Postcard Inn, St. Petersburg, Florida

What is it that makes a beach hotel great? Is it direct access to a pearly white sand beach? Is it a nightly Happy Hour at a Tiki bar right on that beach? Is it an Olympic sized pool for twilight swims? Or how about smartly designed rooms and public spaces that constantly surprise you with quirky “beachy” details like lawn games and ping pong? And let’s not forget a full breakfast buffet with cloth napkins and oatmeal that actually tastes good!

Dogs, Donuts & More

Welcome to the Postcard Inn, a trendy surf lodge on St. Petersburg Beach, a long, long golden mile of upscale resorts that typify Florida’s Gulf Coast. At first glance, the 1950’s era former Travelodge may seem super retro but once inside that all changes. An expansive lobby busting out of its seams with endless eccentricities draws you in.
First is the Puppy Pit Stop occupying a corner of reception where catchphrases like “Life is Ruff” and “Rescued is my favorite breed” dominate a quirky tableau. The Postcard Inn prides itself on its Dogs Allowed status, certainly not the norm on the Gulf Coast.

Next is the profusion of handwritten chalkboard signs in P.S. Grind, the onsite café and one stop convenience store. From the “Rise and Grind” slogan to the day’s stats – sunrise, sunset, water temp, high tide, low tide, surf + donuts (yes, fresh) – it’s clear that a defined sense of humor has taken over the property.

That continues in the breakfast area where an assortment of skateboards positioned on the walls takes over as an art installation (and it works!). A few steps away at the bar a vintage stamp machine hammers home the brand’s DNA while another sign touting “Trivia Night Every Wednesday” assures anyone checking in here that you better brush up on your Shakespeare, kiddo.

Outdoor Amenities 

Step outside and admire the landscaping on the way to your room (this was a motor lodge after all). Little Italy string lights accent a lush palm-lined garden which includes an assortment of multi-colored Adirondack chairs for lazing, a ping-pong table and even a Bocce ball court. No, you won’t be bored here and that’s not even before seeing the Olympic sized pool. In Florida pools are akin to important party guests and this one’s no exception. But should you prefer the expanse of pearly white sand leading to the famous aquamarine Gulf of Mexico it’s just steps away. But first, take a pit stop at the Inn’s onsite Tiki Bar before hitting the surf, recognized as the “Best Beach Bar in Florida. At PCI’s Snack Shack and Beach Bar you can enjoy a Mahi Mahi “Shackwich” with your Mai Tai and if it’s between 4 and 7 pm the Happy Hour deal ($2.00 off premium well cocktails) will keep you there until the famous Gulf sunset hour.

Comfy Rooms and a Power Shower

When you do finally get back to your expansive accommodations (hint: request poolside) you’ll find great a.c. (remember, you’re in Florida, you’ll need it) and a large king with plush thread count sheets and fluffy pillows. Wake-up to a power shower with the new Speakman rain showerhead, luxe amenities from “Be Different” and oversized bath sheets. As you head once again to the healthy overabundant breakfast buffet just remember … it’s going to be another day in paradise.