Last Updated on January 13, 2024 by Marybeth
The resuscitation of old hotels, especially those with design-centric makeovers, has been stirring up excitement among new generations of nomads in recent years. Saving a treasured hotel from the wrecking ball so that history does not get erased inspires emotion, admiration, and a desire to see oneself in this photo-ready space – “We need to visit THIS place!” Sunburst Inn in Indian Shores, Florida – a beachfront mom-and-pop built in 1949 – has had such a comeback, courtesy of the HGTV 100 Day Dream Home team.
What’s old is new again! Sunburst Inn was sorely in need of modernization, and the owners, Andi and Pete Bennett, contacted Bay Area locals Mika and Brian Kleinschmidt who were all-in to do the renovation and film it for their show. The HGTV 100 Day Dream Home has always been about new-build houses, not a vintage multi-room vacation property, so engineering Sunburst Inn’s transformation came with challenges not anticipated by the home building couple. If you haven’t watched it already, you need to. There’s plenty of tension, drama, humor, and so many successes. Reality TV at its best, especially with such a spectacular transformation.
Complete transparency: We didn’t watch the HGTV show before our visit. I know; weird, right? For this hotel and elevated design enthusiast to not jump on a device immediately to get the scoop seems puzzling. But we wanted to have our own unique experience and impression, and I’m glad we waited.
And then, of course, back home immediately binge-watching the HGTV show, 100 Day Dream Home Beachfront Hotel, I kept nudging my husband “There’s OUR room!” and “Oh, my gosh – look at the outdoor spaces BEFORE. Bleak!”
Sunburst Inn is an intimate property, with just 12 rooms. Each room is totally, beautifully different (peruse them here) which was challenging for one member of the Dream Home team; you’ll have to watch to see! A colorful mural beckons, telling passersby that something special resides here on Gulf Blvd. in the small town of Indian Shores. As we arrived, we were greeted by the manager, Jason, who gave us a tour of our room and showed us around the adorable, welcoming property. Having seen our suite online (yes, I did look at photos online) I was longing to spend time taking photos of the interior, and eventually relaxing there. The eye-popping design (needing #nofilter), the stylized vignettes, the visually appealing textures, the colors, were even more transfixing in person. My camera finger itched to begin.
Jason guided us into our suite to wander through the room (me exclaiming over almost every single fun detail) and then out again through our oceanfront door – WOW. That view. The soft white sand stretched far, down to the gentle Gulf waters. There is just something indescribable about staying directly on the beach.
Outside of our room were bright yellow chairs which immediately became part of the later-in-the-day plan: a glass of wine as sunset arrives, sitting here on the upper deck. Or perhaps wine sitting here, on the contemporary outdoor couches, or maybe here! A simple meal made in our kitchen and enjoyed at the upper deck table.
Down the steps to yet more grouped couch seating options, plus macrame hanging swing chairs, two surfboard-inspired wood bar counters with sunny yellow stools looking out over the beach, multiple café tables and chairs, and all of this is under cover; places to either chill alone or gather with your travel crew abound in the sand as well. The impressive number of outdoor spots to hang out say “stay awhile… stay for a long time.” On the bottom deck and beach area you’ll find beach chairs, bicycles, beach games, paddle boards, an outdoor barbeque, and fire pit that are available at no cost for you as a hotel guest. The Sunburst Inn design team, management, and owners have thought of everything.
Which brings us to our one BIG surprise.
When a property has been featured on a beloved design show getting nationwide attention, with on-trend, stylish, innovative results, the vibe can feel – as we watch from afar – so rarefied, so high-end, that one might feel a tiny bit intimidated. This was me. (Most likely not you; travel is certainly subjective.) Through social media we’ve watched Sunburst Inn host photo shoots for local clothing brands, foodie accounts, events with mobile bars, and host guests like a renowned family who started a band with their three kids, lovely young content creators, and award-winning lifestyle and travel bloggers. Just to name a few fun groups and accounts that are realizing this peaceful paradise is the perfect backdrop for great photos, videos, and gatherings, and to decompress and experience the best staycation. Sunburst Inn’s owners fell in love with Indian Shores over the years of owning the hotel, and bringing attention to the surrounding community and nearby small businesses has been a huge bonus for them. A rising tide lifts all the boats (thank you JFK!)
