Guy Harvey Outpost, a TradeWinds Beach Resort

Not aware of $ 45 resort fee. Not told at Chk in. Scam! It would have been greatly appreciated if I was told of the feet and not it be a surprise at check out the hotel needs to do a better job at training their front desk people

Felt like an annoying sales pitch when checking in. Haggling you to upgrade by pretending you’re getting an exclusive deal. But then I hear them offering similar deals (at varying prices). You have to wear a wristband all weekend, but in order to get he wrist band you listen to a concierge pitch you a timeshare-​like offer. There’s a bar on the north side of the property that plays loud music all hours of the day and night
Ugh…
The view and beach location is beautiful though. The only reason they are getting 2 stars

We won’t be staying here again… Here’s why…
We came here for 2 nights with my husband and I and 3 kids. We paid a premium price to be facing the ocean, 1^st floor. We got 5^th floor with a door that opens to a very dangerous rail for kids. We had to keep the door closed. I called and recalled for a crib to learn about their extra $ 5 a day crib fee which is not the norm for hotels.
Then, my husband was in the room with our 10 month old for nap time. The cleaning staff decided to come on to clean. My husband told them no and they argued with him to come in to clean. My husband was pretty annoyed over this since they gave him a very hard time about it.
The pool was 4 ft on one end and 8ft on the other. But it was way to small to have that much of a depth difference. However– beach front was very nice. Clean beach– lots of cabana chairs. Live music and lots of shade. They do a fire with smores in the evening which was nice.
The bathroom signs in the hallways point the wrong directions. We asked thinking we were missing something and the staff told us we’re right… Pointing up apparently means upstairs somewhere no straight ahead.
Then… The day we were leaving check out time is 11am. At 11:05 we were literally out the door when a manager knocked on our door with a cleaning person and asked if we were getting out — and reminded me check out was 11.
As we checked out, we learned about the additional $ 45/​day «resort» fee not included in the hotel price that they said everyone pays.
They kept offering this «deal» to come back at a discount rate. Well we will be back to the area, just not this hotel.

First time here… what a great resort. It was just me and my boyfriend but was very family friendly. However, are very catering to adults (beach cabanas, fire pits, music at night). Seemed like the main resort (trade winds) and guy Harvey were the best on the beach.

Such a perfect experience! We actually had reserved at another place on the beach, but we were so unhappy with it when we arrived that we decided to take a chance and see if there were any reservations here. We were so stressed out when we walked in, but we were greeted by Diana and everything started looking up. She was the sweetest, most helpful person, and we felt our stress melt away in her presence. She gave us a wonderful deal on a beautiful suite. It was absolutely gorgeous and our stay was amazing! The staff was so friendly and made everything so stress-​free. The resort grounds. amenities and beach are all breathtaking. Our visit will always be a special memory for us. Thank you Diana! We love and appreciate your help so much!

This beach bar is great for food, entertainment & the beautiful St Pete beach views. Most beach bar food is hit or miss. I have been coming to the Sandbar now the «Guy Harvey Outpost» for nearly twenty years.
Staff/​servers are great, working together to keep the tropical drinks and outstanding food coming to your table.
Really want to point out again how great the food is here! From burgers to fish including Grouper sandwiches, nachos, etc.

My husband was giving a speech in the area and a 3^rd party booked this hotel for us.
It was one of, if not the worst hotel I have ever stayed in. The rooms were dirty, tiny and outdated. To top it off, the resort, and I use the term «resort» loosely, was over priced with terrible service. If we go back to St. Pete, we will skip the ocean views and stay downtown. Downtown is a much nicer area.

We can’t thank Erica and Diana enough for their exceptional service. The resort was truly a beautiful property and the fact that the amenities from the trandwinds were included in our stay was a great perk. Quick note… we actually paid for and booked another hotel (sight unseen) that was unacceptable, so the staff at Guy Harvey’s really helped us out of a jam by giving us a last minute reservation at a great rate.
If you looking for a great beach experience with a fun, knowledgeable, and accommodating staff then this is the hotel for you!

