Originally Posted by Mats

My folks will be visiting the Tampa area for four nights in February. I will fly in to meet them.
I figured that there is no point in going to Tampa unless it's a place with a view of the water (bay, ocean, it doesn't matter.)

My goal: some quiet, pleasant place where I can sit outside and have a stiff drink with my dad.

My parents goals: extreme luxury, Michelin stars, celebrity status, preferably for less than $100 per night including taxes. And then they can complain about it.

My stepmother insists that there be a pool.
She has a preference for Westin hotels. But she usually wants some "special find" of a special, artsy, unknown Bohemian property (read "Kimpton" or "Club Monaco.")
If it gives you any idea, I will usually send the front desk a warning and/or gift in advance because she is so difficult as a hotel guest.

I was a bit mystified looking online, as many of the Clearwater Beach hotels seemed to have waterslides and more "family" environments. The other option were convention hotels.
They'll never go for the Vinoy due to the rates. It would probably be the best choice. I was thinking of the Grand Hyatt or the neighbouring Westin.

They will hire a car, so we could really be anywhere. My stepmother hates the beach; my dad adores it. Hence a VIEW of the beach or water without obligation to get in it would be best.

It could either be two rooms (preferable) or a two-bedroom suite (harder to find, and not necessarily more economical.)

It would be best if the hotel had a team of psychotherapists and family therapists available to deal with my stepmother. Are there sharks in the Tampa Bay? Asking for a friend.