Seaside Artisan Motel — Hotel in Dunedin

I carefully read the description of the motel prior to booking so I KNEW in ADVANCE that it was NOT a spanking NEW motel (thank goodness….) it has some age, and I expected that. So, I am giving it a 5 + star review because, number one, the description was “spot on”, number two, my studio was squeaky clean - - no sand, no bugs ( an unbelievable FEAT here in Florida - - I am a “native”), number 3, the mattress and pillows were new and VERY comfortable, the sheets were above “average”, the towels first quality, new and thick, even the bathroom body cleansers were above average quality; water pressure GREAT and there was plenty of hot water. The kitchen was equipped with all one would need to cook and serve basic meals ; the window air conditioner worked just fine….NO smelly mildew/mold odors (unusual indeed). WIFI fast, TV acceptable size, couch just fine, especially CLEAN. It was a large, spacious “studio”. The grounds were clean, and as I walked the area, day and into the late evening, I never felt fearful AT ALL. Main Street, with the interesting independent shops, was within walking distance. However, if not a walker, the local trolly service will pick you up and take you to downtown free of charge. Communicating with Anna and Lea was exceptional. I had a number of questions, and never had to wait more than about 30 minutes for a response. Checking in and out was a complete breeze. The reason I stayed at Sea Side is because it is a very short distance to Honeymoon Island where I spent the majority of my time…. If you are used to staying at the “Don Cesar” or “Breakers” in Palm Beach, this place is NOT for you. However, if your desire is to sleep, eat and get out and ENJOY the quaint town and delightful beaches, this could be right up...

I was so excited when I found this reasonably-priced motel in Dunedin; the reviews were great (on Google and Trip Adviser) and it looked really cute. I called 3 weeks ahead of time and told the owner that I lived out of town and needed to make a reservation. I told him I would be arriving after 8 PM as well. He told me it wasn't a problem and that I just needed to come in when I got in town and there would be a room for me. He asked for my name, and that was it. I assumed this meant I had a reservation. When I showed up, I found a "no vacancy" sign on the office door. I was hoping this didn't apply to me since I had a reservation, but when I spoke with the owner (the same man who spoke to me on the phone), he said there were no rooms. When I reminded him that I had made a reservation, he said, "Oh yeah, I remember you," and that was it. No "I'm so sorry" or anything (not to mention that it was pouring raining that night too, so I was soaked with no place to stay). I was so disappointed; I ended up calling a friend in Tampa (an hour away) who was able to accommodate me.

From my own experience, I definitely do NOT recommend this place. If a motel can't make and keep reservations properly, it shouldn't be operating.

However, I had friends who were in town for the same event as I was, and we had all planned to stay at this motel together. They called and spoke to the wife (co-owner) to make their reservation and they DID have a room that night. (They also checked in 4 hours earlier than I did, so maybe that's the key.) I'm not sure how their stay was, but if you're going to stay here, make sure you speak to the woman and call back the week...

Sea Side Artisan is a perfect name for this vintage Florida motel located in the heart of Dunedin. In the ten years that Dan and Susie Clark have owned the motel, their warm spirit and artistic talent has created a unique, cozy place for people and pets to come enjoy. They are truly pet friendly - one of the very few motels that welcome pets. Some of the murals on the buildings are of actual pets that have stayed here. The atmosphere and people make you feel right at home. Regular guests return time and time again as their home away from home. They have nine fully equipped efficiency units that are comfortable and immaculately cleaned. Floors are tile, so no need to worry about carpet. Windows span across the entire backside of each unit. And, each unit has a stained glass window made by Dan that adds special charm. The outside is landscaped with plenty of places to relax. There are also grills for cookouts. I have been at the motel for about a month. I love being able to walk anywhere and feel safe. The Pinellas Trail is just across the street. Behind the motel, is a beautiful path to stroll along St. Joseph's Sound. You can either head toward downtown Dunedin to see the shops, restaurants, parks and marina; or, you can head toward Weaver Park where there is a long pier, beautiful sunsets and sometimes outside concerts. Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands are very close. Everything you could ever need is either within walking distance or very near by. Just can't help but to fall in love with the...