Guy Harvey Outpost is part of the Tradewinds Resort. This resort is not link to the main building. It is about 900 feet with each other with a building in between of them. The resort was name after a local artist Guy Harvey who draw the the local area marine wild life and fish. A lot of his drawings is on the wall or hang as a frame on the wall.
This resort has several restaurants and bars. Rumfish Grill is one of them. The back of the resort is open to beach with pool and hot tub. If you stay there, you can use the facilities in the main resort which is 900 feet away.
In the hotel they have the touch tank experience that allow you to touch the little see creature such as chocolate chip star fish. Sound yummy but nice little creature. They also has the tiny horseshoe crab with shell still soft. Other creatures are Hermit Crab, Sea Urchin, and Brittle Star.
Come experience your self if you visit the Rumfish Grill.

Super cute bartender (Jake) serving drinks on the beach = awesome! Watching the sunset (3 nights in a row) while watching the sunset = amazing!!!

Unorganized check in, room was mediocre for the price. No balcony in gulf front rooms. Noisy, touristy, crowded, and not romantic at all.

We first came to this property back in 2007, with an adult group of friends. We found the staff to be very friendly and professional. The catering staff was fabulous, and the food delicious and plentiful. The rooms were spacious and clean, and the location (directly on the beach) very desirable. Our same group continued to patronize the resort for our event each year, in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. The prices of the rooms got so high that the event organizers decided to change venues. However, that did not stop us from loving this resort.
In 2010, we decided to book for a weeklong family vacation. Large room accommodations to house all 6 of us (2 adults, 4 kids). Right on the beach. TONS of kids activities… you can’t ask for a more interactive kid friendly hotel than this! The amenities are awesome.
Altho this hotel is a separate building than the Island Grande, the resort allows for occupants of either hotel access to amenities of BOTH hotels. The activities themselves make it worth the short walk.
You can walk straight out to the beach from the pool area. The beach lounges with umbrellas are included in the amenity fee. The resort offers paddle boats (located at Island Grande — most of the activities are there), shows, kid’s club that have crafts, movies at the pool, hula hoop contests, crab walking contests, beach volleyball (organized!), a huge slide on the beach (for a cost), dance parties, and evening ‘kid club’ activities for a fee. One of our children has Autism, and the staff in the interactive shows took this into account when interacting with him.
The only complaint I ever really had is that the service in the restaurants tends to be quite slow. Even when not very busy. Yet, it’s not so bad to warrant a bad review. It’s just one of those things I expect from them when going, and weigh the cost of my time when making a decision to eat there or go back to my room to cook. Yes, cooking in the suites is possible as there is a stovetop and pots and pans and a full fridge. Very helpful when traveling with a family!
We did have one mishap when visiting one year. We had gone to Orlando first and were due to arrive in St. Pete late one evening for check in. My mother was flying down to join us, and flew into the Tampa airport, but she was in the area well before we were. I called the hotel and asked if she could check in before we got there. I didn’t want there to be ANY expense to her, and I said this. Having worked in a hotel years ago, I know that check in requires a credit card swipe, and usually a hold placed at that time. I said as much, and asked if there was any way possible she could check in without that happening? I offered to pay in full right there on the phone even, if they would allow her to check into the room before we arrived, and I would present the card when we arrived later that evening. They assured me this would be no problem, and asked for her name so she could check into our room. They declined me paying outright over the phone, saying it wasn’t necessary. I asked several times if they were certain, as I didn’t want my mother to have to use her card.
Well, when my mother arrived, they refused to let her in the room unless she allowed them to swipe her credit card to check in. She didn’t want to do that, and was told that she could «go sit on the beach» until we arrived, then. Being how it was early afternoon and we weren’t due to get in until late evening, this wasn’t much of an option for my mom. They assured her that SHE wouldn’t actually be charged, but a card was required for check in. So, she allowed them to do it. When they did so, a hold was placed on her card for the whole amount of our stay, and it took more than a week to fall off. During the weekend, the hotel staff was very rude to her when she went down to address this with them.
Now, I don’t have a problem with this if this is their policy. What I have a problem with is that they assured me we could do check in without this happening. The whole reason I called to check was because I did know generally this is how things work, but i also know there is discretion in accommodating certain requests. If they had told me no, they couldn’t accommodate my request, we would have changed our Orlando plans and come in earlier so my mother wouldn’t have to wait hours for us to get into the room. If you can’t do something, then say so. Don’t say you’ll do something, then refuse to do it and then act like a jerk about it.
That being said, I reported it to manager on the «how did we do?» Card, and received an apology letter and a discount code for another stay few weeks later.
I am disappointed that the prices have gone up so much since we first began to go to this hotel, especially since it doesn’t seem that what is offered has changed much at all.

