housekeeping team maintaining clean rooms, the pool bar service keeping drinks flowing, or the restaurant staff providing excellent dining experiences, the dedication to guest satisfaction is evident. The complimentary shuttle service is also highly appreciated, with drivers noted for their helpfulness and efficiency in transporting guests around the city.

Additional Information
Beyond the standard offerings, the hotel provides several unique aspects that enhance the guest experience. It is notably pet-friendly, making it a popular choice for travelers with animal companions. The property itself is a historic building, built in 1933, and its unique, eclectic decor featuring vintage photos and charming details is frequently admired. A significant draw is the hotel's vibrant Sunday pool parties, which are open to the public and create a lively, energetic atmosphere with music and activities, though some guests find them to be quite loud. The availability of free bottled water at the front desk is a small but appreciated convenience. Additionally, the hotel features a newly renovated spa offering various wellness services, and guests should be aware of a policy regarding outside food and beverages in the pool area.