I stayed in this hotel the first week it was open. I was not impressed....but then I began reading some pretty good reviews here and elsewhere, and thought "well, maybe it was just me".

But I agree -
I wouldn't consider this a "beach" hotel...although it is on the beach, it is not ON the beach, so to speak. Most of the rooms seemed to overlook the parking lot. The staff was fine..but upgrade and Plat recognition was not really in their vocabulary. It was not spring break, and as it had only been open a few days, obviously had clean carpet....but the whole place was just meh to me.

I too take my Mother away for little weekend getaways (have one coming up next weekend, as a matter of fact....) and have learned (the hard way) it is better to go to a FS, and get a S4B rate. Generally less crowded, Plat usually "means something" - and in almost every case, when I have told the hotel why I was there, they sent her a little cheese tray or something. Far better than the overloaded brekkie area in RI!

But however disappointed YOU were, chances are your Mom just enjoyed the time with you and the effort you made for the weekend...

If you decide to go back, try the Vinoy in St Pete...and just drive to the beach!