Watching the acclaim and recognition on social media before our visit, I wondered how we would feel. We’re a pretty quiet, home-loving couple, for whom our kids and granddaughter are the center of our world. This blog has been my avocation for almost ten years now, a way to help fellow travelers find the coolest independently owned places to stay and play (dine, shop, drink!) around Florida. Besides our little trips around the sunshine state we stay super busy with home renovations and repairs, DIY-ing everything around us. I’m a graphic designer, and my husband has a volunteer job that has turned out to be an almost full-time commitment (he’s working on it as we speak.) Who are we, really, among all the people creating what seems like more / greater / award-winning content?
Here’s the thing we were totally surprised by: Sunburst Inn was homey. Sunburst Inn was cozy. Sunburst Inn wrapped its old-gal-fixed-up arms around us from the start and said “We are here for you to enjoy.” Sunburst Inn is spectacular. The rooms and outdoor spaces are modern and stylish. The results of the HGTV renovation are outstanding. But Sunburst Inn is still family-owned, and the mom-and-pop (lots younger than we are! Hardly mom-and-pop in the archaic sense) husband and wife owners are totally invested in bringing you an unpretentious, congenial, restful experience. They want life to move at a slower pace for us, for you. They want you to feel the retro vibe, the good energy, and relaxed charm that Sunburst Inn has always had.
From Sunburst Inn’s easy email communications to the friendly greetings from the small staff as they saw us wandering around happily (Is there anything you need? Let us know!), to the soft sand that is ever-blowing in light drifts across the decks, Sunburst Inn encouraged us to set down our luggage and our cares. Like old friends who don’t say a word when, as soon as you get home, you slip into those same old baggy cut-offs you’ve had for twenty years. Sunburst Inn has is place of stay, rather than just a hotel. The perfect home away from home.
Watch the HGTV 100 Day Dream Home Beachfront Hotel before – or after! – you go. You’ll find your heart rate picking up as Mika and Brian race the clock to complete the entire renovation in only 100 days. I watched it three times and scribbled notes so I could tell you all about it, but nothing beats watching it yourself. Some fun facts, no spoilers:
• You’ll see the owners and design team tour other nearby hotels (one in Pass-a-Grille) for design inspiration.
• There was no money in the budget for rebranding, but guess who designed the amazing logo?
• Some meetings were held at a local waterfront restaurant (you’re going to want to visit; get your notepad ready.)
• Watch a motorized cabana being built (yes, motorized!)
• This is the biggest project Mika and Brian have ever done.
• Someone on the show may have called the project “reconstructive surgery”!
• The last day of the renovation may feel a bit stressful – as if it’s your project! – and you might tear up when they turn off the “NO” in the NO VACANCY sign!
Ready to plan your stay? Book direct by calling 727-596-2500, or on the website. Receive 10% off using code MARYBETH through November 29.
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If you’re looking for recommendations of things to do in the area, the Sunburst Inn owners and staff are happy to help. You’ll find in your room – and you’ll receive a link by email – excellent recommendations for restaurants, coffee and pastries, bars, and more. A favorite restaurant of theirs that is now a favorite of ours is The Original Crabby Bill’s, just down the road (2.5 miles) in Indian Rocks Beach.
One of their favorite bars is a world famous dive bar that’s been around for many, many years: Mahuffer’s. Their website claims they’re the Number 1 Dive Bar! (In Florida? The US? Ever in the history of dive bars?) We do not disagree. We’ve read many colorful descriptions of Mahuffer’s…. go and see for yourself!
The best coffee and breakfast sandwiches, muffins and pastries – with the shortest walk – can be found at Indian Shores Coffee. Walk out of your room, turn left on Gulf Blvd., and you’ll be ordering your breakfast within two minutes!
We’re guessing your first thought as you arrive at Sunburst Inn won’t be breakfast though… a prime motivator to check in and get settled will be where you’ll sit back to watch the sunset.
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Indian Shores is located on Florida’s Gulf coast 20 miles northwest of downtown St. Petersburg and 27 miles west of Tampa.
