Well excluding the travel time, the trip here was really good.
The Delta flights were both as expected, and the stopover in Atlanta was fine and smooth, grabbing a Starbucks to give us a second wind.
Car collection complete we headed to Clearwater Beach for night one as I couldn't face a longer drive after the travelling.
Nice enough motel on the beach, more location/view than luxury.

Then next day onwards to Rotonda.
First few days we have visited Stump Pass Beach, then a longer drive to Anna Maria Island; both wonderful but Anna Maria is a fantastic place to visit and will go back again.