TL;DR

We booked a $587 stay at the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach using 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy points—and thanks to Platinum Elite status, we got a beach view upgrade, early check-in, late checkout, complimentary breakfast, and beach perks. The views, food, and service were incredible. A relaxing, family-friendly staycation that felt like a full-on vacation.

View from beach view room at JW Marriott Clearwater Beach

The Points Breakdown

We used 58,000 Marriott Bonvoy points to book a one-night stay in a standard two-queen room (no view), which would’ve cost $587 in cash. That’s a redemption value of over 1 cent per point—a solid travel hacking win.

Thanks to Platinum Elite status (a perk of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex), we were upgraded to a beautiful beach view room and treated to a full suite of elite benefits.

Let’s be real—if I can sleep in a $587 room for free and get a balcony with dolphins, I’m going to humblebrag about it. Just once. Okay, maybe twice.

Elite Perks We Loved

Free upgrade to a beach view room
Early check-in at 1pm and late checkout at 4pm
Pack and Play provided for our little one
Two beach chairs + umbrella included
Complimentary beach toys for kids
Bike rentals available for guests
Welcome gift: We chose the complimentary continental breakfast over 750 bonus points and paid a $10 upgrade for the full buffet (so worth it)
$10 food and beverage credit (instead of the usual 1,000 points)

The Room

The room itself was spacious and clean, with two comfy queen beds, crisp linens, and plenty of space for our Pack and Play. The beach view from the balcony made the whole stay—two cushioned chairs and a little table where we sipped wine during nap time while watching dolphins and even a manatee cruise by.

The bathroom had a large walk-in shower, soft towels, and upscale toiletries (sorry, I didn’t catch the brand—too distracted by the ocean view, probably). The room also had a mini fridge, a big smart TV, and blackout curtains that came in very clutch for naps.

It was also blissfully quiet—no hallway noise, no slamming doors, no party crowd. Just the sound of the waves, which is exactly what we needed.

The Staycation Vibes

After checking in and settling into our upgraded room, we started our stay with a moment on the balcony—comfy chairs, fresh air, and uninterrupted views of the Gulf.

It’s amazing what a little ocean breeze and zero toys on the floor can do for your nervous system.

We headed down to the beach where we were greeted with loungers, umbrellas, and food delivery straight from Eskape Beach Bar & Grill.

Nothing says vacation with a baby like eating grouper bites and truffle fries from a beach chair while your tiny dining companion drops half of hers onto your lap. Was it peaceful? No. Was it perfect? Also yes.

The food was hot, crispy, and surprisingly fantastic for a toes-in-the-sand lunch.

Beach, book, and sleeping baby- the perfect day!

Dinner with a View: The Deep End

That evening, we made our way to the rooftop restaurant, The Deep End, with panoramic views of the beach and intracoastal.

We ordered cocktails, chicken bao, and the Peruvian-spiced grouper—easily the best grouper we’ve had in ages. The service was excellent, and the vibe was modern and upscale without feeling stuffy.

And a weirdly specific parenting shoutout: they had the nicest high chairs we’ve seen since becoming parents. It’s the little things.

Next to the restaurant is a stunning rooftop pool with cabanas and loungers. We didn’t make it there this time, but it’s top of our list for next visit.

Breakfast + Beach Day

The next morning, we had breakfast at Latitude 28, where we paid a $10 upcharge for the full buffet. Totally worth it for:

Made-to-order omelets
Bacon, sausage, pancakes, French toast
Fresh fruit, juices, and table service
All with waterfront views

After breakfast, we headed back to the beach and spent the day soaking in the sun—chairs and umbrellas provided, toys for our little one, and shaded hammocks perfect for naps or breaks.

We even spotted a manatee swimming just yards from shore—and later saw more manatees and dolphins from our balcony before checking out at 4pm.

We saw dolphins and didn’t have to pack up by 10am. That’s what I call a parenting win—because nothing kills a vacation vibe faster than shoving everything into a suitcase while someone’s gnawing on a diaper wipe.

Final Thoughts

This wasn’t just a staycation—it was a reset.

We got five-star views, excellent service, and a peaceful family beach day—all without spending a dime out of pocket. I used one PTO day, and somehow it felt like a full vacation.

If you’re teetering on the edge of burnout, this is your sign:
Use the points. Take the break. Order the fries.

Your inbox will still be there when you get back—but hopefully, your stress won’t.

Clearwater Beach, you delivered.
JW Marriott, we’ll be back—points in hand.

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JW Marriott Clearwater Beach on Points: A Gulf Coast Reset with Elite Perks