Florida beach motel accommodation between Sarasota/Tampa recommendations

[caramelgirl]

Hi,
We are spending Christmas in Florida. We'll spend a week in Sarasota with friends and then would love Christmas week on the beach before flying back from Tampa.
Searches so far a bit uninspiring or super expensive. Any recommendations for small scale accommodation near/on a beach. We'd like at least two bedrooms, a heated pool and cooking/laundry facilities.
One 18m old and one 5y old.
Thank you for any ideas,

So Clearwater, St. Petersburg I think would make most sense?

Sunset vistas in treasure island. Near st Petes beach.
Ask for a beach facing apartment.
Amazing views.
We booked through Virgin because they price matched my cheaper quote.

We had 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.
Big lounge and full kitchen.
Washing machine.
It was also walking distance to Johns pass that had some lovely little places to eat.

Ooh thank you. That is really helpful. Will google now

Okay, vetoed by DH as not easily walkable to restos and shops. He has a point as I CBA doing much cooking/ shopping for groceries/driving out etc. this hol.
Any other thoughts anyone please?

St. John's pass is 5 mins walk away.
It's got lots of places to eat.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn at Indian Rocks (the amazing seafood at Crabby Bills, the memory is still with me!). From memory they had suites as well as regular rooms.

We have also stayed at Sanibel Island, rented a condo but there's other types of accommodation on the island, and its next door neighbour Captiva Island.

We also stayed at the Holiday Inn Indian Rocks! It was great. Really good location for driving up to Clearwater or down to Siesta Key - you can drive over a really amazing bridge called the Sunshine Skyway.

We went a few times just down the coast to Passe-a-Grille - nice beach and great place to eat The Seahorse.
Siesta Key was a lovely place, lots of places to eat and a huge beach - my sons spent all day diving in the surf for sand dollars.

Thanks all. Was considering Pass a Grille previously. Will look at Indian Rocks too. Really appreciate all suggestions.
Just found out that Legoland Florida is open on Christmas Day so making plans to go there!

Oh yes, the Sunshine Skyway!! Awesome structure, thanks for reminding me!