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Beach hotels hoping to weather the Fourth

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By TED JACKOVICS

tjackovics@tampatrib.com

Published: July 2, 2009

The business rebound that Tampa Bay hoteliers have been waiting for, particularly those on Pinellas County beaches, could happen this weekend if the weather cooperates.

Some major hotels and a few mom-and-pop favorites have sold out, but the weather is making the outlook dicey.

The good news for guests? Available rooms are likely to be discounted because the poor economy continues to plague hoteliers.

"The Fourth of July holiday looked really good" until this week, D.T. Minich, executive director of Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater, said Wednesday. "Going in, we had a lot of reservations on the books. We are hoping that remains the case."

The director of Pinellas' visitors bureau said it depends on the weather because so much Fourth of July business comes from Florida.

Tony Satterfield, manager of the Alden Beach Resort & Suites on St. Pete Beach, said his hotel was sold out Friday and Saturday nights, and he expected higher than average business Thursday and Sunday.

"We don't get the extra days with the Fourth on a Saturday as when it's in the middle of the week," Satterfield said. "But hoteliers along the beaches are expecting a good, strong weekend."

Why? Widespread discounting, Satterfield and others agree.

"It's the economy," Satterfield said. "Hotels have been discounting since September 2008, including the winter season."

Alden Beach has a book two nights get the third night free deal this summer, and The Don CeSar, which is sold out for the July 4 weekend, is offering a $50 food and beverage rebate with two-night stays and $100 rebates for three-night bookings.

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