This hotel is great. They make the most of every square foot of Guy Harvey Outpost and the Tradewinds properties with cabanas, pools, poolside tikis and restaurants, hammocks, and multiple water activities. If you stay at the Outpost, you have all access to the Tradewinds which is where most of the water activities takes place. Unfortunately, there’s not much to do if it’s raining. The grounds are well kept and the staff are very pleasant. As far as the rooms go, the Outpost is an older hotel, but the rooms are up to date, with great colors, and they coincide with the pictures you see online. I would give it 5 stars but there are a few downfalls. One being the shower. The shower head stream is very weak which makes it not enjoyable at all. Second is the a/​c. The a/​c unit works but for some reason it can’t keep up with the humidity (even leaving the sliding door closed and blinds pulled to reserve coolness).
I would refer a friend to stay here and I would probably come back if I knew the weather would be nice so I could enjoy all the outdoor activities.
Tips: bring food, drinks, and snacks. It’s all expensive on site but when we ate out, it was pretty tasty.

I loved everything about this place! My hubby and I spent a few days here on a very belated honeymoon. Like eight years belated. My sister was married at the Island Grand and we choose this place based on our experience with her wedding. We were able to check in early and we were even able to upgrade to a romance suite. Gulf front room on the top floor, beautiful!!! We spent lots of time on the beach, enjoyed using the cabanas and also spent some time in the adult only pool. The property is very well cared for and is very clean. Rooms were very clean as was the entire property. Additionally every staff member, yes, EVERY single one was very friendly. From check in, to servers at guys grill or sand bar to the housekeeping staff we passed in the hall. Top notch service:) we will absolutely be back! Our kids weren’t with us but we noticed lots of family friendly events as well. This place is good for couples and families.

LOVE. Everyone and everything about this place. Great customer service. Killer food. Beautiful rooms.

I came here for the smores at night. Beach bar said they were canceled so I called the front desk and asked them why since as you ca see by my picture there is no rain, lightning, nor wind. Lady In the front desk said there is lightening so it’s canceled and in a very rude manner hanged up on me. I don’t care if they want to be aholes about the smores but don’t you darn hang up on me. Extremely rude!

Well I had high hopes for this hotel as we booked it with a package with Busch Gardens. The hotel is almost an hour away from the park so that sucks.
Rooms are tiny… double beds which are uncomfortable. I think we had bed bugs in ours as I woke up with tiny red marks all over my legs. Same for my wife.
Pool is tiny and packed. Beach is nice so that’s a plus. Overall, not a great experience and not a hotel worth the money. Save yours and book somewhere else on the beach.

