It's not elegant but I always put my friends up at the Residence on Treasure Island when they come to visit. 45 minutes from TPA, its right on the beach and they have one and two bedrooms. There is a beach boardwalk right next to the place. The pool is just okay, but it didnt matter to me as they just came to my place.
They say tradewinds right on St Pete beach is nice for kids. Guy Harvey resort as well. The Hyatt in Clearwater is nicer and just across the street from the beach. I stayed there and loved it.