We have stayed at the Tradewinds Island Grand Property four times. This was our first time at the Guy Harvey Outpost.
The hotel is a converted motel. The décor and furnishings are good enough. Everything appeared clean and all the staff members were friendly and courteous.
We opted to «upgrade» to a ground floor room that was on the «sandbox» which meant we could walk out directly to the beach and had a small patio. I was called about a week before our trip and made aware of this available upgrade (for a fee of course). I asked VERY specific questions about what time the music is shut down, pool closing, and noise level enforcement. The two main pieces of information I was given were that the music stops at sundown and that the rooms had hurricane glass, which is soundproof — not.
As soon as I opened the door to the room, I thought WOW this is small. The first thing I noticed was that the beds are actually full size beds not queen beds. I figured my son could sleep on the pull out couch and the other three would figure out how we would share the two full beds.
That night was awful — the noise (music and loud guests) were up past 11PM and there was nowhere in our room we could go to escape the noise. A common area — the sandbox on one side and the adult pool on the other side, bordered both sides of our room.
I did call security and they did immediately come down to address the issue but it did not help.
The second night was a repeat of the first. At 11PM, I went to the front desk and inquired about moving to the Island Grand (I thought it was full and this was confirmed). Diana, the front desk clerk, offered to move us to the penthouse on the 7^th floor the next day if we would prefer to be on the highest floor and away front the noise.
Penthouse Review: the room was very fresh, spacious (with a full kitchen, dining room, living room, separate master with a king bed, and large bathroom) and had great views. Additionally, we had a private huge balcony that held 6 loungers and two tables with chairs.
My daughter slept on a roll-​a-​way and said it was very comfortable. The couch was much nicer than the one in the previous room but the sleeper part was still not comfortable.
We had high hopes that were quickly dashed at night — the noise from the sandbox area traveled up to our room and seemed almost louder than the ground floor. Luckily the bed was comfy and the pillows were great.
See separate review for The Rumfish grill.
At the Sand Key Bar, drinks are expensive, not much booze in them and not great ingredients. After the first day, I went to a liquor store and made my own.
Each day there is a musician playing poolside. Always sounded good. Not sure what time they played until but the muzak kept playing until 11PM.
The pool at The Guy Harvey is way too small for the number of guests. It was so crowded my kids did not want to swim. There is an adult pool that is not very crowded but since our kids were with us, that was not a pool we could use.
Smoking is allowed all around the property. Everywhere we went there was smoke. Sitting poolside lots of people were smoking and we could not get away from it. When I asked at the front desk about the smoking I was told that people are only supposed to smoke at the little ashtray things but they smoke everywhere and the ashtray things are also everywhere. The gentleman told me it is kind of hard to regulate smoking — I told him that Disney does a pretty good job of it.
Cabanas — each day you can get a beach cabana (two wood chairs with cushions and a canopy — not really a cabana). If you want a front row — that is additional. The nicer cabanas for families or groups by the sandbox require a $ 75 fee and a $ 250 food and beverage purchase. We would have liked to use one but the price was a bit steep.
The water park in the ocean was a disappointment in that they toys had sand all over them and both of my kids got sand burns from the slide. The life jackets they provide are not the nice neoprene ones but rather the cheap ones that no matter how tightly you wear them they ride up to your chin. My kids hated the life vests so much that they got off the equipment about 10 minutes into the hour. This is NOT included in the $ 35/​day resort fee.
Almost all of the staff was excellent. There were a few random people who weren’t as accommodating as they could be but overall we had very good service. The gift shop employees — especially the ones in the hotel itself were very friendly and helpful. The two maintenance guys, Victor and Don that came up and installed an umbrella on the patio of the penthouse were AWESOME. Diana was very helpful and truly apologetic for the noise and was great in helping get us moved to a nicer room.
I will also say that having someone going cabaña to cabana soliciting for the Blue Green timeshare company is awful.

Guy Harvey Outpost’s Beach Bar of the TradeWinds Beach Resort was stop #4 on our St Pete Beach pub crawl. Sandbar Beach Bar was a bit small. Unfortunately, there were not enough chairs at the bar to accommodate everyone in our group. However, they had super comfortable fully padded couches and cabanas for us to lounge in with great views of the water. Deduct a point for no live band. Guy Harvey Outpost’s Bar makes pretty good margaritas and mojitos. Not sure if they have food but didn’t check. Service was not the quickest although I can see why because they only had one bartender on duty. Dress is casual. Ambiance is tropical with a quiet calm upscale resort feel.

I was fortunate to have had to opportunity to have stayed at another Guy Harvey Resort. Actually, i ended up here by chance after bidding for a hotel on
. Unfortunately Priceline fails to warn you that there is a mandatory $ 35/​per day
«resort fee» when you bid on your hotel (I’ll reserve that review for
).
The hotel was directly on the beach and had plenty of amenities (that unfortunately I didn’t have time to take advantage of) — tiki bar, live music, restaurants, pool, gym, cabanas,…the works, plus, plenty of dining and entertainment options within walking distance of the hotel.
Once again, the staff were gracious and accommodating. Thank you to Derrick working at the front desk, James, the manager, and to the lady working at the front desk the morning I checked out — she was especially nice, but sadly I was in such a hurry that I didn’t get her name.
I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone staying in the area and I look forward to returning one day.